A Survey on Large Language Model Benchmarks
Authors: name: Shiwen Ni; name: Guhong Chen; name: Shuaimin Li; name: Xuanang Chen; name: Siyi Li; name: Bingli Wang; name: Qiyao Wang; name: Xingjian Wang; name: Yifan Zhang; name: Liyang Fan; name: Chengming Li; name: Ruifeng Xu; name: Le Sun; name: Min Yang
Published: 2025-08-21 08:43:35

Abstract: In recent years, with the rapid development of the depth and breadth of large
language models' capabilities, various corresponding evaluation benchmarks have
been emerging in increasing numbers. As a quantitative assessment tool for
model performance, benchmarks are not only a core means to measure model
capabilities but also a key element in guiding the direction of model
development and promoting technological innovation. We systematically review
the current status and development of large language model benchmarks for the
first time, categorizing 283 representative benchmarks into three categories:
general capabilities, domain-specific, and target-specific. General capability
benchmarks cover aspects such as core linguistics, knowledge, and reasoning;
domain-specific benchmarks focus on fields like natural sciences, humanities
and social sciences, and engineering technology; target-specific benchmarks pay
attention to risks, reliability, agents, etc. We point out that current
benchmarks have problems such as inflated scores caused by data contamination,
unfair evaluation due to cultural and linguistic biases, and lack of evaluation
on process credibility and dynamic environments, and provide a referable design
paradigm for future benchmark innovation.