CSCA is the biggest change to studying in China in years. Since the 2026 intake, every Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) Bachelor's applicant has had to take it, HEC requires it for all CSC undergraduate applicants from Pakistan, and more universities add it every cycle for self-funded students too. If you want a Bachelor's or MBBS in China for September 2027, CSCA is part of your plan.
All our China scholarship guides in one place: China Scholarships 2026-27 - Complete Guide.
Registration is coming up fast. CSCA has announced its next three sittings: November 14-15 and December 19-20, 2026, and January 23-24, 2027. Registration for the November sitting opens October 15-21, 2026 (Beijing time). December and January registration hasn't opened yet. Each window is only about a week long, so put the dates in your calendar and register on csca.cn.
This guide is built from official sources: csca.cn, Chinese embassy notices, university admission pages and HEC. Anything we could only find on consultancy websites is marked verify on csca.cn.
CSCA at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | China Scholastic Competency Assessment |
| Run by | China Scholarship Council (CSC), under China's Ministry of Education |
| Who takes it | International students applying for Bachelor's programs in China |
| Official website | csca.cn (the only official site for registration, dates and results) |
| Sittings | Five a year (January, March, April, June, December), plus an extra sitting in November 2026 |
| Fee | 450 CNY for one subject, 700 CNY for two or more |
| Subjects | Humanities Chinese, STEM Chinese, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry |
| Scoring | Each subject out of 100 |
| Test modes | Home-based online, computer-based at a test centre, paper-based at a test centre |
| Results | Within 7 working days (home-based and computer-based), 14 working days (paper-based) |
| Score validity | 2 years from the date scores are published |
Who Has to Take CSCA?
| Applicant | CSCA Needed? |
|---|---|
| CSC (Chinese Government Scholarship) Bachelor's applicant | Yes. Required since the 2026/2027 intake. You must upload a valid score report with your application |
| Pakistani CSC undergraduate applicant (HEC) | Yes, for both Type A and Type B, per HEC |
| Self-funded Bachelor's or MBBS applicant | Depends on the university. Many universities have required it since 2026. Reports say it will be required everywhere by 2028, but we have not found an official notice confirming that date |
| Master's or PhD applicant | No. CSCA is for Bachelor's admission only |
| Chinese-language major with a valid HSK 4 | Can skip the Chinese paper at some universities, but Mathematics is still required. See our HSK guide |
| Graduates of CSC preparatory programs | Reported to be fully exempt. Not confirmed officially. Verify on csca.cn |
A-Level, IB, SAT or ACT results do not replace CSCA, though universities may still accept them as supporting documents.
CSCA for MBBS: Which Papers Do You Need?
This depends on which MBBS route you take.
| CSC-Funded MBBS | Self-Funded English MBBS | |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching language | Chinese only | English |
| Chinese CSCA paper | Yes, STEM Chinese | No, waived for English-taught programs |
| Subject papers | Mathematics and Chemistry, and Physics at some universities | Mathematics and Chemistry at most universities. Some add Physics |
| Other tests (Pakistani students) | MDCAT and USAT-M | MDCAT (for PMDC recognition) |
Under the Chinese Government Scholarship, undergraduate Clinical Medicine and Dentistry are listed as Chinese-taught programs. China Medical University's 2026/2027 scholarship page, for example, lists them under "ζ¬η§δΈδΈ (ζ±θ―ζθ―Ύ)", meaning Bachelor's programs taught in Chinese.
CSC MBBS means three separate tests: Pakistani students need MDCAT, USAT-M (the pre-medical USAT that HEC uses for nomination) and CSCA, including the STEM Chinese paper. Even after all three, Medicine is the most competitive field in the CSC pool. Keep other options running alongside it.
