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Civil Servants Act 1973, Conduct & E&D Rules 2020 (Office Governance) Solved Questions & Notes (2026) - Apex Rankers

Public Administration & Governance > Office Governance > Civil Servants Act 1973, Conduct & E&D Rules 2020

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Civil Servants Act 1973, Conduct & E&D Rules 2020

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Q. 1 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under which constitutional article was the 'Civil Servants Act, 1973' enacted by the Parliament of Pakistan?
A
Article 240 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
✓ Correct
B
Article 199
C
Article 184
D
Article 50
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Article 240 mandates that the terms and conditions of persons in the service of Pakistan shall be determined by or under an Act of Parliament (for federal civil servants, the Civil Servants Act 1973).
Q. 2 Office Governance
Difficulty: medium (1 Mark)
Who is defined as a 'Civil Servant' under Section 2(1)(b) of the Civil Servants Act, 1973?
A
A regular member of the Armed Forces of Pakistan
B
A person employed on daily-wages or contractual basis
C
A worker or workman defined under the Factories Act or Industrial Relations Act
D
A person who is a member of an All-Pakistan Service or of a civil service of the Federation, or who holds a civil post in connection with the affairs of the Federation
✓ Correct
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 2(1)(b) explicitly excludes members of the armed forces, persons on contract/daily wages, and industrial 'workmen' (who are covered under labor laws) from the definition of a civil servant.
Q. 3 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Section 4 of the Civil Servants Act 1973, what is the legal tenure of office of a civil servant?
A
Every civil servant holds office during the pleasure of the President
✓ Correct
B
Tenure is determined exclusively by the local district police chief
C
Every civil servant is appointed on a 5-year commercial lease
D
A civil servant owns a permanent constitutional property right to their post
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 4 codifies the classic constitutional 'Pleasure Doctrine': civil servants hold office during the pleasure of the President, subject to statutory safeguards in the Act and rules.
Q. 4 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
What is the standard 'Probation Period' for initial appointments under Civil Servants (Appointment, Promotion and Transfer) Rules, 1973?
A
Ten years for all gazetted officers
B
One year, extendable by the appointing authority for a further period not exceeding one year
✓ Correct
C
Five years mandatory probation
D
Six months with no possibility of extension
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Probation is typically 1 year on initial appointment; if performance is unsatisfactory, it may be extended by up to 1 additional year before formal confirmation or termination.
Q. 5 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Section 6 of the Civil Servants Act 1973, when is a civil servant 'Confirmed' in service?
A
Automatically on the first day of joining service
B
Only after reaching the age of 55 years
C
Upon satisfactory completion of the prescribed probation period and passing of mandatory departmental/promotional examinations
✓ Correct
D
Upon payment of a confirmation fee to the ministry
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Confirmation confers permanent status in a specific substantive post/cadre, granted after successfully passing probation, training, and departmental exams.
Q. 6 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Section 8 of the Civil Servants Act 1973, what is the fundamental principle governing 'Seniority'?
A
Seniority is determined by the date of taking university degrees
B
Seniority is determined by chronological physical age only
C
Seniority is not a vested right; in a batch of initial selectees, seniority is determined strictly by the order of merit assigned by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC)
✓ Correct
D
Seniority is decided by a lottery draw
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 8 establishes that FPSC merit order determines inter se seniority among batchmates on initial entry, while promotion seniority dates from the date of regular appointment to the higher post.
Q. 7 Office Governance
Difficulty: medium (1 Mark)
Under Section 9 of the Civil Servants Act 1973, what are the criteria for 'Promotion' to a higher post?
A
Promotion is bought by paying a fee to the Finance Division
B
Promotion is granted based on political party loyalty
C
Promotion is awarded only to officers with foreign nationalities
D
A civil servant possessing prescribed minimum qualifications and length of service is eligible for promotion on the basis of 'Selection-on-Merit' (for selection posts) or 'Seniority-cum-Fitness' (for non-selection posts)
✓ Correct
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 9 governs career advancement: senior management posts are filled via rigorous Selection on Merit (evaluating PERs, training, and integrity), while routine posts follow Seniority-cum-Fitness.
Q. 8 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Section 10 of the Civil Servants Act 1973 ('Posting and Transfer'), what is the legal obligation of a civil servant?
A
Transfers can only be ordered with the civil servant's personal written consent
B
A civil servant can refuse any transfer without justification
C
A civil servant can only be posted in their home district
D
Every civil servant is liable to serve anywhere within or outside Pakistan, in any post under the Federal Government, Provincial Government, or Local Authority
✓ Correct
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Section 10 enshrines the state's absolute prerogative to deploy civil servants wherever public service requires across Pakistan or in diplomatic missions abroad.
Q. 9 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Section 13(1) of the Civil Servants Act 1973, what is the statutory age of 'Superannuation' (Mandatory Retirement)?
