The Royal Exam

History

Introduced in 153 AG by Tiago II "Aravil o Ja Miran" of Aldarr, the royal exam was the first institution of it's kind in Garfarrian history. Tiago II had just set about sweeping administrative reforms in Aldarr, freeing up many positions previously occupied by the nobility. Contemplating with Kladon of Orai, his chief advisor, Tiago II decided to let commoners join his administration if they possesed sufficient education and skills. Though this had Aldarr's nobility in arms at first, their outrage would subside once the exam payed dividends by increasing Aldarr's prosperity and the wealth of the nobility.  

The Exam

Tiago II knew that his reform was unpopular among the nobility, he had to make sure none of his new administrators presented a target for Aldarr's magnates. To recruit only the most exceptional and able the royal exam contains questions in the fields natural science, mathematics, finance and history. The new adminstrators had to be knowledgeable in Aldarr's politics and laws to not be outmaneuvered or instrimentalised by Aldarr's spitefull nobles. While the nobles remaining in the administration after Tiago II reforms at first didn't have to take the exam eventually all working in administration had to. To this day every administrator has to take the exam every year to confirm they are up to date and still able to fill their position, as a side effect this has made successfully cheating quite difficult.

Results

The royal exam was a sweeping success, curtailing nepotism and corruption and installing Aldarr's greatest talent in positions of power. Confidence in the administration among commoners surged and a Aldarr experienced the uniterdicted rule of law for the first time. The reforms and generous subsidies being payed to traders and new businesses led to an economic boom in Aldarr and cemented the exam as a legitimate political institution.

A new political class

Those that pass the exam get randomly divided onto the many branches of Aldarr's government. In case of more applicants than open position, there will also be a lotery for all open positions. Those that pass the exam and get hired will be lead into Aldarr's royal palace the day after and swear an oath of alliegance to the king and the people of Aldarr, whereafter the king will personally invest them with sword and quill, their office insignia.