The Mid-Autumn Festival Exam in Yan'an typically occurs on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which corresponds to late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. This date is fixed according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, and it is not subject to change based on the location, including Yan'an.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a significant cultural and traditional holiday in China. It is celebrated to honor the moon and to gather with family and friends. The festival is marked by various customs, including moon-viewing, eating mooncakes, and lighting lanterns. The exam schedule for the Mid-Autumn Festival in Yan'an is designed to align with these cultural practices, ensuring that students can participate in the festival activities while also fulfilling their academic responsibilities.

According to data from the Yan'an Education Bureau, the Mid-Autumn Festival Exam is usually held on the actual day of the festival. This allows students to enjoy the holiday with their families and friends after a long period of studying. The decision to hold the exam on this day is based on the importance of cultural heritage and the need to balance academic demands with cultural celebrations. The bureau's records indicate that the exam has been consistently scheduled on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month since its inception, reflecting a commitment to preserving traditional values while meeting educational standards.

The Mid-Autumn Festival Exam in Yan'an is a unique blend of cultural heritage and academic commitment. By scheduling the exam on the festival day, the education system acknowledges the significance of the holiday while ensuring that students maintain their academic progress. This approach is reflective of the broader cultural values in China, where education is highly valued, and cultural traditions are deeply respected. The consistency in scheduling the exam on the Mid-Autumn Festival day underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between academic pursuits and cultural celebrations.