What Universities Ask for English-Taught MBBS
| University | Required CSCA Papers |
|---|---|
| Zhejiang University | Mathematics and Chemistry |
| Shanghai Jiao Tong University | Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry |
| Xiamen University | Mathematics, plus Physics or Chemistry |
| Jinan University | Mathematics and Chemistry |
| Ningxia Medical University | Mathematics and Chemistry |
These come from each university's 2026 admission notices and can change each cycle. Check your own shortlist before you register, because registering for the wrong papers wastes both money and prep time.
Some universities don't require CSCA yet, but that is a short-term gap, not a strategy. Read Which Chinese universities don't require CSCA yet? before relying on it.
Subjects and Format
| Paper | Language | Duration | Questions | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities Chinese | Chinese only | 90 minutes | 80 multiple choice | 100 |
| STEM Chinese | Chinese only | 90 minutes | 80 multiple choice | 100 |
| Mathematics | Chinese or English | 60 minutes | 48 multiple choice | 100 |
| Physics | Chinese or English | 60 minutes | 48 multiple choice | 100 |
| Chemistry | Chinese or English | 60 minutes | 48 multiple choice | 100 |
- You choose which papers to take. You can take one or several in the same sitting.
- Humanities Chinese is for Chinese-taught arts and social science programs. STEM Chinese is for Chinese-taught science, engineering and medical programs.
- For a fully English-taught program, you skip the Chinese papers but still take the subject papers your university requires.
Pre-Medical students, watch out for Mathematics. FSc Pre-Medical doesn't include Mathematics, but almost every university in the table above requires the CSCA Mathematics paper for MBBS. Start maths first, from your Matric or O-Level foundations.
Dates and Registration Windows
| Sitting | Status |
|---|---|
| December 21, 2025 | First ever CSCA |
| January, March, April and June 2026 | Held |
| November 14-15, 2026 | Extra sitting. Registration: October 15-21, 2026 (Beijing time) |
| December 19-20, 2026 | Announced. Registration not open yet |
| January 23-24, 2027 | Announced. Registration not open yet |
| Rest of 2027 | Not announced yet |
Next registration window: October 15-21, 2026 (Beijing time), for the November 14-15 sitting. Registration dates for December and January will be posted on csca.cn. These dates are taken from the csca.cn homepage as of October 1, 2026.
The December, April and June sittings are scheduled in daytime hours for the Asia-Pacific region, which suits students in Pakistan. January and March sittings favour Europe, Africa and the Americas.
Which Sitting for the September 2027 Intake?
For the 2026-27 cycle, HEC's portal deadline for the Chinese Government Scholarship was January 5, 2026. HEC hasn't published the 2027-28 timeline yet. If it follows a similar pattern:
| Sitting | Results By (up to 7 working days) | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| November 14-15, 2026 | Late November | Safest for HEC Type A. Leaves time for a retake in December |
| December 19-20, 2026 | Around December 30 | Workable, but very tight against an early-January HEC deadline. No room for a retake |
| January 23-24, 2027 | Early February | Probably too late for HEC Type A. May work for some Type B and self-funded deadlines |
| Spring 2027 sittings | - | Mainly self-funded applicants with later university deadlines |
Our advice: register in the October 15-21 window and sit in November if you can, then keep December as your backup.
How the Test Works
There are three official test modes:
- Home-based online: taken at home with a live online proctor. This mode is offered where there is no test centre.
- Computer-based: at an authorised test centre.
- Paper-based: at a test centre, on paper. Results take up to 14 working days.
No official CSCA test centre in Pakistan. We found no Pakistani centre on any official source, so Pakistani students take the home-based online test. Some websites advertise an "official CSCA exam centre" in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi. These are not run by CSCA. The only official site is csca.cn, and you register there yourself.
Home-Based Test Setup
The official equipment requirements are shown inside the registration system on csca.cn, not on a public page. Read them carefully when you register. The setup most students report is:
- A computer with a webcam showing your face and shoulders
- A second device, such as a phone or tablet, used as a side camera showing you, your screen and your hands
- Both cameras and your microphone switched on for the whole test
- A stable internet connection and a quiet room with nobody else in it
Run the system check well before test day. Plan for load-shedding with a UPS for your router and computer, and keep a backup internet connection ready.
