Major Changes Proposed for CSS Exams

The government has proposed several changes to Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) examination as part of the ongoing civil service reform process.

Under the proposed changes, the CSS examination would continue, but candidates could attempt the compulsory papers in either English or Urdu. Candidates could also have the option to attempt the entire examination in Urdu.

The reform plan also proposes fully digitizing the CSS examination process and completing the recruitment cycle within six months. The existing CSS passing threshold could increase from 33% to 40%, while negative marking would not apply under the proposal.

The examination could also include GRE- and SAT-style questions to assess candidates’ analytical and logical reasoning abilities. The proposals further include measures to address unfilled quota seats for Balochistan, Sindh, minorities and women, including the possibility of allowing additional attempts.

The proposed changes remain part of the broader civil service reform recommendations.