I APPEARED in the test for an English lecturer’s held at the University of Balochistan in February 2015. The criterion for that vacancy was at least second division in MA English literature and no third division throughout the educational career.

Later, the candidates were called in for an interview on Feb 4, 2017, and we were told the Higher Education Commission (HEC) had directed that only those who had a first division in MA English literature were eligible for the job.

Why were these qualified candidates kept in the dark for two years?

Unlike the HEC, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), which is also a federal organisation, has a clear vision. When two years ago, the FPSC changed its policy regarding the qualification for CSS examinations and made a master’s degree compulsory instead of a bachelor’s, it increased the upper age limit so that candidates may do not fall victim to this sudden change.

CSS candidates are selected to run the country, yet the required qualification for examinations is a second division master’s.

I would like to ask the HEC if a candidate like me with a poor second division in his MA gets first position in the test for a lecturer’s post and those with first division fail the test, will the HEC prefer to appoint the failed first division holder?

Zafar Ullah Qazi

Mastung

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2017