G5 Universities and Ivy League–Recognized: Countdown to NEC China Station Submission

As the submission deadline for the National Economics Challenge (NEC) China Station approaches, teams across the country are entering the most critical phase of preparation. Recognized by G5 universities and Ivy League institutions, NEC remains one of the most influential international economics competitions for high school students.

To support teams in their final sprint, Hanlin’s CNEC Q&A Intensive Training Program is now open, with limited seats available.

Key Information for the 2026 CNEC National Competition

1. Important Dates

China Station Event Dates

• February 27 – March 1, 2026

• Location: Changsha, China

Critical CT (Critical Thinking) Timeline

• CT Question Release: January 14, 2026

• CT Project Submission Deadline: February 4, 2026

• CT Online Defense: February 7–8, 2026

Other Key Milestones

• December 18, 2025: Scores and advancement results released; registration opens

• December 25, 2025: Junior Station honors announced

• December 29, 2025: Early-bird registration deadline

• January 4, 2026: Advanced participant registration deadline

• January 11, 2026: Alternate participant registration deadline

2. CT Component: The Decisive Advancement Stage

The CT (Critical Thinking) component is the core team task of the NEC China Station and the key differentiator among teams. Centered on the theme of “Intelligent Economy,” teams are required to complete research and submit deliverables within a three-week timeframe.

Competition Formats

• Classic Mode
  Requires submission of an academic paper, presentation slides, and a team collaboration report.
  Only Classic Mode teams are eligible for Global Finals qualification.
  This mode places higher demands on economic theory, research depth, and academic writing.

• Smart Mode
  Requires submission of presentation slides and a team collaboration report only.

Division Rules

• Pre Division: Smart Mode only

• DR Division: Choice of Smart or Classic Mode

• AS Division: Classic Mode mandatory

Key Preparation Priorities for the 2026 CNEC National Competition

1. Strengthen Objective Question Foundations

(Aligned with economics knowledge assessments)

Focus Areas

• Master core microeconomics (supply and demand, market structures)

• Master core macroeconomics (GDP, monetary policy), which account for approximately 80% of objective assessments

• Supplement with “intelligent economy” topics such as AI industry cost-benefit analysis and digital economy policy impacts

Team Strategy

• Assign 1–2 members to focus on concept summaries, error analysis, and past questions to secure foundational scores.

2. Enhance Case Analysis and Defense Performance

(Aligned with case studies and scholar Q&A sessions)

Focus Areas

• Practice structured case analysis under the “intelligent economy” theme:
  problem identification → theoretical support → solution design

• For Classic Mode teams, refine English academic papers and conduct mock high-pressure defenses to improve adaptability and communication.

Team Strategy

• Designate one Case Lead to oversee paper writing and defense preparation

• Assign one additional member to handle research collection and logical structuring.

3. Improve Interdisciplinary Application and Practical Solutions

(Aligned with the City Partner challenge)

Focus Areas

• Integrate economics with business and related disciplines

• Address real-world challenges from local governments or leading enterprises

• Develop end-to-end solutions covering diagnosis, modeling, and implementation feasibility.

Team Strategy

• Assign one Implementation Lead to manage solution design and visualization

• Other members support with theoretical foundations and policy research.

4. Optimize Team Collaboration Efficiency

(Applicable across all competition stages)

Focus Areas

• Simulate timed problem-solving and role-based collaboration

• Clarify time allocation and communication protocols to avoid information gaps.

Team Strategy

• The team leader coordinates overall progress, task allocation, and timeline control to ensure smooth collaboration throughout preparation and competition.

Exclusive Preparation Resources

Participants may receive CNEC National Competition preparation notes and a NEC past paper collection, including multiple full practice sets, to support efficient final-stage preparation.

Hanlin 2026 CNEC National Competition Intensive Course

1. Course Information

2. Instructor Qualifications

Mr. Bai

• Triple-certified by the College Board, Cambridge International Education, and IBO

• Master’s in Social Enterprise Entrepreneurship, Hult International Business School (San Francisco)

• Certified coach for NEC, IEO, and FBLA

• Proven track record guiding students to IEO National Champion, NEC National Champion, and NEC Global Individual Champion titles.

Mr. Yang

• Former NEC and SIC competition judge

• College Board AP Certified Teacher

• Fully funded M.A. in Economics, University of British Columbia

• Honors B.A. in Economics, Carleton University.

3. Course Highlights

• Focused resolution of unresolved issues

• Clear identification of key exam priorities

• Live, targeted Q&A sessions

• Competition-specific teaching frameworks based on years of research and coaching experience.

4. Target Students

This program is designed for students planning to compete in the 2026 NEC National Competition who have completed foundational learning and entered the final preparation phase, seeking focused problem-solving, strategic clarification, intensive review, and mindset optimization.