Xiongjing – The Examination Yuan had revoked the qualifications of seven trainee civil servants found to have cheated in their 2021 Gongshi Keju Examinations, following a joint investigation by the Censure and the Examination Yuan.

The inquiry began following “irregularities” detected by the Examination Yuan, where the answers of the papers looked similar to one another. The seven initially denied wrongdoing, insisting that they studied together and shared study notes.

The investigation committee, however, rejected the explanation. It was further revealed that they had shared answers with each other through social media, despite an attempt by the applicants to erase the evidence. All of them had admitted to cheating following the evidence presented.

The trainees were all working in the Imperial Internet Safety Commission in a low-working capacity and expected to progress further with the passing of their Gongshi Examination. They have been suspended from their duties last December, pending the outcome of the investigation. The case would be brought to the Bai High Court and disciplined accordingly.

Civil servants in the Bai Empire were required to go through examinations for the progression of their political careers. The examinations, set by the Royal Examinations and Assessments Board, have several tiers, from Tongsheng (entry-level) to Jinshi (advanced-level). Most civil servants study and take the examinations in the Imperial Civil Service College or the corresponding qualified universities nationwide.

Lin Huiling, who chaired the joint committee investigating the matter, said this was one such rare incident, noting that there were already stringent measures in place to prevent cheating. She denied that such a culture of cheating exists, but added that the Royal Examinations and Assessments Board would be on a constant lookout for irregularity in papers.

Chang Yongping, who’s part of the investigation committee, stated that the decision to revoke their qualifications was for the seven to “reflect on the error of their ways”.

It has also been voted by the committee to reveal the names of the seven civil servants, to avoid agencies and parties casting speculation and suspicion on the batch taking the 2021 paper,

The names were: Mr Chu Shengxun, Ms Han Qingqi, Ms Han Jingmei, Mr Kang Ming, Mr Sun Feishan, Mr Yuan Shenggui, and Ms Zhong Qi.

The committee added that the seven had consented to have their names revealed, and they were “deeply remorseful” of their actions. The press have been unable to reach any of the seven for comment.