How to Register
- Go to csca.cn and create an account with an email address you'll keep using.
- Fill in the registration form. Your details must match your passport exactly.
- Book your sitting, test mode and subjects. Pick only the papers your universities require.
- Pay by bank card: 450 CNY for one subject, 700 CNY for two or more.
You will need: a valid email, your original valid passport (the only accepted ID, and expired passports or photocopies are rejected), a digital ID photo that meets the specs shown on csca.cn, and a bank card that can pay in CNY.
Double-check before you submit. Your registration is locked once submitted. Corrections are only possible before your admission ticket is generated.
CSCA Passing Percentage: What Score Do You Need?
This is the question we get most, and the honest answer is that there is no official CSCA passing percentage. Neither the Ministry of Education nor CSC has published a national minimum. Each paper is scored separately out of 100, and there's no combined CSCA total.
| University | What It Says About CSCA Scores |
|---|---|
| East China Normal University | No minimum score for 2026 entry |
| Xiamen University (MBBS) | 2026 is a pilot year, so no fixed cutoff |
| Zhejiang University, International School of Medicine | No minimum CSCA requirement |
| Zhejiang University, International Campus | Lists 70% or above in Mathematics and Physics for its programs |
| Wenzhou Medical University (MBBS) | Mathematics and Chemistry required, no minimum score (reported) |
| Ningxia Medical University (MBBS) | No minimum score set (reported) |
Even within one university, different schools can set different rules, as the two Zhejiang entries show. Always read the notice for your exact program.
- "50 is a pass" is not official. Some consultancy sites say 50 counts as passing. No university or official source says so.
- No cutoff doesn't mean any score works. Universities compare applicants, and Medicine is the most competitive field. A higher score is always a stronger application.
- A national minimum is reported for 2028, but no official Ministry of Education or CSC document confirms it yet.
- Scores are valid for 2 years, so a November or December 2026 score also covers the 2028 intake.
HEC Rules for Pakistani CSC Applicants
- HEC treats CSCA as mandatory for all undergraduate applicants, for both Type A and Type B.
- A USAT score of at least 50/100 is also required for undergraduates (HAT for postgraduates).
- You must apply on both the HEC portal and the CSC portal. HEC's agency number is 5861.
- Bachelor's applicants need 12 years of education (FSc, A-Level or equivalent) and must be under 25.
- Last cycle's HEC portal deadline was January 5, 2026. The 2027-28 timeline isn't out yet.
π CSC Chinese Government Scholarship - full details Β· USAT Exam Guide
CSCA Syllabus (2025 Official Outlines)
CSC publishes an official outline (θθ―倧纲) for each paper. You can download them from the preparation section of csca.cn at csca.cn/testprep/examsv. The outlines can't be republished, so below is a summary of what each one covers. Read the official version before you start.
Mathematics (compulsory at most universities)
48 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, in Chinese or English. Four modules:
| Module | Topics |
|---|---|
| Sets and inequalities | Sets and set operations. Solving inequalities, including quadratic and fractional inequalities |
| Functions | Domain, range, monotonicity, odd and even functions. Power, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. Arithmetic and geometric sequences and their sums. Derivatives and basic calculus |
| Geometry and algebra | Coordinate geometry: lines, circles, ellipses, hyperbolas and parabolas. Vectors and complex numbers. Solid geometry |
| Probability and statistics | Classical probability, mean and variance, basics of the normal distribution |
Analyses of past papers suggest trigonometry, coordinate geometry and conic sections, functions and sequences carry the most questions. These come from test-taker reports, not CSC, but they're a sensible place to focus.
