Out of some four hundred candidates fifteen may be selected, who receive the lowest degree.

There is another triennial examination for the second degree, at which a small number of the bachelors are promoted.

The examination for the highest degree, that of doctor, is held at Pekin only, when some three hundred are taken out of five thousand.

These are capable of receiving the highest offices.

Whenever a vacancy occurs, one of those who have received a degree is taken by lot from the few senior names.