National curriculum standards are specified by the Ministry of Education, and all textbooks must be approved by the central government. Generally, students throughout the country at the same grade level study the same material at the same time and pace. During the compulsory school years, no distinctions are made between students on the basis of ability or achievement. There are no separate tracks, ability groupings, remedial programs, or student electives. Promotion to the next grade level is virtually automatic as long as the student attends classes.
Examinations are the foundation of the Japanese education system.
Both high school and university admissions are determined by highly competitive examinations open to all applicants nationwide. University entrance examinations are famously rigorous, and performance on them has a high impact on one's future social and economic status. Student participation rates are high and dropout rates low at all levels of education. Education in Japan, though, has not been free from controversy. The Japanese educational system has been criticized for its rigidity and failure to encourage creative thought.