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MSO

For group A medical officer

Exam Date: August 17, 2025

Test Structure

The Management Service Officers (MSO) Examination is a competitive examination conducted by the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government to recruit individuals to Grade III of the Management Service Officers' Service. This service is pivotal in the Sri Lankan public sector, encompassing roles in administration, management, and policy implementation across various government ministries and departments. 

Examination Pattern

1. Written Examination

Language Proficiency: Tests candidates' proficiency in Sinhala, Tamil, or English.

Aptitude Test: Assesses logical reasoning, analytical skills, and general knowledge. 

2. Interview

Candidates who pass the written examination are shortlisted for a structured interview to evaluate their suitability for administrative roles.


 Detailed Syllabus

1. Language Proficiency

Sinhala/Tamil/English: Grammar, comprehension, and composition. 

2. Aptitude Test

General Knowledge: Current affairs, history, and geography of Sri Lanka.

Logical Reasoning: Pattern recognition, sequences, and analogies.

Quantitative Aptitude: Basic arithmetic, percentages, and data interpretation.


 Eligibility Criteria

General Requirements:

Citizenship: Sri Lankan citizen.

Age: Between 18 and 30 years as of the closing date of the application.

Educational Qualification: Passed the GCE Advanced Level Examination.

Language Proficiency: Proficiency in Sinhala, Tamil, or English. 


For International Applicants:

International candidates must ensure their educational qualifications are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka. They may need to provide equivalency certificates and meet additional requirements set by the Public Service Commission.


 Registration Process

Application Submission: Applications are to be submitted online through the official Department of Examinations website.

Payment: Pay the prescribed examination fee via the designated bank.

Documentation: Submit the completed application form along with the payment receipt and necessary documents.

Admit Card: Upon acceptance, candidates will receive an admit card specifying the examination details.

How to Prepare

Phase 1: Understand the Exam Structure & Syllabus (Week 1)

Download the official syllabus from www.doenets.lk or the Government Gazette.

Divide the exam into core subjects:

Language Proficiency (Sinhala/Tamil/English)

General Knowledge & Current Affairs

Aptitude (Reasoning + Basic Math)

Create a subject-wise planner with weekly targets.


Phase 2: Build Foundations (Weeks 2–4)

Language Proficiency

Read editorials from Sinhala/Tamil/English newspapers daily.

Practice:

Grammar correction

Comprehension passages

Letter and essay writing (use past papers)

Use school-level textbooks and language apps like Grammarly, “සිංහල ශබ්දකෝෂය”, etc.

General Knowledge

Maintain a current affairs notebook.

Cover:

History, geography, constitution of Sri Lanka

Government structures and major policies

Sports, science, international organizations

Follow sources:

Dinamina, Daily News, Ada Derana, BBC Sinhala/Tamil

Department of Government Information updates

Aptitude

Topics to cover:

Arithmetic: Percentages, averages, ratios, LCM/HCF

Reasoning: Series, patterns, odd one out, directions

Data interpretation: Graphs and tables

Use books like:

“IQ and General Aptitude – Upul Shantha Sannasgala”

Past papers from Guruwaraya.lk and Provincial Exams


Phase 3: Practice with Timed Tests (Weeks 5–8)

Simulate actual exam conditions:

90 minutes for each paper (if available)

Practice at least 3 full-length mock tests per week.

Analyze:

Time taken per section

Mistake patterns (especially in aptitude/logical sections)

Use online timers or mock exam platforms for speed improvement.


Phase 4: Revise and Strengthen (Weeks 9–10)

Revise notes: Highlight tricky grammar rules, facts, and math formulas.

Daily quiz routine:

10 aptitude Qs

5 current affairs Qs

1 short essay or comprehension

Group study sessions: Discuss current affairs and practice mock interviews.

Use flashcards for historical events, ministers, laws, and vocabulary.


 Phase 5: Interview Preparation (If Shortlisted)

Prepare answers for common questions:

Why do you want to join public service?

What are your strengths/weaknesses?

Describe a public administration challenge and solution.

Mock interviews with mentors or friends.

Keep documents organized: Certificates, ID, application proof.

Important Dates

  • Application Period: June 2, 2025 – June 30, 2025.

    Examination Date: May 18, 2025. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Management Service Officers are key public sector managers in Sri Lanka responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing government policies and programs. They work in various ministries and government departments to improve efficiency and service delivery.


The Department of Examinations, Sri Lanka conducts the competitive examination for recruitment to the Management Service Officer Grade III.

Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree from a recognized university in Sri Lanka or equivalent qualification.

Age Limit: Usually between 21 and 30 years, but age limits can vary. Check the latest official notification.

Citizenship: Must be a Sri Lankan citizen.


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