📋 Official Notice

This recruitment is conducted under the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government. The examination will be held in July 2026 in Colombo, and is open to permanent officers currently serving in the Public Service or Provincial Public Service.

✓ Eligibility Requirements

Before applying, make sure you meet all four of the following criteria set by the Ministry:

🎓

Educational Qualification

A degree from a university recognized by the UGC, or a degree established under an Act of Parliament in Sri Lanka.

🏛️

Service Experience

Permanent officer in the Public Service or Provincial Public Service with at least 5 years of active and satisfactory service.

💰

Salary Grade

Currently drawing a salary under MN-1-2025 (or higher) or SL-1-2025 salary codes.

📜

Other Conditions

All increments earned in the past 5 years; no active disciplinary punishment. Members of the clergy are not eligible.

⚠️ Important Note

Candidates who cannot prove eligibility at the interview stage — even after passing all three papers — will be disqualified. Ensure your documentation is complete before applying.

📝 Examination Structure

The examination consists of three papers, all of which must be sat in a single language medium — Sinhala, Tamil, or English. A minimum of 40% is required in each paper to qualify for the interview stage.

Paper Subject Max Marks Pass Mark Duration
1 Comprehension 100 40 / 40% 2 Hours
2 Subject Related Study 100 40 / 40% 1 Hour
3 Planning 100 40 / 40% 2 Hours

Language Medium

Candidates must choose one language medium — Sinhala, Tamil, or English — and answer all three papers in that language. Switching languages between papers is not permitted.

🏆 Selection Process

Selection is entirely merit-based. Here is the step-by-step process:

1
Written Examination (July 2026) All three papers sat in one sitting at an exam centre in Colombo.
2
Merit List Compilation Candidates who score at least 40% in each paper are ranked by total marks.
3
Eligibility Interview Top-ranked candidates are called for an interview — not scored, but used to verify eligibility documents.
4
Appointment to SLPS Grade III Successful candidates are appointed to the Sri Lanka Planning Service on the SL 1-2025 salary scale.

💼 Salary & Remuneration

Appointees are placed on the SL 1-2025 salary scale with the following range, plus all applicable government allowances:

Monthly Basic Salary (SL 1-2025 Scale)
Rs. 82,150
Starting Salary
→
Rs. 195,970
Maximum Salary
+ Cost of Living Allowance + Other Government Allowances + Annual Increments

📚 How to Prepare for SLPS Exam 2026

With three papers and a 40% pass mark in each, a focused preparation strategy is essential. Here are our top tips:

01

Master Comprehension Basics

Practice past government exam comprehension passages in your chosen language medium. Focus on reading speed and inference skills.

02

Study Planning Concepts

Review national development plans, regional planning frameworks, and Sri Lanka's public sector planning processes thoroughly.

03

Build Subject Knowledge

The Subject Related Study paper tests your professional domain. Revisit your degree subject and link it to public administration context.

04

Time Management Practice

Paper 2 is only 1 hour for 100 marks — the most time-pressured. Timed mock tests are critical for this paper specifically.

05

Prepare Eligibility Documents

Gather service records, increment sheets, and your degree certificate early. Document issues at the interview stage cause disqualification.

06

Choose Your Language Wisely

Select the language you are most comfortable writing formal, structured answers in — not necessarily your first language.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Who conducts the SLPS Grade III Limited Competitive Examination?
The examination is conducted by the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government under the Government of Sri Lanka.
Can provincial government officers apply for this exam?
Yes. Permanent officers in both the Public Service and the Provincial Public Service are eligible, provided they meet all other conditions including the 5-year service requirement and salary grade.
Is the interview scored?
No. The interview carries no marks and is used solely to verify the eligibility of candidates who passed the written examination. However, candidates who fail to prove eligibility at the interview will be disqualified.
Can I appear in English medium even if my service is in Sinhala?
Yes. The language medium is your choice — Sinhala, Tamil, or English — regardless of the language used in your service. You must answer all three papers in the same chosen medium.
What is the salary code MN-1-2025?
MN-1-2025 is a salary code in the Sri Lanka public service salary structure. Applicants must be drawing a salary under MN-1-2025 or higher, or under SL-1-2025, to be eligible for this examination.
Where will the exam be held?
The examination is scheduled to be held in Colombo in July 2026. Exact venue details will be provided in the admission cards issued to registered candidates.

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Closing date 18.05.2026