Majority of University Entrance Exam Retakes Due to Influenza Infections

TOKYO, Jan 25 (News On Japan) - This month, the most common reason for candidates who were unable to take the National Center Test for University Admissions and had to take a makeup exam was influenza, with COVID-19 infections dropping to one-fifth of last year's numbers.

The National Center for University Entrance Examinations reported on the 24th that 1,629 individuals were unable to sit for the main examination on January 13th and 14th and are now eligible for the makeup exam scheduled for the weekend of January 27th and 28th. This number is the fourth highest on record, including when the test was known as the National Center Test for University Admissions.

The most frequent cause for missing the main exam was influenza, affecting 495 individuals. COVID-19 infections numbered 366, a significant decrease from last year, when over 2,100 people were affected, including those who were in close contact with infected individuals. Other illnesses included the common cold, which accounted for 205 people, and gastroenteritis, affecting 147 people. Additionally, 19 individuals who were unable to take the main exam due to the Noto Peninsula earthquake will also take the makeup exam.

The makeup exams will be held at five venues in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as at Kanazawa University in Ishikawa Prefecture, as a special measure in response to the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

by Brian Dentry

Source: NHK

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