FPSC post

Principal Architect

BS-19 · Military Engineering Service (MES), Ministry of Defence · F.4-109/2026-R

The Principal Architect test is a 200-mark MCQ paper of 200 minutes, with negative marking of 0.25 per wrong answer. The pass rule for this post is 40% in each individual part. The paper structure, part by part, is below.

At a glance

Total marks

200

Duration (minutes)

200

Negative marking

0.25

per wrong answer

Sections

Pass mark: 40% in each individual part.

Paper structure

Part-I

100 marks · 50% of the paper

English

40 marks

Comprehension
Grammar Usage
Vocabulary
Sentence Structuring
Sentence Correction
Grouping of Words
Pairs of Words
Idiomatic Phrases
Synonyms/Antonyms
Translation

General Intelligence/Ability

60 marks

Basic Arithmetic/Quantitative Ability (Algebra, Ratios, Percentages, Arithmetic Means)
Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
Current Affairs (Developments at National and International Levels in last 2 years)
Pakistan Affairs (Basic Level knowledge)
Basic IT (Hardware and Software)

Part-II

100 marks · 50% of the paper

Professional Test

100 marks

Basic Design / Architectural DesignIntroduction to architectural design, design parameters and criteria (site, orientation, building form, and scale), design of the built environment involving simple functions and building materials; Distinction between client's brief and architect's brief, development of design concept, site analysis, functional and formal implications of a design brief, design proposals for small to medium-scale buildings to demonstrate understanding of functional relationships, materials, structures, technology, contextual issues, and climatic response inclusive of initial understanding of sustainable architecture; Projects involving multiple functions and complex spatial organizations with comprehension of issues related to project program, site selection, users needs, materials, and technology, identification of structure systems, services and engineering systems; Introduction of survey methodologies, research and documentation techniques; Large-span structures, high-rise buildings with comprehension of structure, services and engineering systems; Thermal comfort and understanding services and construction details; Design of complex buildings giving due respect to urban design and planning issues considering the social, economic, physical & technological factors
Visual CommunicationFreehand drawing; lettering; drafting – point, line, shape and form; Solid geometry, sectional solid geometry, orthographic projections; understanding and preparation of plans, elevations, and sections of a building; Introduction to perspectives, rendering techniques in different mediums
History of Art & ArchitectureArts and architecture of the major periods of history and regions of the world: Ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Indus Valley, Greece, Rome, Byzantine, Gandhara, Islamic, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Pre-Modern, Modern, Contemporary including Architecture in Pakistan
Theories /Criticism of ArchitectureGraphic analysis of buildings and architectural complexes to develop the ability of the student to theoretically understand architectural issues which are later studied verbally in the form of architectural treatises; The model used throughout is the city which has proved throughout history to be an enduring architectural archetype

About the post

Case number: F.4-109/2026-R
Vacancies: 2
Employment: Permanent
Age limit: 32-40 years plus five (5) years general relaxation in upper age limit.
Domicile quota: Punjab (Open Merit)=One and Sindh (Rural) (Open Merit)=One
Place of posting: Rawalpindi.
Qualifications: i. Ph.D. or MS or Second Class or Grade 'C' Master's or Bachelor's (4 years) degree in Architecture/ Architecture & Planning or equivalent qualification from a University recognized by the HEC/ PCATP. ii. Eight (8) years post qualification experience in case of Ph.D. OR Ten (10) years post qualification experience in case of M.S. OR Twelve (12) years post qualification experience in case of aforesaid Master's/Bachelor's degree in the field of architecture/ Architecture & Planning from a Public or Private Sector Organization.
Notes: Registration with Pakistan Council of Architects & Town Planners (PCATP) is required.

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