Seoul: The annual College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), recognized as one of the nation's most significant academic events, is scheduled to take place nationwide this Thursday, with the number of applicants reaching a seven-year high of over 550,000. The education ministry announced that this year's CSAT will be conducted at 1,310 test centers across the country, beginning at 8:40 a.m. and concluding at 5:45 p.m.

According to Yonhap News Agency, a total of 554,174 individuals have registered for this year's CSAT, marking an increase of 31,504 applicants, or 6 percent, from the previous year. This surge represents the highest applicant count in seven years. High school seniors and graduates constitute 67.1 percent and 28.9 percent of the total test takers, respectively, as noted by the ministry.

Officials from the ministry attribute the rise in applicants to the fact that a significant number of students born in 2007, the year of the auspicious Golden Pig, which experienced an unusually high birth rate, are now in their final year of high school.

CSAT candidates are required to visit their designated test sites on Wednesday to collect their test identification slips and receive important information, including test precautions. The CSAT represents the culmination of years of effort for many students. To support them, the government increases public transport availability to ensure students arrive at their test centers on time. Additionally, overhead flights are prohibited during the English listening portion of the exam to minimize noise disturbances.