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When applying for PPSC posts, your qualifications and experience must exactly match the criteria outlined in the advertisement. This comprehensive guide answers all the common questions candidates have about educational eligibility, degree equivalence, and experience requirements.
Qualification Eligibility
How is qualification eligibility determined?
Eligibility is determined against the prescribed qualification of a post as given in the advertisement. The key rules are:
- You must possess the exact qualification advertised for the post
- Higher or additional qualifications will not be considered if you do not possess the advertised essential qualification
- The qualification must be acquired on or before the closing date for submission of applications
Example: If a post requires M.A. in English and you have a Ph.D. in English but not an M.A., you are not eligible. Higher qualification does not substitute for the essential advertised qualification.
Can a candidate waiting for their result apply?
No. The candidate must have acquired the prescribed academic qualification on or before the closing date. If your result has not been officially declared/announced by the Board/University on or before the closing date, your application will not be considered.
What about two degrees obtained in the same year?
If a person has more than one degree with results declared in the same academic year (e.g., M.Phil from Punjab University and M.Ed from Allama Iqbal Open University), only one degree will be considered for the applied post. Two degrees attained in the same academic year are not both accepted.
Equivalence of Educational Degrees
CGPA-Based Degrees (No Marks/Percentage)
If your degree only shows a CGPA without total and obtained marks or percentage, you must:
- Provide a "Total and Obtained Marks / Percentage Certificate" issued by the Controller of Examinations of your respective university
- This certificate must be obtained before appearing for the interview
Local Academic Institutions
PPSC accepts equivalence of local academic qualifications as laid down by:
| Authority | Scope |
|---|---|
| HEC (Higher Education Commission) | General academic degrees |
| PMDC / PMC (Pakistan Medical & Dental Council / Pakistan Medical Commission) | Medical degrees |
| PEC (Pakistan Engineering Council) | Engineering degrees |
| QEDC (Qualification Equivalence Determination Committee) | Other qualifications |
| Other government-designated competent authorities | Specialized qualifications |
All equivalence certificates from these bodies are considered authentic by PPSC.
Foreign University Degrees
PPSC accepts degrees/certificates/diplomas from foreign universities only if they are recognized by:
- Higher Education Commission (HEC)
- Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) / Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC)
- Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC)
- Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC)
- Any other government-designated competent agency/authority
Critical Requirement: You must provide an Equivalence Certificate issued by QEDC/HEC at the time of interview. Failure to produce this certificate will result in rejection of your application.
Experience Requirements
Does PPSC count internship as experience?
No. The following are not counted as required experience:
- Internship
- Training
- Part-time experience
The only exception is if the advertisement or service rules specifically mention that such experience is acceptable.
How is experience eligibility determined?
Experience eligibility is assessed based on the criteria advertised for the post:
- Experience must be supported by a notification/order issued by the Head of Institution/Organization/Department or the Appointing Authority concerned
- Accepted experience documents include:
- Experience certificate along with appointment letter(s) for:
- Contract appointments
- Current Charge appointments
- Acting Charge appointments
- Ad-hoc appointments
- These must be issued by the Appointing Authority / Head of Institution / Organization / Department under the rules
- Experience certificate along with appointment letter(s) for:
Important: Simply having worked somewhere is not enough. You need official documentation from the proper authority to prove your experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming higher qualification substitutes for required qualification - It does not
- Applying before your result is declared - Your result must be officially announced by the closing date
- Not getting CGPA converted to marks/percentage - Get this done well in advance
- Not obtaining HEC equivalence for foreign degrees - This is mandatory at interview
- Counting internship or training as experience - PPSC does not accept these
- Missing official experience documentation - Verbal claims or informal letters are not accepted
Checklist Before Applying
- Verify you possess the exact qualification mentioned in the advertisement
- Ensure your degree result was declared before the closing date
- If CGPA-based degree, obtain marks/percentage certificate from the Controller of Examinations
- For foreign degrees, obtain QEDC/HEC Equivalence Certificate
- Verify your experience documents are issued by the proper authority
- Ensure experience is post-qualification (unless otherwise specified)
- Check that experience type matches what's advertised (full-time, not internship/training)
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