The Federal Public Service Commission has officially announced the Section Officers Promotional Examination (SOPE-2026) for promotion to BS-17 (Office Management Group – OMG). This is a highly competitive departmental exam for federal government employees seeking career advancement.
Last Date to Apply Online: 28 March 2026
Expected Written Exam Date: 22 July 2026
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SOPE-2026 Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) |
| Exam Name | Section Officers Promotional Examination (SOPE-2026) |
| Post | Section Officer (BS-17) |
| Group | Office Management Group (OMG) |
| Total Vacancies | 30 |
| Written Exam Marks | 650 (450 Compulsory + 200 Optional) |
| Viva Voce | 200 Marks |
| Application Mode | Online + Hard Copy Submission |
| Last Date | 28 March 2026 |
| Exam Start Date | 22 July 2026 (Tentative) |
What is SOPE-2026?
The SOPE (Section Officers Promotional Examination) is a departmental promotion exam conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission for in-service federal employees. It enables eligible candidates in BS-11 to BS-16 to be promoted as Section Officers (BS-17) in the OMG group.
SOPE-2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Minimum Second Division (Grade C) Bachelor’s degree recognized by the Higher Education Commission
- Candidates with Third Division in Bachelor’s are eligible if they hold a higher division in Master’s
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 30 years
- Cut-off Date: 28 March 2026
- No age relaxation allowed
Service Requirement
- Minimum 8 years of regular service in BS-11 to BS-16
- Applicable departments include:
- Federal Secretariat
- Prime Minister’s Secretariat
- National Assembly & Senate Secretariat
- Intelligence Bureau
- Armed Forces civilian staff
- Other attached departments
Ineligible Candidates
Applicants from the following are not eligible:
- Provincial Governments, AJK & Gilgit-Baltistan
- Autonomous bodies & regulatory authorities
- Election Commission & Federal Shariat Court
- Strategic organizations (e.g., PAEC, KRL)
- Employees below BS-11 or regular BS-17 officers
SOPE-2026 Exam Structure
Mark Distribution
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Written Exam | 650 |
| – Compulsory | 450 |
| – Optional | 200 |
| Psychological Assessment | Qualifying |
| Viva Voce | 200 |
Only candidates who pass the written exam are called for a psychological assessment and interview.
SOPE-2026 Syllabus Overview
The syllabus follows SOPE Rules 2015 (SRO 418(I)/2015) and includes:
Compulsory Subjects (450 Marks)
- English (Essay & Precis)
- Pakistan Affairs
- Islamic Studies / General Knowledge
- Office Management & Procedures
Optional Subjects (200 Marks)
- Selected from Appendix-I of SOPE Rules 2015
Choose scoring optional subjects aligned with your academic background.
How to Apply for SOPE-2026 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Online Application
- Apply via official FPSC website:
Federal Public Service Commission
Step 2: Print & Sign Form
- Download the submitted form
- Ensure no changes after submission
Step 3: Attach Documents
- CNIC copy
- Educational certificates
- Service record
- Photographs
Step 4: Submit Hard Copy
- Send to:
Secretary FPSC, Aga Khan Road, F-5/1, Islamabad - Deadline: Within 10 days after 28 March 2026
Important Instructions
- Ensure accurate CNIC & date of birth
- No changes allowed after submission
- Select optional subjects carefully
- Examination center cannot be changed
- Incomplete applications will be rejected
SOPE-2026 Exam Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 13 March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 28 March 2026 |
| Hard Copy Deadline | Within 10 days after closing |
| Written Exam | 22 July 2026 (Tentative) |
- SOPE 2026 last date
- FPSC SOPE 2026 eligibility
- Section Officer exam Pakistan
- SOPE syllabus 2026 PDF
- FPSC promotional exam OMG
- SOPE 2026 Apply Online
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for SOPE-2026?
The last date to submit the online application for SOPE-2026 is 28 March 2026.
Who can apply for SOPE-2026?
Federal government employees in BS-11 to BS-16 with 8 years of service and a Bachelor’s degree can apply.
What is the age limit for SOPE-2026?
Candidates must be at least 30 years old by 28 March 2026, with no age relaxation.
How many vacancies are announced in SOPE-2026?
A total of 30 vacancies are available for Section Officer (BS-17).
What is the exam pattern of SOPE?
The exam includes:
- Written Exam (650 marks)
- Psychological Assessment
- Viva Voce (200 marks)
Final Insight
The SOPE-2026 exam is a golden opportunity for federal employees aiming for promotion to BS-17 Section Officer roles. With limited vacancies and strict eligibility, early preparation and accurate application submission are critical for success.