CSCA Exam Dates November 2026 to June 2027: Schedule and Registration

The China Scholastic Competency Assessment (CSCA) is the standardised test for international students applying to undergraduate programmes in mainland China, and it is needed for Chinese Government Scholarship undergraduate applications. Six sittings run between November 2026 and June 2027. Always check csca.cn for the live registration window before the sitting you want.

Exam dates

Each sitting runs over two days. Times are Beijing Time.

Sitting	Dates	Time of day
Nov 2026	14–15 November 2026	Afternoon
Dec 2026	19–20 December 2026	Morning
Jan 2027	23–24 January 2027	Afternoon
Mar 2027	13–14 March 2027	Afternoon
Apr 2027	24–25 April 2027	Afternoon
Jun 2027	26–27 June 2027	Morning

Day 1 covers Professional Chinese and Mathematics. Day 2 covers Physics and Chemistry. Check your admission ticket for exact start times, because schedule changes are announced on the official site and the ticket.

Subjects and format

• Professional Chinese: 90 minutes, in Chinese only.
• Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry: 60 minutes each, and you pick Chinese or English for each subject.
• There is no limit on how many subjects you take in one sitting. Take the ones your target universities ask for, and follow their language preference.
• Computer-based tests at centres and home-based online tests run with the same content, duration and scoring. Home testing is only for people in places without a suitable centre.

Who can take it

• Non-Chinese applicants to mainland undergraduate programmes. Holders of Chinese passports and Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan permits are not eligible.
• There is no upper age limit. Candidates under 14 need a guardian's consent and help.
• There is no limit on attempts. Scores are valid for two years, and many universities accept your best valid score, subject to their own rules.

How to register, step by step

1. Create an account on the official CSCA website and fill in your details.
2. Choose your sitting and subjects, then pay with a Visa or Mastercard card.
3. Wait for the confirmation email, which means registration is complete.
4. Check for corrections before your admission ticket is generated; details are locked afterwards.
5. Download the admission ticket when it opens, and check name, ID and venue.
6. Sit the exam with your original passport and ticket.

You need a long-term valid email address, a passport or other valid ID, a 2-inch digital photo and an international card. Registration windows and fees were not confirmed in this review, so read them on csca.cn.

Home-based exam checklist

• A Windows 10 or 11 computer (macOS is not supported) with at least 4 GB RAM.
• A main camera and a second device placed behind and to the side.
• Stable wired internet, ideally with a backup mobile hotspot.
• A private, quiet room, and only a small whiteboard or blank paper in a transparent bag for working.

Results

Results are usually published within 7 working days after the exam, and you download an electronic score report from the registration site. Universities can verify the report online. Delays are announced on the official website.

Important dates

Step	Date
Registration window for each sitting	See csca.cn (not confirmed here)
Admission ticket	Opens before the exam; email notice is sent
Results	Usually within 7 working days of the exam
Score validity	Two years

Tips for Bangladeshi applicants

• Check your target universities' CSCA subject requirements before you register, so you do not pay for subjects you do not need.
• Pick a sitting that leaves time for a retake before application deadlines.
• Make sure your registered name matches your passport exactly, since mismatches can block entry.
• Confirm your ID, email and card work in advance; a Visa or Mastercard is required.
• Plan your study with our admission requirements, the intakes calendar and CSC scholarship guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is CSCA required for scholarships?

It is used for Chinese undergraduate admission and as a required document for Chinese Government Scholarship applications. Confirm with each university.

Can I retake the exam?

Yes. There is no limit on attempts, and many institutions use your best valid score.

Can I change my subjects after registering?

Information can be corrected only before the admission ticket is generated. Transfers between exams are not allowed.

Is the exam in English?

Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry can be taken in English. Professional Chinese is in Chinese only.

What if I skip the exam after paying?

Absence because of a missing ticket or ID is not refunded. Withdrawal is possible only before the ticket is issued.

Compiled by EduExpress on 7 November 2026 from the published test calendar. Exam dates and registration windows can change; confirm them on the official site below before you register.