Pakistan finalizes major civil service and CSS exam reforms

The Pakistani federal government has finalized a comprehensive package of civil service reforms aimed at overhauling the country’s bureaucratic structure. Led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, the reforms cover recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and promotions.

A central component involves changes to the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination. While the exam will continue, candidates will now have the option to use either English or Urdu as the medium for compulsory papers. The government intends to fully digitize the examination process and shorten the recruitment cycle to approximately six months. Additionally, the passing threshold is proposed to increase from 33% to 40%, and negative marking will be removed. The exam may also incorporate GRE- or SAT-style questions to test analytical and logical reasoning.

To address unfilled quota seats for women, minorities, and the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh, the reforms propose allowing additional attempts under certain circumstances. The plan also introduces a National Executive Service (NES) for specialized recruitment to Grade 20 and above federal positions, excluding the police. Furthermore, a new National University of Public Administration (NUPA) is proposed to consolidate existing training institutes and anchor a new professional development ecosystem.