Shadyantra Pariksha (Sanskrit: षड्यंत्र परीक्षा)[note 1][1] was a higher examination system in ancient Mithila for testing knowledge of the scholars in the region.
Therefore, the literal meaning of Shadyantra Pariksha is a secret planning to defeat a candidate in test, examination or Shastrartha.
The candidates who were able to qualify the examination were awarded different types of Upadhis like Upadhyaya, Mahopadhya and Mahamahopadhya according to the level of knowledge of the scholars.
In this process a new system of Shastrartha developed in Mithila, called as Shadyantra Pariksha.
Gokul Nath Upadhyaya was one of the notable scholars of Nyaya Shastra in Mithila who passed this examination,[6] and was the last pandit who had offered to appear for it.