CSCA Exam 2026–2027: Complete Guide to Subjects, Dates, Registration, Syllabus and Preparation
International students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in China may encounter a relatively new admission requirement called the CSCA exam.
CSCA exam stands for the China Scholastic Competency Assessment. The China Scholarship Council organises it, with examination questions developed with support from Chinese university experts. The assessment is designed to evaluate whether international applicants have the academic foundation needed for undergraduate study in China.
However, CSCA is not one identical examination for every student. Your required subjects can depend on your chosen programme, teaching language, university, and scholarship route. Some applicants may need only Mathematics and Professional Chinese, while others may also need Physics or Chemistry.
This guide explains the CSCA examination structure, subject selection, current dates, fees, registration process, scoring, official preparation materials, and practical study strategies.
Information last reviewed: 9 November 2026. Always confirm the latest requirements through the official CSCA website and your target university.
What Is the CSCA Exam?
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment is a standardised academic assessment for international students seeking undergraduate admission in China.
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It assesses knowledge in areas such as:
- Chinese language for academic purposes
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
CSCA is particularly important for students applying through routes that specifically request its results. For example, the Chinese Government Scholarship implementation guidance requires undergraduate applicants to register for and take CSCA, with the intended university and programme determining the specific subjects.
Some universities may also include CSCA in their broader international undergraduate admission requirements. Therefore, you should not assume that every university asks for exactly the same subjects or scores.
Is CSCA Required for Master’s or PhD Applications?
CSCA is designed primarily for undergraduate applicants. It should not be treated as a universal entrance examination for master’s or doctoral programmes.
If you are applying for a postgraduate degree, follow the separate academic, language and research requirements published by your university and scholarship programme.
Who Needs to Take the CSCA Exam?
You may need CSCA if:
- You are applying for an international undergraduate programme at a participating Chinese university.
- Your target university lists CSCA as an admission requirement.
- You are applying for a Chinese Government Scholarship undergraduate route that requires CSCA results.
- Your scholarship or admission instructions specifically ask for a CSCA transcript.
The requirement is determined by the university and programme. Students should check the admission notice for their intended major before registering.
For example, an engineering applicant may need a different subject combination from a student applying for economics, Chinese literature or an English-taught programme.
CSCA Subjects, Question Numbers and Time Limits
The official CSCA assessment currently includes five subject papers:
| Subject | Number of questions | Duration | Available examination language | Score scale |
|---|
| Humanities Chinese | 80 objective questions | 90 minutes | Chinese | 0–100 |
| STEM Chinese | 80 objective questions | 90 minutes | Chinese | 0–100 |
| Mathematics | 48 objective questions | 60 minutes | Chinese or English | 0–100 |
| Physics | 48 objective questions | 60 minutes | Chinese or English | 0–100 |
| Chemistry | 48 objective questions | 60 minutes | Chinese or English | 0–100 |
The official sample papers for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry use single-choice objective questions. Nevertheless, always read the instructions supplied for your actual examination session.
Humanities Chinese and STEM Chinese
Professional Chinese is divided into two categories:
- Humanities Chinese, intended for relevant humanities and social-science routes.
- STEM Chinese, intended for science, technology, engineering and related routes.
These papers assess whether students have the Chinese-language foundation needed for academic study. They should not be confused with general Chinese proficiency certificates such as HSK, and one should not automatically be treated as a replacement for the other unless the university expressly permits it.
Which CSCA Subjects Should You Choose?
Subject selection is one of the most important parts of registration.
Under the official selection guidance, Mathematics is compulsory. Professional Chinese requirements depend on the programme’s teaching language and academic category. Physics and Chemistry are selected when required by the target university and programme.
