LDC, UDC, Stenotypist and Assistant are the most frequently advertised office posts in Pakistan’s federal ministries and departments. Thousands of candidates apply, but many fail at one stage: the typing test. This guide explains each post and how to prepare.
What each post means
| Post | Usual federal scale | Usual education | Skill test usually required |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDC (Lower Division Clerk) | BS-11 | Matric | Typing, commonly 30 words per minute |
| UDC (Upper Division Clerk) | BS-13 | Intermediate | Computer or typing skills as stated in the advert |
| Stenotypist | BS-14 | Intermediate | Shorthand, commonly 80 wpm, and typing, commonly 40 wpm |
| Assistant | BS-15 | Graduation | Computer literacy; written test |
Selection process
- Online application, usually on the National Jobs Portal or a testing service.
- Written screening test (MCQs): English, general knowledge, Pakistan studies, Islamiat, basic maths and basic computer knowledge.
- Typing or shorthand test for LDC and Stenotypist posts.
- Interview and document verification.
How the typing test works
- You are given a printed or on-screen passage and a fixed time, often 5 to 10 minutes.
- Speed is counted in words per minute and mistakes reduce your net speed.
- Tests are usually on a standard desktop keyboard in MS Word or a typing program. Laptop or mobile practice does not prepare you properly.
30-day typing plan (from beginner to 30+ wpm)
| Days | Daily practice (45 to 60 minutes) |
|---|---|
| 1 to 7 | Learn touch typing: home row, then top and bottom rows. Do not look at the keyboard, even if you are slow. |
| 8 to 14 | Type short paragraphs slowly with zero mistakes. Accuracy first. |
| 15 to 21 | Two timed 5-minute tests daily. Note your speed and errors. |
| 22 to 30 | Timed 10-minute tests from newspaper paragraphs. Aim for 5 wpm above the required speed. |
Tips that make the difference
- Aim higher than the minimum. Nerves reduce your speed on test day.
- Do not use backspace too much. One mistake costs less than the time spent correcting every letter.
- Practise on an external keyboard like the ones in government computer labs.
- For shorthand, daily dictation practice is the only method that works. Start with slow recordings and increase speed weekly.
Where to find these posts
Currently the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has LDC, UDC and Stenotypist posts listed, and more appear on our weekly government jobs list.
FAQs
Is the typing test in English or Urdu?
Usually English. If Urdu typing is required, the advertisement says so.
Can a graduate apply for LDC?
Yes, higher qualification is normally allowed, but the selection is on the prescribed test, not on your degree.
What if I fail the typing test?
You are normally out of that recruitment, even with a high written score, so prepare typing first.