CSCA Exam Syllabus 2026: Subjects & Study Roadmap
See all five subjects, major-based requirements, core modules, and the right preparation order in one guide.
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What Does the CSCA Test?
CSCA offers five papers: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Professional Chinese: STEM, and Professional Chinese: Humanities. Mathematics is mandatory for all applicants. Chinese-taught programs take the corresponding Professional Chinese paper, while fully English-taught programs are exempt. The current admissions guide for the target university and program determines Physics, Chemistry, and the final subject combination.
Mathematics
Algebra, functions, probability, geometry & calculus
Physics
Mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal, optics, modern physics
Chemistry
Chemical concepts, reactions, theories, experiments & calculations
Professional Chinese: STEM
Academic Chinese for science, technology & engineering
Professional Chinese: Humanities
Academic Chinese for humanities, arts & social sciences
The exact subjects required depend on:
CSCA Syllabus Overview
See the overall structure of the CSCA syllabus before exploring each subject in detail.
STEM Division (Math · Physics · Chemistry)
Professional Chinese (STEM · Humanities)
Explore the CSCA Syllabus by Subject
Start with the modules and scope listed in the official syllabi, then use the PrepPals learning breakdown to plan revision. The detailed study prompts are preparation aids, not additional official requirements. Click any topic chip to track readiness.
Click any topic chip below to log your mastery and calibrate exam readiness.
Mathematics
The CSCA Mathematics paper comprises 48 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. Available in Chinese and English. Focuses on foundational mathematics, reasoning, calculations, and analytical problem-solving.
Mathematics module roadmap
Sets & Basic Operations
Understand subset relations, union, intersection, and complement operations with interval notation.
Properties & Solution Methods of Inequalities
Use the basic properties of inequalities and solve the officially listed common forms, including quadratic and rational inequalities.
Function Concepts & Core Properties
Master domain, range, monotonicity, parity, periodicity, and graph transformations.
Exponential, Logarithmic & Power Functions
Calculate with exponent rules, logarithms, graph characteristics, and composite functions.
Trigonometric Functions & Identities
Master radian measure, unit circle trig, sum/difference identities, sinusoidal modeling, sine/cosine laws.
Derivatives & Extreme Values
Calculate derivatives of polynomial/exponential functions, tangent line equations, and local extrema.
Sequences
Use general-term formulas and summation for arithmetic and geometric sequences.
Vectors & Complex Numbers
Use vector operations and the basic operations of complex numbers.
Analytic Geometry: Lines & Circles
Slope of lines, linear equations, distances, circle equations, and line-circle intersections.
Conic Sections (Basics)
Definitions, standard equations, and focal properties of ellipses, hyperbolas, and parabolas.
Solid Geometry & Spatial Measurement
Surface area and volume of prisms, pyramids, cylinders, spheres, and basic spatial lines/planes.
Probability & Descriptive Statistics
Cover the classical probability model, probability calculation, mean, variance, and basic concepts of normal distribution.
Ready to Master CSCA Mathematics?
From syllabus mastery to timed mock question drills, PrepPals helps you master speed and accuracy.
Physics
The CSCA Physics paper has 48 single-answer multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, is worth 100 points, and is offered in Chinese or English. Its official modules are Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Optics, and Modern Physics.
Physics module roadmap
Kinematics & Motion Graphs
Linear motion with constant acceleration, free fall, and graphical interpretation of displacement/velocity.
Forces, Equilibrium & Newton’s Laws
Force diagrams, friction models, static equilibrium, and Newton’s second law dynamics.
Work, Energy & Conservation of Energy
Calculation of work, power, kinetic energy, potential energy, and mechanical energy conservation.
Momentum & Conservation of Momentum
Impulse, momentum theorem, elastic and inelastic collisions in one dimension.
Circular Motion & Gravitation
Projectile motion, centripetal acceleration, circular motion applications, Keplerian orbits, and universal gravitation.
Oscillations & Mechanical Waves
Simple harmonic motion, displacement-time curves, wave equation v=fλ, and transverse wave propagation.
