From low to high, they are: Tong Sheng, Xiucai (student member), Juren (the first is called Jieyuan), Gongshi (the first is called member), Jinshi (the top three are called number one and second respectively) , Tanhua).
The imperial examination system
The imperial examination refers to a method of selecting officials through examinations in the past dynasties. Because the method of selecting scholars by subject was adopted, it was called the imperial examination. From the Sui Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the imperial examination system was implemented for more than 1,300 years. By the Ming Dynasty, the imperial examination had formed a complete system, which was divided into four levels: the imperial examination (i.e. the Tongsheng examination), the provincial examination, the general examination and the palace examination. The examination content was basically Confucian classics and sentences, with the "Four Books" as the questions. The format of the article is stipulated as eight-legged essay, and the explanation must be based on Zhu Xi's "Collected Commentary on the Four Books".
Extended information
Tongsheng Examination
Tongsheng Examination is also called "Tongsheng Examination"; it was presided over by the Tixueguan in the Ming Dynasty and by the provincial academic administration in the Qing Dynasty. The imperial examination consists of three stages: county examination, prefecture examination and college examination. Only after passing the college examination and obtaining the qualification of student member (scholar) can you enter the prefecture, state and county schools to study, so it is also called the entrance examination. Candidates regardless of age are called Tongsheng.
Rural Examination
In the Ming and Qing dynasties, an examination was held every three years in provincial capitals (including the capital). Because it was held in autumn and August, it was also called Qiuwei (闱, examination room). The examiner is appointed by the emperor. After the examination, the main and deputy lists are released. The person selected for the main list is called Juren, the first place is called Jie (jiè) Yuan, and the second to tenth place are called "Ya Yuan".
The General Examination
An examination held every three years in the capital during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Because it was held in the spring, it was also called Chunwei. The examination was presided over by the Ministry of Rites, and the emperor appointed presidents and vice-presidents. All provincial candidates and Imperial College students could take the examination. Three hundred people were admitted as tribute scholars, and the first one was named Huiyuan.
The Palace Examination
The Palace Examination is an examination conducted by the emperor, which tests policy questions. Those who participate in the palace examination are Gongshi, and those who win are collectively called Jinshi. The palace examination is divided into top three admissions. The first A is awarded the title of Jinshi, the second A is the Jinshi background, and the third A is the same Jinshi background. Three people are admitted to the first class, the first is commonly known as the number one scholar, the second is commonly known as the second, and the third is commonly known as the third flower, collectively known as Sanding A. The second and first place is commonly known as Chuanlu.
The No. 1 scholar will be assigned to the Hanlin Academy for editing, and the second and third best will be assigned to the Hanlin Academy for editing. The rest of the Jinshi took part in the imperial examinations to discuss imperial edicts, poems and poems, and those who were good at literature and calligraphy were selected as Shujishi. The rest were awarded the title of chief (staff of various ministries), county magistrate, etc. (In fact, to obtain the titles of chief, magistrate, etc., one must also Must go through candidate and alternate process, and some may not be allowed to hold office for life).
After studying for three years, the Shu Jishi held a "dismissal" examination in the special teaching hall (also known as the Shuchang Hall) within the Hanlin Academy. Those with excellent results were awarded the Hanlin Academy editor and the Hanlin Academy review respectively. (Originally, the second highest rank was assigned to the Hanlin Academy for editing, and the third highest rank was assigned to the Imperial Academy for review.) The rest were distributed to various ministries as directors, or to various provinces as magistrates.
Baidu Encyclopedia—Imperial Examination System