What were the achievements of Song Dynasty?
Imperial Examination During the Song, Imperial Examination became the primary means of recruiting officials, and the practice of appointing officials who had not taken the examinations ended. The shift to recruitment by open examinations did not mean that officials came from all social levels. Only wealthy or middle class families could afford the extensive preparation required by the examinations. Generally speaking, however, to select officials through examinations instead of their birth was a great progress. The officials’ qualities were raised and social contradiction was eased. It opened a door for those people who were really competent and hard working, and marked the progress of social justice and fairness.
