BEIJING -- The application process for next year's civil service jobs started on Wednesday, with China's State Administration of Civil Service estimating that despite fewer vacancies, the number of applicants will be as many as last year.

According to the administration, people can apply for vacancies on its official website. Each applicant can only apply for one post in one department.

The written examination will be held on Nov 24. Interviews will be held after.

An administration official said policies and guidelines will be introduced in a bid to ensure fairness. Also, related departments will provide a code of conduct for examiners.

Civil servant jobs are popular in China as they offer relative stability. In 2013, over 1.38 million people applied for around 20,000 vacancies in central authorities.