Extra points for gaokao are reduced

China to eliminate five categories that gave certain students a boost

China will eliminate five preferential items from its education policy that adds bonus points to a student's national college entrance exam, or gaokao, as part of an effort to have a more fair and scientific selection process, the Ministry of Education said on Wednesday.

The ministry will stop giving bonus points to students who have exceptional sports ability, who have won academic Olympiads or science and technology competitions, who are named "provincial-level excellent students" or those who have performed "righteous and courageous deeds", according to a statement posted on its website.