As a twice-qualified CSS candidate, I’ve spent countless hours in Lahore’s leading libraries — Darussalam, Jinnah, Punjab, Chughtai and the British Library. Over time, I’ve observed an alarming trend: competitive exam aspirants, especially from Sindh, Balochistan and KP, are caught in a daily race — not for knowledge, but for a seat.
Aspirants arrive as early as Fajr, placing bags outside closed library gates to reserve spots. Libraries open after 8am, yet two hours are lost in this exhausting routine. By the time study begins, much of their energy is already drained.
Inside, the situation reflects burnout. Nearly half the students appear drowsy or distracted. A third take regular tea breaks just to stay awake. Despite being physically present for 10-12 hours, student manage 4-5 hours of real study.
This inefficient pattern is a major reason why success rates in CSS and PMS exams remain stuck at just 2-3%. The environment fosters anxiety, especially for newcomers. The pressure to secure a seat overshadows the purpose of being there — to learn.
This harmful “seat-hunt culture” needs urgent change. Aspirants must shift from quantity to quality — studying smart rather than simply staying long. At the same time, libraries should introduce fairer systems: no early bag placements, and registration allowed only 15 minutes before opening.
On a broader level, the government must address the regional imbalance in academic infrastructure. Why should students from underserved provinces migrate for a quiet place to study? Establishing well-resourced libraries across all regions is essential for equal opportunity. To improve outcomes, both mindset and system must evolve. Only then can our libraries become spaces of genuine growth — not just long hours and lost energy.
Shoaib Ahmed
Gambat
