Originally Posted by Divergent

The queries of the aspirants are not new and they have been answered several times by the senior members of this forum… yet no one bothers to search for. Most of the questions are childish but one must not be blamed for his ability and approach. We are here to help and we will... to the extent we can.

In this post I will try to address the FAQ by the aspirants.

Eligibility
Anyone who holds Master’s degree like MA/MSC or equivalent... like graduation, 4 years in any degree which is equivalent to masters as notified by HEC, is eligible.

Note 1: Jobs announced are on permanent basis. It is not mentioned in current advertisement and I wonder that most of the people neglected such important point.

Note 2: Previously the educational requirement was simple graduation but this time… its MA or equivalent. last time Masters in Political science/IR/defense and strategic studies were also preferable. Condition for not appearing more than thrice is also omitted and nothing is mentioned regarding those who failed ISSB twice.

Reasons are unknown…

Stages:
Primarily the recruitment process will invite you to written, psychometric and the Interview stage.

Note: there is no other stage except Medical for finally appointed candidates only.

Number of candidates for AD post in 2014:
Candidates applied: 96,000
Qualified written and called for psychometric: 3000
Shortlisted for interview: Around 5 candidates against each post.

Note: The data is rough but indicated by various sources... besides calculated estimate somewhat near to authentic figures.

Paper pattern:
Previously the papers were taken by FPSC or MOD itself. In 2014 the task was assigned to NTS and we should focus that pattern for prudent judgment. In 2014… paper was of 150 marks (50 marks Mcqz and 100 Marks written descriptive). 5 questions from written descriptive was to be attempted (in 250 t0 300 words). Total allotted time was 3 and half hours (for Mcqz as well as written descriptive. No restriction for allocation of specific time to particular section of paper.

Note: One need not to ask about the pattern of psychometric testing until one is shortlisted for psychometric testing.

What to study and how to study?
Everything you can… to get prepared for the paper. For current affairs you need to study dawn on daily basis. Last time an outline was given with each question to answer but it is advised to present you as an analytical writer. Express your thoughts while following their points, so it is better to work on developing your own power of expression.
For MCQz portion… it is like typical NTS test for such posts that includes: English, General Science, General knowledge, Current Affairs, Mathematics, Analytical reasoning, Pakistan affairs. Marks assigned to each portion were not well defined. Along with GAT general book for NTS… you can consult PPSC past papers, FPSC past papers, General Knowledge MCQs by Ch. Ahmed Najeeb.

Note: You will not have enough time for preparation. In my personal opinion it would be roughly 20 to 30 days after the closing date… so it’s better to start your preparations on war footings…Now…

Time taken for whole recruitment process:
Written was held on 9th March 2014… result of written was announced on 11th May 2014 and psychometric was held on 1st June 2014. Result of psychometric was announced in late August 2014 for the candidates who were shortlisted for next stage… i.e. final stage…the interview stage. Interviews were scheduled in Nov and Dec-2014 and finally selected candidates were called for joining in August 2015.

Note: At this stage please do not ask that what was asked in interview.

Security Clearance:
Its constant and silent process from the day one clear written examination. Generally we are under impression that security clearance will be carried out after interview... for selected and reserved candidates only. However, when I qualified written test in May 2014, concerned officials contacted my senior and asked everything about me for purpose of security clearance. so it can be assumed that at first the security clearance is just to verify your particulars and after interview... thorough process of security clearance will be carried out for selected and reserved candidates.



I hope that I have answered most of the queries that were haunting the aspirants. It is my sincere advice that please do not waste your and other’s time in making useless posts anymore… and contribute in some healthy and constructive discussion.

P.S: I was reached to the interview stage but didn’t get final call letter. I have communicated what I knew…

Wishing Good Luck to all of the candidates.
May ALLAH bless all of us… Ameen
Thank you

Regards