The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has announced its new examination/selection criteria for the Central Superior Service (CSS) and other competitive examinations. Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, FPSC Chairman Lieutenant General Jamshaid Gulzar (Retd) said that according to the recommendations received from various quarters, the commission has updated its examination procedure.
For the first time in the history of the commission, the disabled candidates (except, physically handicapped, visually impaired, deaf and dumb) have been allowed to appear in the CSS examinations, for appointment initially in some selective groups on open merit basis.
Another major change, was significant reduction in the entire cycle of CSS and other competitive examinations.
Previously, the recruitment process for CSS and other competitive exams was at least one-year, but now the entire recruitment process would be completed within six months.
The number of examination centres has also been increased from six to 13, including Abbotabad, D.I. Khan, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Larkana, Multan and Sukkur.
The FPSC chairman said that time would be further reduced by introducing Video Conferencing System (VCS).
Jamshaid said on the initiative of the commission, the World Bank has provided $1 million for FPSC "capacity-building project" which comprises the following components: revamping of CSS competitive examination system; general recruitment system and the psychological assessment.
The revamping process includes reassessment of the occupational groups/service, review and update of syllabi and modernisation of the examination system.
In the in the general recruitment system following changes have been proposed: revising the outdated recruitment rules, description of job specification; grouping of posts; developing of new recruitment tests and computerisation of the entire recruitment process.
The FPSC chairman said by studying the existing psychological assessment procedure of the commission, new recommendations would be submitted for its improvement to bring it at par with the international standards.
He said all the candidates are eligible for screening test for all posts in BS 16-18, except those who do not fulfil the criteria of age limit, required working experiences and educational requirements.
To a question, he said 21 disabled candidates have been short-listed for CSS examinations 2005. The commission would provide all the required facilities, including brail, computer, helper and extra time (15 minutes per hour).
These successful disabled candidates will be appointed initially in commerce and trade groups, information group, and Pakistan audit and accounts service, which would gradually be extended to other groups.