Record-Breaking Interest in Hong Kong Civil Service

The 2025-26 joint recruitment exercise for five degree-level civil service posts, including Administrative Officer (AO) and Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO), closed on Friday, October 3, drawing an impressive surge in applications. Civil Service Bureau Director Grace Yip Ho-mei announced on social media that the bureau received a total of 20,700 applications, with the highly sought-after AO position alone attracting 13,600 submissions, a 3% increase from last year and the highest figure since the 2021-22 cycle.

Yip described the response as "encouraging," noting that this marks the third consecutive year the joint recruitment has exceeded 20,000 applicants. "This reflects the strong willingness among young people, including fresh graduates and third-year university students, to join the government and serve the community," she said in a post. She also extended thanks to her colleagues for their dedicated and multifaceted promotional efforts over recent months.

The AO role, often seen as a prestigious entry point into Hong Kong's administrative elite, continues to dominate interest. Meanwhile, the AAO position garnered approximately 18,300 applications, holding steady compared to the previous year. These figures underscore the enduring appeal of stable, impactful careers in public service amid Hong Kong's evolving socio-economic landscape.

Applicants will face the Joint Recruitment Examination (JRE) on November 29 in Hong Kong. For those studying or residing overseas – including in mainland China – testing centers will be available in seven international cities: Beijing, Shanghai, London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, and Sydney. This global accessibility aims to level the playing field for a diverse pool of candidates.

Yip urged all applicants to prepare thoroughly for the JRE to perform confidently. "We eagerly look forward to welcoming you into the civil service family, where we can together deliver high-quality, efficient public services to our citizens," she added, emphasizing the bureau's commitment to nurturing talent.

The recruitment drive covers five key streams: Administrative Officer, Assistant Administrative Officer, Executive Officer, Assistant Labour Officer, and Trade Officer. Successful candidates will undergo rigorous selection processes, including interviews and assessments, with appointments expected to bolster Hong Kong's governance framework in the coming years.

As Hong Kong navigates post-pandemic recovery and global uncertainties, the robust turnout signals renewed optimism in public sector opportunities. For more details on the recruitment and exam preparation, visit the Civil Service Bureau's official website.