China’s Ministry of Education on Wednesday ordered a reduction in the frequency of routine exams and tests in primary and secondary schools to alleviate students’ academic burden.

A recent ministry circular states that written exams will not be held for first- and second-grade students in primary schools.

For other years of compulsory education, schools may organise one final exam per semester.

According to the circular, for junior high school students, one midterm exam may be arranged based on the practical needs of different subjects.

It also noted that examination papers should align strictly with national curriculum standards and actual teaching practices, with scientifically optimised question types and difficulty levels.