On Oct 21, the seventh day since online applications were opened, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security released a list of positions in remote and western regions that had received few applications, in an effort to boost interest in the roles.

According to the ministry, approximately 85 percent of the current vacancies require at least two years of experience at the grassroots level, 15 percentage points more than last year.

In a new recruitment drive, for the first time the central government will recruit farmers and workers as civil servants for the customs and taxation sectors, as well as for railway police stations at county, township and village levels.

To make rural areas more attractive, another 100 positions will be reserved for college graduates to work as village heads.

The exam, which tests applicants' language skills and other aptitudes, will be held on Dec 5 in major cities across the country. Those who pass will be invited for an interview.

While 1.46 million people applied to take the 2010 exam, only two-thirds actually sat the test, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The 2011 exam could have a similar result, Liu said. "It is easy to fill out an online application. Some people randomly apply, but never take the exam."

Fierce competition for the most sought-after positions can also cause some applicants to lose confidence, he added.