Electrostatic Field
Coulomb’s law, electric field lines, electric potential, capacitor equations, and charged particle trajectories.
DC Circuits & Ohm’s Law
Resistivity, closed-circuit Ohm’s law with internal resistance, series/parallel combinations, and Joule heating.
Magnetic Fields & Lorentz Force
Magnetic flux density, Ampère force on conductors, Lorentz force on charges, and helical/circular particle paths.
Electromagnetic Induction & AC Currents
Faraday’s law of induction, Lenz’s law for direction, motional EMF (BLv), and transformer voltage ratios.
Kinetic Molecular Theory
Brownian motion, intermolecular potential curves, microscopic interpretation of temperature, and internal energy.
Ideal Gas Law & First Law of Thermodynamics
Ideal gas state equation pV/T=constant, isothermal/isobaric/isochoric processes, and first law of thermodynamics ΔU=W+Q.
Geometric Optics: Refraction & Reflection
Snell’s law of refraction, index of refraction, conditions for total internal reflection, and critical angle calculation.
Wave Optics: Interference & Diffraction
Double-slit interference fringe spacing Δx = (L/d)λ, single-slit diffraction, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
Photoelectric Effect & Photons
Einstein’s photoelectric equation Ek = hν - W0, threshold frequency, stopping voltage, and de Broglie matter waves.
Atomic Models & Nuclear Reactions
Bohr energy transitions, radioactive decay equations (alpha, beta, gamma), half-life, and E=mc^2 nuclear binding energy.
Ready to Tackle CSCA Physics?
Mechanics models and electrodynamics forces make all the difference. Grab our formula guides and topic sets.
Chemistry
The CSCA Chemistry paper has 48 single-answer multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, is worth 100 points, and is offered in Chinese or English. Its four official modules cover concepts and calculations, substances and reactions, theories and laws, and experiments and applications.
Chemistry module roadmap
Classification & States of Matter
Classify pure substances, mixtures, colloids, and understand phase transitions and the Tyndall effect.
Chemical Symbols & Equations
Master element symbols, Lewis electron dot structures, chemical formula conventions, and net ionic equations.
Amount of Substance & Gas Volume
Calculate with mole amount n=m/M, molar volume Vm=22.4 L/mol at STP, and Avogadro constant NA.
Solution Concentration & pH
Master molarity c=n/V, solution dilution equations, and calculate pH for strong acid/base mixtures.
Inorganic Chemistry & Element Reactions
Master chemical behaviors of Na, Al, Fe, Cu, and non-metals C, N, S, Cl and their compounds.
Basic Organic Chemistry
Understand alkanes, alkenes, benzene, and key derivatives (alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, esters).
Redox Reactions & Electron Transfer
Identify oxidizing/reducing agents, balance redox equations using oxidation numbers and half-reactions.
Ionic Reactions & Qualitative Detection
Determine criteria for ionic reactions, conditions for ion coexistence, and qualitative detection methods.
Atomic Structure & Periodic Table
Master electron configuration for elements 1-20 and periodic trends in metallic/non-metallic character.
Chemical Bonds & Intermolecular Forces
Differentiate ionic, covalent (polar/non-polar), van der Waals forces, and hydrogen bonding effects.
Reaction Rates & Chemical Equilibrium
Analyze factors influencing reaction rates, reversible reaction equilibrium, and Le Chatelier’s principle.
Electrolyte Solutions & Electrochemistry
Understand weak electrolyte ionization, salt hydrolysis, and electrochemical cell fundamentals.
Lab Safety & Essential Apparatus
Identify hazard warning signs, lab safety protocols, and proper usage of volumetric and separation glassware.
Gas Preparation & Purification
Design apparatus setups for preparing, purifying, drying, collecting, and neutralizing gases.
Separation, Purification & Identification
Master filtration, recrystallization, distillation, solvent extraction, and confirmatory chemical tests.
Industrial Chemical Processes & Titration
Interpret industrial chemical engineering flowcharts, and perform acid-base neutralization titration calculations.
