THE State Bank is regarded as one of the most prestigious organisations of the country. Recently its Banking Services Corporation announced Young Professional Induction Programme for the post of OG-2. The National Testing Services (NTS) was the conducting authority of the test. But the recent practices adopted by the SBP and NTS in conducting the test have raised serious doubts.

More than 50,000 aspiring graduate candidates appeared for the test. A large number of them were unemployed graduates who failed to secure a job, though they were educated and meritorious. The major reason for their unemployment is lack of transparency and reference-based recruitment system in the country.

Because of the SBP’s clean reputation, this test was a vital hope for the candidates but the test procedure adopted by NTS raised doubts on the transparency.

There was no carbon copy test sheet given to the candidates. The carbon copy sheet plays a pivotal role in maintaining the transparency and accuracy of the test score.

It allows candidates to check and calculate their score by matching the answer key after the test. In case of any discrepancy, they can also contact the NTS. This assures candidates that the transparency of the test is not compromised. This procedure was followed by the NTS during other tests like the C’wealth scholarship test.

To ensure transparency the NTS should announce the result of the test within one working day and later the names of the selected candidates eligible for applying. This will help the SBP and the NTS to clear doubts raised on their transparency and good governance practices.

OMAIR NAJAM
Karachi

source: Dawn newspaper 8,november