The 2026 National Economics Challenge (NEC) China Station is entering a critical phase. The Critical Thinking (CT) submission and defense sessions are about to begin, marking a decisive step toward qualification for the national finals and beyond.
To help teams perform at their best, a pre-national mentor-led Q&A and review session has been launched, designed to address last-minute questions, clarify scoring logic, and strengthen competitive readiness for the global stage.
2026 National Economics Challenge (NEC) – China Station
Key Dates
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February 4, 2026: Critical Thinking (CT) submission deadline
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February 7–8, 2026: Online CT oral defense
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February 27 – March 1, 2026: On-site China Station National Round
CT Component: Required Submission Materials
Classic Track (DR / AS Divisions)
Teams must submit three documents:
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Academic Essay
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Presentation Slides (PPT)
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Team Collaboration Report
Smart Track (Pre / DR Divisions)
Teams must submit two documents:
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Presentation Slides (PPT)
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Team Collaboration Report
Important Notes
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The submission system will close automatically at the stated deadline. Late submission windows are extremely limited, and late work will incur score deductions.
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Based on prior years’ experience, system congestion near the deadline may cause delays or submission failures due to heavy traffic.
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All teams are strongly advised to complete submissions well in advance of the deadline.
2026 CNEC National Round Schedule
CNEC Economics Literacy Program – China Station (Changsha, China)
Online Study Phase (December 2025 – February 2026)
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December–February: Independent study and team collaboration using official materials to prepare for the China Station
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January 14: Release of Critical Thinking case analysis prompts
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January 14 – February 3: Team-based research, independent analysis, and development of conclusions
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February 4: Submission of Critical Thinking deliverables
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February 7–8 (Full Day): Critical Thinking oral defense sessions
On-Site National Round (February 27 – March 1, 2026)
Day 1
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Afternoon: Registration
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Evening: Opening Ceremony
Day 2
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Morning: Economics Qualifying Test*, Leader of Tomorrow Forum
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Afternoon:
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Youth Economist Oral Defense
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Super Econ! Innovation Challenge*
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Civic Hackathon (Changsha City Partner)*
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Expo and Featured Experiences
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Evening: Changsha Night Cultural Experience
Day 3
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Morning: Closing Ceremony
Notes
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All schedules are tentative. Any changes will be announced at least 20 days in advance by the CNEC Organizing Committee.
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“Full-day” Critical Thinking defense means teams will be scheduled in different time slots throughout the day. Each team participates only during its assigned slot, with an estimated total duration of approximately one hour.
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Marked sessions are academic assessment components.
China Station Overview
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Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2026
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Location: Changsha, China
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Annual Theme: “Intelligent Economy”
Each participant is challenged to help define direction and momentum for the future intelligent economy.
Five Core Competition Components
1. Economics Objective Assessment
A rigorous individual multiple-choice test evaluating theoretical foundations and economic literacy.
2. Critical Thinking Case Analysis
A team-based challenge centered on the Intelligent Economy, requiring participants to analyze how AI affects employment, markets, and society.
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Classic Track: Essay + PPT + Team Report (higher emphasis on theory and academic writing)
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Smart Track: PPT + Team Report (greater focus on applied analysis)
3. Youth Economist Oral Defense
An intensive, adversarial-style defense before university-level expert judges, designed to assess depth of research, critical thinking, and adaptability under pressure.
4. Economic Innovation Challenge
A fast-paced team quiz competition testing not only economic knowledge but also collaboration and real-time problem-solving.
5. Civic Hackathon (City Partner Challenge)
A multidisciplinary challenge integrating economics and business, addressing real-world urban problems proposed by local governments and leading enterprises—from diagnosis and modeling to actionable solutions.
National Round Preparation Courses
Objective questions often determine ranking gaps at the NEC National Round. To address this, a pre-exam Objective Question Intensive Q&A Session has been introduced.
This session targets:
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Broad coverage of macroeconomics and microeconomics
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Integration of theory with current global economic issues
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Long, information-dense question stems with highly misleading distractors
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International perspectives and comparative economics
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Time management and test-taking strategies under pressure
In addition, comprehensive NEC / IEO National Round Preparation Courses are offered, covering:
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Macroeconomics, microeconomics, and international economics
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In-depth analysis of past competition questions
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Final sprint training to maximize efficiency and confidence
2026 NEC National Round Objective Question Q&A Session
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Competition Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2026
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Session Time: February 27, 2026, 13:00–14:00
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Format: Online / On-site (location to be announced)
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Fee: RMB 599 per hour
Suitable For
Students participating in the 2026 NEC National Round who have completed foundational study and are entering the final preparation stage, aiming to resolve remaining questions, clarify key topics, and stabilize exam mindset.
Instructor Team
Mr. Bai (NEC AS Division)
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Led students to multiple IEO National Championships, NEC National Championships, and NEC Global Individual First Place
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Certified by the College Board, Cambridge International Education, and IBO
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Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship, Hult International Business School (San Francisco)
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Certified coach for NEC, IEO, and FBLA
Mr. Yang (NEC DR Division)
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Former NEC and SIC competition judge
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AP Economics certified teacher (College Board)
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Full-scholarship Master’s degree in Economics, University of British Columbia
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Bachelor’s degree with highest honors in Economics, Carleton University