ISLAMABAD: The decades-old Central Superior Services (CSS) examination system is on the verge of being replaced, as the high-level Civil Service Reforms Committee finalizes its recommendations.
A committee source revealed that deliberations on key issues have been completed, including a proposal to shift from the current generalist CSS framework to a cluster-based examination system. This change aims to prioritize specialists over generalists in Pakistan’s civil service.
With only one meeting left to finalize adjustments in compensation and pension schemes, the committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the cabinet soon.
A major reform under consideration is the introduction of a cluster-based competitive exam, enabling professionals to enter technical services and specialized civil service cadres. A senior bureaucrat on the reform body confirmed that the committee has endorsed this system, which will be included in the final report for cabinet approval.
Currently, the CSS exam, conducted annually by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), follows a uniform testing system, assigning successful candidates to various service groups regardless of their academic backgrounds. As a result, a doctor may be placed in revenue services, a law graduate in audit, or an engineer in the Foreign Service—often in roles unrelated to their education. Under the proposed system, each service group would have its own specialized qualifications and competitive exams to ensure candidates are placed according to their expertise.
The push for reform stems from concerns over declining civil service efficiency, despite recruiting highly capable individuals. During a cabinet meeting, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal stressed the urgent need for restructuring to improve governance and service delivery. In response, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed the Civil Service Reform Committee, led by Ahsan Iqbal, to develop a comprehensive reform package aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of Pakistan’s bureaucracy.
