The Finance Division of Pakistan plays a central role in formulating economic policy, managing government expenditure, and overseeing financial regulations. Among the essential administrative roles within the division is the Assistant Private Secretary (APS)—a key position responsible for supporting senior officers in official correspondence, scheduling, and coordination tasks.
This article offers a comprehensive guide for aspirants interested in Assistant Private Secretary jobs at the Finance Division, covering job details, qualifications, skills required, expected salary, and the application process.
What Is an Assistant Private Secretary (APS)?
An Assistant Private Secretary (APS) is a BPS-16 grade post in the federal government of Pakistan. The role involves administrative, secretarial, and coordination tasks, usually in direct support of senior officers such as Additional Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, or Section Officers.
It’s a stable and respectable post often filled through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) or directly through Finance Division recruitment announcements.
Key Responsibilities
| Category | Duties & Tasks |
|---|---|
| Correspondence | Drafting, typing, and formatting official letters and memos |
| Scheduling | Managing daily schedules, meetings, and appointments of the reporting officer |
| Documentation | Organizing files, maintaining confidential records, and handling mail |
| Communication | Liaison between the officer and other government departments or officials |
| Travel Arrangements | Preparing TA/DA files, travel plans, and hotel bookings for official tours |
| Office Management | Ensuring office supplies, stationery, and equipment are available and functional |
| Confidentiality | Maintaining discretion and ensuring secure handling of sensitive documents |
| Technical Handling | Operating official phone, fax, email, and sometimes digital systems (MIS, HRMS) |
Eligibility Criteria
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree (at least 2nd Division) from an HEC-recognized university |
| Typing Speed | Minimum 40 words per minute (WPM) |
| Shorthand | 100 WPM in English shorthand (for some posts, as tested by FPSC) |
| Computer Literacy | Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and file management |
| Experience | Not mandatory for fresh candidates, but experience in admin/secretarial work is a plus |
| Age Limit | 20–30 years (General age relaxation up to 5 years as per government rules) |
| Nationality | Must be a citizen of Pakistan |
| Quota | Merit-based + Provincial/Regional quotas (Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, KP, GB, AJK) |
Skills Required
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Excellent communication and writing skills
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Fast typing and accurate shorthand transcription (where applicable)
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File organization and documentation handling
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Multitasking and time management
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Professional behavior and workplace ethics
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Discretion in handling sensitive information
Job Description Table: Assistant Private Secretary – Finance Division
| Job Title | Assistant Private Secretary (APS) |
|---|---|
| Grade | BPS-16 |
| Department | Finance Division, Government of Pakistan |
| Location | Islamabad (Head Office) or Regional Finance Offices |
| Job Type | Full-Time / Permanent (after probation) |
| Educational Requirement | Bachelor’s Degree (2nd Division minimum) |
| Typing Speed | 40 WPM (English) |
| Shorthand Speed | 100 WPM (for FPSC test-based recruitment) |
| Age Limit | 20–30 years (relaxable as per federal policy) |
| Selection Mode | FPSC / Direct departmental recruitment |
| Salary Range | PKR 45,000 – 65,000 per month (Basic Pay + Allowances) |
| Other Benefits | Medical, Pension, Annual Increment, House Rent, GP Fund |
| Reporting Officer | Section Officer, Deputy Secretary, or Joint Secretary |
| Deadline to Apply | As announced in the official advertisement |
Salary and Benefits
The Assistant Private Secretary is a BPS-16 grade job and comes with all federal government perks and privileges.
Estimated Monthly Salary (2025)
| Component | Amount (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (BPS-16 Start) | ~31,000 |
| House Rent Allowance | ~7,000 – 12,000 (depending on city) |
| Medical Allowance | ~1,500 – 2,500 |
| Utility Allowance | ~1,000 – 2,000 |
| Conveyance Allowance | ~5,000 – 7,000 |
| Total Estimated Pay | PKR 45,000 – 65,000/month |
Other Benefits
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Pension & General Provident Fund (GPF)
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Annual increments and promotions
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Paid leaves and gazetted holidays
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Training opportunities through NIM or finance division workshops
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Secure and stable employment with long-term growth
How to Apply
1. Through FPSC (Federal Public Service Commission)
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Visit www.fpsc.gov.pk
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Check for Consolidated Advertisement mentioning Assistant Private Secretary (APS) in the Finance Division
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Apply online, submit the fee (Rs. 300), and appear in the shorthand/typing and written test
2. Direct Departmental Recruitment (If Announced)
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Occasionally, the Finance Division may advertise positions directly in national newspapers or on its official website.
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Submit a CV, cover letter, and required documents
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Appear for the skill test and interview
Documents Required
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CNIC copy
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Attested academic certificates
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Typing/shorthand certificate (if applicable)
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Domicile certificate
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Recent passport-size photograph
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Experience certificates (optional)
Career Growth Opportunities
Once hired as an APS, you can grow in the secretarial/admin line through promotions and departmental exams:
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Assistant Private Secretary (BPS-16)
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Private Secretary (BPS-17)
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Senior Private Secretary (BPS-18)
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Principal Private Secretary (BPS-19)
Meritorious candidates can also switch to the officer cadre through internal exams or FPSC open merit exams.
Conclusion
The role of Assistant Private Secretary in the Finance Division is a highly respected and stable government position offering a combination of clerical precision, administrative support, and professional responsibility.
For graduates with excellent typing skills and a disciplined work ethic, this position provides a solid career path in the federal government structure.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced assistant, this job ensures job security, attractive benefits, and an opportunity to contribute to national governance.