Competition Rate for Grade 5 Civil Service and Foreign Service Officer Exams at 31.2 to 1

Slight Drop in Competition Rate Due to Increased Number of Positions

This year, the average competition rate for the national civil service Grade 5 open competitive recruitment and Foreign Service Officer candidate selection exams was calculated at 31.2 to 1, a 3.4 percentage point decrease compared to last year.

The Ministry of Personnel Management announced on January 24 that, as a result of receiving applications for the Grade 5 open recruitment and Foreign Service Officer selection from January 19 to 23, a total of 11,903 people applied for 381 positions, resulting in an average competition rate of 31.2 to 1.

This marks a 3.4 percentage point decrease compared to last year, when 12,005 people applied for 347 positions, resulting in a competition rate of 34.6 to 1. The Ministry explained that this was due to the number of available positions increasing by 34 compared to last year.

By job category, the competition rates were 32.5 to 1 for the Grade 5 administrative group (243 positions), 25.4 to 1 for the Grade 5 science and technology group (98 positions), and 37.6 to 1 for Foreign Service Officer candidates (40 positions).

Looking at the detailed recruitment units, the correctional officer position in the administrative group had the highest competition rate at 182 to 1, while the disaster safety position in the science and technology group had the highest rate at 55 to 1.

The average age of applicants was 29.0, similar to last year’s average of 29.3.

By age group, those in their 20s accounted for the largest proportion at 7,603 applicants (63.9%), followed by those in their 30s with 3,292 (27.7%), those in their 40s with 846 (7.1%), those aged 50 and above with 149 (1.2%), and those under 20 with 13 (0.1%).

The proportion of female applicants was 46.1%, similar to last year’s 45.8%.

The first round of the Grade 5 open recruitment and Foreign Service Officer selection exams will be held on March 7 in five regions nationwide: Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon.

The results of the first round will be announced on April 10 through the National Civil Service Recruitment System.