FPSC Interview Passing Marks in Pakistan: 101 of 200 for BS-16 and 17, Up to 141 for BS-21
FPSC interview passing marks are 101 of 200 for BS-16 and 17 and 141 for BS-21. Check how many are called, how merit is added and the tie-breaker order.
Short answer: The FPSC interview is out of 200 marks. You must score at least 101 for BS-16 and BS-17, 111 for BS-18, 121 for BS-19, 131 for BS-20 and 141 for BS-21 and BS-22. Final merit is the test marks plus the interview marks added together.
You passed the FPSC written test. The call letter has come. Now the question is how many marks the interview needs, and how the commission ranks you against the others. The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) sets this out in its General Instructions, updated on 12 August 2026.
We read those instructions on 14 October 2026. This page covers the qualifying marks, how many candidates are called per post, what the panel asks, what to wear, and how ties are broken.
The interview passes at 101 to 141 marks out of 200
Every FPSC interview carries 200 marks. The qualifying mark rises with the grade of the post. BS-16 and BS-17 need 101. BS-18 needs 111. BS-19 needs 121. BS-20 needs 131. BS-21 and BS-22 need 141.
| Pay scale | Total marks | Qualifying marks |
|---|---|---|
| BS-16 and BS-17 | 200 | 101 |
| BS-18 | 200 | 111 |
| BS-19 | 200 | 121 |
| BS-20 | 200 | 131 |
| BS-21 and BS-22 | 200 | 141 |
These are the bars to clear, not a promise of a post. FPSC says an interview gives you no right to selection until your candidature is found in order in every way. Your documents must still pass scrutiny.
Only the top candidates in the test are called
FPSC shortlists only from those who passed the test. The number called depends on the grade and the quota. For most BS-16 and BS-17 posts it is 3 to 5 candidates per post. For BS-18 and BS-19 it is 5 per post.
- BS-16 and BS-17, merit posts, or provincial quota posts when two or fewer posts are advertised: 5 candidates per post.
- BS-16 and BS-17, provincial or regional quota posts when more than two posts are advertised: 3 candidates per post.
- BS-18 and BS-19: 5 candidates per post.
- BS-20, posts other than head of department: 5 candidates per post.
- BS-20 head of department posts and all BS-21 posts: every candidate who passes the MCQ test is called.
Those called must bring their papers for physical verification one day before the interview. The list of papers is in the FPSC document verification checklist. A candidate with a weak file can lose the place even with a high test score.
The panel asks about your field, Islam, Pakistan and general knowledge
FPSC expects every candidate to know their basic qualification, Islam, Pakistan and general knowledge. Questions about experience and qualification go to everyone. Non-Muslim candidates are not asked about Islam. The job description on the FPSC website is worth a read first.
FPSC may hold interviews at Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Gilgit and Skardu. It pays no travel or daily allowance unless the call letter says so. So plan the trip and the cost yourself.
On dress, FPSC prescribes none. It does advise formal wear that suits the weather, with buttons done up. Informal clothes such as T-shirts and jeans are described as not desirable. A candidate who does not keep a beard should be freshly shaved, in the words of the instructions.
Final merit adds the test marks to the interview marks
For all posts, the final merit list is based on the total of marks in the written test and the interview. After interviews end and the case is finalised, FPSC puts the final result, with test and interview marks, on its website for each candidate to see.
To open that page, see how to check your FPSC result, merit list and marks sheet. Until then, the earlier test result list only shows who passed and who failed, in merit order, without the marks.
Five tie-breakers decide equal totals
If two candidates have the same total, FPSC looks at five things in order. First, the higher interview mark wins. Second, the older candidate is senior. Third, the higher academic degree, such as M.Phil or Ph.D. Fourth, the higher grade or percentage in the minimum qualification. Fifth, the one who got that qualification earlier.
- Higher interview marks.
- Older age.
- Higher qualification in the prescribed field, such as M.Phil or Ph.D, where the minimum is a Master's degree.
- Higher grade, division or percentage in the minimum prescribed qualification.
- Earlier date of getting the minimum prescribed qualification.
The rule that interview marks come first means a strong interview can lift you over a candidate with a slightly better written score. Practise speaking, not only the MCQs. Note that FPSC only recommends a name. The appointing department makes the job offer, after checking documents, character, medical fitness and other formalities.
If you are rejected, you have 30 days to object
A candidate who is unhappy with an FPSC decision has 30 days from the day it is communicated to file a representation. FPSC decides it in 15 days after a hearing. The fee for a representation or review petition is Rs 500.
The full process is in how to challenge an FPSC rejection with a representation. A review petition can follow within 15 days, and the High Court is the next step after that, within 30 days.
Common questions
How many marks do I need to pass the FPSC interview?
You need 101 of 200 for BS-16 and BS-17, 111 for BS-18, 121 for BS-19, 131 for BS-20 and 141 for BS-21 and BS-22.
Is the FPSC final merit based on the interview alone?
No. The final merit list uses the total of the written test marks and the interview marks.
What happens if two candidates have the same total?
The one with higher interview marks ranks above. If that is equal too, the older candidate ranks higher, then the one with the higher qualification, and so on.
Will FPSC pay my travel cost to the interview?
No, not unless the call letter says so. FPSC pays no travel or daily allowance by default.
Are non-Muslim candidates asked about Islam?
No. FPSC says non-Muslim candidates will not be asked questions about Islam.
Does passing the interview guarantee the job?
No. The interview gives no right to selection. Your papers must be in order, and the department makes the appointment.
How we verified this
What we checked, where we read it, and what we could not confirm.
Last checked on 14 October 2026, Pakistan time. We read the FPSC General Instructions updated on 12 August 2026, paragraphs on shortlisting, interview, final merit and representation, and the FPSC home page for the helpline 051 111 000 248. We did not attend an FPSC interview. The qualifying marks apply to general recruitment posts in BS-16 and above. CSS has its own viva voce rules, which we did not cover here. Confirm on fpsc.gov.pk before you travel.
About the author
Public Services and Education Journalist
Fajr Riaz is a journalist and content writer at Pakistan Era, based in Lahore. She covers the questions people meet in everyday life in Pakistan: how a public service works, what a change in the rules means, and where to find a reliable answer.
