Hubei province will introduce iris recognition technology for art students taking the national college entrance exam this year to prevent cheating, the Hubei Education and Examination Institute said on Tuesday. 

The examination covers four subjects — art and design, music, dance, and drama and film — and candidates are allowed to apply for more than one subject. 

After signing up online between Nov 11 and 16, candidates must confirm the application on site and their iris information is recorded. 

The exam falls on Dec 2 this year, a week earlier than last year, according to the institute. 

Zhang Yi contributed to this story.