· The government’s limited demand for officers keeps the pass rate stuck around 2%.
· Language gaps, rote-learning, and outdated curricula leave most candidates unprepared.
· Scholars call for bilingual exams, analytical testing, and modernized subject structures.
· Systemic decline in education, especially in public institutions, directly fuels low CSS success rates.
Mahtab Bashir
0333 53 63 248
mahtabbashir@gmail.com
Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) exam, the highest-tier competitive examination for recruiting bureaucrats into the country’s elite civil service, has consistently recorded a pass rate of barely 2 percent over the last few years, sparking widespread debate among academics, policymakers, and aspirants.
The stubbornly low CSS success rate is now viewed not just as a measure of the exam’s toughness, but as a symptom of deeper cracks within Pakistan’s educational and administrative systems.
In an effort to untangle this complex picture, this scribe reached out to key stakeholders to ask the hard questions: Is the problem rooted in government policy, flawed teaching methods, candidates’ misunderstanding of the exam, the vested interests of preparatory academies, or a broader collapse of the education system itself? The discussions also explored the path ahead and the essential art of mastering this high-stakes examination.
Former Consul General of Barcelona, ambassador, and ex-Director of the Common Training Program at Civil Services Academy, Lahore, Imran Ali, explained that the CSS exam pattern itself is not flawed; the real issue lies in the vast gap between what students learn at the bachelor’s level and the expectations of the exam. For the average student, this gap makes the exam exceptionally challenging.
Imran highlighted that improving CSS pass rates requires high-quality liberal learning. Bachelor’s and master’s programs in liberal arts subjects, such as political science, literature, and economics, etc must reach a high standard before students attempt the exam. In the short term, there is no simple fix. Another approach could be to reduce the exam’s diversity: by making it shorter and more focused on specific subjects, pass rates might improve.
He emphasized that the CSS remains a tough test, largely because its standard sits between BA and MA levels, whereas the quality of undergraduate and graduate programmes has generally declined, making the exam appear harder. Also, the exam’s breadth adds to the difficulty: candidates must cover Current Affairs, Pakistan Affairs, Islamiyat, English language and literature, three optional subjects, and even Everyday Science, making it extremely diverse and demanding.
Dr. Muhammad Mubeen, Tenured Associate Professor of Humanities at COMSATS University Islamabad, explained that CSS pass rates are largely dictated by percentiles rather than absolute scores. He noted that government demand for officers is limited each year, as retirements dictate the number of new recruits. This means FPSC often aims to qualify only the top 5–10% of candidates, regardless of whether 500 or 700 appear fit. Many candidates fail in key subjects, English Essay, English Precis and Composition, Islamic Studies, or Urdu, while elective subjects generally see high pass rates. The decision to include or exclude a candidate often depends on the paper checker’s discretion, guided by instructions to keep the overall pass ratio low.
Dr. Mubeen emphasized that the small fraction of candidates who do pass, around 30–35 annually, are mostly from modest backgrounds, with a few from influential families, reflecting a carefully controlled induction process. The government typically requires only 150–160 candidates, so the 2% pass rate aligns with demand. If the need were larger, pass rates could easily be increased.
He described CSS as a high-pressure competency exam, with factors such as hard work, analytical ability, time management, luck, and the quota system all influencing outcomes. The exam’s intensity stems from having multiple papers in a single day and managing limited government slots.
Dr. Mubeen concluded that while the CSS exam is challenging, its strict passing ratio is a reflection of controlled demand and systemic design rather than arbitrary failure.
Dr. Mubeen emphasized that the small fraction of candidates who do pass, around 30–35 annually, are mostly from modest backgrounds, with a few from influential families, reflecting a carefully controlled induction process. The government typically requires only 150–160 candidates, so the 2% pass rate aligns with demand. If the need were larger, pass rates could easily be increased.
He described CSS as a high-pressure competency exam, with factors such as hard work, analytical ability, time management, luck, and the quota system all influencing outcomes. The exam’s intensity stems from having multiple papers in a single day and managing limited government slots.
Dr. Mubeen concluded that while the CSS exam is challenging, its strict passing ratio is a reflection of controlled demand and systemic design rather than arbitrary failure.
Dr. Ilhan Niaz, professor of history at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, contextualised the challenge by comparing it with China, which has the world’s oldest tradition of competitive public service recruitment. “Today, between 3 and 3.7 million candidates compete for 35,000–40,000 posts in China’s civil service exam, translating to 80–100 qualified candidates per post,” he said.
By contrast, Pakistan’s 2024 CSS written examination saw 15,600 candidates appear, with only 387 clearing the written stage and 229 finally allocated to services, roughly 68 candidates per post. Considering fewer than 7,000 CSS officers are in service at any time, Dr. Niaz believes Pakistan’s applicant-to-selection ratio is still reasonable.
