Why did civil service exams only favor the rich in ancient china?

Civil service exams in ancient China primarily favored the rich due to the costs associated with education and preparation. Access to the necessary resources, such as tutors, books, and time to study, was typically available only to wealthier families. Additionally, the exam system was designed to select candidates based on merit, but the socioeconomic barriers meant that those from lower classes had limited opportunities to compete effectively. As a result, the elite maintained their dominance in government positions, perpetuating a cycle of privilege.