A
70 years
B
On completion of the 60th year of age (60 years)
✓ Correct
C
55 years
D
65 years
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Every federal civil servant superannuates and retires compulsorily from service on the afternoon of the date on which they attain 60 years of age.
Q. 10 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Section 13(1)(a) of the Civil Servants Act 1973, when may a civil servant opt for 'Voluntary Retirement' with pension benefits?
A
After completion of 25 years of qualifying service (or reaching 55 years of age, as prescribed by rules)
✓ Correct
B
Voluntary retirement is illegal in Pakistan
C
Only on the day of turning 60
D
After 2 years of service
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
An officer completing 25 years of qualifying pensionable service may elect to seek voluntary retirement with full earned pensionary entitlements.
Q. 11 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 (Rule 5), what are the rules regarding the acceptance of 'Gifts' by civil servants?
A
Gifts under Rs. 100 Million do not need to be reported
B
Gifts of cash can be deposited into private bank accounts
C
Civil servants are forbidden from accepting gifts from foreign dignitaries, commercial vendors, or subordinates; any official gift received from foreign dignitaries MUST be deposited immediately into the state 'Toshakhana' (Cabinet Division)
✓ Correct
D
Officers can keep all gold and luxury cars gifted to them secretly
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Rule 5 and Toshakhana procedures require that all diplomatic gifts be surrendered to the Cabinet Division for formal valuation, permitting retention only upon payment of the assessed percentage into the treasury.
Q. 12 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Rule 12 of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1964, what is the mandatory annual requirement regarding 'Declaration of Assets'?
A
Declare assets only if instructed by a foreign bank
B
Declare assets only once in their lifetime upon retirement
C
Asset declarations are voluntary and optional
D
Every government servant MUST submit an annual declaration of all immovable and movable properties, shares, jewelry, and bank balances owned by themselves or their family members as of 30th June each year
✓ Correct
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Annual asset declarations to the Establishment Division are mandatory; failure to submit or misdeclaring wealth constitutes gross misconduct under E&D rules and bars promotional consideration.
Q. 13 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Rule 16 of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1964, is a civil servant permitted to engage in 'Private Trade, Business, or Employment'?
A
Civil servants can work as private real estate brokers without permission
B
NO government servant shall, except with the prior formal sanction of the Government, engage directly or indirectly in any private trade, business, commercial consultancy, or other employment
✓ Correct
C
Private commercial trade is mandatory for all civil servants
D
Yes, civil servants can freely run private businesses during office hours
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Rule 16 strictly bars private commercial activities to prevent conflict of interest, commercial exploitation of public office, and diversion of time from official public duties.
Q. 14 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Rule 21 and 22 of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1964, what is the rule regarding civil servants participating in 'Political Activities and Elections'?
A
No government servant shall take part in, subscribe in aid of, assist, or canvass in any political movement, political party, or parliamentary election, nor permit family members to use their official residence for political purposes
✓ Correct
B
Civil servants can contest National Assembly elections while in service
C
Civil servants must wear political party badges in office
D
Civil servants must join the political party in power
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Civil servants must maintain absolute non-partisan political neutrality to serve any elected government of the day with objective, unbiased professional integrity.
Q. 15 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Rule 19 of the Conduct Rules 1964, what is the rule regarding civil servants expressing opinions on public radio, TV, or press?
A
Civil servants must run daily personal political blogs
B
No government servant shall, without prior government sanction, participate in any media broadcast, publish articles, or make public statements that criticize government policy, embarrass relations with foreign states, or disclose official secrets
✓ Correct
C
Civil servants can post criticisms of government on social media freely
D
Civil servants can disclose confidential state files on television
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Rule 19 restricts public media statements to preserve institutional discipline, diplomatic confidentiality, and collective governmental solidarity.
Q. 16 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020, what are the four statutory 'Grounds for Proceedings' against a civil servant (Rule 3)?
A
Disagreement with policy, Taking sick leave, Retiring early, and Speaking Urdu
B
Inefficiency, Misconduct, Corruption, and Subversion
✓ Correct
C
Tardiness, Bad handwriting, Low voice, and Casual dress
D
Filing tax returns, Reading books, Exercising, and Traveling
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Rule 3 defines the actionable legal grounds for initiating disciplinary proceedings: Inefficiency (poor performance), Misconduct (violation of conduct rules), Corruption (illicit wealth/bribery), and Subversion (state treason).
Q. 17 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Rule 4(2) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules 2020, which of the following is classified as a 'Minor Penalty'?
A
Removal from service
B
Compulsory retirement
C
Dismissal from service
D
Censure, Withholding of promotion/increment for a specific period, Stoppage at an efficiency bar, or Recovery of pecuniary loss caused to Government
✓ Correct
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Minor penalties are corrective administrative sanctions that do not sever the employment relationship, recorded in the officer's service dossier.
Q. 18 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
Under Rule 4(3) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules 2020, what are the four statutory 'Major Penalties'?
