As more candidates apply, the exam sees a drop in attendance rates for the third consecutive year.
Category: Politics
On April 4, 2026, South Korea held its national civil service 9th grade public recruitment exam across 219 testing sites in 17 provinces. This year's exam drew a staggering 108,718 applicants, resulting in an average competition rate of 28.6 to 1 for the 3,802 available positions. This marks a notable increase in competition compared to last year, which had a rate of 24.3 to 1.
According to the Ministry of Personnel Management, the attendance rate for the exam was 75.0%, with 81,479 candidates actually sitting for the test. This figure reflects a slight decline from previous years, where the attendance rates were 75.8% in 2024 and 75.2% in 2025. The decrease in attendance has been attributed to a growing trend of 'insurance applications,' where candidates apply to multiple positions, including both public and private sectors, leading to higher numbers of candidates who choose not to attend the exam on the day.
As candidates entered the examination halls, they faced a rigorous two-hour test consisting of three common subjects: Korean, English, and Korean history, along with two specialized subjects that vary by department. Reports indicate that the Korean language section continued to present a high level of difficulty, mirroring trends from previous years. Many candidates expressed their struggles with the length and complexity of the questions, particularly in the Korean section, which they described as challenging.
“Korean was surprisingly tough, with long sentences and numerous themes,” shared one candidate who applied for the general administration position. “English and Korean history were manageable, but the other subjects felt quite difficult.” Another candidate echoed this sentiment, stating, “Today’s exam was particularly hard for Korean, even more so than last year, and both administrative law and administrative studies were quite challenging as well.”
Conversely, some candidates found the English and Korean history sections to be easier than expected. “I prepared thoroughly for this exam, and it paid off. I found the English section to be straightforward,” remarked a candidate who was less challenged by the Korean language section. This variability in difficulty across subjects has led to mixed feelings among test-takers, with some finding certain specialized subjects, like administrative law and administrative studies, to be particularly tough.
The exam’s structure is known for its stringent requirements, including a failing rate of approximately 50% in recent years due to the 'failing score' policy, which disqualifies any candidate scoring below 40 in any subject. This has resulted in high stakes for candidates, as they navigate the pressures of both rigorous study and the competitive nature of the exam.
In terms of broader trends, the Ministry of Personnel Management has noted a steady decline in the appeal of civil service positions among potential candidates. A survey conducted in 2025 revealed that many civil servants are considering leaving their jobs, citing low salaries and excessive workloads as primary reasons. This dissatisfaction is particularly pronounced among younger civil servants, with many expressing a desire for more competitive compensation and improved working conditions.
In response to these concerns, the government has announced a 3.5% salary increase for civil servants in 2026, with entry-level positions seeing increases of up to 6.6%. The monthly salary for a first-grade 9th level civil servant is now approximately 2.86 million won. Even with these increases, experts suggest that merely raising salaries may not be sufficient to attract and retain talent in the long term.
As for the exam results, the answer sheets will undergo a review period until April 7, with the final answers to be released on April 13. Candidates will then have the opportunity to contest their scores between April 20 and 21, with the official results for successful candidates announced on May 8.
Looking ahead, starting in 2027, the Korean history component of the exam will be replaced by the Korean History Proficiency Test, requiring candidates to achieve a minimum grade of level 3.
As the civil service exam continues to evolve, both candidates and officials closely to see how these changes affect future recruitment and the public’s perception of civil service careers.