ISLAMABAD: The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has categorically rejected claims of a 45% decline in the number of candidates appearing for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examinations, terming such reports as “misleading and factually incorrect.”
In an official statement released today, the FPSC addressed recent media reports suggesting a significant drop in youth interest in the CSS examinations. The Commission emphasized that the data cited in these reports had been “incorrectly compared and interpreted,” leading to a distorted perception of candidate participation.
Clarifying the Data
The FPSC highlighted that comparisons between the years 2022 and 2025 were made “without proper context.” According to the Commission’s records:
2025 MPT Registration: 64,081 candidates registered for the Mandatory Preliminary Test (MPT).
2025 Written Examination: 18,139 candidates applied, with 12,792 participating in the written examination.
2025 Success Rate: 354 candidates successfully passed the written examination, and 342 were declared eligible after interviews.
2025 Service Allotments: 170 candidates were ultimately allotted to various civil services.
The Commission underscored that the MPT screening test attracts thousands of candidates annually, yet this data was “overlooked in media reports.”
Additionally, the results of the Special CSS 2023—where 141 candidates were allotted to civil services—were excluded from some analyses. The Special CSS initiative has been particularly beneficial for women, minorities, and candidates from backward areas, reinforcing the CSS as a viable pathway for youth aspiring to join the civil service.
A Call for Accurate Reporting
The FPSC urged media outlets and analysts to ensure that reports on CSS candidate participation are based on “correct interpretation and verification of data.” The Commission reaffirmed that joining the civil service through the CSS remains a “dream and a priority for the youth of Pakistan.”
The statement concluded with a reminder that the FPSC remains committed to transparency and accuracy in its processes, encouraging all stakeholders to rely on official data before drawing conclusions.
