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Song imperial examination system

Type Object Region China Time 960–1000

The Song imperial examination system further matured on the Sui-Tang foundation, with the jinshi examination as the most important path, three levels…

Timeline

  1. c. 960–970Kaifeng · ChinaAfter the founding of the Northern Song, the imperial examination was continued and strengthened, with jinshi quotas expanded, weakening the monopoly of regional governors and old nobles over offices, and forming a basic national policy of selecting civil officials by examination.
  2. 973Kaifeng imperial palace · ChinaIn the sixth year of Kaibao, Taizu personally presided over the palace examination, establishing the tradition of the emperor personally examining jinshi; thereafter the palace examination became the highest stage of the imperial examination, with successful candidates directly appointed to office.
  3. c. 990–1000Prefectures and departments of the Northern Song circuits · ChinaUnder Zhenzong, the practice of one examination every three years continued, the number of successful jinshi steadily increased, the class of examination scholars further grew, and a political culture of joint governance with imperial authority took shape.

Sources