A
1. Recovery of pecuniary loss, 2. Reduction to a lower post and pay scale, 3. Compulsory Retirement, 4. Removal from Service, and 5. Dismissal from Service
✓ Correct
B
1. Verbal warning, 2. Written apology, 3. Transfer to another room, 4. No tea for a week
C
1. Demotion to clerk, 2. Salary doubled, 3. Extra vacation, 4. Free housing
D
1. Imprisonment for life, 2. Execution, 3. Exile abroad, 4. Loss of citizenship
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Major penalties inflict severe career consequences, ranging from demotion to permanent termination and disqualification from all future public sector employment.
Q. 19 Office Governance
Difficulty: medium (1 Mark)
What is the critical legal difference between 'Removal from Service' and 'Dismissal from Service' under E&D Rules?
A
Removal from service does NOT disqualify the person from future employment under Government; Dismissal from service PERMANENTLY disqualifies the person from any future employment under Government
✓ Correct
B
There is no legal difference between removal and dismissal
C
Removal is for BS-17; Dismissal is for BS-20
D
Removal is voluntary; Dismissal is involuntary
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Dismissal is the most severe administrative death sentence in civil service jurisprudence, imposing an absolute lifetime constitutional ban on re-entering state service.
Q. 20 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
What is the definition of 'Misconduct' under Rule 2(1)(k) of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules, 2020?
A
Conduct prejudicial to good order or service discipline, behavior unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman, violation of any Government Servants Conduct Rules, or persistent absence from duty without leave
✓ Correct
B
Wearing traditional Pakistani national dress to office
C
Arriving at office 5 minutes early
D
A minor arithmetic calculation error in a draft note
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Misconduct encompasses a wide array of disciplinary infractions, including insubordination, negligence, harassment, unauthorized absence, and breach of statutory rules.
Q. 21 Office Governance
Difficulty: medium (1 Mark)
Under Rule 5 of the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules 2020, what is the maximum initial period of 'Suspension' of a civil servant by the Authority?
A
Permanent suspension for 10 years without review
B
Maximum 24 hours only
C
Suspension cannot exceed 3 calendar days
D
A period not exceeding 120 calendar days (which may be extended for further periods of up to 120 days by the Authority with recorded reasons)
✓ Correct
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Suspension removes the accused officer from active duty to prevent tampering with evidence or intimidating witnesses during the formal disciplinary inquiry.
Q. 22 Office Governance
Difficulty: medium (1 Mark)
What financial entitlements does a civil servant receive during the period of suspension under Fundamental Rules (FR-53)?
A
A 'Subsistence Grant' equal to full basic pay plus standard allowances (house rent, medical), but NOT transport or conveyance allowance
✓ Correct
B
Zero money (complete loss of all income)
C
Half of the minimum wage in physical cash
D
Double salary and bonus
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Under FR-53, a suspended officer remains an employee and is entitled to a monthly subsistence grant ensuring livelihood while disciplinary inquiry proceeds.
Q. 23 Office Governance
Difficulty: medium (1 Mark)
Who is the 'Authority' and 'Appointing Authority' under E&D Rules 2020 for Federal Civil Servants in BS-17 to BS-22?
A
An external private corporate attorney
B
The Chief Justice of Pakistan
C
For BS-20, 21, and 22: The Prime Minister; For BS-17 to 19: The Secretary of the concerned Ministry/Division (as designated by rules)
✓ Correct
D
The local district Deputy Commissioner
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
The E&D rules specify delegated authorities: the Prime Minister is the competent authority for top policy scales (BS-20+), while Secretaries exercise authority over mid-tier officers.
Q. 24 Office Governance
Difficulty: medium (1 Mark)
Under Rule 7 of the E&D Rules 2020, how does the Authority decide between an 'Inquiry' (by an Inquiry Officer/Committee) and a 'Show Cause Notice' (Summary Procedure)?
A
The decision is made by tossing a coin
B
Inquiries are illegal under Pakistani administrative law
C
If the case involves disputed facts requiring witness examination, an Inquiry Officer/Committee is mandatory; if facts are admitted, documented, or in cases of conviction/unauthorized absence, a direct Show Cause Notice is issued
✓ Correct
D
Inquiry is conducted only for women; Show cause for men
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Due process requires formal regular inquiry whenever allegations rest on contested evidence, ensuring cross-examination of departmental witnesses.
Q. 25 Office Governance
Difficulty: easy (1 Mark)
What is the statutory timeframe given to an accused civil servant to submit a written defense reply to a 'Charge Sheet / Show Cause Notice' under E&D Rules 2020?
A
Six months
B
Not less than 10 days and not more than 14 days from the date of receipt of the charge sheet
✓ Correct
C
Exactly 24 hours
D
Three years
💡 Step-by-Step Explanation & Concept Rationale
Providing 10 to 14 days guarantees reasonable time under Natural Justice for the accused employee to inspect records and formulate a detailed written defense.
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