The Provincial Management Service (PMS) examination in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requires candidates to score at least 50 per cent in the Multiple Choice Preliminary Test (MPT) before proceeding to the written examination.
A recurring concern arises when candidates fall short by only one or two marks. Since the MPT serves primarily as a screening test rather than a final assessment of analytical ability, denying capable candidates an opportunity because of such a narrow margin may seem unfair. Limited grace marks could also address issues arising from ambiguous questions or technical errors.
Critics argue that grace marks may undermine transparency and encourage demands for further relaxations. However, examination authorities have previously awarded compensatory marks where justified, strengthening confidence in the system. A transparent and uniformly applied policy allowing one or two grace marks in exceptional cases would promote fairness without compromising merit or the credibility of the recruitment process.
DR. NABEELA GUL,
Swabi.
