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If you are preparing for any FPSC recruitment (BS-16 and above), you probably have dozens of questions about the application process, fee payment, test procedures, and results. This article compiles the most frequently asked questions from FPSC's official General Recruitment FAQ, along with detailed answers to help you navigate the entire process with confidence.
Source: This FAQ is based on the official FPSC General Recruitment FAQ available at fpsc.gov.pk.
What is FPSC?
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 242 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. It has been mandated to conduct tests and examinations for recruitment to:
- The civil services of the Federation
- Civil posts in connection with the affairs of the Federation in BS-16 and above
In discharge of its statutory functions, FPSC conducts competitive examinations, tests, and interviews for recruitment to vacancies that are requisitioned to FPSC by Federal Ministries, Divisions, and Departments.
Key Facts About FPSC
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Established Under | Article 242, Constitution of Pakistan 1973 |
| Mandate | Recruitment for Federal civil services (BS-16+) |
| Headquarters | Aga Khan Road, Sector F-5/1, Islamabad |
| Website | www.fpsc.gov.pk |
| Helpline | 051-111-000-248 |
| fpsc@fpsc.gov.pk |
When Does FPSC Advertise Posts and Where Are They Published?
FPSC publishes consolidated advertisements from time to time on its official website and in leading newspapers across Pakistan. These advertisements include:
- Post title, grade, and number of vacancies
- Eligibility criteria (qualifications, experience, age)
- Closing date for online applications
- Any special conditions or requirements
Candidates should regularly visit the FPSC website to stay updated on new vacancies. Advertisements are also published in major Urdu and English newspapers.
Pro Tip: Bookmark the FPSC website and check it weekly. Some posts have very short application windows, and missing the deadline means missing the opportunity entirely.
How Do I Apply for an FPSC Job?
All applications for general recruitment in BS-16 and above must be submitted online through the FPSC website at www.fpsc.gov.pk. The step-by-step process is:
- Visit the FPSC website and navigate to the latest advertisement
- Register an account or log in to your existing account at online.fpsc.gov.pk
- Fill out the online application form carefully with accurate personal, educational, and experience details
- Upload required documents (photograph, CNIC, educational certificates)
- Generate PSID (Payment Slip Identification) for fee payment
- Pay the fee through any 1-Link enabled method (ATM, mobile banking, internet banking)
- Submit the application before the closing date
Important Rules
- Applications must be submitted on or before the closing date announced for the respective case
- Manual or hardcopy applications are not accepted
- Late applications are not entertained under any circumstances
- If you face technical difficulties, contact FPSC at 051-111-000-248 or email fpsc@fpsc.gov.pk
Can I Apply for Multiple Positions at Once?
Yes, you can apply for more than one post simultaneously, provided:
- You meet the eligibility criteria for each post separately
- You submit a separate application for each post
- You pay the prescribed fee for each application individually
- The test or interview schedules do not conflict
Each application is treated independently. Meeting the criteria for one post does not automatically qualify you for another.
What is the Procedure for Depositing the FPSC Examination Fee?
The examination fee must be deposited online using a unique PSID (Payment Slip Identification) generated from the FPSC website. The current fee structure is:
| Post Level | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| BS-16 and BS-17 | Rs. 600/- |
| BS-18 | Rs. 1,500/- |
| BS-19 | Rs. 2,500/- |
| BS-20 and above | Rs. 3,000/- |
Payment Methods
You can pay through any of the following methods via the 1-Link facility:
- ATM of any 1-Link member bank
- Mobile Banking (Easypaisa, JazzCash, etc.)
- Internet Banking of any participating bank
- Over-the-counter at selected bank branches
Key Points About Fee Payment
- Payment must be made before the closing date
- Keep the payment receipt or transaction confirmation as proof
- The PSID is unique to each application - do not reuse it
Are Examination Fees Utilized by FPSC?
