9.75 mln Generation Zers sit for China's college entrance exams

World
Europe

01:46

China's Generation Z, or people born after the year 2000, are sitting for their first Gaokao, the annual National College Entrance Examination, this Thursday.

Like their predecessors, they've crammed for the test for at least a year. And they're often told it's a time of make or break, as the test will determine whether they get into their dream school or not.

But the generation Zers are taking things much easier than expected.

Generation Zers sit for Gaokao for the first time. /CGTN Photo

Zheng Huajian, an 18-year-old test taker in Guangzhou, told CGTN before the test that "I'm a little nervous, but just the right amount. After all, I've got so many years ahead of me."

Another Gen Z test-taker, Li Zitong, said the test, which was once the only way to success in China, will not define her generation. "Whatever happens, you can always bounce back," she said.

But Gaokao remains a big deal in the country. No construction is allowed over the testing period around campuses, nor is karaoke allowed in the evenings.

Traffic is controlled. And police are out in the city to maintain order so that these VIP test-takers go through the biggest test in their life so far undisturbed. This year's test-takers are also more in control of their future plans.

Police on alert to maintain order for Gaokao. /CGTN Photo

For the first time in Guangdong province, the graduates are able to say no to majors they don’t like, even in cases where they have to settle for assignments.

Assigning a major mostly happens when someone doesn't score high enough on the test.

They can still go to the university they opt for but will have to settle for an assigned major. The new policy ensures they don’t get assigned the major they like least.

Educators say the test, once known for its stern selectivity, has been increasingly considerate of young adults.

Parents wait outside a test center in Guangzhou on Thursday. /CGTN Photo

Yuan Minxiang, principal at the Guangzhou Datong Middle School, told CGTN, "You could say this generation is the most relaxed.

They grew up in an age where there are so many choices and so many new ways to learn. And they're definitely more aware of the possibilities out there."

More than 9.75 million across the country are taking the Gaokao this year, reported to be the largest group in the last eight years.