Understanding the Proposed CSS Cluster-Based Exam and Its Implications
The Civil Superior Services (CSS) exams in Pakistan have long been the gateway to the country’s bureaucratic structure. However, discussions about major reforms to the CSS exam system have recently gained momentum. A draft regarding these proposed changes went viral on the internet, sparking debates among aspiring candidates and experts. The suggested reforms primarily revolve around two major aspects: linking CSS exams with academic degrees and introducing a cluster-based examination system.
One of the most significant changes under discussion is that a candidate’s eligibility for allocation to a particular service group will depend on their academic background. This means that individuals with degrees in specific fields will only be considered for relevant service groups, limiting the current open-merit selection system.
The most substantial transformation in the proposed CSS structure is the introduction of a cluster system. This reform suggests a significant reduction in compulsory subjects, removing Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, and General Science from the list. The weightage of compulsory subjects will be reduced from 600 to 300 marks, divided into four key areas: English Grammar (50 marks), English Essay (100 marks), Public Administration & Governance (100 marks), and Islamic Studies (or an alternative for non-Muslim candidates) worth 50 marks.
Under this new structure, service groups will be divided into three clusters. The first cluster will include the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), Police Service of Pakistan (PSP), and Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP). The second cluster will consist of the Pakistan Customs Service and Inland Revenue Service. The third cluster will comprise the Postal Group and Railways Group. Candidates will have to select subjects worth 900 marks relevant to their chosen cluster. For instance, candidates aiming for PAS must take Political Science, Economics, and Law, while those aspiring for PSP will need to study Economics, Political Science, and Criminology. If a candidate selects Political Science, Economics, Law, and Criminology, they will qualify for both PAS and PSP. For the Foreign Service of Pakistan, subjects like International Relations and International Law will be mandatory. Each subject group within a cluster will carry 300 marks, and candidates can either choose subjects linked to a service group or opt for some from a general pool to meet the 900-mark requirement.
While these proposed changes aim to streamline the CSS selection process, they come with several concerns and challenges. The uncertainty surrounding the implementation timeline raises questions about how soon aspirants must adjust to this new system. It is unlikely that these reforms will be enforced immediately without providing candidates with sufficient preparation time. If approved by the Cabinet, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) may introduce the changes by mid-2025, giving aspirants 8 to 9 months to adjust. Alternatively, the reforms could apply to CSS 2027 or 2028, allowing CSS 2026 to follow the existing pattern.
Another major concern is the removal of Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, and General Science from compulsory subjects. These subjects are crucial for understanding national and global affairs, and their elimination raises doubts about the general knowledge and administrative awareness of future bureaucrats. Furthermore, the cluster system may create an imbalance in the allocation of civil servants across different departments. The Railways and Postal Groups, included in the third cluster, might struggle to attract competent candidates, as most aspirants will prioritize high-demand groups like PAS and PSP in the first cluster.
Many argue that instead of a cluster system, FPSC could enhance its interview and psychological assessment process to ensure the best candidates are selected. The Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC) recently introduced a system where candidates are interviewed separately for each post. A similar approach in CSS could improve the selection process without restricting candidates to specific clusters.
The proposed changes to the CSS exam structure are a radical departure from the current system, aiming to align bureaucratic recruitment with academic qualifications and streamline subject selection. However, these reforms also raise concerns about fairness, flexibility, and the overall quality of civil service officers. Until an official announcement is made, aspirants should continue their preparation according to the existing pattern while staying updated on potential developments.
The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Spine Times.
Saqib Qureshi
The writer holds an MPhil from the National Institute of Pakistan Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
