Mathematics

CSCA Mathematics is a fundamental-subject paper for international students applying to undergraduate programs in China. It assesses mathematical knowledge, basic mathematical skills, logical thinking, and problem-solving readiness for university study.

The paper is available in Chinese or English. Applicants choose the test language according to the requirements of their intended university. The language choice changes the wording of the paper, not the published syllabus scope.

Who Needs CSCA Mathematics?

Mathematics is required for applicants to Chinese Government Scholarship undergraduate programs. It is also required for applicants to non-scholarship undergraduate programs at the universities covered by the official CSCA subject-selection guidance. University and program rules can still determine which additional papers, score expectations, and test language an applicant needs.

Before registering, compare the current admissions requirements for every university and program on your list. The site guides on choosing CSCA subjects and the five CSCA papers and test format explain how Mathematics fits with Professional Chinese, Physics, and Chemistry.

Exam Format

Field	Value
Duration	60 minutes
Total questions	48
Question type	Single-answer multiple choice
Test language	Chinese or English
Score range	0-100

The 60-minute limit gives an average of 75 seconds per question. That average is a planning guide, not an official per-question time limit. Some questions may take only a few seconds, while others require several linked steps.

Official 2025 Syllabus Scope

The official syllabus groups the paper into four modules. It does not publish a percentage weight for any module, so applicants should prepare the complete scope rather than rely on unofficial weight estimates.

1. Sets and Inequalities

• definitions, operations, and representations of sets
• properties and solution methods for inequalities
• quadratic and rational inequalities

2. Functions

• domain, range, monotonicity, parity, and other basic function properties
• power, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions
• arithmetic and geometric sequences, including general terms and sums
• introductory derivatives and calculus, including geometric meaning and simple applications

3. Geometry and Algebra

• lines, circles, ellipses, hyperbolas, and parabolas in plane analytic geometry
• vector operations and basic complex-number operations
• three-dimensional rectangular coordinates and properties of simple solids

4. Probability and Statistics

• the classical probability model and probability calculations
• numerical characteristics of data, including mean and variance
• basic concepts of the normal distribution

A Practical Preparation Framework

1. Turn the syllabus into a checklist. Mark every official bullet as secure, developing, or unfamiliar. Do not replace the official four-module structure with an unofficial topic-weight table.
2. Run an untimed diagnostic. Work through representative secondary-school problems from each module and record whether errors come from concepts, algebra, reading, or arithmetic.
3. Repair prerequisites first. Functions, equations, algebraic manipulation, and graph reading support several parts of the syllabus. Weak fundamentals make later timed practice less useful.
4. Add timed mixed sets. Build toward 48-question, 60-minute sessions. Use a first pass for questions you can solve confidently, then return to longer items.
5. Review in the language you will use. The official Mathematics glossary can help you check terminology. Studying the other language is optional unless your university requires it.
6. Keep an error log. Record the missed concept, the step that failed, and the correction. Redo the question after a delay instead of only reading the answer.

Common Mistakes

• relying on invented topic percentages instead of covering all four official modules
• overlooking derivatives because calculus appears inside the Functions module
• memorizing formulas without practising when and why to apply them
• spending too long on one question before completing a first pass
• practising only untimed exercises and discovering pacing problems on test day
• choosing a test language before confirming the intended university's requirements

Official Resources

The official CSCA Mathematics syllabus defines the examinable scope, and the official Mathematics glossary supports terminology review. Both verified resources are listed in the Sources panel on this page. Public CSCA materials do not publish official past papers or topic-weight percentages.

What This Page Does Not Decide

A CSCA Mathematics result has no universal passing score. Universities set their own admissions criteria, and an applicant may also need Professional Chinese, Physics, or Chemistry. Confirm the latest rules with each university before paying the examination fee.

Source Note

This is an independent summary based on public CSCA materials. Always verify current registration rules, fees, test centers, and notices on csca.cn before making an application decision.