Zonal quota, merit formula approved for new government recruitment system

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Mar, 2026) The provincial government has approved the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Civil Servants Initial Recruitment Rules 2026, introducing a new procedure for all government recruitments in the province.

The Establishment Department on Thursday informed under the new policy, the province has been divided into six zones for recruitment purposes. Out of every 30 vacancies, 6 positions (20%) will be filled on open merit from across the province, while 24 positions (80%) will be distributed among districts under the zonal quota system.

According to the zonal distribution, Zone 1 includes Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Kurram, Orakzai, North Waziristan, South Waziristan and other tribal sub-divisions. Zone 2 consists of Peshawar, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda and Swabi including Tehsil Gadoon. Zone 3 covers Malakand, Swat, Lower Dir, Upper Dir, Lower Chitral and Upper Chitral. Zone 4 includes Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan. Zone 5 comprises Abbottabad, Mansehra and Haripur, while Zone 6 includes underdeveloped areas of the province such as Kolai-Palas and other remote regions.

According to the new rules, selection committees will be formed at multiple levels including the administrative department, establishment department, affiliated departments and the district level.

A new testing and interview system has also been introduced to ensure transparency in the recruitment process.

For posts in Grade 6 and above, the total marks will be 100.

Out of these, 70 marks will be allocated for the required academic qualification, 20 marks for the written test and 10 marks for the interview. Candidates must obtain at least 40 percent marks in the written test to qualify.

Vacancies will be advertised in national and regional newspapers as well as on official government websites. Applicants will be given at least 15 days to submit their applications, and each advertisement will remain valid for one year.

If female candidates are not available for a particular position, the post will be advertised three times. If suitable female candidates are still not found, the position will then be filled under the general merit quota.

Selection committees will also maintain a waiting list for each zone, which will remain valid for three months. If a selected candidate does not join the job, the next candidate from the waiting list will be offered the position.

After appointment, candidates’ educational documents will be verified within three months, with a possible three-month extension if necessary.

Temporary appointments to any post will only be made after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Public Service Commission, and such appointments will be valid for one year.

Sources further stated that teachers up to Grade 16 in the Elementary and Secondary education Department will be recruited strictly in accordance with the department’s prescribed standards.

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