The government has announced sweeping reforms in the recruitment of civil servants, replacing traditional face-to-face interviews with competence-based examinations starting in 2026.
For decades, aspiring public servants have undergone physical interviews before panels after completing aptitude tests, with their success largely determined by how they performed during these sessions. However, officials say the new system will prioritize practical competence over panel impressions.
According to the plan, candidates will sit for standardized, competence-based examinations tailored to the roles they seek. The move is aimed at promoting fairness, reducing bias, and ensuring that merit and demonstrable skills take precedence over subjective assessments.
Authorities believe the reform will not only streamline the recruitment process but also strengthen transparency, enhance accountability, and align public service hiring with international best practices.
The changes are expected to be rolled out gradually, with the 2026 intake of civil service recruits set to be the first beneficiaries of the new approach.
