"The 'God's Workplace'... 3,334 Applicants Rush for 1 Civil Servant Position in China"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] Recently, the number of applicants for the Chinese national civil service exam surged to 1.5 million, an increase of 70,000 compared to last year, drawing attention. Due to the preference for stable jobs and high employment barriers, a 'gongsi-jok' (civil service exam takers) trend is emerging in China as well.

According to foreign media on the 31st, 1.5 million people applied for this year's Chinese national civil service exam, Guokao (國考), which recently closed for applications. This figure is about 70,000 more than last year (1.43 million), before the widespread outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The average competition rate for this year's Chinese national civil service exam was calculated at 54.16 to 1.

The position with the highest number of applicants was the Level 1 officer at the Dongguan office of the Guangdong survey team under the National Bureau of Statistics, where 3,334 applicants competed for one spot, showing a competition rate of 3334:1.

Experts analyzed this position as "a frontline role responsible for statistical surveys, data processing, and accounting, requiring only a bachelor's degree with no experience restrictions," adding, "The favorable treatment and work location, combined with minimal eligibility restrictions, have a significant impact."

Civil service positions affiliated with the China National Committee on Aging also recorded a competition rate of 1543:1.

The reason for the civil service exam craze in China is that, although wages are lower than in private companies, these jobs offer relatively stable living conditions and the authority to exercise public power.

Additionally, the COVID-19 crisis this year caused large-scale unemployment, which is believed to have increased the perception of stable employment among Chinese youth, contributing to the civil service exam boom. Facing increasingly high employment barriers, many Chinese youths about to graduate are flocking to take the civil service exam.