Registration for the 2026 NEC Season Is Now Open
2026 NEC Economics Competition Preparation Materials Now Available!
🎁 Free CNEC 2026 Preparation Package ⇓
(Includes past questions & answers from Regional, China National, and Global Rounds + a curated list of 24 essential economics books + exclusive materials for the new season)
🔥 Latest Update: Results for the 2026 CNEC Preliminary Round have been released!
This official test center achieved a 98.8% advancement rate.
NEC China National Round – Registration Guide
I. CNEC Economics Literacy Program
China National Round Schedule
CNEC National Round 2026 Agenda
Location: Changsha, China
Online Preparation Phase
December 2025 – February 2026
| Date | Time | Program Content |
|---|---|---|
| Dec–Feb | — | Students prepare for the China National Round through independent study and team collaboration using official materials provided by the Organizing Committee |
| Jan 14 | — | Release of Critical Thinking Case Analysis prompts |
| Jan 14 – Feb 3 | — | Teams conduct independent research and collaborative analysis based on evaluation guidelines, forming final conclusions |
| Feb 4 | — | Submission of Critical Thinking Case Analysis deliverables |
| Feb 7 / 8 | Full Day | Critical Thinking Oral Presentation & Defense Day |
On-site Program
February 27 – March 1, 2026
| Day | Time | Program Content |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Afternoon | Registration |
| Evening | Opening Ceremony | |
| Day 2 | Morning | Economics Qualifying Test* |
| Leader of Tomorrow Forum | ||
| Afternoon | Super Econ! Innovation Challenge | |
| Youth Scholar Oral Defense | ||
| Changsha Civic Hackathon* | ||
| Expo Experience | ||
| Evening | Changsha Night Experience | |
| Day 3 | Morning | Closing Ceremony |
Notes
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All dates and schedules are tentative. Any adjustments will be announced by the CNEC Organizing Committee at least 20 days in advance.
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“Full Day” Critical Thinking sessions indicate that team defenses will be scheduled in multiple rounds throughout the day. Each team will participate only during its assigned time slot (approximately 1 hour total).
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Events marked with * are official academic evaluation components.
II. Registration Information
1. Eligibility
Only teams that have obtained CNEC 2026 advancement eligibility may participate.
This handbook applies exclusively to students participating in the CNEC 2026 China National Round.
2. Classic Mode vs. Smart Mode
Choosing the Critical Thinking Participation Mode
Each student must select a participation mode during registration. Teams should discuss and confirm a unified choice in advance, ensuring consistency across all members.
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David Ricardo Division (DR): Classic Mode or Smart Mode
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Adam Smith Division (AS): Classic Mode only
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Pre Division: Smart Mode only
⚠️ All team members must select the same mode.
If discrepancies occur, the team leader’s selection will prevail.
Overview of Mode Differences
| Category | Classic Mode | Smart Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Advancement Opportunities | Eligible for Global Finals qualification | Eligible for WYF-FELS advancement |
| Critical Thinking Deliverables | Case Analysis PPT + Online Oral Defense + Team Collaboration Report + Academic Paper | Case Analysis PPT + Online Oral Defense + Team Collaboration Report |
(For detailed requirements, please refer to the descriptions of each evaluation component.)
3. Division Structure
Participants compete only within their respective divisions:
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Adam Smith Division – Advanced Level
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David Ricardo Division – Intermediate Level
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Pre Division – Introductory Level
4. Dress Code
Formal attire is strongly recommended throughout the China National Round, including online Critical Thinking sessions.
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Male students: Business suits
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Female students: Business suits or formal dresses