2. Based on the Confucian classics
3. Used to recruit both scholar-officials and civil servants
4. Written examinations based on the Confucian Classics
5. Oral examinations on the candidate’s knowledge of the classics, history dynastic regulations and the current situation of the empire.
6. The successful candidates were ranked in order of merit.
7. Based on the examination they were assigned government post of different status and salary.
8. Imperial Academy established to give training for civil service exam
9. After the completion of exams and training candidates were appointed as trainee officials at different levels of government.
10. On their appointment they were to serve for three to five years before going for a performance evaluation which if successful made their appointments as regular civil servants.
11. Those who failed the evaluation had to go through another performance evaluation
12. If successful on subsequent evaluation was made civil servants.
13. Those failed were dismissed.