China sees record 7.7 million applicants for 200,000 government jobs
Government jobs are typically regarded as stable and prestigious in China, especially since young people's unemployment has soared to record highs.
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KEY POINTS
In the 2023 application round, a record 7.7 million people took the civil service exam this year for more than 200,000 government jobs at a national and provincial level, according to CNBC analysis of state media reports.
Government jobs are typically regarded as stable and prestigious in China, especially in an economy where young people’s unemployment has soared to record highs.
For those who want a government job, they must take China’s civil service exam — whose multiple-choice section starts with questions about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speeches and “thought.”
A record number of people in China took the civil service exam this year, as unemployment among young people soared.
According to CNBC analysis of state media reports, 7.7 million people took the civil service exam in the 2023 application round, vying for more than 200,000 government jobs at the national and provincial level.
Government jobs are typically regarded as stable and prestigious in China. GDP growth has slowed from its rapid pace of the past decades.
The interest in government jobs comes as Xi Jinping last week cemented his position as China’s leader for an unprecedented third term.
Xi sees unity under the ruling Chinese Communist Party as essential for building up the country. That’s meant the party has and is set to increase its presence in the economy, including among businesses that are not state-owned.
Studying “Xi thought” is a growing requirement for schools in China.
For millions of people who want a government job, they must take China’s civil service exam — which starts with questions on Xi’s report to the party’s congress and Xi thought in a multiple-choice section.
