South Korea’s national college entrance exam was rated slightly more difficult than last year, with teachers and analysts saying the test included tougher questions aimed at distinguishing top scorers.

Korean language saw higher difficulty in the reading section, while math featured well-targeted items to separate upper-tier students.

English was also challenging, with the share of 90-point-plus scores expected to mirror the low four-point-five percent seen in September’s mock exam.

Exam experts said the test otherwise resembled last year’s format without so-called “killer questions,” but noted that top students likely felt a sharper level of difficulty.

Admissions specialists warn that a larger pool of high-school seniors and reduced medical-school slots could intensify competition, especially in natural-science tracks.