【Description】

 

The Qing Dynasty imperial examination was divided into local and central stages. Candidates first had to pass local exams, including the ''Child'' Exam (Tongshi), First Shengyuan Assessment Exam (Suishi), and Pre-selection Exam (Keshi), to qualify for central exams. The central exams, supervised by officials appointed by the court, included the Provincial Exam (Xiangshi) and the Metropolitan Exam (Huishi). Those who passed the Xiangshi were called Juren and were eligible to take the Huishi. Successful candidates of the Huishi, called Gongshi, could then participate in the Palace Exam (Dianshi) set by the Emperor. The top achievers were designated Jinshi and ranked in three classes, receiving official positions based on their results. 

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The Xiangshi was held every three years, during which scholars from various regions traveled to provincial capitals to participate in three sessions, totaling nine days of exams. The first session covered three questions on the Four Books, the second session five questions on the Five Classics, and the third session five policy questions. The eight-legged essay format was required for all answers.