Recruitment conundrum

The prevailing recruitment criterion for government jobs, which relies heavily on multiple choice question (MCQ) tests, has raised several concerns. Proponents argue that this method streamlines the selection process, given the vast number of applicants and limited resources. However, this reasoning is fundamentally flawed. The absence of comprehensive assessments and descriptive evaluations undermines the recruitment process. MCQ tests fail to gauge a candidate's analytical and creative skills, rendering them an inadequate measure of their suitability for a role. Furthermore, the lack of syllabus limitations and the broad scope of subjects covered in these tests make them vulnerable to exploitation by malicious elements.

The disconnect between the test format and the actual job requirements is striking. For instance, lecturers are recruited through MCQ tests, despite their role necessitating descriptive and analytical skills. This incongruity is prevalent across various government service roles. The root of this issue lies in the education system, which emphasizes rote learning and reproduction. Consequently, government services suffer from inefficiencies, as employees are selected based on their ability to memorize rather than their capacity to deliver and serve. To rectify these flaws, it is essential to reform the recruitment process, incorporating more comprehensive assessments that evaluate a candidate's skills and abilities.

Anwar Sayab Khan

Bannu