8 million Chinese youths sat for a test in the style of an 'imperial examination' — all for a job that pays about $7,000 a year

• A record 7.7 million Chinese youths sat for an intense test to try to secure one of 200,000 government jobs.
• With unemployment raging, people are fighting for the one-in-40 chance to work in the civil service.
• Despite low pay, graduates are attracted to these "iron rice bowl" jobs, said China expert Alfred Wu.

More than 7.7 million Chinese youths sat for tests to secure 200,000 government jobs this year — the highest number ever recorded, per CNBC.