'CSS decline reports misleading'

The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has rejected claims that the number of Civil Superior Services (CSS) candidates has declined by 45%, describing such assertions as misleading and based on an incorrect comparison of examination statistics.

In a press statement, the commission said the perception that young people were losing interest in the CSS examination was inaccurate, adding that figures cited in some media reports had been interpreted out of context.

According to the FPSC, comparisons between the number of applicants in 2022 and 2025 were not made on a like-for-like basis. It explained that 64,081 candidates registered for the Mandatory Preliminary Test (MPT) in 2025, while 18,139 candidates subsequently submitted applications for the CSS written examination.

The commission said 12,792 candidates appeared in the 2025 written examination, of whom 354 qualified. Following the interview stage, 342 candidates were declared suitable for appointment, while 170 candidates were ultimately allocated to various occupational groups and services

The FPSC maintained that the participation of tens of thousands of candidates in the MPT each year clearly demonstrated that interest in joining Pakistan's civil service remained strong.

It further stated that several media reports had overlooked the MPT registration figures and had also failed to take into account the results of the Special CSS Examination 2023.

According to the commission, 141 candidates were allocated to various services through the Special CSS Examination 2023. It added that the special examination had particularly benefited women, minorities and candidates from underdeveloped regions.

The FPSC emphasised that a career in the civil service continued to be a cherished ambition for many young Pakistanis.