Record-breaking Low Competition for Japanese Government Positions
Record Low Passing Rate in Japan's National Public Servant Exams
In an unexpected turn of events, the pass rate for Japan's career-track national public servant employment examinations in fiscal year 2025 hit an all-time low, with only one out of 2.9 applicants securing a position. This marked a significant drop from the previous year's pass rate of one in 3.2 applicants.
The main reason behind this record low pass rate was an increase in the number of successful applicants, which rose in line with an increase in the number of planned hires by each ministry and agency. This surge in candidates led to stronger competition, resulting in the lowest passing rate ever recorded.
The National Personnel Authority, the body responsible for administering these examinations, announced that a total of 8,815 people passed in fiscal year 2025, an increase of 1,258 from the previous year. Among these successful candidates, 1,763 passed under the new division established in fiscal 2025, which specifically assesses judgment and thinking ability. However, the pass rate for this new division was not specified.
Another noteworthy development was the increase in the percentage of women among successful applicants, which reached a record high of 47.1%. This represents a significant shift towards gender diversity, as the proportion of women who passed increased from 43.0% in the previous year. It's important to note that the increase in the percentage of women among successful applicants is not directly attributed to the new division.
The employment examinations are for career-track positions within the government at the national level, not local or regional levels, and not for temporary or contract positions. The National Personnel Authority made the pass rates and number of successful applicants public on August 12, 2025.
In summary, the historically low pass rate for Japan's career-track national public servant employment examinations in fiscal 2025 was mainly due to stronger competition tied to increased hiring targets, rather than fewer successful applicants. The profile of successful candidates also shifted with the introduction of new exam criteria and increased female representation.
- As public interest grows around the new divisions introduced in Japan's national public servant employment examinations, policymakers and legislators are considering drafting policy-and-legislation to ensure fairness and prevent favoritism, making it a hot topic in the realm of politics and general news, prompting discussions about the impact and implications of such changes.
- With an increase in media coverage highlighting the record low passing rate in Japan's National Public Servant Exams, curiosity among the general public has led to more individuals looking up information online about the qualification process, policy, and actual test questions, sparking a general interest in the topic.
