Important
The Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC) no longer exists. After the Taliban took power in August 2021 it was dismantled, and by 2023 it was listed among the government bodies that had been abolished. Its civil service recruitment mandate passed to a new directorate under the Office of Administrative Affairs. The IARCSC recruitment exams described here are no longer held. The commission's own website could not be reached, so this page relies on published reports.
Overview
The IARCSC was Afghanistan's independent body for civil service recruitment and administrative reform. It ran open, merit-based competitions for government posts, from senior roles such as deputy provincial governor and district governor down to administrative and secretarial positions. Its exams were meant to replace hiring based on connections and bribes with selection by test and interview.
The commission's mandate was later moved to a smaller directorate inside the Office of Administrative Affairs. A published study of Taliban-era administration reports that this directorate had about 170 staff, against 965 at the old commission, and that the change ended the commission's merit-based approach to appointments.
Exam pattern
The recruitment process had three main stages:
| Stage | What happened |
|---|---|
| Shortlisting | Applicants were shortlisted on their education and work experience |
| Written or computer-based test | Candidates sat a test linked to the post they had applied for |
| Interview | A panel interviewed those who passed the test, and successful candidates were then appointed |
In the 2012 pilot for deputy provincial governor and district governor posts, about 300 shortlisted candidates sat each written test. They answered six questions on the job, covering topics such as strategy, planning and management. The commission said the questions were prepared about an hour before the test, and papers were marked with candidates' names hidden.
From 2018 the commission moved to computer-based testing. Applicants could apply online from anywhere in the country, sat the test on screen, and saw their result as soon as they finished.
Marking and results
Under the 2012 system, results were released within days of the test. Candidates who disagreed with the testing or interview process could appeal, and outside observers from government and private bodies monitored shortlisting, tests and interviews. With computer-based testing, the computer marked the test and showed the score immediately.
FAQs
Is the IARCSC exam still held?
No. The IARCSC was dismantled after the Taliban took power in August 2021, and by 2023 it was listed among abolished bodies. Its recruitment role passed to a directorate under the Office of Administrative Affairs.
What stages did IARCSC recruitment have?
Shortlisting on education and experience, a written or computer-based test related to the post, and a final interview.
Why did the IARCSC introduce computer-based tests?
To reduce human interference and favouritism in hiring. The computer marked the test and showed candidates their result straight away.