Examinations

In Tibet, at the end of each year of study, there were only two examinations (rgyugs-sprod). These were a memorization exam (blo-rgyugs) and a debate exam (rtsod-rgyugs). Monks needed to pass both exams in order to proceed to the next class. Since the reforms of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama in India, they must also pass each year a written exam (bri-rgyugs), a poetry composition exam (rtsom-bri), and a Tibetan culture and religious history exam (rgyal-rabs chos-byung).

During the first year of prajnaparamita and during the final year of vinaya, monks need to make an assembly presentation (tshogs-langs), during which they debate one day before the general Ganden assembly (dGa’-ldan bla-spyi) of both Jangtse and Shartse monks and one day before only the assembled Jangtse monks. Before the general Ganden assembly, they must debate a Shartse monk who follows the Panchen textbooks. For tulkus (reincarnate lamas), the years in which they make their assembly presentations may vary.

Ordinary monks are not required to make food and money offerings (gtong-sgo) to each monk at their assembly presentations. Tulkus regularly make such offerings then. Some time during the eleven years of their main study, however, all monks must make one food and money offering to the mixed assembly of all Jangtse monks (gling-bsre gtong-sgo).

Those who have not done so well in their studies or who are not interested in completing their studies may end their education by passing only a memorization exam. Although they may do this even before they begin their main education, most wait until they have finished the madhyamaka classes. They receive the Kyerimpa (bsKyed-rim-pa) degree.

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