KARACHI:
Last year, the government announced the introduction of an MCQs-based Preliminary Test (MPT) before the Central Superior Service (CSS) to detect the potential of candidates and eliminate non-serious candidates to save time. The amendment was passed and the first MPT took place last month.
According to the candidates, the syllabus for the MPT was vague and the test was a general paper that could not determine a candidate’s ability to perform in the main examination. However, the sudden introduction of the MPT put candidates under severe pressure as they had little time to prepare. Most candidates struggle with English essays and precise papers. Therefore, instead of introducing an MPT perhaps, the criteria for English exams should have been revised and adequate preparation material should have been issued. The MPT only lengthens the process because even after clearing the written exam, candidates must undergo several other tests to reach the allocation stage.
The new strategy involves undertaking two exams within the space of three months. This takes up more time and candidates are under constant pressure and stress, which may affect their self-confidence and overall performance in the exams. Also, candidates may have other commitments such as employment because of which they will struggle with balancing exam preparation. Therefore, the relevant authorities must reconsider their decision of an MPT and either reduce the gap between the two exams or remove MPT from the process altogether. Otherwise, the procedure will only become more time-consuming for both candidates and the federal public service commission.
Usman Ahmad and Sara Azam
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, March 19th, 2022.
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