Opinion/Editorial

Civil Service Exam: Should it really deserve an A+

Teaghan Murphy, Time Travel Reporter

 

The civil service exam was created in the Han dynasty. The exam is a recruitment system in ancient China. Passing this test means receiving a job as a government official. Boys are hired based on educational value rather than family merit. This test is a bad idea because it does not give the poor a fair chance at passing the test and those who do not pass the test are beheaded. Many living in China do not have the educational resources to pass this exam which made it unfair. It is also very cruel that if you do not pass the test, you die. In the Han dynasty, education is highly regarded, "because education was the key to success in the system, education was highly regarded in traditional China" (Chinese Examination System). Because of the amount of education you need, the poor is put at a disadvantage. They are not wealthy enough to afford schooling. This lack of resources limits their chances of passing the examination. The exam does not give chances to everyone which shows how unfair and cruel this system actually was. The Civil service exam is also terrible because of the punishment you receive if you do not pass the test.

The civil service exam is known for the awful punishments given if the test is failed. If the student passes their exam, they are promoted to a government official. However if failed there were far worse punishments.” If the student had failed the exam, he was likely beheaded"(Han Dynasty 2). This is a very unfair outcome because students spend months and years studying for this test in hopes of passing. The future after this test is bright for students that do pass (Chinese Examination System). However, it is extremely cruel should someone fail the test and have to pay with their life. Since the Hans are the first to start this examination system, it carries on through other dynasties. The violent consequence of failing the test looms over many students’ heads. Although some believe the civil service exams are a good idea to give the poor a chance, due to lack of resources it puts the poor at jeopardy of losing their lives if they try and fail.