Most government and many private-sector jobs in Pakistan shortlist candidates through a written test. Whether the test is conducted by a public service commission, a testing agency or the department itself, the format is often similar: multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on general knowledge, English, maths and the subject of the post. With a clear plan, you can improve your score significantly in four to six weeks.
Understand the test pattern first
Read the advertisement and the testing body’s instructions carefully. Note the number of questions, time, subjects, passing marks and whether there is negative marking. Many tests include:
- English – vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, grammar, sentence correction
- General knowledge and current affairs – Pakistan and world
- Pakistan studies and Islamic studies (Ethics for non-Muslim candidates where applicable)
- Basic maths and analytical reasoning – percentages, ratios, averages, series
- Subject-specific questions – for technical and professional posts
A simple six-week plan
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Read the syllabus, collect past papers, take one full practice test to find weak areas |
| 2 | English grammar and vocabulary daily; Pakistan studies basics |
| 3 | Maths and reasoning: percentages, ratios, averages, time and work |
| 4 | Subject-specific topics of your post |
| 5 | Current affairs of the last six months; Islamic studies |
| 6 | Timed full-length practice tests and revision of mistakes |
Smart study tips
- Practise past papers. Questions often repeat in style, if not word for word.
- Keep a mistake notebook. Write every question you got wrong and revise it weekly.
- Read one newspaper daily. Note important appointments, events and agreements.
- Learn 10 new words a day with their synonyms, antonyms and use in a sentence.
- Use mental maths shortcuts for percentages and averages to save time.
On the test day
- Reach the centre early with your roll number slip and original CNIC.
- Read instructions carefully, especially about negative marking.
- Answer easy questions first, mark difficult ones and return to them.
- If there is negative marking, avoid pure guessing; if there is none, attempt every question.
- Fill the answer sheet bubbles neatly and check your roll number.
Avoid these traps
- Buying “leaked papers” – they are fake and may be illegal
- Studying only guess papers instead of the full syllabus
- Ignoring English, which carries marks in almost every test
After the written test comes the interview. Prepare with our list of common interview questions, and read how to apply for government jobs online.