CSCA Exam Dates 2026–27: Sessions, Deadlines and Timeline
CSCA exam dates 2026–27: six official sittings through June 2027. November registration closes 21 October at 23:59 Beijing time. See local deadline times.
The official CSCA website now lists six sessions from November 2026 through June 2027: 14–15 November and 19–20 December 2026; 23–24 January, 13–14 March, 24–25 April and 26–27 June 2027. Registration for the November session runs from 15 October 2026 at 15:00 to 21 October 2026 at 23:59, Beijing time (UTC+8). Check the official CSCA website immediately before making plans, as notices can change.
This guide explains the confirmed 2026–27 CSCA schedule, the November registration window, and how to plan backwards from your university application deadline. The dates and November registration times were checked against the official CSCA website on 15 October 2026. For each later sitting, registration opens in a separate window that the organisers will announce. If you are new to the test, start with our CSCA exam overview.
Key facts about CSCA dates and registration:
- Official regular session months: January, March, April, June, November and December
- Official 2026–27 dates: 14–15 November and 19–20 December 2026; 23–24 January, 13–14 March, 24–25 April and 26–27 June 2027. Check the relevant session notice before booking.
- Registration: online only, at csca.cn, in a separate window for each session
- Fees: 450 CNY for one subject, 700 CNY for two or more subjects (check csca.cn for current fees)
- Test modes: home-based online with live proctoring, computer-based at authorized centers, or paper-based at authorized centers. Availability depends on your country
- Results: the current official exam introduction says scores are published within 10 working days after the exam; allow extra time before any application deadline
- Main intake: most international undergraduate programs in China start in September
When is the next CSCA exam?
As of 15 October 2026, the next official CSCA sitting is 14–15 November 2026. Its registration window is 15 October at 15:00 through 21 October at 23:59, Beijing time (UTC+8). The following sitting is 19–20 December 2026, with registration details still to be announced. The official CSCA homepage is the final source for any change to the schedule or registration window.
Sessions are held at different times of day to suit different regions. A Shanghai government guide to the 2026 sessions says the December, April and June sessions run during daytime in the Asia-Pacific region, while the January and March sessions are timed for Europe, Africa and the Americas. Start times for the 2026–27 sessions may differ, and your admission ticket shows the start time in Beijing time (UTC+8). Convert it to your local time well before test day.
CSCA December 2026: what you need to know
The official CSCA calendar lists the December 2026 sitting for 19–20 December. As of 15 October 2026, its registration window has not appeared on the official homepage. Check csca.cn regularly rather than relying on a presumed opening date.
December 2026 is a good first attempt if you want to start university in September 2027. Your scores should arrive in time for applications in the first months of 2027, including Chinese Government Scholarship applications. You will also still have the January, March and April 2027 sessions available if you want to retake a subject.
CSCA exam dates 2027: which months to expect
The official CSCA calendar lists 23–24 January, 13–14 March, 24–25 April and 26–27 June 2027. Confirm each registration window and any later revision on csca.cn. Do not assume a 2027–28 schedule until the organisers publish it. For an overview of subjects, fees and the schedule, see our CSCA exam guide. Here is how each listed session may fit a September 2027 university start:
- January 2027: an early attempt with plenty of time to apply and to retake if needed
- March 2027: works for many September 2027 applications, and still leaves April or June for a retake
- April 2027: later, so check that your universities still accept applications after results come out
- June 2027: a last chance. Results arrive in July, when many deadlines have already passed
- Late 2027 sessions: the first attempt for September 2028 entry, if they follow the current pattern
How do CSCA registration deadlines work?
Each session has its own registration window on csca.cn. For the November 2026 sitting, official registration runs from 15 October at 15:00 to 21 October at 23:59, Beijing time (UTC+8). December and 2027 windows have not yet been shown on the official homepage. Complete payment before your session’s deadline and keep your confirmation. Our CSCA registration guide explains the form.
How to register for a CSCA session
Create your account on csca.cn
Use your full name exactly as it appears in your passport, and an email address you check every day.
Choose your program language and subjects
Mathematics is required for everyone. Add Physics, Chemistry or Professional Chinese only as your target programs require.
Pick the session and test mode
Choose home-based online testing or an authorized test center if one is available in your country.
Upload your photo and ID details
Follow the size and format rules on the portal, and double-check your passport number and date of birth.
