BEIJING, June 3 -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Saturday called for meticulous efforts and an "extremely responsible" attitude in the organization and preparation work to ensure a smooth and successful college entrance exam.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when he inspected preparations in the city of Beijing and the Ministry of Education for this year's exam, to be held in early June.

During his visit to a Beijing middle school that will serve as one of the test centers, Ding said that this year's college entrance exam will be the first one after the country downgraded its COVID-19 response measures.

Noting that a record 12.91 million students will be sitting the exam this year, Ding called for more thorough and meticulous efforts in organizing the exam. This includes implementing effective COVID response measures, developing sound emergency plans, and providing adequate care and support for students.

At the National Education Examination Authority under the Ministry of Education, Ding heard a report on the national preparations for the exam. Stressing the importance of the college entrance exam in ensuring fairness in education and society, Ding urged the implementation of the most rigorous measures to prevent any possible loopholes and ensure fairness is not compromised.

Ding also heard reports of local preparations in the provinces of Shandong and Yunnan via video call. He called on local authorities to shoulder their "major political responsibility" to ensure a safe, smooth and successful exam.