The number of candidates applying for Central Superior Services (CSS) examination in Pakistan has dropped 48% over the past four years.
The data was released by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), which shows a significant fall in registrations and examination participation, reflecting declining interest in both the CSS examination and federal government recruitment.
FPSC Statistics (2022–2025)
- CSS registrations dropped from 35,059 (2022) to 18,139 (2025), a decline of nearly 48%
- Candidates appearing in the CSS exam decreased from 20,262 to 12,792
- Candidates nominated by FPSC (CSS) declined from 239 (2022) to 170 (2025)
- Only 0.94% of registered CSS candidates were nominated by the FPSC in 2025
- 1.33% of candidates who appeared in the CSS examination received nominations in 2015
- The nomination rates were 0.68% of registered candidates and 1.18% of appearing candidates in 2022
General FPSC recruitment registrations
- General FPSC recruitment registrations peaked at 436,757 (2023) before falling to 196,193 (2025), a decline of more than 55%
- Candidates appearing in FPSC recruitment examinations dropped from 199,234 to 80,633
- FPSC nominated 3,005 candidates out of 196,193 registered applicants in the general recruitment in 2025
Although the number of applications declined, competition remained high. In 2025, the FPSC nominated 3,005 candidates from 196,193 registered applicants. Earlier, in 2023, only 1,436 candidates were nominated despite receiving more than 436,000 registrations.
However, the FPSC report also highlights a noticeable gap between registrations and participation in examinations, as majority of registered applicants still did not appear in the examinations.
On the other hand, previously, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) announced the preliminary schedule for the annual examination of the Central Superior Services (CSS) 2027. The commission also shared the important dates that candidates need to follow.
According to an advanced public notice issued by the FPSC, the examination process will begin in August 2026 with applications for the MCQ-based Preliminary Test (MPT).
Read more: CSS 2027: FPSC announces exam schedule, important dates