Low Educational Standards and Language Barriers
Dr. Niaz highlighted that the real hurdle lies in Pakistan’s education system. “The quality of education, especially in public-sector schools, is insufficient to prepare students for competitive exams,” he explained.
He also pointed to the English-language requirement as a barrier that disqualifies many capable candidates. “Improving overall education is a long-term task, but the language barrier can be addressed immediately. Introducing bilingual exams (Urdu/English) for all papers and interviews, except for outward-facing services like Foreign Service or Commerce Group, is feasible and necessary,” he argued.
Rethinking Exam Structure
Dr. Niaz criticized the CSS system’s overreliance on rote learning. He suggested that most compulsory subjects should be removed, retaining only general knowledge/current affairs and a basic aptitude test. Optional subjects, he argued, should focus on analytical thinking and problem-solving, possibly conducted as open-book exams from specified texts. “The goal is to recruit officers who can think critically, reason through problems, and communicate clearly,” he said.
He also stressed the need for robust psychological screening, pointing out that many recruits quickly conform to group pressures in the bureaucracy, compromising ethics. “Academic brilliance alone is insufficient if it is used to harm citizens or serve unlawful interests,” he said.
Structural and Academic Challenges
Raza Bashir Tarar, former bureaucrat, ambassador, and foreign services officer, stated that Pakistan’s low CSS pass rates result from a combination of systemic, socio-economic, and exam-specific challenges.
He noted that years of rote-learning leave students with weak analytical and critical thinking skills, while the sudden shift to advanced English in the exams exposes a language gap. Uneven preparation in core subjects like Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, and Essay further disadvantages candidates, particularly those in rural areas with limited access to libraries and expert guidance. He added that coaching centres often emphasize memorized notes over skill development, and challenging sections like the Essay and English Précis filter out most aspirants.
Tarar suggested that introducing analytical writing courses, standardized English instruction, a National CSS Preparatory Framework, expanded digital resources, and a nationwide Digital CSS Academy could help bridge these gaps and improve pass rates without compromising standards.
Systemic Decline in Education
Dr. Munawar Hussain of the Area Study Centre at Quaid-i-Azam University argued that CSS failures mirror a broader decline in Pakistan’s education system. “Once limited to peripheral regions, educational deterioration is now evident in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta,” he said.
Dr. Munawar highlighted the dominance of private institutions, concentrating talent within a small section of society, while public-sector institutions have deteriorated, and accountability has been largely ignored. Underfunding has further weakened research output and library facilities, leaving students ill-prepared. He also criticized the prevailing approach of promoting teachers on the basis of research rather than teaching effectiveness, which discourages graduates from pursuing academia.
He pointed out that CSS results were better when eligibility required a simple BA. The shift to a four-year BS programme, influenced by Western systems, has contributed to a drop in pass rates to just 1.5–2%.
Prof. Dr. Syed Habib Ali Bokhari, former vice chancellor of Kohsar University Murree, highlighted key reasons behind Pakistan’s persistently low CSS pass rates. He observed that many students emerge from rote-learning environments, lacking critical thinking, analytical writing, and reasoning skills, especially in Essay, English, and Current Affairs papers.
Dr. Bokhari pointed out that the fragmented education system worsens the issue: public-sector schools rarely align with CSS demands, university syllabi are outdated, and teachers often lack training in modern pedagogical methods like Bloom’s Taxonomy and inquiry-based learning. Rural and low-income candidates face additional hurdles, including limited access to libraries, newspapers, digital resources, and mentorship, compounded by weak English proficiency and poor time management during exams.
He recommended integrating subjects such as data interpretation, evidence-based reasoning, analytical writing, governance, and contemporary sciences into the curriculum, emphasizing that a systemic overhaul could potentially raise CSS success rates above 5%.
Dr. Mariam Anees, Professor of Biochemistry at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, highlighted that a lack of strong analytical and writing skills remains a key barrier for CSS aspirants.
She observed that while graduates may shine in technical subjects, the exam demands sharp reasoning and effective expression, abilities seldom cultivated in current degree programs. Years are often wasted memorizing facts instead of honing smart strategies and writing proficiency.
She remarked that CSS and PMS are highly overrated, enjoying popularity mainly because they promise the middle class a fast track to success and influence. While they benefit a select few, they lead hundreds of thousands of aspirants down a perilous path, causing them to squander 5–10 years of their most productive years chasing a dream that may never have been attainable. Quaid-i-Azam University alone is full of such stories, and her heart goes out to all those who couldn’t achieve their goals, she lamented.
