The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has announced a major overhaul of its examination system, deciding to replace all descriptive written tests with MCQ-based examinations for posts advertised under General Recruitment.
According to the official public notice, the decision was taken during the 175th meeting of FPSC and will apply to all posts from BS-16 to BS-21. The new examination system will come into effect from September 21, 2025, starting with Consolidated Advertisement No. 04/2025.
MCQ-Based Exams for BS-16 and BS-17 Posts
For BS-16 and BS-17 positions:
- Number of papers: 1
- Paper type: MCQ-based
- Total marks: 100
- Passing percentage: Minimum 40%
Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
New Exam Pattern for BS-18 and BS-19 Posts
Doctors, General Management & Professional / Technical Posts
- Number of papers: 2
- Each paper: 100 marks
- Passing percentage: 40% in each paper
- Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer
Teaching Posts
- Number of papers: 2
- Each paper: 100 marks
- Passing percentage: 50% in each paper
- Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer
Also Read:
PPSC Introduces New Policy on Requisitions and Re-Advertisement of Vacancies
BS-20 and BS-21 Examination Structure
For BS-20 and BS-21 posts:
- Number of papers: 2
- Each paper: 100 marks
- Passing percentage: 50% in each paper
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks per incorrect response
Major Shift in FPSC Recruitment Process
This policy marks a significant shift in FPSC’s recruitment methodology, aiming to standardize assessments, improve transparency, and streamline the hiring process. With the removal of descriptive papers, candidates will now be evaluated entirely on objective, MCQ-based testing.
Officials believe the move will reduce subjectivity, speed up result compilation, and ensure uniform assessment standards across all federal recruitment exams.
