Great Wei had nineteen Erudites at its Imperial Academy.
That meant nineteen teachers, while the students numbered over a thousand.
In fact, the Imperial Academy during the two Han dynasties had been quite strict, with fairly high requirements for its students and regulations governing their accommodation, meals, studies, practical work, and even oral defenses.
Yes, students at the Later Han Imperial Academy had to take part in an oral defense to graduate. It consisted of fifty questions, and they were graded according to their explanations.
There were also many standards for admission. Not just anyone could attend the Imperial Academy; there were numerous restrictions, and those admitted were essentially all sons of prominent families.
After Emperor Wen established the policy, the Cao Wei Imperial Academy adopted the Five Classics Policy Examination Method. Its graduation examinations tested the Five Classics, and those who passed could hold palace offices such as records clerk, Crown Prince's Palace Attendant, and Gentleman of the Palace.
These posts served as a reserve of officials. Whenever an official vacancy arose locally, outstanding men would be selected from among them to fill it.
Of course, the Imperial Academy's graduation examinations were not something students could only take after completing eight years of study. Its examinations were somewhat like testing one's way from primary school through university.
Emperor Wen stipulated that after two years of study, anyone who passed examinations on two classics could become a records clerk. Of course, failing was no problem either: they could take the examinations again the following year and still receive the post if they passed.
Those who had already become records clerks could take another examination after completing two years of study. Passing three classics qualified them for promotion to Crown Prince's Palace Attendant.
A Crown Prince's Palace Attendant could study for