Punjab Public Service Commission Introduces New Formula to Calculate Merit

The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has decided to abolish academic marks from the final merit calculation, a major reform aimed at enhancing transparency, fairness, and merit-based recruitment in Punjab’s civil services.

The historic decision has been widely welcomed by former PPSC members, senior civil servants, educationists, and professionals, who have described it as one of the most progressive and reformative measures in the commission’s history.

Under the new policy, which will take effect from January 1, 2026, the final merit of candidates will be determined solely based on the written examination and interview performance.

Officials and education experts have praised the move, noting that it will eliminate disparities caused by differing grading systems across educational institutions and promote equal opportunity among candidates from diverse academic backgrounds.

“This bold step by the PPSC will ensure that candidates are evaluated purely on their competence, performance, and analytical ability rather than academic variations,” remarked a senior civil servant.

Prominent doctors and professors also endorsed the reform, calling it a landmark decision that aligns with international standards of fair recruitment. They said the reform would help create a level playing field for all candidates and strengthen public trust in the PPSC’s merit-based selection process.

Observers have described the initiative as a turning point in the commission’s history — a move that demonstrates its commitment to integrity, institutional improvement, and modern governance standards.