The Answer to the Question: Who is the Inventor of Exams? – Tutorial

This article was last updated on 27th June 2023 to reflect the accuracy and up-to-date information on the page.

Ah, exam day—that horrible day. The day when most of us simultaneously felt like puking up our breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If things do not go as planned, disappointment can hit like a tonne of bricks. 

Exam anxiety is common, mainly if you are under pressure from your family or school. You are not alone if you experience any of these emotions or worry that your life is being consumed by exam stress. So remember- 

“What success looks like is a lot of ups and downs, as opposed to the straight line we all imagine. Without failure, we cannot grow; without failure, there is no success.”

Let us find out who invented the exams. 

The concept of exams was invented in the late 19th century by an American businessman named Henry Fischel.

The History of Exams

Your inquisitive mind must now seek brief tidbits on the “history of exams” and how they changed. When did things get so difficult to understand? Well, we also have an answer for that.

 According to historical evidence, the idea of exams originated in Ancient China. In fact, China was the first nation to accept the idea of tests and held the first exam ever. 

The Imperial Examination was the name of China’s first test.

To choose applicants for specific government jobs, the Sui Dynasty established the Imperial Examination System, often called the “Imperial Review,” in 605 AD. 

The Chinese Imperial Examination system, which began in the Han Dynasty, was a highly competitive examination system that tested candidates’ knowledge of Confucian texts and their ability to write poetry and prose. 

The system was used to select candidates for government positions and was in place for over 1,300 years.

Following Sui, England implemented the testing method in 1806. The test was designed to evaluate candidates for Her Majesty’s Civil Service positions.   

In the late 19th century, a standard university test for Oxford and Cambridge, was introduced. Male students seeking admission to schools were the original target audience for the Cambridge Assessment. 

The first Cambridge Assessment was took place on December 14, 1958 and test covered subjects such as English, mathematics, Latin, history, French, German, and geography.

In Greece, reportedly, the philosopher Socrates used a form of an oral examination to test his students’ knowledge and understanding of philosophy.

During the Middle Ages, universities emerged in Europe, and examinations became more widespread. However, these exams were often oral and not standardized.

Who Invented Exams in India

The traditional Gurukul system, where pupils lived with their teachers and received oral instruction, was the cornerstone of the old Indian educational system. Later, as the system developed, tests were added to gauge pupils’ knowledge.

Modern exam system was first launched in India in 1853. Previously, the East India Company directors appointed government servants based on nominations. The English Parliament ended the nomination process in 1853 and after that candidates for government jobs were selected through competitive exams held annually in London. 

Exams grew more widely and were used for various objectives throughout the 20th century, such as college admissions, professional licensing, and employment screening.

Exams are crucial to today’s educational system since they measure students’ knowledge, skills, and talents. They are also used for certification, licensing, job screening‌, etc. 

Exams, which has a long and fascinating history, are still changing as technology and educational methods advance.

Conclusion

Exams have ‌changed because of different cultural and educational practices worldwide. They were developed to assess knowledge and abilities in many societies and educational systems rather than being invented by a single person.

Folks, hope this little history lesson on exams has enhanced your knowledge and that you may share it with your friends and classmates. Who knows, maybe the facts may pique their attention and make them appreciate the importance of tests.

Here is some food for thought:

How would you rate the performance of pupils if you had the authority to alter the educational system? 

Do you know that in earlier days of the oral test, pupils had to respond to questions while holding an egg aloft? 

In all seriousness, looking into fresh and inventive approaches to gauge pupils’ knowledge and skills is always a good idea. Who knows, we will devise a method that works well for everyone.

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