THE Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission (KPPSC) is currently facing scrutiny regarding its operational efficiency and certain policy decisions. A significant number of interviews for various departmental positions have experienced prolonged delays, leaving many candidates in a state of uncertainty.

For example, a candidate who took a test last year for a position advertised in 2021, with results announced in April of that year, is still awaiting an interview. These extended timelines raise valid concerns about the commission’s capacity to manage its workload effectively, and the potential impact on candidates’ career trajectories.

Furthermore, the commission’s lack of responsiveness to email inquiries, and the quality of its responses, when it chooses to reply to a mail, have been noted as areas needing improvement.

Issues surrounding the Provincial Management Service (PMS) examination have also drawn attention. In 2021, the KPPSC introduced a screening test based on 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) as a preliminary step to the main descriptive examination, which comprises 12 papers.

The initial policy of shortlisting only 25 candidates per seat for the descriptive phase was met with significant public disagreement, as many viewed it as a departure from established norms.

Following sustained feedback from the public and various legal appeals, the commission did away with the test.

However, it has recently reintroduced the screening test with a revised set of rules. In ordero ensure that public institutions attract and recruit competent individuals, an urgent review of the examination system seems rather essential.

Anwar Sayab Khan
Bannu

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2025