To join the FIA you apply online through the NPFTAS portal for a post that matches your education. With Matriculation you can apply for Constable. With Intermediate you can apply for UDC or Stenotypist. With a Bachelor’s degree you can apply for ASI, Sub-Inspector or Assistant. Selection runs through physical test, written test, interview and medical.
Based on the official advertisement. The eligibility, age limits and vacancy numbers below are taken from the FIA recruitment advertisement published on fia.gov.pk. We read the document itself.
Most people searching how to join the FIA are really asking one question. Which post can I actually apply for with the education I have? That is what this guide answers first, because applying for a post you are not eligible for wastes your fee and your time.
Which FIA post can you apply for
Find your education level in this table. Everything else follows from it.
| Post | Scale | Posts | Age | Minimum qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Car Driver | BS-04 | 42 | 18-30 | Primary, valid Motor Car licence, knows traffic rules |
| Constable | BS-05 | 941 | 18-25 | Matriculation 2nd Class |
| Constable Driver | BS-05 | 39 | 18-25 | Matriculation 2nd Class, Motorcycle and LTV licence |
| Assistant Sub-Inspector | BS-09 | 117 | 18-25 | 2nd Class or Grade C Bachelor’s from HEC recognised university |
| Lower Division Clerk | BS-11 | 64 | 18-25 | Matriculation, typing 30 w.p.m., NITB IT course after selection |
| Upper Division Clerk | BS-13 | 29 | 18-25 | Intermediate, NITB IT course after selection |
| Stenotypist | BS-14 | 47 | 18-25 | Intermediate, 80 w.p.m. shorthand, 40 w.p.m. typing, computer literate |
| Sub-Inspector | BS-14 | 94 | 18-25 | 2nd Class or Grade C Bachelor’s from HEC recognised university |
| Assistant | BS-15 | 21 | 18-28 | Graduate from HEC recognised university, NITB IT course after selection |
A general age relaxation of five years applies to the upper age limit under the Initial Appointment to Civil Posts Rules 1993. There is no relaxation in the lower age limit, the physical standards or the endurance test.
Choosing the right post for you
Look at the vacancy numbers again, because they matter more than most candidates realise. Constable has 941 posts. Assistant has 21. Your realistic chance is very different in each.
- If you have Matriculation only. Constable is your main route and it has by far the most seats. If you can type, LDC is worth considering because far fewer people apply.
- If you have Intermediate. UDC and Stenotypist open up. Stenotypist needs real shorthand and typing speed, which most candidates do not have, so competition is lower if you have the skill.
- If you have a Bachelor’s degree. ASI and Sub-Inspector are the uniform officer routes. Assistant is the clerical route at BS-15 with the highest starting pay, but only 21 seats.
- If you drive professionally. Staff Car Driver has a higher age limit of 30 years and needs only Primary education plus a Motor Car licence.
You can apply for more than one post, but you must submit a separate application and pay a separate fee for each one.
The FIA selection process step by step
Passing one stage only qualifies you for the next stage. Fail any stage and you are out of the process.
Register on the NPFTAS portal, complete the form and pay the processing fee of Rs 2,000 per post.
For Sub-Inspector, ASI, Constable and Constable Driver only. Height, chest and a one mile run.
A computer based test. Only candidates who cleared the earlier stage may sit it.
Stenotypist and LDC candidates take a shorthand or typing test.
Bring original documents plus attested copies, your CNIC and your domicile certificate.
Upon final selection, a comprehensive medical by an authorised Federal Government Civil Surgeon. Candidates found medically unfit are disqualified.
A separate roll number slip is issued at every stage, and you cannot appear without it and your original CNIC. No TA or DA is paid for attending any stage.
Things that will disqualify you
- Fake or bogus documents. The advertisement is blunt about this. Candidature is cancelled and legal action follows, at any stage of recruitment and even after employment.
- Applying without meeting the criteria. You must hold the required qualification and be within the age limit on the closing date.
- Applying by hand or courier. Only online applications through the official portal are accepted.
- Serving government employees not applying through proper channel. You also need an NOC from your department at interview.
Life after selection
Selected candidates are liable to be posted anywhere in Pakistan. That is worth thinking about before you apply, especially if you cannot relocate.
Candidates appointed as Assistant BS-15, UDC BS-13 and LDC BS-11 must qualify a mandatory IT training course run by the National Information Technology Board before their probation period ends. For pay, your basic salary follows your scale and rises with an annual increment every year. You can see the full figures on our FIA salary and pay scale page.
How to prepare
Start with the stage that eliminates most people. For uniform posts that is the physical test, so read our FIA physical test standards and training plan and begin running now. For the written stage, work through our FIA past papers and preparation books. When applications open, follow our step by step guide on how to apply for FIA jobs online.
Frequently asked questions
How can I join FIA after Matric
With Matriculation 2nd Class you can apply for Constable BS-05, which has the most vacancies. If you can type at 30 words per minute you can also apply for Lower Division Clerk BS-11.
How can I join FIA after Intermediate
With Intermediate you can apply for Upper Division Clerk BS-13. If you have 80 words per minute shorthand and 40 words per minute typing you can also apply for Stenotypist BS-14.
How can I join FIA as an officer
With a 2nd Class or Grade C Bachelor’s degree from an HEC recognised university you can apply for Assistant Sub-Inspector BS-09 or Sub-Inspector BS-14. Both are uniform posts with a physical test.
What is the age limit for FIA jobs
Most posts require 18 to 25 years. Assistant BS-15 allows 18 to 28 years and Staff Car Driver BS-04 allows 18 to 30 years. A general age relaxation of five years applies to the upper limit.
Can I apply for more than one FIA post
Yes. You must submit a separate application for each post and pay the processing fee of Rs 2,000 separately for each one. The fee is non refundable.
Which FIA post has the most vacancies
Constable BS-05 with 941 posts, far more than any other. Assistant Sub-Inspector BS-09 comes next with 117 posts.
Will I be posted in my own city
Not necessarily. Selected candidates are liable to be posted at any place in Pakistan.
How we checked this
The posts, scales, vacancy counts, age limits, qualifications and selection stages on this page are taken from the FIA recruitment advertisement published on the official FIA website fia.gov.pk. We downloaded and read that document rather than copying figures from other websites.
Please note. npftaslogin.com.pk is an independent information portal. We are not the FIA or NPFTAS. Vacancy numbers and criteria change with every recruitment cycle, so always read the advertisement for the cycle you are applying to.