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

Recent ministry circular states that written exams will not be conducted for first and second graders in primary schools and 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. (Xinhua/NAN)