Use the following table as general guidance:
| Intended programme | Subjects to check |
|---|
| Chinese-taught humanities or social sciences | Mathematics and Humanities Chinese |
| Chinese-taught science or engineering | Mathematics and STEM Chinese; Physics or Chemistry if required |
| English-taught programme | Mathematics; additional subjects according to the university |
| Medicine, engineering or physical sciences | Mathematics plus any Physics and Chemistry requirements stated for the programme |
| Programme without clearly published subject requirements | Obtain written confirmation from the university before registering |
Do Not Register Before Checking These Details
Before paying the examination fee, confirm:
- Whether your target university requires CSCA.
- Which subjects are required for your exact major.
- Whether the programme is taught in Chinese or English.
- Whether a particular examination session is required.
- How your results must be submitted.
- Whether the university has a minimum score requirement.
Taking an unnecessary subject costs time and money, while missing a compulsory subject could delay your application.
CSCA Exam Dates for 2026 and 2027
The official schedule lists CSCA sessions in January, March, April, June, November and December. Sessions generally run across two days, with individual subjects assigned to their published time slots.
The following dates were listed on the official CSCA website when this guide was reviewed:
| Examination session | Scheduled dates |
|---|
| November 2026 | 14–15 November 2026 |
| December 2026 | 19–20 December 2026 |
| January 2027 | 23–24 January 2027 |
| March 2027 | 13–14 March 2027 |
| April 2027 | 24–25 April 2027 |
| June 2027 | 26–27 June 2027 |
These dates are not the same as registration deadlines. Registration can close several weeks before the examination.
The November 2026 registration window was listed as 15 October 2026 at 15:00 to 21 October 2026 at 23:59, Beijing time, and has therefore already closed. Applicants interested in later sessions should monitor the registration portal for their respective windows.
Always check the official CSCA examination introduction and reservation portal before making travel or application plans.
CSCA Exam Fees
The current official fee structure is:
| Number of subjects | Fee |
|---|
| One subject | CNY 450 |
| Two or more subjects | CNY 700 |
Because the fee for two or more subjects is the same under the current structure, carefully confirm all required subjects before making your reservation.
Payment must be completed using a method supported by the registration system. Keep your payment confirmation and reservation record.
How to Register for the CSCA Exam
CSCA registration is completed online.
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Documents and Information Needed
Before starting, prepare:
- A valid government-issued identification document
- A clear electronic two-inch identification photograph
- An email address for your candidate account
- A supported payment method
- Your preferred examination session
- The subjects required by your target university
The official guidance states that each candidate should use one account and email address.
Step-by-Step CSCA Registration Process
Step 1: Check Your University Requirements
Do not begin with subject selection based only on general advice. Read your university’s current undergraduate admission instructions and note the required CSCA papers.
Step 2: Create Your Candidate Account
Register through the official CSCA system using your email address. Enter your personal information carefully and consistently with your identification document.
Step 3: Upload Your Photograph and Identification Details
Upload the required electronic photograph and provide the requested identity information.
Step 4: Select Your Examination Session and Subjects
Choose an available session and reserve the subjects required for your programme. Check the date, subject language and examination mode before continuing.
Step 5: Pay the Examination Fee
Complete payment through the available payment system. Your reservation may be released if payment is not completed within the period stated by the portal.
Step 6: Save Your Confirmation
Keep copies of your registration, payment and examination confirmation. Later, follow the instructions regarding admission tickets, equipment checks and test-day procedures.
The official step-by-step instructions are available on the CSCA registration process page.
CSCA Examination Modes
The official examination modes include:
- Home-based online testing
- Centre-based computer testing
The mode available to you can depend on the examination session and your location. Home-based testing should not be assumed for every future session, so follow the mode displayed in your reservation and candidate notice.
For home-based examinations, candidates should pay particular attention to:
- Computer compatibility
- Camera and monitoring requirements
- Internet stability
- A quiet and suitable testing environment
- Required identification checks
- Login and equipment-testing deadlines
Use only the technical instructions issued for your own session.
CSCA Scores and Results
Each CSCA subject is scored on a 0–100 scale.
Under current official guidance, examination results are generally published within 10 working days after the examination. Candidates can check their scores through the CSCA system.
Is There a Universal CSCA Passing Score?
No. There is no single universal CSCA passing score applicable to every university and programme.
