Imperial Examination System (Northern Song Form)

Timeline

1. 960–990Dongjing, Kaifeng Prefecture · HenanEmperors Taizu and Taizong expanded examination quotas and tilted selection toward civil officials, weakening aristocratic monopolies and establishing 'recruiting officials through the imperial examination' as a governing path.
2. 998Dongjing, Kaifeng Prefecture · HenanFrom Zhenzong onward the palace examination became standard; the emperor personally questioned jinshi candidates, and successful candidates were directly appointed to office, bringing the examination's prestige to its peak.
3. c. 1030–1080Dongjing, Kaifeng Prefecture · HenanSealing, name-blanking, and transcription anti-fraud measures were perfected, with rigorous examination procedures ensuring a relatively fair competitive environment.
4. 1081–1090Dongjing, Kaifeng Prefecture · HenanDuring the Yuanyou era examinations were held on schedule, jinshi recruitment was stable, and new jinshi entered the central and local bureaucratic systems, bringing the institution to its Northern Song maturity.