What is CSCA?
Understand CSCA, upcoming published exam dates, subject durations and test methods. Check the latest official arrangements before registering.
China Scholastic Competency Assessment
CSCA stands for China Scholastic Competency Assessment. It is an assessment for international students planning undergraduate study in China, organised by the China Scholarship Council. Universities use its results as part of admissions and scholarship review.
Check your intended programme’s current requirements to confirm whether a score report is needed and which subjects and test languages apply.
CSCA Exam Dates
| Examination Dates | Registration Information | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 14–15 November 2026 | 15–21 October 2026 · Beijing time (UTC+8) | Upcoming Session |
| 19–20 December 2026 | Check official session notice for registration window. | Scheduled |
| 23–24 January 2027 | Check official session notice for registration window. | Scheduled |
How the Examination is Structured
The published subject format uses a 100-point score scale.
Professional Chinese · Humanities or STEM
Duration:90 minutes
Questions:80 multiple choice
Language:Chinese
Mathematics
Duration:60 minutes
Questions:48 multiple choice
Language:Chinese or English
Physics
Duration:60 minutes
Questions:48 multiple choice
Language:Chinese or English
Chemistry
Duration:60 minutes
Questions:48 multiple choice
Language:Chinese or English
How Students Take CSCA
Home-based online examination
Taken remotely with live online supervision. Check the official equipment, dual-camera environment, room setup, and identity requirements.
Computer-based test centre
Taken on computer terminals at an authorised examination centre, where this option is scheduled and available.
Paper-based test centre
Taken with standard physical question papers and OMR sheets at a designated authorised examination centre.
Available methods and centres depend on the session and location. Review your official registration information and admission ticket.
CSCA Preparation Checklist
Use this general checklist to organise your preparation around the subjects requested by your intended university.
Confirm your subjects
Check your intended degree programme’s admissions notice and the current official CSCA syllabus (e.g., STEM applicants usually need Mathematics + Physics or Chemistry).
Organise your study
Identify topics you need to review against the syllabus benchmarks and establish a realistic study routine. Solve past multiple-choice question models.
Prepare for the arrangements
Read current official instructions for online registration, ID verification (passport), test-day timing, and technical equipment compliance.
Keep Official Registration Separate
Visit the official CSCA website independently to check dates, registration windows, syllabuses and test-day instructions. An ILP Study consultation provides strategic guidance; it does not register you for the official exam.