Tenzin Choden/ Thimphu Today, 5,163 graduates’ is sitting for preliminary examinations (PE) – the conglomeration of graduates vying for civil service positions, they will need to first qualify PE to appear for the main examination, the Royal Civil Service Examination. The preliminary exam is conducted to test the minimum standard required for a candidate to appear for the main examination. According to Royal Civil Service Commission, the 5,163 graduates as it narrows at every examination phase, the remaining will vie for 842 jobs floated by the Royal Civil Service Commission. In the vacancies floated by the Royal Civil Service Commission, there are 300 vacancies in education service for bachelors in education, 259 vacancies in technical service, 198 vacancies in education service for post graduate diploma in education and 85 vacancies in administration service, finance service and technical service. Last year, the Commission has decided 50% as the cut-off percentage in the PE to qualify for the Main Examination. Meanwhile, RCSC waives the requirement of PE for categories of profession that are accredited and certified by a competent body to practice that profession, and when there are critical shortages of such profession. A total of 4,400 graduates have appeared for the PE of which 2,164 graduates secured 50% and above.