Journal of Higher Education Research

This study analyzes the evolution of China's master's recommendation exemption policy since 1949, highlighting its transition from singular selection criteria to a diversified evaluation system. The policy's development is analyzed through the theoretical lens of historical institutionalism, examining influences from macro-level national strategies, meso-level institutional path dependencies, and micro-level actor networks. The research aims to reveal the underlying logic of these policy changes by dividing the evolution into four distinct historical stages: the embryonic stage, the development stage, the maturation stage, and the strengthening stage. The findings indicate that the policy's trajectory is shaped by the interplay of the macro socio-political environment, self-reinforcing mechanisms of path dependence, and the dynamic interactions among key stakeholders, including the government, universities, and students. The study concludes that China's graduate recommendation exemption policy has evolved through a process of gradual, path-dependent institutional change, continuously adapting to serve national strategic goals for talent cultivation.