DESPITE being in the 21st century, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission (KPPSC) continues with an obsolete test pattern to assess the candidates appearing for various tests, including BPS-17 slots for departments like communication and works, irrigation and public health.

A well-designed test paper can help assess a candidate’s understanding and command over the subject. But the KPPSC takes minimal interest in designing the multiple choice questions (MCQs) for assessment that are sometimes based on outdated books that were compiled decades ago and often contradict local standards adopted by various engineering bodies in Pakistan.

This practice also promotes rote learning which destroys the intellectual ability of students, such as critical thinking, reflection, analytical skills and so on.

It also fails to measure the actual performance of students for a position like BPS-17, which demands sound decision-making skills based on engineering principles. How can one expect such a candidate to make sound engineering judgements?

The KP chief minister and the KPPSC chairman should look into this matter and revise the test pattern in public interest.

Fazal Rehman Safi
Peshawar

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2020