No. The examination fee collected from candidates is not retained or utilized by FPSC for its own purposes. The fee is deposited directly into the Government Treasury as revenue. FPSC operates on its own allocated budget from the federal government, separate from any fees collected from candidates.
Has the Syllabus Changed After the Conversion from Descriptive to MCQ Tests?
For general recruitment posts, FPSC has gradually moved towards MCQ-based (Multiple Choice Questions) testing for most BS-16 and BS-17 positions. The key points regarding syllabus changes are:
- The core syllabus for each post remains aligned with the qualification and job requirements mentioned in the advertisement
- The format has changed from descriptive (essay-based) to objective (MCQ-based) for many posts
- Each advertisement specifies the test type and structure applicable for that particular recruitment
- Candidates should refer to the specific syllabus mentioned in the advertisement or available on the FPSC website
Note: Always check the latest advertisement and syllabus for the specific post you are applying for. Syllabi for general recruitment posts can be downloaded from fpsc.gov.pk/category/gr-syllabi.
When Should I Reach the Examination Centre?
Candidates should arrive at the examination centre well before the scheduled time. The general guidelines are:
- Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the test start time
- Carry your admit card/roll number slip (printed copy)
- Bring a valid CNIC (original, not a photocopy)
- Carry basic stationery (black ballpoint pens, pencils for MCQ bubbling)
- No electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators unless specified) are allowed inside the examination hall
What Happens if You Arrive Late?
- Entry to the examination hall may be denied if you arrive after the gates close
- Gates typically close at the scheduled start time or a few minutes before
- No extra time is given for late arrivals who are admitted
Pro Tip: Visit the examination centre one day before the test to familiarize yourself with the location. On test day, account for traffic and unexpected delays.
What is the Fast Track System?
FPSC has introduced a Fast Track System for expediting recruitment against certain urgent vacancies. Key features include:
- The Fast Track System is used when requisitioning ministries/departments request accelerated processing
- Under this system, the entire recruitment process - from advertisement to final result - is completed in a shorter timeframe
- Candidates should be prepared for compressed schedules, where the gap between application, test, and interview stages may be significantly shorter
- The system ensures that critical government positions are filled without unnecessary delays
- The standard eligibility criteria and merit-based selection process remain unchanged under Fast Track
Candidates should carefully note the timelines mentioned in Fast Track advertisements, as deadlines are strictly enforced.
How Can I Check My Written Test Marks on FPSC's Website?
After conducting a written test, FPSC publishes results on its official website. To check your marks:
- Visit www.fpsc.gov.pk
- Navigate to the Results section
- Look for the specific case/advertisement number
- Enter your Roll Number or CNIC as prompted
- Your marks and pass/fail status will be displayed
Important Notes About Results
- Results are uploaded on the website after finalization by FPSC
- The timeline for result announcement varies by case
- FPSC may also display merit lists and shortlisted candidates for the interview stage
- Results on the FPSC website are considered the primary and authoritative source
How Are Candidates Informed About Scrutiny and Interview Schedule?
After the written test, candidates who qualify are called for document scrutiny and interviews. FPSC communicates this through:
- FPSC website - Interview schedules are posted online with candidate names and dates
- Email notifications - Sent to the email address provided in the application
- SMS alerts - Sent to the mobile number provided in the application
What Happens During Scrutiny?
During document scrutiny, FPSC verifies:
- Original educational documents (degrees, transcripts, equivalence certificates)
- CNIC and domicile certificate
- Experience certificates (if applicable)
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) for government employees
- Age verification documents
- Any other documents specified in the advertisement
Important: Bring original documents along with photocopies. Failure to produce original documents at the time of scrutiny can result in disqualification.
What Should a Candidate Do if Declared Ineligible at the Time of Scrutiny?
