Minister chalks up CSS failure rate to lack of preparation, competitive nature of exam

Minister-in-Charge of the Establishment Division Senator Ahad Khan Cheema on Friday attributed the high failure rate in the Central Superior Services (CSS) examinations to inadequate academic preparation, the competitive nature of the test and other factors.

The question was raised by PPP Member of the National Assembly (MNA) Sehar Kamran, who asked about the mechanism, criteria and process of the civil service examination for the induction of civil servants, as well as the reasons behind its high failure rate.

She further inquired if the existing examination system is aligned with international testing standards.

In a written reply to the National Assembly, Cheema highlighted that there were an average of 125–133 candidates for each CSS vacancy, with an average of 200–225 vacancies against 25,000–30,000 applicants.

His response attributed the high failure rate in the CSS examinations to weak academic preparation, poor analytical skills, low comprehension levels and the highly competitive nature of the recruitment process for the country’s civil services.

Induction into the federal civil services takes place through the annual CSS examination administered by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for recruitment into 12 occupational groups and services, including the Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service, the Commerce and Trade Group, and the Foreign Service of Pakistan.

The examination comprises four stages, including the MCQ-Based Preliminary Test (MPT), written descriptive examination, psychological assessment and viva voce. Final merit is determined based on aggregate marks obtained in the written examination and interview, subject to qualifying thresholds.

The government said candidates are required to secure at least 40 per cent marks in compulsory subjects, 33pc in optional subjects and 50pc aggregate marks in the written examination, while failure in any single subject results in disqualification.

Cheema revealed that a significant number of candidates failed in the compulsory English essay and English precis and composition papers due to weak academic background, poor analytical ability and inadequate understanding of essay topics.

The response to MNA Kamran further noted that many candidates failed to present arguments in a coherent and logical manner, while weak comprehension and poor written expression remained major concerns.

Examiners observed that the standard of responses was often below the expected graduation level.

Additionally, authorities identified the wrong selection of optional subjects, excessive reliance on coaching academies and appearing in examinations without substantial preparation among the major reasons behind low success rates.

The reply to the NA maintained that the CSS remains a highly competitive examination aimed at selecting the best possible candidates for civil service.

It added that the structure of Pakistan’s civil service examination is broadly aligned with regional models, including India’s UPSC and Bangladesh Civil Service examinations.

The CSS syllabus, last revised in 2016, is once again under review. The Civil Services Reforms Committee is examining the overall structure of CSS examination system for possible improvements.