THE current practice by the Federal Public Service Commission and provincial public service commission is discouraging. Examinations for appointments in Grade 17 are being conducted based solely on the basis of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). This is an unwise policy because MCQs fail to gauge the in-depth knowledge required for higher posts.

It is a theory-based exam that helps assess the required competence, given that the writing skills determine knowledge and approach necessary for dealing with mammoth tasks.

The public service commissions should ensure that competitive examinations are theory-based, thereby encouraging learning culture as well. This would benefit the competitive equilibrium also.

Riaz Mahar
Sukkur

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play