Public security and education authorities nationwide are working together to crack down on illegal activities related to the upcoming national college entrance examination, or gaokao, aiming to ensure a safe and fair environment for students, the Ministry of Education said on Wednesday.

Multiple cases involving organized cheating and exam-related fraud have been uncovered and addressed across various regions recently to uphold the integrity of the examination process.

Authorities have issued a reminder to all examinees to strictly adhere to examination rules and regulations. Students are prohibited from bringing smartphones or any electronic devices into examination centers and are encouraged to cooperate fully with security checks.

According to the measures for handling violations of national education examinations, students found guilty of cheating may face penalties such as score cancellation, suspension from future exams, or delayed graduation.

Under the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China, organizing cheating in gaokao is a criminal offense, which may draw a sentence of up to three years in prison or detention, accompanied by fines.

In severe cases, sentences can extend from three to seven years, along with financial penalties. Acts such as impersonating examinees, selling or using wireless cheating devices and other activities may constitute crimes and will carry criminal liabilities.

The national public security organs and education departments have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards exam-related crimes, thereby safeguarding the fairness of the exam, which will begin on Saturday.