Table of Contents13 sections
Getting past the written test is only half the battle. What follows - shortlisting, document scrutiny, interview, and the merit list - is where your candidacy is truly decided. This guide covers every official PPSC procedure from being shortlisted to receiving your final recommendation.
How Shortlisting Works
Shortlisting determines which candidates from the applicant pool get called for the interview. It's done on the basis of:
- Academic record of the candidate, and/or
- Marks secured in a written test conducted by PPSC, or
- Written test followed by Shorthand/Typing/Proficiency test
The 1:5 Ratio Rule
For every 1 post, a maximum of 5 candidates are called for interview.
Example: If there are 10 posts, the top 50 candidates from the written test (or academic shortlisting) will be called for interview.
The Chairman may increase this ratio on a case-by-case basis. If all called candidates fail, remain absent, or are rejected before interview, the next candidates (if available) are called with the Chairman's approval.
Note: The 1:5 ratio also applies separately for quota categories - women, specially abled persons, and minorities.
Tie Cases in Shortlisting
When multiple candidates have the same score at the cut-off point:
After Written Test
All candidates who scored equal marks in the written test are called for interview - even if this exceeds the 1:5 ratio.
On Academic Record Basis
All candidates who have equal marks on academic record are called for interview - again, exceeding the ratio if necessary.
In other words, PPSC does not arbitrarily cut off tied candidates. Every tied candidate gets a fair chance.
Interview Call-up Letters
How You're Notified
| Method | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Interview schedule on PPSC website | At least 7 days before interviews |
| Email + SMS with date, time, venue | At least 6 days before |
| Reminder Email + SMS + Website alert | 2 days before |
| Website alert | 1 day before |
- No individual call-up letters are sent
- You must download your Interview Letter from the PPSC website
- All communication is electronic only (SMS, Email, Website)
If You Don't Receive Notification
Contact PPSC at least 3 days before your scheduled interview:
- Website: www.ppsc.gop.pk
- UAN: 042-111-988-722
- Office Phone: 042-99202761-62
Sending Documents by Mail
If PPSC requests document copies, send them via courier or registered mail to:
Secretary, PPSC, LDA Plaza, Edgerton Road, Near Aiwan-e-Iqbal, Lahore
Document Scrutiny at Interview
Interviews are conducted provisionally. Full scrutiny of your documents happens on the day of the interview. If any document is missing or you're found ineligible, your candidature is immediately rejected.
What You Must Bring
- Original documents, certificates, diplomas, and degrees
- Two sets of photocopies of all documents
- Departmental Permission Certificate (if you're a serving government employee)
- Equivalence Certificate (if claiming equivalent qualification)
- Domicile Certificate (must match district mentioned in your application)
- Professional Registration (PMC/PMDC/PEC/Bar Council/PNC as applicable)
- Valid original CNIC
If Original Degree Hasn't Been Issued
PPSC accepts a Provisional Certificate issued by the Controller of Examination of the Board or University - but only until the original is issued.
Missing Documents
If you're found to have missing documents, you may sign a prescribed undertaking to provide them within a stipulated period. If you fail to submit the deficient documents within the deadline, your candidature is cancelled.
Qualifying Conditions for Interview
| Requirement | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Written Examination qualified | Must achieve 40% each paper + 50% aggregate |
| Interview/Viva Voce | Must secure at least 50% marks |
Only candidates who qualified the written examination are called for Psychological Assessment and Interview.
Psychological Assessment
- Required for candidates who qualify in the written examination (for Competitive Examinations)
- You must produce your original CNIC at the Psychological Assessment
- This takes place before the interview
Interviews for Posts Without Written Test
For posts where interview is conducted without a prior written test:
- Within 2 days after the closing date, PPSC decides on interview scheduling
- Candidates receive Email/SMS asking to submit one set of document photocopies within 7 days
- A reminder is sent 3 days before the document submission deadline
- Failure to submit documents by the deadline = application deemed rejected with no further representation
Merit List
Validity Period
The merit list for all posts remains valid for 12 months from the date of the recommendation letter - regardless of whether fresh requisitions are received for the same post.
If a substitution request is received within the validity period, the Chairman may extend the validity period to process it.
When Substitutes Are Provided
A substitute from the merit list can be provided during the validity period if:
- A recommended candidate fails to join the post
- A candidate resigns after joining
- A candidate is declared medically unfit or disqualified on any ground
- A candidate is terminated by the Department
- The post becomes vacant for any other reason
- The Appointing Authority refuses to issue an appointment letter under the relevant rules
Withdrawal of Recommendation
Your recommendation can be withdrawn at any stage - even after it has been sent to the Department - if:
- You are found deficient in any eligibility condition
- You are found guilty of any irregularity
- Your selection is found to have been achieved through deceitful means
There is no "safe point" - PPSC can withdraw a recommendation even after you've been recommended to the department.
Number of Chances
Written Test + Interview Posts (or Interview-Only Posts)
- Maximum 3 chances for a specific post
- A candidate who is interviewed provisionally but fails to submit documents (data blocked) = chance counted as availed
No Limit on Chances (Under Certain Conditions)
There is no limit on chances if:
- You obtain qualifying marks (40%) in the written test - regardless of whether you're called for interview
- You obtain qualifying marks (50%) in the interview - regardless of whether you're recommended
Subject-Specific Posts
For posts like Lecturer in Education Department:
- If you apply for multiple subjects, you get 3 chances per subject
- Each subject's count is tracked independently
Recommended But Didn't Join
If PPSC recommends you for a post but you don't join, that chance is still counted against your 3-chance limit.
Competitive Examinations (PMS)
Number of chances: 3 (includes Combined Competitive Examination attempts).
Candidate Discipline: Actions for Violations
PPSC can disqualify or debar you from current and future exams/interviews if you're found guilty of:
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Furnishing false/incorrect information | Disqualification + debarment |
| Suppressing material information | Disqualification + debarment |
| Attempting to influence PPSC members, officers, examiners, or invigilators | Disqualification + debarment |
| Submitting forged certificates/documents | Disqualification + debarment + possible criminal proceedings |
| Tampering with age/academic certificates | Disqualification + debarment |
| Using unfair means in written test | Disqualification + debarment |
| Impersonation at any stage | Disqualification + debarment + possible criminal proceedings |
| Possessing mobile phone or unauthorized electronic devices | FIR + disqualification |
| Failing to return answer sheet/MCQ paper | Disqualification + debarment |
| Copying MCQs on any material during exam | Disqualification + debarment |
While Under Investigation: If a candidate is found violating any instruction, they are treated as a provisional candidate for all other posts they've applied for until the case is decided.
Criminal Proceedings: PPSC may initiate criminal proceedings under the relevant law in addition to administrative action.
PPSC's Caution to Candidates
"Please refuse to engage with any person who may offer to help you get selected because PPSC's system does not allow such a breach/favour. Have faith in your own ability and trust in ALLAH (SWT)!"
If anyone contacts you offering undue favour in written examination/test or interview, immediately contact:
Mr. Ahmad Ali Kamboh, Member, PPSC
- Email: member12@ppsc.gop.pk
- Tel: 042-99202301
Your name will be kept secret and no prejudice will be caused to you.
Key Takeaway
The PPSC process from shortlisting to recommendation is transparent but strict. Keep your original documents ready, download your interview letter from the website, and know that document scrutiny at the interview is where ineligibility is caught. The merit list is valid for 12 months, but your recommendation can be withdrawn at any stage if irregularities surface. Play by the rules - PPSC has no tolerance for shortcuts.