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One of the most frustrating experiences for FPSC candidates is having their candidature rejected after passing the written test or even after the interview. Understanding the common rejection reasons and knowing your appeal rights can help you avoid mistakes and protect your candidature.
Why Does FPSC Reject Candidatures?
Scrutiny of documents is done in the light of the recruitment rules of the respective post and other conditions prescribed in the advertisement. FPSC may reject candidature on any ground not found in order under the Civil Servants Act 1973 and rules made thereunder.
What Are the Major Reasons for Rejection?
Here is the complete list of rejection grounds as specified in the FPSC General Instructions:
1. Missing Documents
- Non-submission of attested copies of certificates on the date of physical verification
- This includes proof of prescribed qualification, experience, domicile, and other required documents
2. Document Discrepancies
- Variance between original documents and their photocopies
3. Age Issues
- Underage - below the minimum age limit
- Overage - above the maximum age limit (even after applicable relaxation)
- No proof of age (missing Matriculation certificate or equivalent)
4. Experience Problems
- Lack of duration in the requisite post-qualification experience
- Lack of relevance in the required experience
- No proof of experience
- Do not possess required or advertised experience
- Relevant or countable experience is short of the required duration
5. Government Employee Issues
- Non-submission of original Departmental Permission Certificate (DPC) or NOC as claimed in the online application
6. Domicile Issues
- Do not possess the required or advertised domicile
- No self-domicile certificate produced
7. Educational Qualification Issues
- No proof of educational qualification
- Lack of required qualification on the closing date (result was not declared or announced by the closing date)
- Educational qualification is not relevant to the post
8. Post-Qualification Experience Issues
- Lack of post-qualification experience as per advertisement
What is the Representation Process?
If you are aggrieved by any decision of FPSC, you have the right to file a representation. Here is the process:
Step 1: File a Representation
- Deadline: Within 30 days of the communication of the decision
- Where: Submit to the Commission
- Decision timeline: The Commission will decide within 15 days after giving you a reasonable opportunity of hearing
Step 2: File a Review Petition (if still aggrieved)
- Deadline: Within 15 days of the communication of the representation decision
- Where: Submit to the Commission
- Decision timeline: The Commission will decide within 30 days under intimation to the petitioner
- The Commission's decision on the review petition is final
Step 3: Appeal to the High Court (if still aggrieved)
- Deadline: Within 30 days of the Commission's decision on the review petition
- Where: File an appeal with the High Court
What is the Fee for Filing Representations and Review Petitions?
A prescribed fee of Rs. 500/- is required for each representation or review petition. Payment can be made through:
- Challan Form at the nearest Government Treasury
- A branch of the National Bank of Pakistan
- A state treasury authorized to transact business on behalf of the Government
The payment must be deposited under the account head: "C02101-Organs of State Exam Fee (FPSC Receipt)"
What Should the Treasury Receipt Include?
- Candidate's name
- CNIC number
- Case number
- Name of the post
- Name of the treasury where the fee was deposited
Can Courts Intervene in FPSC Decisions?
The law provides limited judicial protection for FPSC decisions:
- No order or proceeding under the FPSC Ordinance or its rules can be called in question in any court
- No injunction can be granted by any court against FPSC decisions made under the Ordinance
The only exception is the appeal to the High Court after exhausting the representation and review petition process as described above.
How Should You Correspond with FPSC?
All communication with FPSC must follow these rules:
General Rules:
- All correspondence must be addressed to the Secretary, FPSC (by designation, not by name)
- Communications must bear the candidate's own signature
- Postal address including postal code must be written in capital letters
What to Include in Your Communication:
- Name of the post applied for
- Advertisement number
- Case number
- Full name and Roll Number (if issued)
- New postal address and telephone number
Important Notes:
- Applications or documents received at FPSC will not be returned in any case
- Documents will not be reserved for any other case or recruitment
- FPSC does not accept responsibility for postal delays or undelivered letters
- If you change your address, report it to FPSC immediately and arrange for mail redirection
Can FPSC Postpone Tests or Interviews?
Yes. The Commission may postpone any test or interview at any time due to administrative considerations. Important points:
- FPSC schedules are not interrupted by public holidays at short notice
- Schedule changes are announced on the official website
- Candidates must frequently check the website before departing for the test or interview
Timeline Summary for Appeals
| Stage | Deadline to File | Decision Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Representation | 30 days from decision communication | 15 days (with hearing opportunity) |
| Review Petition | 15 days from representation decision | 30 days (decision is final) |
| High Court Appeal | 30 days from review petition decision | As per court procedures |
How to Avoid Rejection
Based on the official rejection grounds, here are practical steps to protect your candidature:
- Prepare all documents in advance - do not wait until the verification day
- Get your self-domicile certificate issued well before you need it
- Verify your experience certificates include exact dates, duration, and detailed job descriptions
- Ensure your educational qualifications were officially awarded before the closing date
- Government employees must obtain DPC/NOC before applying and mention it in the application
- Cross-check all original documents against your photocopies for any discrepancies
- Attest all photocopies with the officer's signature and name stamp
- Bring two sets of attested photocopies on verification day (not one)
Quick Summary
- FPSC can reject candidature for 14 different reasons ranging from missing documents to insufficient experience
- You can file a representation within 30 days of the decision
- If unsatisfied, file a review petition within 15 days (fee: Rs. 500)
- Final recourse is an appeal to the High Court within 30 days of the review decision
- All correspondence must be addressed to the Secretary, FPSC
- Documents submitted to FPSC are never returned
- Check the FPSC website frequently for schedule changes
For a complete overview of the FPSC application process, start with our guide on FPSC Online Application and Fee Payment.