China Deploys AI, Drones, Facial Recognition to Secure National College Entrance Exams

China Deploys AI, Drones, Facial Recognition to Secure National College Entrance Exams

China has implemented one of the world’s most extensive exam security operations as more than 13 million students sat for the highly competitive Gaokao, the country’s national college entrance examination.

Authorities introduced a wide range of surveillance and anti-cheating measures, including facial recognition technology, metal detectors, drones, cellphone signal blockers and real-time monitoring systems designed to safeguard the integrity of the examination process.

The Gaokao, widely regarded as one of the most important examinations in China, plays a crucial role in determining university admissions and can significantly influence students’ future academic and career opportunities.

To protect the examination materials, test papers were reportedly transported under strict security arrangements. Vehicles carrying the papers were equipped with surveillance systems, while exam copies were stored in specially secured facilities requiring multiple keys and layers of authorization for access.

In response to growing concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence, several major Chinese technology companies, including Alibaba, ByteDance and Tencent, temporarily restricted certain AI chatbot functions during examination periods. Features such as image recognition and instant question-answering capabilities were reportedly limited to prevent students from using the tools to gain unfair advantages.

Some examination centres also deployed AI-powered monitoring systems capable of identifying suspicious behaviour, including whispering, exchanging objects, or attempting to view another student’s work.

Education officials said the measures were aimed at ensuring fairness and maintaining public confidence in the examination system, which remains one of the most significant gateways to higher education in the country.

The extensive security arrangements have drawn international attention, highlighting both the scale of China’s education system and the increasing role of advanced technology in examination administration and oversight.

China Deploys AI, Drones, Facial Recognition to Secure National College Entrance Exams