The FPSC dismisses claims of a 45% decrease in the number of applicants and describes the figures as misinterpreted
ISLAMABAD:
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has rejected claims that the number of Higher Civil Services (CSS) candidates has decreased by 45%, calling such claims misleading and based on an incorrect comparison of examination statistics.
In a press release, the commission said the perception that young people were losing interest in the CSS exam was inaccurate, adding that figures cited in some media reports had been interpreted out of context.
According to the FPSC, comparisons between the number of applicants in 2022 and 2025 were not made homogeneously. He explained that 64,081 candidates registered for the Mandatory Preliminary Test (MPT) in 2025, while 18,139 candidates subsequently submitted applications for the CSS written exam.
The commission said 12,792 candidates appeared for the 2025 written exam, of which 354 qualified. After the interview stage, 342 candidates were declared suitable for appointment, while finally 170 candidates were assigned to various occupational groups and services.
The FPSC maintained that the participation of tens of thousands of candidates in the MPT each year clearly demonstrated that interest in joining Pakistan’s civil service remained strong.
He further claimed that several media reports had overlooked the MPT registration figures and had also not taken into account the results of the CSS 2023 Special Examination.
According to the commission, 141 candidates were assigned to various services through the CSS Special Examination 2023. It added that the special examination had particularly benefited women, minorities and candidates from underdeveloped regions.
The FPSC highlighted that a career in civil service remains a cherished ambition for many young Pakistanis.
