The Chinese gaokao had once again stirred controversy after a student was barred from taking the exam due to being late for just a minute.
The student, who remains unidentified, was supposed to take the English part of the exam in Shandong Province on Wednesday. The particular set of tests, which was the last one for the two-day exam, was to start at 3 p.m., but exam takers were required to be at the exam venue by 2.45 p.m., or else they wouldn't be allowed to take the test.
According to the student, he left home at 1:50 p.m. and rode a bicycle, hoping to arrive on time. However, he still ended up late for just one minute, CRIreported.
Some parents who were waiting for their children taking the exam tried to help the student convince an exam proctor, but the latter refused, saying that "a rule is a rule."
Chinese netizens' opinions are split after a photo of the incident was posted by a bystander present there on Weibo. While many praised the decision of the exam officials, some were arguing that the student should have been given another chance, as it would take another year of preparation to retake it.
The gaokao, which is similar to the American SAT collegiate admission test, is infamous not only for its difficulty but also for its very strict rules for examiners. To cut down on potential cheating, the Chinese education ministry has reportedly employed the help of SWAT personnel in guarding the exam papers, as well as deployed drones to monitor students taking the test.
For this year's exams, education officials have also enforced stiffer punishments for cheating. Those who are caught cheating will be banned from retaking the tests for several years. On the other hand, those who use underhanded tactics, like letting someone else take the exam in their place, and conduct mass cheating could face jail time up to seven years, Time reported.