The number of candidates applying for Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) examination has nearly halved over the past four years, according to the latest official figures, reflecting a significant decline in registrations despite continued competition for limited vacancies.
Data shows that while fewer candidates are applying and appearing for the CSS examination, the number of successful applicants has also declined, keeping the overall success rate below 2%.
Registrations Fall Sharply Since 2022
According to available statistics, more than 35,000 candidates registered for the CSS examination in 2022, compared with approximately 18,000 in 2025.
The number of candidates appearing in the examination also declined from around 20,000 to nearly 13,000 during the same period.
Successful Candidates Also Decline
Despite the drop in applications, the number of successful candidates remained limited. The total number of qualifiers fell from 239 in 2022 to 170 in 2025.
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has also observed a similar trend in applications for other federal government recruitment processes, with fewer applicants but consistently low selection rates.
Competition Remains Intense
Official data indicates that in 2025, only 0.94% of registered CSS candidates and 1.33% of those who appeared in the examination successfully qualified.
Education experts say the decline in applications has not made the examination easier, as the limited number of available seats continues to make the CSS examination one of Pakistan’s most competitive recruitment processes.
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