Table of Contents12 sections
Understanding the FPSC test format, marking scheme, and exam day rules is critical for your preparation. Many candidates are caught off guard by negative marking or disqualified for carrying prohibited items. This guide covers everything from test structure to conduct rules.
What is the Format of FPSC Tests?
All FPSC tests for BS-16 and above are MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) based. The number of papers and passing criteria depend on the post level and category.
Test Structure by Post Category
| Post Level | Category | No. of Papers | Passing Threshold | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BS-16 and BS-17 | All Posts | 1 Paper (100 marks) | 40% | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| BS-18 and BS-19 | Doctors | 2 Papers (100 marks each) | 40% in each paper | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| BS-18 and BS-19 | General Management | 2 Papers (100 marks each) | 40% in each paper | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| BS-18 and BS-19 | Teaching Posts | 2 Papers (100 marks each) | 50% in each paper | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| BS-18 and BS-19 | Professional/Technical | 2 Papers (100 marks each) | 40% in each paper | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| BS-20 and BS-21 | All Posts | 2 Papers (100 marks each) | 50% in each paper | 0.25 per wrong answer |
Key Points About Negative Marking
- Every wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks
- Unanswered questions carry no penalty
- For two-paper tests, you must pass each paper separately
- You cannot compensate a low score in one paper with a high score in the other
Strategy Tip: If you are unsure about an answer, it may be better to leave it blank than to guess randomly, since each wrong answer costs you 0.25 marks.
What Happens When There Are Too Many Applicants?
When more than 20,000 applications are received for a post, FPSC conducts tests in batches by splitting the candidates. Different question papers with the same difficulty level are prepared for each batch to maintain fairness.
What Are the Special Rules for Assistant Private Secretary (APS) Posts?
APS (BS-16) vacancies from various ministries with the same recruitment rules are clubbed together in a single advertisement. Here is how it works:
- Candidates submit a single application for all APS positions based on their domicile and pay a single fee
- A combined test (typing, computer literacy, and shorthand) is conducted, and a combined merit list is drawn
- Candidates must first qualify the typing test with 90% accuracy before proceeding to shorthand and computer literacy tests
- At the time of interview, candidates choose their preferred department(s), and this preference is final
Where Are FPSC Test Centres Located?
Tests and examinations are held simultaneously at the following centres:
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Lahore
- Multan
- Gujranwala
- Karachi
- Sukkur
- Hyderabad
- Peshawar
- D.I. Khan
- Quetta
- Gilgit
- Skardu
Note: FPSC has the right to increase or decrease the number of centres based on the number of candidates or administrative considerations. Candidates may also be required to appear at a different centre at the Commission's discretion, and must bear the travel expenses themselves.
Can You Change Your Test Centre?
Yes, with these conditions:
- Online change is available up to 30 days before the test date
- After admission certificates are issued, changes are only allowed in hardship cases (especially for females and persons with disabilities)
- Manual applications for centre change must be addressed to the Secretary, FPSC with valid proof and justification
- The Secretary's decision is final
How Do You Get Your Admission Certificate?
Admission certificates are placed on the official FPSC website at www.fpsc.gov.pk. You will be notified through:
- SMS to your registered mobile number
- Email to the address provided in your online application
No admission certificates are sent by post. You are responsible for downloading your admission certificate from the website within the permissible time.
What Must You Bring on Exam Day?
Every candidate must bring:
- Admission Certificate - downloaded from the FPSC website
- Valid original proof of identity - Original CNIC or Passport
Without both of these, you will not be allowed to enter the examination hall and will be marked as absent.
What is Strictly Prohibited in the Exam Hall?
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
Bringing cell phones or any communication devices into the examination hall is strictly prohibited. FPSC is not responsible for the safe custody or loss of any such device.
If you are found with a cell phone or communication device inside the exam hall, it is treated as misconduct, and consequences include:
- Expulsion from the examination hall
- Disqualification from the current exam
- Permanent ban from all future FPSC examinations and tests
- Your CNIC number will be placed on a block list
- Your paper will be cancelled immediately
Other Forms of Misconduct
The same severe penalties apply for:
- Impersonation
- Use of unfair means
- Copying questions from the question booklet to take outside the exam hall
- Furnishing false information
- Attempting to influence Commission officers or staff
- Submitting forged certificates
- Tampering with entries in certificates
- Misbehaving in the examination hall
- Using objectionable language
What About Candidates with Disabilities?
FPSC provides accommodations for disabled candidates:
| Disability Type | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Visually impaired (blind) | Writer/helper provided on request |
| Physically impaired | Writer/helper provided on request |
| Hearing/speech impaired (deaf and dumb) | Writer/helper provided on request |
| Visually impaired (blind) | Extra time: 15 minutes per hour |
| Computer-assisted exam request | Must appear at Islamabad centre only |
Disabled candidates must submit a disability certificate issued by the competent authority designated by the Federal or Provincial Government.
Other Important Exam Rules
- No re-evaluation or re-checking of marks is entertained under any circumstances
- The medium of examination is English unless specified otherwise
- Syllabi for the tests will be placed on the FPSC website before the test date
- OMR answer sheets are retained by FPSC for one year only and then destroyed
- If you miss the test for any reason, it will not be conducted again for you separately
- Appearing in the test is provisional - your eligibility is confirmed through detailed scrutiny after the test
How Are Test Results Announced?
- Results are uploaded on the FPSC official website
- The results show pass and fail candidates in order of merit
- Individual marks scored in the test are not shown at this stage
- After interviews and case finalization, the final result with marks is uploaded for individual access
Quick Summary
- All tests are MCQ based with negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer
- BS-16/17 posts have 1 paper, BS-18 and above have 2 papers
- Passing threshold is 40% or 50% depending on the post category
- Cell phones in the exam hall lead to permanent disqualification
- Download your admission certificate from the FPSC website - nothing is sent by post
- Bring your admission certificate + original CNIC/Passport on exam day
- No re-evaluation of marks is possible
Want to understand FPSC age requirements? Read our guide on FPSC Age Calculation and Age Relaxation Rules.