Language Barriers and Curriculum Gaps
Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, resonated concerns regarding English. “A large majority of CSS candidates fail in English, particularly in Essay and Précis & Composition,” he said.
Dr. Shah argued that English should not be compulsory, as many capable students fail solely due to language proficiency. He suggested offering candidates a choice of language courses, noting that advanced English is not essential in several professional roles.
Former Dean of Social Sciences at Quaid-i-Azam University, Prof. Dr. Nazir Hussain, linked declining CSS performance to broader flaws in education policy. He explained that the mismatch between university standards and FPSC requirements, particularly after the shift to BS and MS programmes, has deepened the problem.
Dr. Hussain stressed that reforms must focus on raising eligibility standards to 16 years of education, bridging the language gap, and ensuring that policies do not favour the elite or influential groups.
Recent Policy Reform: Age and Attempt Relaxation
In May 2025, the National Assembly passed a resolution raising the CSS age limit from 30 to 35 years and expanding allowed exam attempts from three to five. Moved by PML-N lawmaker Nosheen Iftikhar, the resolution was widely welcomed by civil service aspirants struggling under strict eligibility constraints.
The development came after the 2024 CSS results, where only 395 out of 15,602 candidates passed, marking a success rate of 2.53 percent. While the measure provides relief, experts insist that it addresses only a minor part of the problem.
Calls for Comprehensive Reform
Professor Dr. Tahir Jamil of the Area Study Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad praised the age and attempt relaxation but stressed that deeper reforms are essential. He criticised overreliance on CSS academies and emphasised a modern, evolving syllabus with greater specialisation. “Outdated teaching methods, rote learning, and excessive dependence on guides undermine creativity and weaken communication skills, especially in English,” he said.
Experts collectively warn that CSS results are symptomatic of a broader crisis. Weak analytical foundations, poor reading habits, and outdated learning environments leave candidates ill-prepared despite their determination.
She observed that while graduates may shine in technical subjects, the exam demands sharp reasoning and effective expression, abilities seldom cultivated in current degree programs. Years are often wasted memorizing facts instead of honing smart strategies and writing proficiency.
Language Barriers and Curriculum Gaps
Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shah, resonated concerns regarding English. “A large majority of CSS candidates fail in English, particularly in Essay and Précis & Composition,” he said.
Dr. Shah argued that English should not be compulsory, as many capable students fail solely due to language proficiency. He suggested offering candidates a choice of language courses, noting that advanced English is not essential in several professional roles.
Former Dean of Social Sciences at Quaid-i-Azam University, Prof. Dr. Nazir Hussain, linked declining CSS performance to broader flaws in education policy. He explained that the mismatch between university standards and FPSC requirements, particularly after the shift to BS and MS programmes, has deepened the problem.
Dr. Hussain stressed that reforms must focus on raising eligibility standards to 16 years of education, bridging the language gap, and ensuring that policies do not favour the elite or influential groups.
Recent Policy Reform: Age and Attempt Relaxation
In May 2025, the National Assembly passed a resolution raising the CSS age limit from 30 to 35 years and expanding allowed exam attempts from three to five. Moved by PML-N lawmaker Nosheen Iftikhar, the resolution was widely welcomed by civil service aspirants struggling under strict eligibility constraints.
The development came after the 2024 CSS results, where only 395 out of 15,602 candidates passed, marking a success rate of 2.53 percent. While the measure provides relief, experts insist that it addresses only a minor part of the problem.
Calls for Comprehensive Reform
Professor Dr. Tahir Jamil of the Area Study Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad praised the age and attempt relaxation but stressed that deeper reforms are essential. He criticised overreliance on CSS academies and emphasised a modern, evolving syllabus with greater specialisation. “Outdated teaching methods, rote learning, and excessive dependence on guides undermine creativity and weaken communication skills, especially in English,” he said.
Experts collectively warn that CSS results are symptomatic of a broader crisis. Weak analytical foundations, poor reading habits, and outdated learning environments leave candidates ill-prepared despite their determination.
Educationists argue that without reforming both the CSS preparation framework and Pakistan’s education system, administrative reforms alone will not bridge the gap. As a result, the country’s future bureaucracy continues to face challenges in recruiting competent, ethical, and analytically capable officers.
The CSS exam, long considered the gateway to Pakistan’s elite civil service, highlights the systemic weaknesses of the country’s education and administrative framework.
While recent policy tweaks, including age relaxation and additional attempts, offer temporary relief to aspirants, experts agree that meaningful change requires deep-rooted reforms, from improving foundational learning, teacher training, and curriculum quality to redesigning the exam structure and introducing ethical and psychological evaluations.
Without such measures, the aspirants’ ambitions and the nation’s bureaucratic efficiency may continue to suffer under the weight of structural neglect and outdated practices.
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