The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has rejected claims that interest in Pakistan’s civil service is declining, saying registrations for the CSS Screening Test have reached their highest level in five years.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the commission said 64,081 candidates registered for the CSS Screening Test, describing the figure as clear evidence that young Pakistanis continue to view the civil service as a preferred career path.
FPSC Rejects Reports of Declining Interest
The FPSC said recent reports suggesting that fewer young people are pursuing the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination do not reflect the available data.
According to the commission, the number of registrations for the mandatory screening test is the most reliable indicator of interest because every candidate must complete this stage before appearing in the written examination.
Registrations Higher Than 2022
The commission said CSS registrations in 2025 were approximately 3.8% higher than in 2022, indicating sustained interest in the country’s top civil service recruitment process.
It also noted that some reports overlooked the CSS Screening Test registration figures and did not take into account the Special CSS Examination 2023.
Special Recruitment Drive Expanded Representation
The FPSC said a special recruitment initiative resulted in the appointment of 141 candidates from minority communities and underdeveloped areas, describing it as a step toward improving representation in Pakistan’s civil service.
The commission said the impact of the initiative is expected to become more evident in the coming years.
Civil Service Remains a Popular Career Choice
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, the FPSC said the civil service continues to be a popular career aspiration for Pakistan’s youth and pledged to support the preparation of reports based on accurate and verified data.
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