The 2026 Shanghai middle school exam is scheduled to take place in early June. This is consistent with the historical pattern of the exam, which has typically been held in the first or second week of June for the past several years. The exact dates may vary slightly each year, but the general timeframe remains consistent.

The reason for this scheduling is rooted in the educational calendar of Shanghai and the broader Chinese education system. Shanghai's middle school entrance exams are a critical milestone for students, as they determine their placement in high school. Given the significance of these exams, the Shanghai Education Commission carefully plans the dates to ensure that students have adequate preparation time and that the exams do not conflict with other major events or holidays.

Data from previous years supports this scheduling. For instance, the 2025 Shanghai middle school exam was held from June 10th to June 12th. This aligns with the general trend of holding the exam in the first half of June. Additionally, the Shanghai Education Commission has consistently emphasized the importance of providing students with a fair and equitable testing environment, which is further facilitated by the early June scheduling.

Furthermore, the timing of the exam is also influenced by the national education calendar in China. The Chinese academic year typically runs from September to July, with a summer vacation from July to August. By scheduling the middle school exam in early June, students have the opportunity to complete their primary education and transition to secondary education without the immediate pressure of the exam following their final primary school exams.

In conclusion, the 2026 Shanghai middle school exam is expected to take place in early June, following the historical pattern and aligning with the educational calendar of Shanghai and the broader Chinese education system. This scheduling ensures that students have sufficient preparation time and that the exam does not interfere with other significant events or holidays.