Who invented exams, there are many different theories about when and where the examination system was first instituted, but one of the earliest is attributed to Henry Fischel, a 19th-century businessman, and philanthropist. He proposed exterior and interior tests to test a student’s knowledge of subjects. Fischel was a professor of religious studies at Indiana University and was credited with introducing the idea of tests.
Henry Fischel
Exams were invented by Henry Fischel, an Indiana University professor. The idea of exams spread across countries, and they now follow various formats and styles. Fischel was an ardent supporter of standardized testing and considered himself to be the inventor of the exam. Today, exams are used in various parts of the world to evaluate students’ knowledge, aptitude, and skills. But how did this idea come to be?
Examinations were created in the late 19th century by philanthropist and businessman Henry Fischel. The exams were initially designed as an interior and exterior testing system. Fischel believed that these would measure how well students understood the material and would be able to answer certain questions in an appropriate way. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Jewish Studies Program at Indiana University. Several other people have attributed this idea to Fischel.
While most credit Henry Fischel with the invention of exams, there are many other important contributors to their conception. In ancient China, examinations were used to become part of an elite club, and emperors often required students to pass exams to gain entry. Despite being a century and a half ago, these exams have their roots in ancient China. For example, the first standardized examination was conducted in ancient China, and it was the first globally standardized test in the world.
Ming dynasty
In the 7th century, the Tang dynasty developed an examination system, establishing two types of exams: regular and irregular. Regular examinations were held every year, while irregular examinations took place on special occasions. The aim of the latter was to select talented candidates for important positions. The exams consisted of specialized questions that were meant to evaluate the candidates’ abilities and skills. A successful candidate would receive a gorgeous office. Second-rank graduates were also excelling. People who already had a job in the office were also permitted to participate in exams.
The exams were first held at the provincial level and were held in the middle of a year. The examination sessions were held for those who had completed their education. They included “exams by grace” and regular exams. The examinations were held by the Department of State Affairs. The candidates were registered in their home prefecture and tested before being sent to the Ministry of Rites or Ministry of Personnel. The exam took place in the Spring and was supervised by the provincial education officials.
Sub-continent Civil Service assessment structure
The sub-continent Civil Service examination system and the inventor of exams are both credited with regulating the system. The original exam was introduced in the mid-19th century by Thomas Macaulay and Benjamin Jowett. It encouraged the best students from academies of higher learning to apply. The marks achieved for classical subjects were disproportionately high, favoring the University of Oxford. As a result, many Oxford Greats students entered the Indian Civil Service. The exam subjects were not taught in sub-continent schools.
The original Civil Service recruitment system in Sub-continent followed the British pattern of recruiting officers. Applicants would first undergo a foundation course with the London Police. From there they would be trained in their respective states. In 1930, Das Gupta, a civil service candidate, opened the first guidance institute in Lahore. His success prompted other civil service recruitment institutes in Pakistan and Bangladesh. But in India, the system is more complicated than it seems.
The number of vacancies varies every year. Aspirants can apply for the exams as many as six times, but they should know that there is no guarantee of success. In this highly competitive environment, intelligence and training alone may help them pass the exam to a certain extent, but only hard work and discipline will guarantee success. Besides, the applicants who choose to participate in the exams must be committed to government service. And while they may be intellectually gifted, they may not care much about their career choice.