Ready to Excel in CSCA Chemistry?
Reaction pathways, stoichiometry formulas, and electrochemistry cells summarized. Access our bilingual term sheets.
Professional Chinese Syllabus
Professional Chinese has STEM and Humanities tracks, each covering the six official single-answer question types.
1. Academic Character Recognition
Recognizing academic characters, distinguishing visually similar characters, and identifying scientific radicals.
2. Scientific Terminology Selection
Selecting the most accurate scientific term in lab procedures, numerical descriptions, and theorem statements.
3. Word Usage & Synonym Discrimination
Differentiating semantic nuances between near-synonyms and formal written scientific register.
4. Academic Sentence Construction
Applying complex sentence structures for scientific conditions, hypotheses, and conclusions.
5. Paragraph Coherence & Flow
Understanding transitional flow, experimental chronological sequences, and deductive proofs.
6. Scientific Reading Comprehension
Extracting key data, methodological assumptions, and conclusions from academic papers and charts.
1. Academic Humanities Vocabulary
Recognizing advanced written characters and idiomatic roots common in social sciences and legal texts.
2. Contextual Precision in Humanities
Selecting the most nuanced academic nouns and verbs for sociopolitical and cultural analysis.
3. Formal Academic Register & Idioms
Accurately applying academic four-character idioms and distinguishing register differences.
4. Complex Argumentative Syntax
Constructing hypothetic, contrastive, and multi-clause compound sentences for balanced argumentation.
5. Rhetorical Cohesion & Paragraph Flow
Navigating thesis statements, supporting evidence, and inserting appropriate transitional claims.
6. Critical Humanities Reading
Analyzing analytical essays, legal abstracts, and editorial commentaries for underlying premises.
PrepPals Complete Syllabus Checklist
Includes both Professional Chinese tracks alongside Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry
What CSCA Subjects Do You Need?
Match your major and teaching language to the CSCA subject requirements, then confirm the final combination with your university.
Select Target Major Stream:
Typical Subject Combination
Mathematics is mandatory. Engineering and computer science programs commonly specify Physics or Chemistry; Mathematics plus Physics is a frequent university requirement.
Once you have confirmed your subjects, follow the CSCA registration steps to prepare your documents and book your session.
Identify Target Major
Pinpoint your major pathway early to avoid unnecessary subject overload.
Check University Requirements
Cross-reference official admissions guidelines for your chosen universities.
Confirm Subjects and Language
Follow the target program requirements and choose the required Chinese or English paper for Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
Build Your Preparation Plan
Allocate revision time by your diagnostic gaps and the official syllabus scope.
From Syllabus to High Scores: The 6-Step Roadmap
A syllabus tells you what appears on the exam. A preparation system helps you improve step by step. Use the CSCA preparation guide to choose a starting stage for the topics you need to rebuild or practise. Put this roadmap into practice with our 21-day CSCA study plan.
Understand
Review the modules and scope listed in the official syllabus before setting your subject-by-subject study order.
Diagnose
Take a diagnostic paper to classify topics into high-confidence, shaky, and unlearned areas to produce a personalized roadmap.
Learn
Replace aimless textbook reading with modular mastery (e.g., calculus derivatives, mechanics dynamics, stoichiometry) one module at a time.
Practice
Apply knowledge to exam-style question banks crafted for Chinese university entry patterns in both Chinese and English formats.
Mock
Complete full 60-minute, 48-question simulations to master pacing (averaging 1.25 minutes per question) under exam pressure.
Review
Return to the syllabus checklist in the final two weeks, audit your error log, reinforce core formulas, and eliminate blind spots.
PrepPals 4-Stage Preparation System:
Stage 1: Concept Foundation
Master key terminology and formulas across modules to remove bilingual comprehension friction.
Stage 2: Question Type Mastery
Study question structures and intuitive problem-solving models for high-frequency patterns.
Stage 3: Timed Exam Application
Train pacing, question skipping rules, and time management across all 48 questions in 60 mins.
