What Is the CSCA Exam? Subjects, Format, Dates & Who Needs It (2026–2027)
CSCA exam dates 2026–2027
Updated October 14, 2026 · Official CSCA announcement · csca.cn
The next announced session is November 14–15, 2026. Registration runs October 15, 2026, 15:00 – October 21, 2026, 23:59, Beijing Time (UTC+8). Registration has not opened as of this update.
| Exam dates | Registration (Beijing Time) |
|---|---|
| November 14–15, 2026 | October 15, 15:00 – October 21, 23:59, 2026 |
| December 19–20, 2026 | Not yet announced |
| January 23–24, 2027 | Not yet announced |
| March 13–14, 2027 | Not yet announced |
| April 24–25, 2027 | Not yet announced |
| June 26–27, 2027 | Not yet announced |
Registration dates for the other five sessions have not been announced. Admission tickets, system checks, official mock tests, test centers and result dates must be checked in the notice for your chosen session; do not reuse the June arrangements.
The June 27, 2026 exam is a completed historical session. Its registration window and one-day timetable do not apply to the new sessions.
From November 2026, results are released within 10 working days after the end of the exam. Home-based online testing and centralized computer-based testing take place simultaneously, with the same content, duration and scoring standards. Check the official portal for your results.
In short: The CSCA is a standardized exam that international students take to apply for undergraduate programs at Chinese universities. It measures your academic foundation and Chinese-language ability, and hundreds of universities use the score as one of their minimum admission requirements. CSCA full form: China Scholastic Competency Assessment.
If you are planning to study for a bachelor's degree in China as an international applicant, this page explains what the exam is, who has to take it, and what the 2026 version looks like.
What does CSCA stand for?
CSCA stands for the China Scholastic Competency Assessment. It is an academic entrance test designed specifically for international students — not for Chinese nationals — who want to enter Chinese undergraduate programs. Think of it as the international-student equivalent of a university entrance assessment.
ℹ️ Note: This site, CSCA.app, is an independent study and practice platform. Official registration, policies, and the definitive exam rules live on the official portal, csca.cn.
Who needs to take the CSCA exam?
You generally need a CSCA score if all of the following are true:
- You are an international (non-Chinese) applicant.
- You are applying to an undergraduate (bachelor's) program at a mainland Chinese university.
- Your target university lists the CSCA as an admission requirement (many 985/211 and other universities do).
Exact requirements vary by university, major, and application channel, so always confirm on your target university's official admissions page.
What subjects are on the CSCA exam?
The CSCA combines a Professional Chinese component with one or more academic subjects, depending on the program you are applying to:
| Component | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Professional Chinese | Required for most programs; may be waived with a qualifying HSK score |
| Mathematics | STEM and business programs |
| Physics | Engineering and physical-science programs |
| Chemistry | Medical, life-science, and chemistry programs |
Each subject is scored on a 0–100 scale. For the full syllabus breakdown, see the complete CSCA exam guide.
What is the exam format?
- Home-based online testing and centralized computer-based testing take place simultaneously from November 2026, with the same content, duration and scoring standards.
- Scoring: 0–100 points per subject.
- CSCA exam dates 2026–2027
How is the CSCA different from the Gaokao?
The Gaokao is China's national college entrance exam for domestic students. The CSCA is built for international applicants, focuses on the subjects your chosen major needs, and pairs them with a Chinese-language component. You do not sit the Gaokao as an international applicant — the CSCA is the pathway designed for you.
Dates, fees, and how to register
- Registration fees: ¥450 CNY for one subject, ¥700 CNY for two or more subjects.
- 2026 schedule and deadlines: See the 2026 CSCA exam dates and application deadlines.
- Where to register: The official portal is csca.cn. For a walkthrough, read our step-by-step CSCA registration guide.
How should I start preparing?
- See where you stand — take a full-length CSCA mock exam to gauge your current level and pacing.
- Close your weak spots — practice by Math, Physics, and Chemistry topics to lock in the high-frequency fundamentals.
- Understand the whole exam — read the complete exam guide for subjects, timing, and strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CSCA exam in simple terms? It is a standardized entrance exam for international students applying to Chinese undergraduate programs, testing your academic foundation and Chinese-language ability.
Is the CSCA the same as the CSCA test? Yes — "CSCA exam" and "CSCA test" refer to the same assessment (China Scholastic Competency Assessment).
Do I have to take the CSCA to study in China? For most international undergraduate applicants at universities that require it, yes. Requirements vary by university and major, so confirm on your target school's official page and on csca.cn.
Can I take the CSCA in English? Academic subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry may be available in English or Chinese depending on your program; the Professional Chinese component tests Chinese. Check your program's specific requirements.
Take a CSCA Online Mock Test
24 timed questions, instant score report with weak spot analysis