While the time needed to be ‘well-prepared’ for CSS exams is subjective — depending on the candidate’s educational background and ability to ‘memorise’ concepts — it is generally accepted that four to six months are enough to get ready for the tests. The plural form of the word test is being used since the CSS assesses a candidate on a variety of subjects — from the size of the planets to current affairs and the rich history of the subcontinent. Though the examinations usually finish within two weeks, they are followed by an excruciating wait, often lasting at least six months, to find out if the next step of the recruitment process — the interview phase — is in his fate. After that happens, which also takes its sweet cupcake time, the candidate can still fail after the interview phase.
If a candidate manages to clear the interview, another anxious wait will be in store for him, as then he will have to wait to know which service he is going to get allotted. Here comes the most tricky part — after spending almost a year and a half that includes preparation time and the anxious wait — the candidate can still not get his desired service group since the result is relative to the performance of other students that year. Merely sitting for the CSS exams, therefore, requires a huge sacrifice.
One can argue that there is more than one attempt allowed — a candidate has three shots at taking the CSS exams — and a candidate, who is dedicated to joining the civil service will try again if he falls in the first hurdle. But it also means that roughly another year-and-a-half will be spent if the candidate chooses to sit for the exams again. The painstaking length of the process forces candidates to think of a backup. One cannot expect a candidate to sit through the wait and not manage his risks. One can safely conclude that the risk of trying to become a civil servant borders on outweighing the charms of being one. It is highly surprising that the government has not tried to speed up the process. It has a system in place and has stuck to it for ages and there is no intention, on its part, to deliver results earlier.
If one was to say that the training period begins in a specific time of the year since a batch has to graduate before the next one is admitted, why not just finalise the results sooner? This way, aspiring candidates will have a clearer roadmap. The inefficiency in delivering results creates doubts about the competence of the FPSC. There is absolutely no reason for the announcement of results to take as long a time as it does. If the government wants efficient civil servants, it needs to act as an appropriate role model and deliver results efficiently as well.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 15th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (12)
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While reading this article, I have some suggestions, 1. Departmental test should be taken not one exam for all, and who clear not observing their competency they sent to that organization where he can not be fitted. 1. As doctors are specialize in their medical fields and engineer or agriculturalist specialize in their own.. so for civil services only "Public Administration Graduates'' may eligible. 2. As English is the backbone of civil services but i think instead of this they may be examine that how are the competent in social issues, culture and other local issues. 3. the exam should be taken in field of administration/management but with our circumstances.
really touching heart, i am agree with writer because what he has written is true but i have objection why government don't remove the screening test?Every one knows that the CSS is a competitive and no one would appear in this examination without preparation. i think screening test is the west-age of time........
FPSC is trying to bring changes into the system. Screening test is a new addition to the process that will, hopefully, screen in certain percentage of candidate who are serious enough to start preparation an year before CSS examination. This might reduce the candidates and hence speed up the whole process
No, Bilal, it is no longer considered a highly respected service. The best minds in the country either go abroad or they join large multi-national corporations. As Ronald Reagan once said, "the best minds are not in government. If any were, business would steal them away."
@Qasim: do not waste your time and energies.... You can earn a good living and send pounds as foreign exchange....that is also a service to nation....but if you become part of CSS culture...either you will be disappointed if you are honest or you will colour yourself in dishonesty if you are otherwise..........
Love your play on words...'memorize' concepts.
As for the logic of efficiency, perhaps your riddle answers itself; sadly so.
Agreed. One can manage the 'preparation' time on his behalf, but the results should be out sooner.
Can't agree more Mr. Bilal ! Very simple process improvement by using SAT style marking sheets for multiple choice can also help reduce the time. Would you want a person to do your pension who spent 4.5 years of his life trying to pass the CSS exam? i will be worried. Sooner or later everyone has a family to feed and the mere 30K per month doesn't help which is why the bureaucracy has rampant corruption.
Very well said. The exam format is outdated and designed for an era long past. Its wasteful, time consuming and inefficient. Not to mention unfair as ex-military who switch over to the civil service automatically get the top posts and have a separate quota.
Hi, I reside in Britain at the moment and am interested in taking the CSS mostly out of patriotism and a desire to help Pakistan in any way possible. Of course the benefits are also good. Is this recommended and what is the process for dual nationals?