Ming Imperial Examination System

Timeline

1. 605–900Chang'an · GuanzhongEmperor Yang of Sui established the jinshi examination; the Tang formed a system of regular and special examinations, selecting candidates by poetry and classics, laying the basic framework for later imperial examinations.
2. 1000–1279Kaifeng · Central PlainsThe Song perfected the three-level examinations, examination-hall lockdown, blind grading with transcription and regional quotas, expanding the scale of selection and making the examination the main path to office, inherited by Yuan and Ming.
3. 1368–1644Beijing · North ChinaThe early Ming restored and strengthened the examination; after Hongwu the eight-legged essay format was gradually established, regulating the four levels from prefectural exam to palace exam and the north-south list controversy, forming the core mechanism of Ming official selection.
4. 1905Beijing · North ChinaIn the 31st year of Guangxu an edict halted the imperial examination, ending the nearly thousand-year system of selecting officials by examination; new-style schools and study abroad became the new channels for training officials.