The China National Economics Challenge
CNEC brings the full National Economics Challenge standard to students across China — and is the official pathway from the China National Round to the NEC Global Rounds.
A fast-growing programme in China
The NEC standard, brought to China
Over more than a decade in China, the China National Economics Challenge has grown to reach 800+ schools and 100,000+ students, within a wider NEC programme spanning 15+ countries.
Its rigour and participants have earned recognition from Wall Street financial institutions and top global universities. CNEC carries the NEC academic standard — and it is the only route by which students in China advance to the NEC Global Rounds, hosted across four international stations: the U.S., the U.K., Hong Kong and Singapore.
Find your level
Alongside Adam Smith and David Ricardo, CNEC offers an entry-level PRE division — and, new for 2027, the Herbert Simon (AI) research division. Open to students in grades 7–12 (under 20); the right division depends on experience, not age.
PRE Division
For students new to economics as of September 2026, or with only IGCSE introductory economics. Individual entry or teams of 2–4 at the Preliminary; teams required from the China round (individual entrants earn no team honours). Tests microeconomics and macroeconomics.
David Ricardo
For students who, by September 2026, have completed one of micro or macro (IBDP / AP / AS). Teams of 4. Tests micro, macro and international economics & current events.
Adam Smith
The advanced division — open entry, recommended for students who have studied both micro and macro (IBDP / AP / AS). Teams of 4. Tests micro, macro and international economics & current events.
Herbert Simon
An AI-in-economics research division, open only to students already registered in PRE, DR or AS. Teams of 2–4. Frame and solve real economic questions, using AI to raise research efficiency and the quality of project outcomes.
How the season runs
For the 2027 season: registration runs 10 June – 1 December 2026, followed by an online Regional round in December, the China National Round in March 2027, and the NEC Global Finals.
Online Regional round
Register by 1 December 2026, then sit the online written test on 12–13 December (Pre in the morning; David Ricardo and Adam Smith in the afternoon). An optional mock runs 5–6 December.
National round & Global Rounds
The China National Round takes place in March 2027 (venue to be announced); top teams advance to the NEC Global Rounds — the U.S. (May–Jun), the U.K. (Jul), Hong Kong (Aug) and Singapore (TBA).
See the full schedule and registration guide for dates and eligibility.
Your route to the global stage starts here
Register through our CNEC-authorized test center and we will guide your team from division choice to the national finals — and the pathway beyond.
Registration guide →Common questions
Is CNEC the official China round of the National Economics Challenge?
CNEC is the China National Round and the official pathway by which teams in China advance to the NEC global rounds.
Which divisions does CNEC offer?
Four: an entry-level PRE division (micro and macro), the David Ricardo and Adam Smith divisions (which add international economics and current events), and the new Herbert Simon (AI) research division, open to students already registered in another division. Placement depends on experience, not age.
Can students at international or overseas schools take part?
Yes. Students can take part in the regional and China rounds; advancement to the global rounds follows the official rules.
How do China teams reach the global finals?
By advancing through the China National Round — the only pathway from China to the four NEC Global Round stations: the U.S., the U.K., Hong Kong and Singapore.