The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) announced a major overhaul of its recruitment process for government positions in Grades 16 to 21. Starting September 21, the commission will implement a Multiple Choice Question (MCQ)-based format to streamline the hiring process for Pakistan’s civil service, enhancing efficiency and transparency in a competitive job market.
For Grades 16 and 17, candidates will take a single multiple-choice question (MCQ) paper worth 100 marks. A minimum of 40 marks is required to pass, and there will be a deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer, as per the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).
For Grades 18 and 19, candidates must complete two 100-mark MCQ papers, maintaining the same passing threshold of 40 marks and the negative marking system. For specialised roles, such as doctors and teachers, a passing score of 50% is necessary. Grades 20 and 21 will also require candidates to take two MCQ papers, with each paper necessitating at least a 50% score to pass, ensuring a rigorous evaluation for senior positions.
Read: FPSC Announces CSS 2025 Results with 2.77% Pass Rate
The reform comes in response to the FPSC’s CSS 2025 results, which revealed a pass rate of only 2.77% highlighting the urgent need for modernised testing. The new system aims to attract qualified candidates to strengthen public administration. The use of a multiple-choice question (MCQ) format, which is standard in tests worldwide, promotes fairness and reduces subjectivity, in line with Pakistan’s $7 billion IMF-backed economic reforms.
