abstract
Examination, also known as performance appraisal, evaluation and examination, is an assessment of the political achievements and achievements of serving officials. Since the Warring States Period, this kind of examination system has begun to take shape. By the Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, it has gradually formed a relatively complete, regular, content-oriented examination system with rewards and punishments, clear steps and clear division of labor.
During the exam
During the Qin and Han dynasties, the exam was held once a year and the class was held once every three years. Examinations begin every autumn, and by the end of the year, governments at all levels will concentrate the examination books in the central government. On the first day of the first month of the second year, a group of ministers held a ceremony to take the exam, and then took the exam separately according to the division of labor. This system was basically followed in the Wei and Jin Dynasties, but it was often not implemented normally due to frequent wars, so the emperor sent letters to the examination department from time to time. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty and the Southern Dynasties, the examination was combined with the term of office, with a minimum of three years and a maximum of six years. After the reform of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, the system of three-year performance appraisal and three-year examination was implemented, which was combined with the appointment of officials. The appointment order is tentatively set by year, and qualifications become one of the important basis for assessment.