China Bans Excess Homework And Exams In New Policy To Ease Student Pressure

China unveils new rules limiting homework, exams and class time to improve student mental health and promote physical wellbeing.

China has announced sweeping new measures aimed at reducing academic pressure on students, including bans on excessive homework, frequent examinations and restrictions on break-time activities.

The China Education Ministry said the policy framework is designed to promote students’ physical and mental health, marking a shift from the country’s traditionally intense academic culture.

In a statement, the ministry said schools are prohibited from assigning too much homework or increasing the “academic burden on students,” while also barring practices that limit students’ rest periods.

Schools must not “encroach on students break time in anyway, or ⁠prohibit students from leaving the classroom during breaks.”

Authorities also moved to curb excessive testing, stating that schools are banned from frequently organising examinations or using them to select students.

The policy further prohibits schools from rewarding or penalising teachers for promoting top scorers in college entrance exams.

The move builds on earlier directives issued in November, which required schools to “strictly control” homework loads and ensure at least two hours of daily physical activity for primary and secondary students.

Kindergartens are also barred from introducing primary school-level teaching or advancing formal curricula prematurely.

The reforms come amid growing concern over student wellbeing, with experts linking heavy workloads to sleep deprivation, anxiety and depression among young people.

In a further shift, China has introduced additional school holidays, including new spring and autumn breaks alongside the traditional summer and winter holidays.

Some institutions are already adopting creative approaches. The Sichuan Southwest Vocational College of Aviation recently announced a six-day spring break themed around encouraging leisure and social engagement.

The initiative aligns with broader efforts by authorities to improve quality of life, support mental health and encourage long-term social and economic stability.