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Cambridge University Library

 

Instituted in 1852, Special Examinations were papers on particular subjects which, taken in conjunction with the General Examination qualified a candidate for an ordinary BA. Special Examinations were available in some subjects, e.g. engineering, before there was a corresponding tripos, so some men of considerable ability and with very great aptitude for these subjects sometimes chose to take an ordinary degree rather than spend time and effort in acquiring an honours degree in a subject that did not interest them. See also Preliminary Examination.