CSCA Exam Guide 2026–2027
Everything international students need for the China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA): who must take it, subjects, test dates, fees and registration, plus courses and free mock tests to prepare.
- Mathematics · Physics · Chemistry · Professional Chinese
- Online from home or at a test centre
- Papers in English or Chinese
The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is a standardised admission test launched by the China Scholarship Council for international students applying to undergraduate programmes in China. Since the 2026 intake it is mandatory for most undergraduate applicants at universities in the Chinese Government Scholarship programme, and a strong score also supports applications to other Chinese universities.
Prepare with Aalokbortika
Courses, mock tests and guides in one place. Start with a free mock test to see where you stand.
CourseCSCA MathematicsFull preparation course for the compulsory maths paper.
CourseCSCA Physics10-lecture course covering the physics syllabus.
CourseCSCA Chemistry10-lecture course covering the chemistry syllabus.GuideCSCA syllabusTopics, question format and marks for each subject.ListUniversities that require CSCAThe official list of Chinese universities, by province.Who needs to take the CSCA?
- Undergraduate applicants to universities that require the CSCA, including most applicants to the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) for bachelor’s degrees.
- Self-funded applicants are not always required to take it, but a good score strengthens an application to any Chinese university.
- Master’s and PhD applicants do not take the CSCA; it is for undergraduate admission.
Requirements are set by each university and can change each year. See the list of universities that require the CSCA, or ask us to check your target university.
CSCA subjects
| Subject | Who takes it | Length | Questions | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Required for every programme | 60 minutes | 48, multiple choice | English or Chinese |
| Physics | Science, engineering, agriculture and medicine applicants take Physics and/or Chemistry, as their programme requires | 60 minutes | 48, multiple choice | English or Chinese |
| Chemistry | As above | 60 minutes | 48, multiple choice | English or Chinese |
| Professional Chinese (Humanities or Science) | Chinese-taught programmes; English-taught programmes are exempt | 90 minutes | 80, multiple choice | Chinese |
Every paper is scored out of 100. For the full topic list, see our CSCA syllabus guide.
CSCA test dates 2026–2027
| Session | Test dates | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| November 2026 | 14–15 November 2026 | 15–21 October 2026 |
| December 2026 | 19–20 December 2026 | To be announced |
| January 2027 | 23–24 January 2027 | To be announced |
| March 2027 | 13–14 March 2027 (expected) | To be announced |
| April 2027 | 24–25 April 2027 (expected) | To be announced |
| June 2027 | 26–27 June 2027 (expected) | To be announced |
Each session runs over two days: Professional Chinese and Mathematics on day 1, Physics and Chemistry on day 2. January and March sessions are timed for Europe, Africa and the Americas; December, April and June suit Asia-Pacific time zones. Always confirm dates on the official CSCA website before you book.
Fees and how to register
| Fee | |
|---|---|
| One subject | 450 yuan (about US$64) |
| Two or more subjects | 700 yuan |
- Check your subjectsYour university and programme decide which papers you need. Mathematics is required for every programme.You, with our help
- Create an accountRegister on the official CSCA website (csca.cn) with your passport details and an ID photo.You
- Book a session & payChoose a test date and format (home online or test centre) and pay by credit card: 450 yuan for one subject, 700 yuan for two or more.You
- PrepareStudy the syllabus, take our courses and practise with timed mock tests.Aalokbortika Academy
- Sit the testHome online tests use live remote proctoring, so set up a quiet room, computer and stable internet.You
- Get your score & applyScores appear on the CSCA website within about 7–10 working days. Use them in your university and scholarship applications.You + Aalokbortika
Blue: before the test. Orange: test day and after.
You need an ID photo, a valid passport and a credit card. You can sit the test online at home with live remote proctoring, or at an authorised test centre where available.
How we help
- Subject check: we confirm which CSCA papers your target universities and programmes require.
- Registration support: we guide you through the CSCA website so your account and booking are right first time.
- Preparation: courses for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry on Aalokbortika Academy, plus free timed mock tests.
- Applications: once you have your score, we help you apply to universities and for the Chinese Government Scholarship.
Message us on WhatsApp to get started. Education agents can also join our partnership program to prepare their students.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CSCA required to study in China?
For most undergraduate applicants at universities in the Chinese Government Scholarship programme, yes. Other universities may not require it yet, but many recommend it. Master’s and PhD applicants do not take it.
Can I take the CSCA from home?
Yes. The CSCA can be taken online at home with live remote proctoring, or at an authorised test centre. You need your own computer, a stable internet connection and a quiet room.
Can I take the CSCA in English?
Yes. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are available in English or Chinese. Professional Chinese is only needed for Chinese-taught programmes.
How much does the CSCA cost?
450 yuan for one subject and 700 yuan for two or more subjects in the same session, paid by credit card when you register.
When do I get my CSCA score?
Results for online and computer-based tests are released on the CSCA website within about 7–10 working days of the exam.
Sources: Shanghai Municipal Government, Comprehensive guide for the CSCA (August 2026); session dates as announced for 2026–2027. The official CSCA website (csca.cn) is the final authority on dates, fees and rules.