Abstract:

The three - subject imperial jinshi (presented scholar) examination system took shape as early as in the Tang Dynasty. In early years of the Tang only one subject, that is, Duiche, was tested in the imperial examination. However, in late years of Emperor Gao Zong of the Tang the three - subject system (Tiejing, Zhawen, and Duiche) was formed. Under the middle Tang the priority of the examination was given to Zhawen, in which the pattern of poem test was emphasized. During the late period of the Tang the major content for the exam tended to be the classics and historical records. Till the Five Dynasties the test form of Tiejing tended to give way to that of Jingyi. This tendency gestated a reform of the imperial jinshi examination in the following Song Dynasty.

Key words: Tang Dynasty, jinshi (presented scholar), the content and form of the imperial examination