The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has dismissed reports claiming that the number of candidates applying for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination has fallen by 45%. The perception that young people are losing interest in Pakistan’s premier civil service examination is inaccurate.
According to the FPSC, several media reports made incorrect conclusions by comparing statistics instead of considering the complete recruitment cycle. It explained that comparisons between applicant numbers for 2022 and 2025 were made improperly.
CSS 2025 statistics
- 64,081 candidates registered for the MCQ based Preliminary Test (MPT), the mandatory screening stage before the written exam
- 18,139 candidates qualified after the MPT and submitted applications for the CSS written examination
- 12,792 candidates appeared in the written CSS examination
- 354 candidates successfully cleared the written examination and progressed to the next stage
- 342 candidates were declared successful after interview
- 170 candidates were allocated to various occupational groups and civil service
The Commission also stated that some analyses failed to include the results of the Special CSS Examination 2023. 141 candidates were allocated to different government services through that exam. According to the FPSC, the special examination expanded opportunities for women, minorities, and candidates of different regions.
Further, the Commission said that joining Pakistans civil service remains an ambition for thousands of people. It added that the recruitment process continues to attract participation every year despite increasing competition and strict selection procedure.
FPSC urged the media to use complete and accurate data is essential to present a fair picture of applicant trends and to avoid creating misconceptions about the popularity of the CSS examination among the youth of Pakistan.
Earlier, several reports stated that the number of candidates applying for Central Superior Services (CSS) examination in Pakistan dropped 48% over the past four years.
Read more: CSS registrations in Pakistan decline nearly 48% over four years
