Most PPSC recruitment tests are a person paper of several choice questions, typically 100 questions in 90 minutes, mixing broad knowledge with questions on the subject of the post, at least in practice. The pass mark and any negative marking are stated in each advertisement. And merit for popular posts closes well above the minimum, and candidates who are clearing the test are called for an interview, and final merit combines both.
How a PPSC test works
| Conducted by | Punjab Public Service Commission, for Punjab government posts |
|---|---|
| Usual format | One MCQ paper, often 100 questions in 90 minutes |
| Content | General knowledge plus the subject of the post |
| Negative marking | Stated in the advertisement. It has differed between recruitments |
| Next stage | Interview for those within the merit range |
Some posts, such as lecturers and PMS, follow their own pattern with written papers, in the main. Indeed, no matter what read the syllabus attached to the advertisement for your post. It's the only solid source for that test.
What PPSC asks
The broad part of most papers draws on the same pool of topics:
- Pakistan affairs: the independence movement, constitutional history, geography and essential dates.
- Islamic Studies: the Quran, Hadith, Islamic history and the elementaries of belief and worship.
- Current affairs: office holders, recent events, Punjab government schemes.
- English: synonyms, antonyms, correct usage and prepositions.
- Everyday science and foundational maths.
- Computer basics for many clerical and assistant posts.
The subject part is following the qualification the post is asking for, so a test for a lecturer in chemistry is mostly chemistry, in actual application. My point is, past PPSC papers are, more precisely probably, the best guide to the style and level of questions, so practise them early.
A 30 day PPSC plan
| Days | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 to 7 | Read the syllabus in the advertisement. So, practise 50 MCQs a day of Pakistan affairs and Islamic Studies. |
| 8 to 18 | Your post's subject, such as the textbook topics in the syllabus, plus 50 subject MCQs a day. |
| 19 to 24 | Current affairs (last 12 months), English and everyday science. |
| 25 to 28 | One timed 100 question mock a day. Recognize every wrong answer in a notebook. |
| 29 and 30 | Revise the notebook only. Sleep well before the test. |
Tips that save marks
- Check the marking rule before you start. If wrong answers cost marks, skip what you can't narrow down to two options, at least empirically. If they don't, answer everything.
- Watch current affairs dates. Questions about office holders go out of date quickly. Make sure your notes are current to the month of the test.
- Do not ignore the broad part. Many candidates know their subject well and lose the post on Pakistan affairs and Islamic Studies.
- Practise on a timer. Ninety minutes for a hundred questions leaves, under a minute each.
Practise with our timed quizzes, one-liners for quick revision, and past papers.
Frequently asked questions
How many MCQs are in a PPSC test?
Most one paper tests have 100 MCQs in 90 minutes. In turn, even so, the final format.
Is there negative marking in PPSC?
It hinges on the recruitment. Some PPSC tests have negatively marked and others haven't, so check the advertisement and the instructions on your admission letter.
What's asked in the PPSC broad knowledge part?
Pakistan affairs, Islamic Studies, current affairs, English, everyday science, foundational maths and, for many posts, computer basics.
How long does it take to prepare for a PPSC test?
About a month of daily practice is generally enough for most posts if you already hold the needed degree, in real-world scenarios. Spend half the time on your subject and half on the broad part.