One failed course will no longer bar postgrad path

Several Chinese universities, including the Nanjing Agricultural University, have adjusted their policies for recommending outstanding undergraduates for postgraduate programs without entrance exams, moving away from the strict practice of disqualifying students with even a single failed course record.

According to the 2026 postgraduate enrollment plan released by the Nanjing Agricultural University, students with no more than one failed compulsory course — which should have been retaken with a passing grade — are now eligible for recommendation for postgraduate studies without entrance exams.

Previously, students who failed any course were not eligible for such recommendations.

Similar changes have been adopted by other institutions, including the Xi'an Jiaotong University, Hunan University of Technology and Business' School of Intelligent Engineering and Intelligent Manufacturing, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

The updated policies reflect a more flexible approach to evaluating students' overall capabilities rather than relying solely on flawless academic transcripts.

The relaxation does not mean lower overall standards. For instance, NAU's College of Engineering still requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and certain thresholds in English proficiency tests. The shift aims to identify students with comprehensive strengths rather than only perfect scores.

The move is part of broader reforms in China's education evaluation system, which seek to move beyond a narrow focus on test results, diplomas and publications, experts said. Greater emphasis is being placed on students' overall development, innovative potential and practical abilities, they said.

Cai Zhenhua, an associate professor at the School of Public Administration of Xiangtan University, said the policy shift helps address the overemphasis on GPA and test scores, which has led to excessive competition and neglect of holistic growth.

Students often invest disproportionate time in improving grades and rankings, overlooking crucial elements such as moral education, mental and physical health, and practical skills, Cai said.

This adjustment marks a significant step in reducing irrational academic competition and promoting an education system that values long-term potential and comprehensive quality over short-term academic performance, he said.

The traditional "no-failure "requirement had its historical rationale, as grades provided a clear quantitative measure, Cai said.

"However, as society evolves, a singular focus on academic performance is inadequate," he said. "We must acknowledge the complexity and diversity of talent development."

It is likely that more universities will adopt similar policies, Cai added. "Failing one course should not define a student's entire academic career. Instead, we need systems that encourage exploration, allow for setbacks, and ultimately foster well-rounded talents."

zoushuo@chinadaily.com.cn