More candidates, less bonus points

About 9.75 million candidates will sit for the exam this year, 350,000 more than last year, according to the Ministry of Education.

The ministry said in March that it would eliminate some preferential provisions that award bonus points to some students' total score, as part of its effort to promote a more fair and scientific selection process.

According to the statement, no bonus points will be awarded for exceptional sports ability, winning academic Olympiads or science and technology competitions, being named "provincial-level excellent students" or honored for "righteous and courageous deeds".

Previously, students with top performance in athletics or science were awarded up to 20 points on their total score, although some provinces had already canceled such provisions under a notice issued by the ministry four years ago.