Beijing, Oct 14 (IANS): China's government agencies will recruit over 19,000 civil servants in 2014, according to an official announcement.

The application forms for the 2014 public service exam will be available from Wednesday, the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security announced Monday.

In 2013, 20,839 positions were offered which is slightly higher than this year, reports Xinhua.

According to the authorities, the 2014 public service selection will continue favouring candidates who have worked at the grassroots in communities.

Most of the positions in government agencies above provincial level will require two years of grassroots working experience.

About 10 percent of all vacancies will be set aside for college graduates-turned-village heads.

Chinese college students are encouraged to work as village officials after graduation.