CSCA Subjects by Major: Which Exam Subjects You Need (2026–27)
CSCA subjects by major: Mathematics for everyone, Physics or Chemistry for science, engineering and medicine, Professional Chinese for Chinese-taught programs.
CSCA subjects by major follow three rules. Mathematics is required for everyone. Science, engineering, agriculture and medicine applicants must add Physics or Chemistry. Chinese-taught programs also need Professional Chinese, in the Humanities or STEM track. There is no Biology paper, and each university sets the exact combination for each program.
Choosing the wrong subjects is one of the most expensive CSCA mistakes, because you may have to wait for a later session to add a paper. This guide maps the usual subject combinations for each major family and shows you how to check your own. For the test format and scoring, see our overview of the CSCA exam.
Key facts about CSCA subjects:
- Mathematics: 48 single-choice questions, 60 minutes, Chinese or English. Required for all applicants
- Physics: 48 questions, 60 minutes, Chinese or English. Depends on your major
- Chemistry: 48 questions, 60 minutes, Chinese or English. Depends on your major
- Professional Chinese (Humanities or STEM track): 80 questions, 90 minutes, Chinese only. Required for Chinese-taught programs
- English-taught program applicants are exempt from Professional Chinese
- Chinese Language majors may be exempt from Professional Chinese with a valid HSK Level 4 score, according to a Shanghai government guide
- Every subject is scored from 0 to 100
- There is no Biology paper
- Fees: 450 CNY for one subject, 700 CNY for two or more (check csca.cn for current fees)
What are the CSCA exam subjects?
The CSCA has four subjects. Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry are called the fundamental subjects. You can take each one in Chinese or English. Professional Chinese tests the academic Chinese you would need in a Chinese-taught degree. It comes in two tracks: Humanities Chinese for arts, business, law and social science programs, and STEM Chinese for science, engineering and medicine. Each subject is scored separately, so universities see one score from 0 to 100 per paper. For dates, fees and the full format in one place, see our CSCA exam 2026–27 guide.
CSCA subjects by major: the quick map
The list below shows the most common combinations, based on official guidance and published university requirements for 2026 entry. It is a starting point, not a rule. Two programs at the same university can ask for different subjects, so always confirm with the admissions guide for your exact program.
- Engineering and computer science: Mathematics + Physics is most common. Chemical, materials and environmental engineering may also ask for Chemistry. Chinese-taught programs add STEM Chinese
- Medicine (MBBS, clinical medicine, pharmacy, nursing): Mathematics + Chemistry is most common, and some universities add Physics. Chinese-taught programs add STEM Chinese
- Natural sciences: Mathematics + Physics for physics, mathematics and related majors. Mathematics + Chemistry for chemistry, biology and life sciences. Some programs ask for both. Chinese-taught programs add STEM Chinese
- Agriculture: Mathematics + at least one of Physics or Chemistry. Chinese-taught programs add STEM Chinese
- Business, economics, law and international relations: Mathematics only for English-taught programs. Mathematics + Humanities Chinese for Chinese-taught programs
- Humanities, languages, arts and design: Mathematics only for English-taught programs. Mathematics + Humanities Chinese for Chinese-taught programs
- Chinese Language major: Mathematics, with Professional Chinese possibly waived if you hold a valid HSK Level 4 score
Which CSCA subjects do engineering and computer science need?
For most engineering and computer science programs, plan on Mathematics and Physics. Physics is the natural partner for mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace and computer engineering, because first-year courses build on mechanics and electricity. Programmes close to chemistry, such as chemical engineering, materials science or environmental engineering, may ask for Chemistry instead of Physics, or both. Architecture is a special case: some universities classify it as engineering and ask for Physics, while others treat it as an arts subject.
If your shortlist mixes engineering and computer science programs at several universities, taking both Physics and Chemistry keeps every door open. Under the published fee structure, two or more subjects cost the same 700 CNY (confirm on csca.cn), so the extra paper adds study time but no extra fee. Only do this if you can prepare well for both. If Physics is new territory, start early with our self-paced CSCA Physics lessons.
Which CSCA subjects do medicine and MBBS need?
Medicine applicants usually take Mathematics and Chemistry. For English-taught MBBS, the papers are taken in English and Professional Chinese is not required. Some universities also ask for Physics, so check each program. Chinese-taught clinical medicine adds STEM Chinese. Related programs such as pharmacy, nursing and dentistry usually follow the medicine pattern. Our full guide to CSCA requirements for MBBS in China covers subjects, scores and timelines for medical applicants.
Which CSCA subjects do business, economics and humanities need?
Business, economics, law, international relations, languages and arts programs usually need only Mathematics if they are taught in English, and Mathematics plus Humanities Chinese if they are taught in Chinese. Physics and Chemistry are rarely asked for in these fields. Many humanities students are surprised that Mathematics is still required, but it is compulsory for every applicant. Start early with the CSCA math syllabus if mathematics is not your strongest subject.
If you are applying to Chinese-taught programs, do not confuse Professional Chinese with HSK. Guides to the test describe it as academic Chinese: reading passages, vocabulary in context and subject terms from your field, rather than everyday conversation. Choose the Humanities track for business and humanities programs, and plan several months of reading practice in that style. Our guide to the CSCA Professional Chinese test explains both tracks and the six question types.
Is there a CSCA Biology exam?
No. The CSCA has only four subjects: Professional Chinese, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. There is no Biology paper. Applicants to biology, life sciences, medicine and agriculture usually take Chemistry as their science paper, and sometimes Physics as well. Biology still matters, though. Universities look at your school transcripts, and medical programs in particular expect strong biology and chemistry grades from senior secondary school. To see exactly what the chemistry paper covers, read our CSCA chemistry syllabus guide.
How do you choose your CSCA subjects?
Five steps to the right CSCA subjects
Register for Mathematics
It is required for every applicant, so it is always on your list.
Check the language of instruction
Chinese-taught program: add Professional Chinese, Humanities or STEM track to match your major. English-taught program: no Professional Chinese.
Read each program's admissions guide
Find the CSCA subject list for your exact program on the university's international admissions page. Write it down for every university on your shortlist.
Take the union of all requirements
If one program wants Physics and another wants Chemistry, take both in the same session so you do not need a second sitting.
Choose your paper language
Take Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in the language your universities accept, usually English for English-taught programs.
Frequently asked questions
CSCA FAQ
Which CSCA subjects do I need?
Mathematics always. Add Physics or Chemistry for science, engineering, agriculture or medicine, and Professional Chinese for Chinese-taught programs. Your university's program guide has the final list.
What are the CSCA exam subjects?
Professional Chinese (Humanities or STEM track), Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Each is scored from 0 to 100.
Is there a CSCA Biology test?
No. There is no Biology paper. Biology and life science applicants usually take Chemistry, and sometimes Physics.
Do I need Professional Chinese for an English-taught program?
No. Applicants to English-taught programs are exempt from Professional Chinese.
Which CSCA subjects do computer science students take?
Usually Mathematics and Physics, plus STEM Chinese if the program is taught in Chinese. Check each university, because some list different science papers.
Do business students need Physics or Chemistry?
Usually not. Business and economics programs typically need Mathematics, plus Humanities Chinese if taught in Chinese.
Can I take all four CSCA subjects?
Yes, if your programs require them. The fee has been 700 CNY for two or more subjects (confirm on csca.cn), but only add papers you can prepare for properly.
Do all Chinese universities require the same CSCA subjects?
No. Each university, and sometimes each program, sets its own combination. Always check the official admissions guide for your program.
CSCA.ai is an independent preparation platform. Confirm dates, fees and requirements on the official site, csca.cn.
