Table of Contents10 sections
After passing the written test, the next steps in the FPSC recruitment process are shortlisting, document verification, and the interview. Understanding the shortlisting ratio, interview qualifying marks, and how the final merit list is prepared can help you plan your preparation strategy.
How Does FPSC Shortlist Candidates?
Shortlisting is done only from candidates who have qualified the written test for the respective post. Here is the shortlisting ratio:
BS-16 and BS-17 Posts
| Condition | Candidates Called Per Post |
|---|---|
| Overall advertised posts per case are 2 or fewer | 5 candidates per post (all provincial/regional and merit quota) |
| Overall advertised posts per case are more than 2 | 3 candidates per post (provincial/regional quota) |
| Merit quota posts | 5 candidates per post (regardless of total posts) |
BS-18 and Above Posts
| Condition | Candidates Called Per Post |
|---|---|
| All provincial/regional quota posts | 5 candidates per post |
| All merit quota posts | 5 candidates per post |
What Happens During Physical Verification of Documents?
Shortlisted candidates are called for physical verification of documents one day before the interview. On this date, you must bring:
Original Documents + 2 Sets of Attested Photocopies:
- Educational Certificates - Matric, Intermediate, Bachelor's, Master's, M.Phil., Ph.D. degrees with Result Cards and DMCs
- Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC)
- Two photographs
- Experience Certificates (where required) - must follow the prescribed format and include:
- Exact dates and duration of employment
- Proof of regular full-time paid job
- Detailed job description
- Issued by an authorized officer higher in status than the post applied for (for government jobs) or by CEO/Director HR/Manager HR (for private sector)
- Self-Domicile Certificate
- Departmental Permission Certificate (for government servants)
- Publications/Research Papers (where applicable)
- Any additional documents required by the Commission
How Should Photocopies Be Attested?
All photocopies must include:
- Signature of the attestation officer
- Stamp showing the name of the attestation officer
Where Are FPSC Interviews Held?
FPSC interviews are primarily held at Islamabad. However, interviews may also be held at:
- Lahore
- Karachi
- Peshawar
- Quetta
- Multan
- Gilgit
The Commission can increase or decrease the number of interview centres based on the number of candidates and administrative considerations.
Note: FPSC does not pay any traveling or daily allowance or other expenditure incurred by candidates, unless otherwise specified in the call letter.
What is Asked During the FPSC Interview?
All candidates are expected to have knowledge in the following areas:
- Basic qualification - Questions related to your educational background
- Islam - General knowledge about Islamic principles (non-Muslim candidates are not asked questions about Islam)
- Pakistan - History, geography, current affairs
- General Knowledge - Current events, general awareness
- Experience and qualification - Specific to the post applied for
- Job description and duties - An overview is available on the FPSC website; candidates should familiarize themselves with it
What Are the Interview Qualifying Marks?
The interview carries 200 total marks for all post levels. The qualifying threshold varies by grade:
| Basic Pay Scale | Total Interview Marks | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|
| BS-16 and BS-17 | 200 | 101 |
| BS-18 | 200 | 111 |
| BS-19 | 200 | 121 |
| BS-20 | 200 | 131 |
| BS-21 and BS-22 | 200 | 141 |
Important: Conducting the interview does not automatically confer any right on the candidate for selection. Selection is subject to the candidature being found in order in all respects.
How is the Final Merit List Prepared?
The final merit list for all posts is based on the aggregate of marks obtained in:
- Written test marks
- Interview marks
Tie-Breaking Rules
When two or more candidates have the same aggregate marks, the following tie-breaking criteria are applied in order:
| Priority | Tie-Breaking Rule |
|---|---|
| 1st | The candidate with higher marks in the interview is ranked higher |
| 2nd | If interview and test marks are also equal, the older candidate (by age) is ranked higher |
| 3rd | If marks and age are the same, the candidate with higher academic qualifications (M.Phil. or Ph.D. in the prescribed field) is ranked higher - this applies when the minimum required qualification is a Master's degree |
| 4th | If still equal, the candidate with a higher grade/division or percentage in the minimum prescribed qualification is ranked higher |
| 5th | If still equal, the candidate who acquired the prescribed qualification earlier is ranked higher |
What Happens After the Commission Selects You?
It is important to understand that FPSC recommends nominations to the Government. Actual appointments are made by the respective appointing authority and are subject to:
- Verification of educational documents
- Verification of experience certificates (if applicable)
- Character and antecedent verification
- Medical fitness examination
- Completion of other codal formalities as required under the Civil Servants Act 1973
What About Dress Code for the Interview?
While no specific dress is prescribed, FPSC expects candidates to:
- Dress correctly and appropriately for the weather
- Keep buttons done up
- Be freshly shaved (for those who do not keep a beard)
- Avoid informal dress such as T-shirts, jeans, or denims
The interview is a formal occasion, and your appearance should reflect that.
What About Medical Fitness?
A candidate desiring appointment to a Federal Government post must be:
- In good mental and physical health
- Free from any physical defect likely to interfere with the discharge of duties
Medical unfitness may cause rejection where applicable.
Quick Summary
- Shortlisting ratio is 3 to 5 candidates per post depending on the BS grade and number of vacancies
- Document verification happens one day before the interview
- Bring originals + 2 sets of attested photocopies of all documents
- Interview is worth 200 marks with qualifying marks ranging from 101 to 141 depending on BS grade
- Final merit is based on test + interview marks combined
- Tie-breaking follows a 5-step priority system starting with interview marks
- FPSC recommends, but the appointing authority makes the final appointment
- Dress formally for the interview
Learn about common rejection reasons and how to appeal in our guide on FPSC Document Verification, Rejection Reasons and Appeal Process.