If a candidate is declared ineligible during document scrutiny, they have the right to:
- Submit a representation to FPSC within the specified timeframe (usually mentioned in the ineligibility notice)
- The representation should include documentary evidence supporting eligibility
- Clearly explain why you believe the ineligibility decision is incorrect
- FPSC will review the representation and communicate its decision
Tips for Submitting a Representation
- Submit your representation within the deadline - late representations are not considered
- Attach all supporting documents (certified copies of educational certificates, NOC, domicile, etc.)
- Be factual and specific in your arguments
- Reference the relevant rules or advertisement clauses that support your case
- Keep a copy of your representation for your records
How Is a Candidate Informed About the Fate of Their Representation?
After FPSC reviews a representation against an ineligibility decision:
- The decision is communicated through official correspondence (letter/email)
- If the representation is accepted, the candidate is restored to the process and informed about the next steps (interview date, etc.)
- If the representation is rejected, the candidate is informed of the reasons
- The decision is typically reflected on the FPSC website as well
How Are Candidates Informed About Final Results After Interviews?
After the interview stage is completed, FPSC compiles the final merit list based on:
- Written test marks
- Interview performance
- Applicable quotas (provincial, regional, gender)
- Overall merit ranking
The final results are announced through:
- Publication on the FPSC website (primary source)
- Formal recommendations to the requisitioning ministry/department
- Selected candidates receive an offer letter from the relevant department
Note: FPSC's role ends after recommending candidates. The actual appointment is made by the requisitioning ministry or department.
How Can I Communicate My Concerns to FPSC?
FPSC provides multiple channels for candidates to raise concerns, seek clarification, or submit feedback:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Helpline | 051-111-000-248 (within office hours) |
| Phone | +92-051-9205075 |
| fpsc@fpsc.gov.pk | |
| Website | www.fpsc.gov.pk (contact form) |
| In Person | FPSC HQs, Aga Khan Road, Sector F-5/1, Islamabad |
Best Practices for Contacting FPSC
- When calling, have your case number and roll number ready
- For email correspondence, mention the advertisement number, post name, and your CNIC in the subject line
- Be polite and concise in your communication
- Allow reasonable time for a response (typically 7-15 working days for written queries)
- For urgent matters, the helpline is the fastest channel
Quick Reference Summary
| Topic | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Application | Online only at fpsc.gov.pk, before closing date |
| Multiple Applications | Yes, separate applications and fees required |
| Fee Payment | Online via PSID, 1-Link facility |
| Fee Utilization | Deposited in Government Treasury, not used by FPSC |
| Examination Centre | Arrive 30-45 minutes early with admit card and CNIC |
| Fast Track | Accelerated recruitment for urgent vacancies |
| Results | Published on FPSC website |
| Interview Schedule | Website, email, and SMS notifications |
| Ineligibility | Submit representation within deadline with evidence |
| Final Results | FPSC website, offer letter from department |
| Contact | Helpline 051-111-000-248, email fpsc@fpsc.gov.pk |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Schema)
Q: Is there any age limit for FPSC general recruitment? Yes. Age limits vary by post and are specified in each advertisement. General age relaxation rules apply for government servants, minorities, and disabled persons.
Q: Can I edit my application after submission? Yes, but only before the closing date and depending on the specific fields. Some fields may be locked after initial submission.
Q: What if my fee payment fails? Generate a new PSID and try again. Contact FPSC's helpline if the issue persists. Do not attempt payment with an expired PSID.
Q: Do I need to bring a printed admit card? Yes. FPSC requires candidates to bring a printed copy of their admit card or roll number slip. Digital copies on mobile phones are typically not accepted.
Q: What should I wear to the interview? Dress formally and professionally. For men, a formal suit or shalwar kameez with a waistcoat is appropriate. For women, formal and modest attire is recommended.
Q: How long does the entire recruitment process take? The timeline varies by case. Regular recruitment may take 3-6 months from advertisement to final result. Fast Track cases are completed sooner.
Last updated: February 2026. For the most current information, always refer to the official FPSC website.