Universities determine their own admission requirements. One institution may use CSCA as part of a broader academic assessment, while another may specify minimum subject scores or use the results competitively.
Therefore, avoid relying on unofficial claims such as “a score of 60 guarantees admission.” Your target university’s published requirements and admission decision are what matter.
How Are CSCA Results Submitted?
Chinese Government Scholarship applicants may be instructed to submit their CSCA transcript through the scholarship application system. Other applicants should follow the submission procedure stated by their intended university.
CSCA Syllabus: What Should You Study?
The official syllabus is more reliable than a generic list of school topics. Download the syllabus for each required subject and use it to create a checklist.
We prepared Mock papers for you. Download here
CSCA Mathematics Syllabus
Major areas include:
- Sets and inequalities
- Functions and their properties
- Sequences
- Basic derivatives
- Geometry and algebra
- Trigonometry and related mathematical methods
- Probability and statistics
Students should practise both conceptual understanding and efficient calculation. Since the Mathematics paper contains 48 questions in 60 minutes, you have an average of approximately 75 seconds per question.
CSCA Physics Syllabus
The main areas include:
- Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Thermodynamics
- Optics
- Modern physics
Preparation should include formula selection, units, diagrams, graphs and multi-step numerical problems.
CSCA Chemistry Syllabus
The main areas include:
- Basic chemical concepts and calculations
- Properties and reactions of substances
- Chemical theories and laws
- Chemical experiments and applications
Pay attention to chemical equations, stoichiometry, periodic trends, reaction principles and laboratory reasoning.
CSCA Professional Chinese
Choose Humanities Chinese or STEM Chinese according to your programme and its official requirements. Preparation should include academic reading, subject-related vocabulary and the ability to understand questions accurately under time pressure.
Official CSCA Sample Papers and Preparation Resources
The CSCA website provides official syllabuses and sample papers through its Test Preparation Resources page.
Official sample papers are available for:
These resources help you understand the presentation and general style of the assessment. However, an official sample paper is not automatically a previous-year examination paper.
Are CSCA Past Papers Available?
Students should be cautious when websites advertise “real CSCA past papers,” “leaked questions” or “guaranteed exam questions.”
A public archive of complete official past papers cannot simply be assumed to exist. Some third-party resources may provide useful original practice questions, but they should not be treated as authenticated previous examination papers unless their origin can be verified.
The official examination terms also prohibit recording, copying or disclosing live examination questions and answers.
For safe preparation, prioritise:
- Official syllabuses
- Official sample papers
- Clearly labelled original mock examinations
- Textbooks and exercises covering the official topics
- Timed practice and worked solutions
How to Prepare for the CSCA Exam
1. Confirm Your Required Subjects First
Preparation becomes much more efficient when you know exactly which papers you need. Do not spend weeks studying Chemistry if your programme requires only Mathematics and Professional Chinese.
2. Attempt an Official Sample Paper
Complete the relevant sample under timed conditions before beginning intensive revision. This gives you a realistic starting point and helps identify weak areas.
Record:
- Your score
- Time spent
- Topics you found difficult
- Questions caused by calculation mistakes
- Questions caused by misunderstanding the wording
3. Study Topic by Topic
Divide the syllabus into manageable units. For every topic:
- Review the underlying concept
- Learn the relevant formulas or rules
- Solve basic questions
- Progress to examination-style questions
- Check the worked solution
- Record mistakes in an error notebook
4. Practise Under Real Time Limits
For Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, begin with untimed practice but gradually move towards 48 questions in 60 minutes.
A useful examination strategy is:
- First pass: answer straightforward questions.
- Second pass: return to longer calculations.
- Final minutes: review flagged answers and check that every response is properly recorded.
Do not allow one difficult question to consume several minutes while easier questions remain unanswered.
5. Build an Error Log
For every incorrect answer, note whether the problem was caused by:
- Missing knowledge
- Incorrect formula selection
- A calculation error
- Misreading the question
- Poor time management
This is more useful than repeatedly completing questions without analysing mistakes.
