CSS exam: reforms needed

Annual competitive examinations conducted by FPSC illuminate persistent challenges

The pursuit of a Central Superior Service (CSS) job through the Federal Public Service Commission’s (FPSC) competitive examination is a collective goal for many. However, this ambition faces significant obstacles, including limited opportunities, substandard education quality, corruption and an unjust recruitment system, creating an environment where job attainment appears more dependent on chance than a deliberate choice.

However, the annual competitive examinations conducted by the FPSC illuminate persistent challenges. Despite a high number of applicants, only a fraction successfully qualifies, with specific concerns about the English Essay Paper. Instances of candidates receiving below 10 marks or a double zero in this paper raise questions about the evaluation criteria.

The evaluation process, especially for English Essay papers and other CSS examination papers, demands a comprehensive reevaluation. While factors like grammar, composition, expressions, ideas, knowledge and layout are considered, the logic behind candidates securing less than 10 marks raises concerns. A suggested reform is to restructure the checking criteria to ensure a fair assessment aligning with a candidate’s overall capabilities.

The CSS Essay paper remains a source of confusion for many candidates, as highlighted in the FPSC report on the 2018 examination. A notable number of candidates lack a clear understanding of the essentials of a comprehensive essay, resulting in discouraging success ratios over the past few years. The success ratio has declined from 3.3% in 2014 to 4.79% in CSS 2018 (Written Part), indicating a concerning trend.

The FPSC attributes the declining success rate to the low quality of education in institutions. Annual reports consistently emphasise the subpar education quality of candidates. FPSC’s Annual Report 2016 specifically emphasised the need for a comprehensive review of the higher education system, recommending an overall revision of syllabi and improvements in students’ general ability and language proficiency.

The alarming failing ratio in past years, ranging from 1 to 3%, underscores the urgency for the government to take appropriate steps to raise the standard of education. Reforms are required to prevent thousands from failing and being labeled as ‘unsuccessful’ in the country’s top examinations, including CSS, PMS and PCS.

The recent disclosure of the outcomes of the CSS Competitive Examination-2023 by the FPSC sheds light on the challenges faced by candidates. Out of 13,008 candidates, a mere 398 – or 3.06% – emerged victorious. The total applicants numbered 28,024, indicating a highly competitive environment. Successful candidates from the written phase will proceed to subsequent medical examinations, psychological assessments, and viva voce interviews, while results for rejected candidates will be withheld per Rule 16(6) of the CSS Competitive Examination Rules, 2019. Importantly, the 2023 CSS exam showed an improved pass percentage compared to the previous year.

Alongside the regular CSS exam, the FPSC introduced a Special CSS Competitive Examination 2023 (MPT), scheduled for October 2023. Eligibility for this special exam requires passing a screening test based on MCQs, offering an additional opportunity for candidates.

The evaluation criteria for the CSS examination, especially in assessing the English Essay Paper, necessitate a significant overhaul. The current system, where candidates excel in multiple subjects yet inexplicably fail in English, raises questions about the fairness and accuracy of the checking process.

It is imperative to reevaluate the checking criteria to ensure a more comprehensive and transparent assessment of candidates’ capabilities. There is need to evaluate criteria thoroughly for candidates with low marks.

The proposed change in the checking criteria aims to create a fair and standardised system, acknowledging that a candidate’s success in other subjects should not be overshadowed by an unexpected failure in English. This adjustment is essential to restore confidence among aspiring candidates and ensure that the CSS examination truly reflects their overall abilities and potential for a successful career in public service.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2024.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.