What changes are proposed for the CSS examination?
Pakistan: The federal government has finalised a proposed package of civil service reforms that would introduce specialised recruitment for different occupational groups while retaining the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination. Candidates would also be allowed to attempt compulsory CSS papers in either English or Urdu under the proposed changes.
The reforms also call for the CSS process to be fully digitised and for the recruitment cycle to be reduced to six months. The proposed passing threshold could rise from 33% to 40%, while examination questions may include GRE- and SAT-style analytical and logical reasoning assessments.
How would specialised recruitment and promotions change?
The plan proposes establishing a National Executive Service (NES) for specialised recruitment to Grade-20 and above federal positions, excluding the Police and Foreign Service. Candidates from government, academia and the private sector could compete for selected posts through an FPSC screening test followed by competency-based assessment and interviews.
The proposals also include performance-based promotion, revised performance evaluation criteria, specialised training and a proposed National University of Public Administration. Two government committees have reportedly reached consensus on 43 of 46 recommendations after reviewing civil service systems in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and the United Kingdom.