The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has introduced a major policy shift to make its recruitment process more transparent and fair. Under the new rules, academic marks will no longer carry any weight in the final merit calculation for candidates.
PPSC Chairman Lieutenant General (retd) Muhammad Abdul Aziz announced that the new system will focus only on performance in written examinations and interviews. This means a candidate’s score in the PPSC exam will now play the key role in determining their position on the merit list. The aim is to create a level playing field for everyone, regardless of educational background or institutional grading differences.
The Commission has also decided to remove extra marks previously given for research work and non-clinical experience. Officials explained that this change will help standardize the selection process and prevent subjective advantages for certain candidates. The new merit policy will take effect from January 1, 2026.
According to PPSC Secretary Afzal Ahmad, the reforms are the result of an in-depth comparative study of global public service systems. The research was conducted to align PPSC’s procedures with international standards and best practices. The decision was finalized in a Full Commission meeting, based on recommendations from the Reform Committee chaired by Retired Inspector General and Commission Member Arif Nawaz Khan.
The Chairman emphasized that the Commission remains committed to ensuring fairness and transparency in recruitment. He stated that the revised policy reflects PPSC’s vision of providing equal opportunity to all candidates through an unbiased evaluation process. The reform is expected to increase public trust in the Commission’s examinations and promote merit-based hiring.
Public reactions have been mixed but largely positive. Many candidates welcomed the move, saying it rewards hard work and preparation rather than past academic records. Others believe that while academic performance is important, practical testing provides a more accurate picture of a candidate’s capabilities.
Globally, merit-based civil service examinations remain the standard for recruitment. Similar systems are in place in countries like the United Kingdom and India, as reported by BBC, Wikipedia, and Dawn. PPSC’s latest reforms bring its system closer to these internationally accepted models.
As an observer, I see this as a bold and necessary change. By removing academic weightage, PPSC is recognizing real talent through performance rather than paper qualifications. It sends a clear message — success now depends on skill, effort, and merit, not where you studied.
Published by: Arsalan Khattak | The Hub of Info
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