Physics
48 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, in Chinese or English.
| Area | Topics |
|---|---|
| Mechanics | Kinematics, Newton's laws, momentum and its conservation, work and energy, circular motion and gravitation, simple harmonic motion and mechanical waves |
| Electromagnetism | Electrostatic fields, DC circuits, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction |
| Heat | Kinetic theory, the ideal gas equation, the first law of thermodynamics |
| Optics | Reflection and refraction, interference and diffraction |
| Modern physics | Photoelectric effect, atomic structure, basic nuclear physics |
Chemistry
48 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes, in Chinese or English. Four modules:
| Module | Topics |
|---|---|
| Basic concepts and calculations | Classifying matter, chemical symbols and equations, solution concentration and pH, mole calculations, the ideal gas equation |
| Properties and reactions | Common inorganic substances (elements, oxides, acids, bases, salts), basic organic compounds (hydrocarbons and their derivatives), redox reactions, ionic reactions and tests for ions |
| Theory and principles | Atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding and intermolecular forces, reaction rates and equilibrium, electrolyte solutions |
| Experiments and applications | Laboratory work and applying chemistry to practical problems |
STEM Chinese and Humanities Chinese
80 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, Chinese only. STEM Chinese tests whether you can study a science, engineering or medical degree in Chinese:
- Vocabulary: telling academic Chinese apart from everyday Chinese, and a solid range of science and engineering terms
- Topics: maths symbols and formulas, physics laws and chemical equations, lab terminology, basic university maths, physics, chemistry and computing terms
- Academic situations: describing experiments, reading charts and data, reading academic texts, joining class discussions
- Question types: recognising characters, choosing words, telling similar words apart, ordering sentences into a paragraph, completing sentences, reading comprehension
Humanities Chinese follows the same format with arts and social science content. CSC MBBS applicants take STEM Chinese.
How the Syllabus Compares with FSc
| Paper | FSc Pre-Medical | FSc Pre-Engineering / A-Level Maths |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Mostly new. Functions, logs, trigonometry, sequences, conic sections, vectors, complex numbers, derivatives and probability all need to be learned | Largely covered. Revise conic sections, complex numbers and probability |
| Physics | Largely covered by FSc Physics | Largely covered by FSc Physics |
| Chemistry | Largely covered by FSc Chemistry | Largely covered by FSc Chemistry |
This is our own comparison with the Pakistani FSc syllabus, so check the official outline for exact coverage. The big takeaway: Pre-Medical students should start Mathematics first and give it the most time.
Preparation Material
Official
- Syllabus (θθ―倧纲): 2025 outlines for all five papers on csca.cn/testprep/examsv. Mirror copies of the Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry outlines are hosted by Zhejiang Sci-Tech University (in Chinese)
- Official mock tests (樑ζθθ―): on csca.cn after you log in. They copy the real exam's format and question mix, so use them to practise timing and the home-test system
Other Material
- Your FSc, Matric, O-Level or A-Level books cover most of the Physics and Chemistry outline. For Maths, Pre-Medical students can use FSc Pre-Engineering or ICS Mathematics books (Part 1 and 2) or O/A-Level Mathematics
- BLCU Press mock test books based on the 2025 syllabus. Useful, but not official CSC material
- Online question banks and "past papers" from consultancies. Many are rebuilt from test-takers' memories, not official papers. Use them for extra practice, not as a preview of your exam
Practise in the language you'll test in. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry can be taken in English. Do all your timed practice in English with 48 questions in 60 minutes, which works out to about 75 seconds per question.
Study Plans
6-Week Fast Track (for the November 14-15 Sitting)
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Mathematics: functions, logs and exponentials, trigonometry, sequences. Pre-Medical students should spend most of their time here |
| 3 | Mathematics: coordinate geometry and conic sections, vectors, complex numbers, probability and statistics |
| 4 | Chemistry (and Physics if required): revise from FSc books against the official outline |
| 5 | Official mock tests on csca.cn under timed conditions. Fix weak topics |
| 6 | Light revision, a final timed mock, and a full home-test setup check |
Register in the October 15-21 window before you start week 2, so you don't miss it while studying.