Stage 4: Final Mock & 1-on-1 Review
Personalized diagnostic review targeting individual weak areas to secure peak exam confidence.
Download Complete CSCA Syllabus Checklist (2026 Edition)
Comprehensive topic-by-topic tracker across all 5 subjects, major mappings, score diagnostics, and 14-day revision schedule in Word & PDF formats.
CSCA Master Syllabus & Topic Readiness Audit
Aligned with the official CSCA 2025 syllabi for Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and both Professional Chinese tracks
Continue Your Journey: PrepPals Resource Hub
The syllabus is your map. These curated resources will guide you through each day of your preparation.
CSCA Comprehensive Exam Guide
Understand admissions guidelines, timeline, fees, and test center policies.
PrepPals Tutoring & Intensive Classes
Structured small-group and 1-on-1 tutoring led by experienced Chinese university alumni.
Mathematics Resource Hub
Formula sheets, modular breakdown practice sets, and mock papers.
Physics Resource Hub
Mechanics models, electromagnetic law proofs, and problem-solving templates.
Chemistry Resource Hub
Reaction balance sheets, stoichiometry calculation drills, and organic guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the most common questions international students ask about the CSCA syllabus.
CSCA offers Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Professional Chinese: STEM, and Professional Chinese: Humanities. Mathematics is mandatory for all applicants. Chinese-taught programs take the corresponding Professional Chinese paper, while fully English-taught programs are exempt. The current admissions guide for the target university and program determines Physics, Chemistry, and the final combination.
Yes. Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are offered in Chinese or English; choose the test language required by your target university. Professional Chinese: STEM and Humanities are offered in Chinese only.
The official Mathematics syllabus has four modules: Sets and Inequalities; Functions (including elementary functions, sequences, and basics of derivatives and calculus); Geometry and Algebra (including analytic geometry, vectors, complex numbers, and solid geometry); and Probability and Statistics (including classical probability, mean, variance, and basic normal distribution concepts). The paper has 48 single-answer multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes. For chapter shares within that scope, see our March 2026 recalled-question analysis.
Physics covers five modules: Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Optics, and Modern Physics. Chemistry covers four: Basic Chemical Concepts and Calculations, Properties and Reactions of Substances, Chemical Theories and Laws, and Chemical Experiments and Applications. Preparation follows these modules, the single-answer format, and the 60-minute pace; prior Gaokao, A-Level, IB, or AP foundations transfer directly into the corresponding knowledge areas.
Based on PrepPals’ analysis of seven CSCA exam sessions, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry are less demanding in depth than their full Chinese Gaokao counterparts and sit at an upper-secondary basic-to-intermediate level. Most questions are closest to the foundational end of Cambridge AS/A-Level rather than the full synthesis expected across complete A-Level papers. The real separator is speed: each science paper requires 48 single-answer questions in 60 minutes, with more integrated questions appearing later in the paper. Professional Chinese is demanding for a different reason. Candidates must complete 80 Chinese-only questions in 90 minutes while processing academic vocabulary, sentence logic, paragraph structure, and longer reading passages. Public candidate feedback consistently identifies vocabulary preparation and reading speed as decisive; STEM Chinese emphasizes scientific and technical contexts, while Humanities Chinese emphasizes humanities and social-science discourse. PrepPals therefore positions CSCA as less deep than a full Gaokao and closest to foundational A-Level questions, but demanding in pace and academic Chinese.
No. Mathematics is mandatory for every applicant; the target university and program determine whether Physics, Chemistry, or both are added. Science, engineering, agriculture, and medicine programs specify their combination in the current admissions guide, which is the registration standard.
Start in three steps: 1. Use the current admissions guide for each target program to lock the required subjects and test language; 2. Complete a module-by-module diagnostic against the official syllabus, including a maths foundation self-check; 3. Build targeted study and timed practice around identified gaps. This decision tool shortlists the combination; the program guide finalizes it. In the final three weeks, use the 21-day CSCA study plan to turn your required topics into weekly tasks.