Abstract:

The imperial examination system had been attacked from Ming and Qing Dynasty because of its becoming rigid, and it was abolished in late Qing Dynasty. But its abolishing worsened the rule of Qing Dynasty; many people including LIANG Qi-chao who had ever stood for abolishing the imperial examination system suggested that it should be resumed. Why did this situation emerge? This paper indicates that the imperial examination system was not only an examination system, but also a ruling social regime that was very important to ancient China's communication. It had a certain degree of rationality, so abolishing it suddenly might lead to serious consequence. The imperial examination system is abolished now, but examination system is still used by every country in the world.

Key words: imperial examination system, abolish, rationality