- Competition Rate for 2025 Grade 9 Civil Service Exam Rebounds to 24.3:1, Ending Three-Year Decline
- More Youth Turning to Public Service Amid Reduced Private Sector Hiring
The civil service exam market has recently regained attention. The number of applicants and the competition rate, which had been declining for several years, are rebounding, especially among those in their 20s and 30s, signaling a renewed enthusiasm for the exams.
For the 2025 national level Grade 9 civil service exam, a total of 105,111 people applied, an increase of about 1,500 compared to the previous year. The competition rate rose to 24.3 to 1, marking the first increase in four years since 2021. In the case of the major local government positions in administration and technology, the number of applicants increased by 1,236 compared to the previous year, suggesting that the number of civil servant positions is likely to continue to grow in the future.
According to industry sources, the number of civil servant positions has been on the rise since 2024, and it is highly likely that this approximately 10% increase will be maintained next year as well, which would mean an increase of more than 1,300 positions.
In particular, the influx of the 2030 MZ generation into the civil service exam is notable. According to the Ministry of Personnel Management, among the final successful candidates for the 2025 Grade 9 open competitive exam, 62.3% were in their 20s, while 31.9% were in their 30s, with the average age being 29.3 years. These figures show that, contrary to the perception that many MZ job seekers and employees are leaving public service, they are actually choosing it as a stable career path.
The renewed popularity of the civil service exam is rooted in young people's perception of an unstable labor market and the relatively lowered barriers to entry for the exam. In addition, the recent reduction in private sector hiring has led to a growing trend of choosing public service positions, which offer greater job security. This trend is likely to continue fueling enthusiasm for the exams.
An infographic summarizing the background of young people's preference for public service positions, the number of applicants for the 2025 national civil service exam, and the age distribution of successful candidates. (Provided by ST Unitas)
Furthermore, to address economic uncertainty and youth unemployment, the government has confirmed an increase in the number of local government civil servant hires this year by 8.2% (1,332 positions) compared to the previous year, bringing the total to 17,665. This reflects the growing demand for public sector workers and increased interest in stable jobs. The civil service exam is emerging as a major career option, and candidates need to prepare systematically for the changing hiring environment.
Changes in the exam structure are also lowering the barriers to entry. The Korean history subject, which was previously a required written test, has been replaced by the Korean History Proficiency Test (Hanguksa Neungryeok Geomjeung Siheom), allowing candidates to adjust their preparation schedules more flexibly. In addition, the exam has shifted from a focus on rote memorization to questions that assess the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required for public service. These changes have created an environment where candidates can focus and prepare intensively over a shorter period, which is especially advantageous for working professionals and those who need to study intensively in a short time.
Improved working conditions for civil servants are also cited as a reason why more young people are choosing to take the civil service exam. As of this year, the starting salary for civil servants has increased by 6.6%, and the maximum parental leave allowance has been raised to 2.5 million won. Policies to improve the working environment, such as the introduction of a 4.5-day workweek, are also being promoted. Compared to the instability of hiring in the private sector, the stability of welfare benefits in the public sector is once again being highlighted. In addition, the increase in the number of applicants suggests that the growing interest in public service is more likely to be a structural change rather than a temporary rebound.
Interest in the civil service exam is also evident in private academies and the online lecture market. For example, in 2022, Company G, which held the largest market share in the online lecture market for Grade 7 and Grade 9 civil service exams, saw the number of paying students increase by about 49% in June compared to the previous year, marking a rebound. Notably, on the day before the local government exam, the number of paying students surged by a remarkable 504% compared to the previous year.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
