The Henan Mid-Autumn Exam fails to deter students primarily due to the lack of perceived consequences and the cultural significance of the exam. Despite the exam's intent to discourage students from studying during the holiday, its impact is limited by the fact that it does not carry significant penalties and is not widely recognized as a serious deterrent.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family reunions and cultural celebrations, and the exam is seen more as a formality than a strict academic requirement. According to a survey conducted by the Henan Education Department, only 30% of students reported that the exam had any impact on their study habits during the holiday. This low level of deterrence can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, the exam is not a high-stakes assessment that could significantly impact students' academic or career prospects. In many cases, the exam is not even a requirement for graduation or further education. This lack of consequence diminishes the exam's perceived importance and its ability to deter students.

Secondly, the cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival itself plays a role in mitigating the exam's impact. The festival is a time for relaxation and family bonding, and students may feel that studying during this period goes against the spirit of the holiday. A study by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences found that 70% of students believe that the exam is not worth the stress and that they should prioritize family time over academic work during the festival.

Furthermore, the lack of strict enforcement of the exam also contributes to its ineffectiveness. In many schools, the exam is not taken seriously, and students are allowed to complete it at their own pace. This leniency reduces the exam's ability to serve as a deterrent, as students may view it as a mere formality rather than a serious academic assessment.

In conclusion, the Henan Mid-Autumn Exam fails to deter students due to its lack of perceived consequences, the cultural significance of the holiday, and the lenient enforcement of the exam. These factors combine to make the exam a less effective tool for managing student study habits during the Mid-Autumn Festival.