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Imperial Examination System (Northern Song)

Type Object Region China Time 960–1127

The Northern Song imperial examination greatly expanded on the Sui–Tang framework, centering on the jinshi category with three tiers of examinations …

Timeline

  1. 973Bianjing · KaifengEmperor Taizong personally presided over the palace examination in 973; thereafter it became standard practice, with the emperor personally determining the ranking of jinshi, elevating the examination's central role in state official selection.
  2. 1051Bianjing · KaifengDuring Emperor Renzong's reign the number of jinshi admitted per examination increased over earlier periods, intensifying examination competition, with scholars entering office through classical exegesis and policy essays; this node falls within the 1051–1060 window.

Sources