Last reviewed Sep 2026 · GetCSCA editors
Syllabus · 2026
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Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry run 48 multiple-choice in 60 minutes (0–100); Professional Chinese runs 80 multiple-choice in 90 minutes (Humanities / STEM streams, Chinese only). Study the full breakdown below or open a subject page.
4
subjects mapped
16
modules total
48Q / 60m
sciences pace
80Q / 90m
chinese pace
Mathematics
EN / CN · 60 min · 48 MCQ · 0–100
Physics
EN / CN · 60 min · 48 MCQ · 0–100
Chemistry
EN / CN · 60 min · 48 MCQ · 0–100
Professional Chinese
CN only · 90 min · 80 MCQ · 0–100
Mathematics
Language: EN / CN · Duration: 60 min · Questions: 48 MCQ · Score: 0–100
Required for ALL majors. Sets & inequalities, functions, geometry & algebra, probability & statistics — about Grade 12 level, tested at ~75s per question.
Sets & Inequalities
- Set notation, subsets, union, intersection, complement and Venn diagrams
- De Morgan's laws and inclusion–exclusion counting (|A ∪ B| = |A| + |B| − |A ∩ B|)
- Linear, quadratic, fractional and absolute-value inequalities via sign charts
- Interval notation and domain restrictions (denominators, roots, logs)
Functions
- Domain & range: roots, fractions, logarithms and composite functions
- Monotonicity, even/odd parity and symmetry shortcuts
- Power, exponential and logarithmic functions, log laws and change of base
- Trigonometric functions: unit circle, identities, period/amplitude, trig equations
Geometry & Algebra
- Sequences: arithmetic (aₙ = a₁ + (n−1)d) and geometric (aₙ = a₁qⁿ⁻¹) plus series sums
- Analytic geometry: lines, circles, ellipses, hyperbolas, parabolas
- Vectors, complex numbers and solid geometry basics
- Calculus: limits (0/0 forms, sin x/x → 1), derivatives, tangents, extrema
Probability & Statistics
- Counting, conditional probability and classic distributions
- Descriptive statistics: mean, variance and data interpretation
- Random variables and expectation basics
- Exam-style data problems under timed conditions
Exam tips
- Draw Venn regions center-first (both/all-three) before counting anything.
- Condense logs to one per side, equate arguments, then reject roots with argument ≤ 0.
- Circle outer vs inner functions before differentiating — never drop the ×g′(x) factor.
- Practice at 75s per question; flag multi-step items and return with fresh eyes.
Physics
Language: EN / CN · Duration: 60 min · Questions: 48 MCQ · Score: 0–100
Required by most science, engineering, agriculture and medical programs alongside Mathematics. Concept understanding, formula recall, calculation accuracy and diagram reading at ~75s per question.
Mechanics
- Kinematics: displacement, velocity, acceleration graphs
- Newton's laws, friction, circular motion
- Work, energy, power and conservation laws
- Momentum, collisions and simple harmonic motion
Electricity & Magnetism
- Electric field, potential, capacitance
- DC circuits: Ohm's law, Kirchhoff's rules
- Magnetic field, Lorentz force, induction
Thermodynamics
- Temperature, heat, ideal gas law
- First law, work in gas processes
- Heat engines and efficiency basics
Optics & Modern Physics
- Reflection, refraction, lenses and mirrors
- Interference and diffraction basics
- Photoelectric effect, atomic models, radioactivity
Exam tips
- Draw the diagram first — most mechanics and E&M items are solved once forces/fields are labeled.
- Memorize conditions, not just formulas: know when conservation of energy vs momentum applies.
- Units check every answer — it catches most calculation slips in ~10 seconds.
- Practice at 75s per question; flag multi-step items and return with fresh eyes.
Chemistry
Language: EN / CN · Duration: 60 min · Questions: 48 MCQ · Score: 0–100
Required by many science and medical programs — medicine often asks for Chemistry specifically. Reaction recognition, equation balancing, mole calculations and lab-concept questions dominate.
Basic Concepts
- Atomic structure, periodic trends
- Chemical bonding and molecular geometry
- Mole, concentration, solutions and pH
Inorganic Chemistry
- Main-group and transition elements
- Oxides, acids, bases, salts
- Qualitative analysis basics
Organic Chemistry
- Hydrocarbons and functional groups
- Isomerism and nomenclature
- Core reaction types and mechanisms
Physical Chemistry & Experiments
- Redox and electrochemistry
- Chemical equilibrium and kinetics
- Thermochemistry basics and lab apparatus
Exam tips
- Balance the equation before any mole math — half of calculation errors start here.
- Learn functional groups by reaction, not by name: one reagent → one transformation.
- For equilibrium items, write the expression first, then plug numbers.
- pH/log items are free points if you drill the log rules from Math first.
Professional Chinese
Language: CN only · Duration: 90 min · Questions: 80 MCQ · Score: 0–100
Humanities and STEM streams — sit the one matching your major (Chinese only, no English option). Fully English-taught programs are exempt; Chinese Language majors may be exempt with HSK Level 4.
Reading Comprehension
- Academic passages in Humanities or STEM contexts
- Main idea, detail and inference questions
- 90 minutes for 80 items — pace is the real test (~65s each)
Vocabulary
- Academic and subject-specific terms (stream-dependent)
- Near-synonym discrimination
- Collocations and formal register
Grammar
- Sentence structure and connectors
- Common error types in formal Chinese
- Classical-to-modern transfer items
Writing Mechanics
- Cohesion across paragraphs
- Punctuation and style norms
- Revision-type items: pick the better sentence
Exam tips
- Pick your stream (Humanities vs STEM) before preparing — vocab lists differ.
- 80 items in 90 minutes means ~65s each: never re-read a whole passage twice.
- Answer vocabulary-in-context from the sentence, not from memory.
- If exempt (English-taught program or HSK 4 route), confirm in writing with your university.
Next step
Know the syllabus. Now find your gaps.
A 10–15 minute diagnostic shows exactly which modules need work.
Topic lists summarize the official syllabus documents — always verify against csca.cn and your target university notice before exam day.