12-Week Plan (for December 2026 or January 2027)
| Weeks | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Mathematics: sets, inequalities, functions, power, exponential and logarithmic functions |
| 3-4 | Mathematics: trigonometry, sequences, derivatives |
| 5-6 | Mathematics: coordinate geometry and conic sections, vectors, complex numbers, solid geometry, probability and statistics |
| 7-8 | Chemistry against the official outline, with timed practice |
| 9 | Physics, if your universities require it |
| 10-11 | Official mock tests and full timed papers, then fix weak topics |
| 12 | Home-test rehearsal: both cameras, system check, one mock in exam conditions |
If you need STEM Chinese (for CSC MBBS or any Chinese-taught program), plan in months, not weeks. It's an 80-question academic Chinese test, so start alongside HSK study. See our HSK guide.
Common Mistakes
- Missing the registration window. Windows are about a week long. Put the dates in your calendar.
- Taking papers your university doesn't require.
- Skipping Mathematics as a Pre-Medical student.
- Assuming CSC MBBS needs no Chinese paper. It is Chinese-taught, so it needs STEM Chinese.
- Sitting too late for HEC. November is the safe sitting. December is tight.
- Paying a third party for an "official Pakistan centre". Register only on csca.cn.
- Submitting with typos. Registration locks once you submit.
- Not testing your home setup before test day.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next CSCA?
November 14-15, 2026 (extra sitting), then December 19-20, 2026 and January 23-24, 2027. Registration for the November sitting runs October 15-21, 2026 (Beijing time). December and January registration hasn't opened yet. Watch csca.cn.
Is there a CSCA test centre in Pakistan?
Not officially. Pakistani students take the home-based online test. Ignore websites claiming an "official" Pakistani centre.
How much does CSCA cost?
450 CNY for one subject, 700 CNY for two or more in the same sitting.
What is the CSCA passing percentage?
There isn't an official one. Universities set their own rules. Many set no minimum for 2026, while a few list one (for example 70% in Mathematics and Physics at Zhejiang University's International Campus). The "50 is a pass" figure on some websites is not official.
How long is a score valid?
2 years from the date it is published.
Do I still need USAT if I take CSCA?
Yes, for CSC through HEC. HEC requires a USAT score of at least 50 for undergraduates, plus CSCA.
Is the Chinese paper required for English MBBS?
No. It's waived for English-taught programs. It is required for Chinese-taught programs, including CSC-funded MBBS.
Can I take the Maths, Physics and Chemistry papers in English?
Yes. Only the Chinese papers are Chinese-only.
Where can I find the CSCA syllabus?
The official 2025 outlines for all five papers are on csca.cn/testprep/examsv, and official mock tests are on csca.cn after you log in. Our syllabus section above summarises each paper.
What does the CSCA Maths paper cover?
Sets and inequalities, functions (including logs, exponentials, trigonometry, sequences and derivatives), coordinate geometry, conic sections, vectors, complex numbers, solid geometry, and probability and statistics. Pre-Medical students will find most of it new.
Do Master's or PhD applicants need CSCA?
No.
Can I change my details after registering?
Only before your admission ticket is generated. After submitting, the registration is locked, so check everything first.
Official Sources
- csca.cn - official registration, dates, preparation material and results
- csca.cn - official exam outlines (syllabus)
- Shanghai Government - CSCA FAQs
- Shanghai Municipal Education Commission - CSCA notice
- Chinese Embassy notice about CSCA
- HEC - Chinese Government Scholarship eligibility
- HEC - How to apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship
CSCA is still new and changes quickly. We update this guide as new notices come out, but csca.cn is always the final word.
Not sure which CSCA papers your universities need, or which sitting to book? Titans Abroad checks the current requirements for your exact shortlist before you register. Contact us on WhatsApp for a free consultation.