White applicants are nearly fifteen times more likely than black candidates to land a prized job with the civil service.
Recruitment data shows that for every 1,000 black candidates who applied for a Whitehall job just three were given a place.
The odds of success are around 333/1 compared to 23/1 for white applicants.
The figures, from the last intake for the Civil Service Fast Stream in 2018, show 3,971 black applicants.
Just 11 of those who were black or black British of African heritage secured a spot.
The number of successful black candidates of Caribbean or other black heritage was so low it was not recorded.
Of 24,103 applications from people said to be white British, 1,065 received offers.
People in the Fast Stream are accelerated through the ranks to hold positions such as senior diplomats.
Recruitment figures show privately educated white people who went to Oxford or Cambridge University have the best chance of securing a place.
Candidates categorised as being of Asian and Chinese heritage had a better success rate than black applicants.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission said: “Our civil service ought to reflect the diverse society it serves and these figures are concerning.”
The Cabinet Office said: “The Fast Stream is a key part of helping deliver a brilliant civil service by attracting talented people from all backgrounds. But we recognise there is always more we can do.”