SOUTH KOREA - Shake-up for entrance exam

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SOUTH KOREA Shake-up for entrance exam
A plan to alter the subjects of the lowest level
South Korean Public Service exam in favour of
high school graduates has been met with
opposition.   The Ministry of Public
Administration and Security has announced that it
intends making the currently compulsory college
level subjects optional while adding high school
subjects as electives.   The announcement came
after President Lee Myung-bak said the percentage
of high school graduates in the Public Service
should be increased.

• Consulting Group of Springhill South Korea

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• Consulting Group of Springhill South Korea

A ministry spokesperson said that beginning in
2013, English and Korean history would be
compulsory test subjects, while test-takers could
select two more subjects either at university or
high school level.   The plan aims to expand
the opportunities for high school graduates to
enter the public service sector, the
spokesperson said.   Those preparing to take the
test have spoken out against the plan in a
Government web forum.   The time and money I
spent for the past three years on studying will
go to waste, one said.   We will have tax
officers who dont know accounting and
prosecutors who have no idea about criminal law.
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• Consulting Group of Springhill South Korea

 Others have spoken out in support of the plan
however, saying the high unemployment rate of
graduates from provincial colleges and
universities was a serious problem that needed to
be addressed.   Supporters said recruitment for
the lowest level Public Service jobs was
originally aimed at high school graduates.  
Young individuals who have the basic
requirements can be promoted to higher positions
as they learn from experience, one said.   The
current method may lead to unfavourable
consequences such as hiring incompetent Public
Servants.   Accordingly, it would be better to
adopt a quota-system for high school graduates
rather than changing the subjects.Seoul, 7 May
2012
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• Consulting Group of Springhill South Korea

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