6. Prepare for the Examination Language
If you select English for Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, make sure you understand common English mathematical and scientific terminology. If you take the paper in Chinese, practise recognising technical instructions and subject vocabulary in Chinese.
7. Complete Your Technical Checks Early
For online examinations, test your computer, internet connection, camera and required software well before examination day. Technical preparation is part of examination preparation.
Eight-Week CSCA Study Plan
| Week | Main objective |
|---|
| Week 1 | Confirm subjects, download syllabuses and complete a diagnostic sample paper |
| Week 2 | Revise fundamental topics and close obvious knowledge gaps |
| Week 3 | Complete topic-based practice and begin an error log |
| Week 4 | Study intermediate topics and practise mixed questions |
| Week 5 | Complete timed subject sections and improve calculation speed |
| Week 6 | Sit full-length original mock examinations under official time limits |
| Week 7 | Review weak topics and repeat previously incorrect question types |
| Week 8 | Complete light revision, confirm logistics and avoid exhausting last-minute study |
Students with weaker foundations may need a longer preparation period. The aim is consistent progress rather than memorising large numbers of unfamiliar questions immediately before the test.
Common CSCA Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these frequent problems:
- Registering before checking university subject requirements
- Confusing Professional Chinese with a general Chinese proficiency test
- Assuming every programme requires Physics and Chemistry
- Using unofficial 90-minute timings for Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry instead of the official 60-minute format
- Treating third-party practice questions as authenticated past papers
- Searching for a universal passing score
- Missing the registration window while waiting for the examination date
- Ignoring online-examination equipment requirements
- Practising only individual topics without completing timed papers
- Assuming CSCA alone guarantees admission or a scholarship
CSCA Exam Preparation Checklist
Before your examination, confirm that you have:
- Checked the current university admission requirements
- Selected the correct subjects
- Downloaded the official syllabus for each subject
- Attempted the official sample papers
- Completed timed practice
- Reviewed your incorrect answers
- Saved your registration and payment confirmation
- Checked your examination date and reporting time
- Completed any required equipment test
- Prepared valid identification
- Read the candidate instructions for your session
Frequently Asked Questions About the CSCA Exam
What does CSCA stand for?
CSCA stands for China Scholastic Competency Assessment, an academic assessment for international undergraduate applicants to participating programmes in China.
Is CSCA required for every Chinese university?
No single subject combination applies to everyone. Requirements depend on the university, programme, teaching language and scholarship route. Check your target institution’s current admission notice.
Is Mathematics compulsory in CSCA?
The official CSCA subject-selection guidance identifies Mathematics as compulsory. Additional subjects depend on the programme and university.
How long is the CSCA Mathematics exam?
The Mathematics examination contains 48 objective questions and lasts 60 minutes.
Can I take CSCA Mathematics in English?
Yes. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are offered in Chinese or English. Professional Chinese papers are conducted in Chinese.
How much does the CSCA exam cost?
The current official fee is CNY 450 for one subject or CNY 700 for two or more subjects.
What is the CSCA passing score?
There is no universal passing score. Universities determine their own score requirements and admission criteria.
When are CSCA results released?
Current official guidance states that results are generally released within 10 working days after the examination.
Are CSCA official past papers available online?
The official website provides syllabuses and sample papers. Be cautious about third-party claims concerning leaked or authenticated previous-year papers.
Is CSCA required for master’s and PhD programmes?
CSCA is designed primarily for undergraduate admissions. Postgraduate applicants should follow their programme’s separate admission requirements.
Final Thoughts
The CSCA exam can be an important part of undergraduate admission in China, but successful preparation begins with understanding your specific university requirements.
Confirm your subjects, register before the deadline, use the official syllabus and sample papers, and practise under the correct time limits. Do not rely on unverified past-paper claims or assume that one score guarantees admission.
A strong CSCA result can support your academic application, but it should be prepared alongside your transcripts, language qualifications, study plan, and other required admission documents.