《礼记·王制》
大司乐考察评定优秀的国学毕业生，汇报给天子，并荐举给司马，被荐举的学生就叫进士。
大乐正论造士之秀者以告于王，而升诸司马，曰进士。
The Grand Sima inspected and evaluated outstanding graduates of the Guoxue, reported to the emperor, and recommended them to the Sima. The recommended students were called Jinshi.