PPSC Shifts PMS 2025 Exam Centres from Rawalpindi to Lahore Amid Security Concerns

PPSC Shifts PMS 2025 Exam Centres from Rawalpindi to Lahore Amid Security Concerns

The Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has announced the immediate shifting of examination centres for the compulsory papers of the Provincial Management Service (PMS) 2025 examination . The decision, which affects 1,216 candidates, moves all testing venues from Rawalpindi to Lahore due to the current security situation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The development marks a crucial logistical adjustment for one of Punjab’s largest competitive examinations. According to official notifications, the decision was finalized during a high-level committee meeting chaired by PPSC Member Mirza Sohail Aamir. The proposal received formal approval from the Chairman of PPSC, Lieutenant General (Retired) Muhammad Abdul Aziz, following which Secretary PPSC Afzaal Ahmad issued a formal notification to implement the change.

Breakdown of Affected Candidates

Deputy Director of PPSC, Syed Kazim Muqaddas Kazmi, provided detailed statistics regarding the affected aspirants. The group of 1,216 candidates includes 754 male and 462 female applicants. These individuals were originally scheduled to appear for their compulsory papers between April 24 and April 26, 2026 , at two designated venues in Rawalpindi: Government Gordon Graduate College on Liaqat Road and Government Associate College for Women in Jhanda Chechi.

New Examination Venue in Lahore

To ensure a conducive, secure, and disruption-free environment for all aspirants, the PPSC has designated Divisional Public School (DPS), Model Town, Lahore , as the new examination centre. Officials emphasize that the venue was chosen for its established infrastructure, accessibility, and ability to accommodate large-scale testing under controlled conditions.

The PPSC spokesperson has strongly advised all affected candidates to download their revised admission letters (roll number slips) from the official PPSC website. These updated documents will be available after 2:00 PM on April 21, 2026 . Candidates are instructed to appear at the Lahore centre strictly according to the revised schedule mentioned on their new admission letters.

Phase-I Results and Phase-II Details

In a related announcement, the PPSC confirmed that the Phase-I results of the PMS/Combined Competitive Examination 2025 have already been declared. This phase, which is the largest competitive examination conducted by the commission in Punjab, saw remarkable participation.

Out of more than 36,000 candidates who appeared for the Phase-I examination held on January 25, 2026 , a total of 8,898 candidates successfully qualified to advance to Phase-II. These successful candidates are now competing for just 119 available posts , underscoring the highly competitive nature of the examination.

What to Expect in Phase-II

The PPSC has outlined the structure for the upcoming Phase-II of the PMS examination. This phase will consist of eleven subjective papers , strategically divided into:

• Five compulsory papers

• Six optional subjects (to be chosen by candidates based on their academic background)

Following the completion of the written subjective papers, candidates who meet the cut-off criteria will be required to undergo a psychological assessment and an interview (viva voce). The commission has confirmed that the final merit list will be issued only after all these stages written exams, psychological tests, and interviews are successfully concluded.

Advisory for Candidates

The PPSC has issued a clear advisory for all stakeholders:

1. Do not report to the old centres in Rawalpindi (Gordon College or Jhanda Chechi College).

2. Visit the official PPSC website (www.ppsc.gop.pk) promptly after April 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM to download the revised admission letter.

3. Plan travel and accommodation to Lahore well in advance, given the short notice.

4. Carry a printed copy of the revised admission letter along with original CNIC to the new centre at DPS Model Town, Lahore.

Official Statement on Security

While the PPSC has not disclosed specific threat details, the official notification cites the “prevailing security situation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi” as the primary reason for the relocation. The commission has reiterated that the safety and well-being of candidates remain its top priority. By shifting the centre to Lahore, the PPSC aims to eliminate any potential risks and provide a neutral, secure environment where candidates can focus entirely on their examinations.

Candidates seeking further clarification are encouraged to contact the PPSC helpline or visit the official commission office in Lahore. The PPSC has also promised real-time updates via its official social media channels and website.