ISLAMABAD – The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has rejected reports claiming that the number of Civil Superior Services (CSS) candidates has fallen by 45 per cent, saying the figures were misleading and based on an inaccurate comparison of examination data.
The FPSC said suggestions that young Pakistanis were losing interest in the CSS examination were unfounded, adding that statistics cited in some reports had been taken out of context.
The FPSC explained that the comparison between candidate numbers for 2022 and 2025 did not reflect equivalent stages of the examination process. It noted that 64,081 candidates registered for the Mandatory Preliminary Test (MPT) in 2025, while 18,139 applicants later submitted applications for the CSS written examination.
According to the commission, 12,792 candidates appeared in the 2025 written examination, with 354 qualifying for the next stage. Following interviews, 342 candidates were declared suitable for appointment, while 170 candidates were allocated to various occupational groups and government services.
The commission said the large number of MPT registrations each year clearly indicates that interest in Pakistan’s civil service remains strong.
It also stated that some reports had ignored the MPT registration data and failed to consider the outcome of the Special CSS Examination 2023.
The FPSC said 141 candidates were allocated to different services through the Special CSS Examination 2023, adding that the initiative provided greater opportunities for women, minority communities and candidates from underdeveloped areas.
Reaffirming the importance of the civil service, the commission said the CSS examination continues to attract thousands of aspiring candidates each year and remains one of the country’s most sought-after career paths.
