Sri Lanka Foreign Service Open Exam 2026
Sri Lanka Foreign Service
Grade III Open Competitive Examination – 2026
Public Service Commission
The Public Service Commission has called for applications for the Open Competitive Examination for Recruitment to Grade III of the Sri Lanka Foreign Service – 2026. A total of 25 vacancies will be filled through the written examination and interview.
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Applicants should possess a degree from a foreign or State university recognized by the UGC, a degree awarded by a university established by an Act of Parliament of Sri Lanka, or a degree recognized under Section 25A of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978.
🎂 Age Limit
Applicants should have attained 22 years and not attained 28 years on the closing date. Candidates already in the Public Service should not have attained 35 years and must have a satisfactory record of service.
📝 Written Examination
| No. | Subject | Duration | Marks | Pass Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | General Paper | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| 02 | World Affairs I | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| 03 | World Affairs II | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| 04 | Essay | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
| 05 | Précis | 30 Minutes | 50 | 25 |
| 06 | MCQ – IQ, General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 2½ Hours | 150 | 75 |
| 07 | Language Proficiency | 3 Hours | 100 | 40 |
The examination can be taken in Sinhala, Tamil or English. Candidates must sit all question papers in the language medium selected when applying.
⚠️ Important Examination Requirement
All candidates must appear for the MCQ paper first. Only candidates who obtain the required minimum marks in the MCQ paper can proceed to the remaining subjects. Candidates must obtain the minimum marks in all seven papers and an aggregate of at least 300 marks to be considered for the eligibility assessment interview.
💼 Interview
The eligibility assessment interview carries 100 marks. The interview assesses suitability for the service, including personality, communication skills, language proficiency, and educational qualifications. The final merit order is based on the combined marks of the written examination and interview.
💰 Examination Fee
The examination fee is Rs. 1,200/-. Payment can be made through the payment methods provided in the online application system. The examination fee is non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another examination.
📢 Apply Before the Deadline!
Closing Date: 06 October 2026 – 9.00 p.m.
Applications should be completed online through the Department of Examinations.
Source: Gazette Notification dated 04 September 2026 – Public Service Commission.
