A new way of selecting students for higher education being piloted by the nation's top university has been slammed by some critics as still being "biased" in favor of academic achievement, instead of offering a way for students with other outstanding abilities.

The accusation came after Peking University on Monday night supported all 90 nominees put forward under the pilot program from 39 high schools nationwide. Most of the students recommended by their respective headmasters had excellent academic performance as a leading attribute.

Many headmasters said their recommendations had "top grades" and listed awards won by the students, suggesting academic achievement was still the most important factor in selecting students.

"It is a pity that a new system ... still falls prey to the social norm that academic performance is the top criterion for measuring students' ability," said Yu Hai, a professor from Fudan University.

Under the new system, students recommended by headmasters from a few selected schools do not have to score as high on the national university entrance examination to qualify for Peking University.

While the pilot program has been hailed by some as offering a backdoor into the university for exceptional students who might not necessarily do well in the entrance exam, it has also been criticized as being open to abuse.

Some observers have said it will also mean fewer spaces for students from less prestigious high schools not invited to recommend students.