The greater number of the Students in the University take only an Ordinary Degree, and it had long been objected that the Cambridge course for this degree consumed more time than could be spared by young men who were designed for professions, and who would have to spend some further time on education elsewhere to prepare them for their special duties.

The plan of the Examinations to be passed by the candidate for this degree has therefore been changed, in accordance with a scheme issued by the Council in May 1865, and subsequently approved by the Senate. These Examinations are now three .(i) The Previous Examination, (ii) The General Examination, (iii) The Special Examination.

Supposing the Student to enter in the Michaelmas Term (the usual time) of 1874, and go on. uninterruptedly to his degree, he will pass the Previous Examination, during the civil year 1875, having the option of passing the whole Examination in the Easter or Michaelmas Term in that year, or of passing one half in the Easter, and the other in the Michaelmas Term; his General Examination will be in the Easter Term 1876; and his Special Examination in the Easter Term 1877.

He must at least be in his second term of residence when he goes in for the first, in his fifth term when he goes in for the second, and in his ninth term when he goes in for the third of these Examinations.