The tradition of imperial examinations in Vietnam

Since ancient times, our ancestors have always valued the imperial examination system. It was not only a foundation for the feudal state to select talented individuals but also a noble path for personal advancement and for the honor of one’s family lineage. Despite thousands of years of historical ups and downs, the tradition of valuing education, respecting scholars, and honoring talents has always been upheld. It is a distinctive cultural value passed down to us by our forefathers.

Cover of the book A Brief Survey of Vietnamese Imperial Examinations from the Beginning to the Examination in the Year of the Earth Horse (1918), recently introduced to readers. Photo: Lam Vien

Reading A Brief Survey of Vietnamese Imperial Examinations from the Beginning to the Examination in the Year of the Earth Horse  (1918)  by Tran Van Giap, with annotations by Dr. Nguyen Phuc An and published by the Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House, readers are provided with deeper insights into Vietnam’s imperial examination tradition and, through that, a broader understanding of national cultural heritage.

The book consists of 15 short pieces excerpted from Khai Tri Tien Duc's journal in 1941, offering a comprehensive view of feudal-period examinations in Vietnam and the methods used to select talented individuals to serve the nation in the past.

A rare document

The book is not the first work to address examinations in Vietnam. We can learn about Vietnam’s examination system through "Research on Our Examinations" by Duong Ba Trac (pen name Tuyet Huy), published in Nam Phong magazine in 1919, and "Kien Van Tieu Luc" by Le Quy Don. However, A Study of Vietnamese Examinations from the Beginning to the Examination in the Year of the Earth Horse (1918) supplements materials and clarifies technical terms, thereby offering readers a better understanding of imperial examinations in Vietnam.

Notably, this is a rare and hard-to-find document. After its initial publication in 1941, the book has not been reprinted for more than eight decades. With the annotations provided by researcher Nguyen Phuc An, readers now have more convenient access to this valuable source.

Furthermore, the research and annotations are critical given the considerable differences between the Vietnamese language of the early 20th century and that of today (in 2025). The book contains archaic vocabulary, dialectal expressions, and specialised terms that, without modern annotations, it would be difficult for contemporary readers to access and reference.

“Through reading the annotated edition and studying Vietnam’s imperial examinations, readers can gain an overview of the history of imperial examinations in Vietnam. At the same time, we also compare how examinations were organised in the past with the present, to draw lessons in cultivating talented individuals to serve the nation.”

 Dr. NGUYEN PHUC AN

A thousand-year tradition of imperial examinations

The book provides readers with valuable knowledge. For example, it notes that the first national literature examination in Vietnam was held in the year of the Cat (1075) during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong. This marked the beginning of literature examinations in Vietnam, paving the way for later dynasties to establish a strong examination system lasting nearly a millennium, until its conclusion in 1918.

According to Tran Van Giap, Le Quy Don believed that before the Le dynasty, Vietnam had no martial examinations. However, historical records reveal that in the 8th year of Chinh Long - the era name of King Ly Anh Tong (1170), the King often practised archery at the southern shooting ground of the capital. On these occasions, military mandarins were required to participate in the drills and tactical exercises. By the reign of King Tran Thai Tong, individuals with physical strength and martial skills were selected for the royal guards, from which it can be considered that Vietnam’s martial examinations originated.

By reading the book, readers not only have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the examination system, the various contests, the officialdom, and the candidates, but can also learn about the stories of laureates such as Luong The Vinh, Dang Cong Chat, Giap Trung, and Nguyen Cong Bat, as well as contemporary attitudes and social perceptions of imperial examinations. Because scholars and imperial examinations were held in the highest esteem, the book contains many fascinating details. Although written almost a hundred years ago, modern readers will still find points of familiarity, and at times even striking parallels with contemporary society: “From the young to the elderly, from city dwellers to villagers, everywhere and everyone shared a fervent aspiration for academic distinction…”.

The Vietnamese people have long cherished the value of learning. In periods of national prosperity, both the state and society honoured those with knowledge and skills, while also cultivating virtue so that all could join hands in building the country. Today, in an era of growth, prosperity, and deep international integration, Vietnam requires a high-quality workforce that can meet the demands of the new age. The concept of the imperial examinations, therefore, should be understood broadly, as a means of preserving our ancestors’ spirit of self-study, diligence, and creativity, alongside the continuous cultivation of virtue and talent so that more and more capable individuals may contribute to the rapid and sustainable development of the nation.

By Lam Vien – Translated by Quynh Nhu, Thu Ha