Pay the fee
The fee has been 450 CNY for one subject and 700 CNY for two or more; confirm the current fee on csca.cn. Keep your payment confirmation.
Prepare your test setup
For the online test, guides report that you need a Windows computer (Mac is not supported), a webcam, and a phone or tablet as a second camera. Run the official system check early.
For the November 2026 session, the 21 October 23:59 Beijing deadline is 22:59 WIB (Jakarta), 23:59 WITA (Bali) and 00:59 on 22 October WIT (Jayapura). In South Asia it is 21:29 IST (India), 21:59 BST (Bangladesh), 20:59 PKT (Pakistan) and 21:44 NPT (Nepal), all on 21 October. These are conversions of one official deadline; complete payment early and verify the live notice on csca.cn. Not sure which subjects to choose? Check CSCA subjects by major before you pay.
How should you plan for September 2027 entry?
Plan backwards from your earliest university deadline. Chinese Government Scholarship deadlines often fall in the first months of the year, while self-funded application deadlines vary by university and can run into spring or summer. A general rule from admissions guides is to sit the CSCA six to eight months before your intake. That leaves time for results, applications, one retake and your visa.
Backwards plan for September 2027 entry
October to November 2026: decide and prepare
Shortlist universities, confirm the subjects and paper language each program needs, and start a study plan.
November 2026 to January 2027: first attempt
Register as soon as the window opens. Take every subject your shortlist needs in the same session.
Within 10 working days after your exam: check your results
Download your score report from csca.cn and compare it with what your universities expect.
January to April 2027: apply
Submit university and scholarship applications. Check every deadline on the university's own admissions page.
March or April 2027: retake if needed
Retake only the subjects that held you back, and only if your deadlines allow it.
June 2027: last-chance session
Use this only if your universities still accept applications in July. It leaves no room for a further retake.
May to August 2027: admission and visa
Receive your admission letter and JW202 form, apply for your X1 student visa, and book travel.
Planning for September 2028 instead? The official rollout plan expects the CSCA to apply to all international undergraduate applicants by 2028, so build it into your plan now. You will have a full 2027–28 cycle for two attempts. Start with the CSCA math syllabus, because Mathematics is required for every program.
When do CSCA results come out?
The current official CSCA exam introduction says results are published within 10 working days after the exam. Check the notice for your session and allow extra time before an application deadline. Log in to csca.cn to view and download your score report; each university sets its own score requirements.
The weeks between registration and test day matter more than the date itself. If you want a teacher to guide your preparation, join our teacher-led live CSCA classes. Every class is recorded, so you can catch up if a class falls at a difficult time in your time zone.
Frequently asked questions
CSCA FAQ
When is the next CSCA exam?
The next official sitting is 14–15 November 2026. Registration runs from 15 October at 15:00 to 21 October at 23:59, Beijing time (UTC+8). The December sitting is 19–20 December 2026.
What are the CSCA exam dates for 2027?
The official calendar lists 23–24 January, 13–14 March, 24–25 April and 26–27 June 2027. Check csca.cn for any revision and each registration window.
Is there a CSCA exam in December 2026?
Yes. The official calendar lists 19–20 December 2026. As of 15 October 2026, the official homepage has not listed its registration window.
What is the CSCA registration deadline?
For the 14–15 November 2026 sitting, the official registration deadline is 21 October 2026 at 23:59 Beijing time (UTC+8). Other sittings have separate windows; check csca.cn for their notices.
How many times a year is the CSCA held?
The official exam introduction lists regular sessions in January, March, April, June, November and December. The published schedule has six sittings between November 2026 and June 2027.
Can I take the CSCA more than once?
Yes, you can register for a later session. How universities treat several scores is their decision, so check each program's rules.
How much does CSCA registration cost?
The fee has been 450 CNY for one subject and 700 CNY for two or more. Confirm the current fee on csca.cn before you pay.
How long before my intake should I take the CSCA?
About six to eight months before you plan to start. For September 2027 entry, that means a session between November 2026 and January 2027.
Where can I check official CSCA dates?
Only on the official CSCA website, csca.cn. Agency and blog calendars, including this one, can go out of date.
CSCA.ai is an independent preparation platform. Confirm dates, fees and requirements on the official site, csca.cn.
