Islamabad: The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has addressed concerns about a recent news report suggesting a significant decline in the number of applicants for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination in Pakistan, contesting the claim of a 45 percent drop between 2022 and 2025. This report, which has been widely disseminated and discussed across various media platforms, implies a waning interest among Pakistani youth in joining the civil service.

According to Press Information Department, the FPSC has provided comprehensive data to counter the report’s conclusions. The statistics reveal consistent interest, with figures showing fluctuations in application and participation rates, rather than a drastic decline. For instance, while the number of applicants for the CSS written examination decreased from 32,059 in 2022 to 18,139 in 2025, the number of candidates qualifying in the written exam and those finally allocated have shown variation but not a consistent downward trend.

The FPSC also highlighted that the report did not consider the substantial participation in the screening tests (MPT) and overlooked the Special CSS-2023 initiative, which aimed at increasing representation among minorities, women, and candidates from under-privileged areas. This special measure saw 141 candidates successfully allocated positions, impacting subsequent years’ statistics.

The FPSC emphasized its commitment to supporting transparent and accurate reporting, urging media outlets to engage in thorough data analysis and interpretation before publication. The Commission reiterated that the aspiration to join the civil services remains strong among Pakistan’s youth, as reflected in the application data over recent years.