CSS 2025
Hundreds of students preparing for the Central Superior Services (CSS) 2025 examinations have taken to the streets in protest, demanding a postponement of the exams until the results of the CSS 2024 exams are officially announced.
The protesting students, led by Khatib Khan and Mahmud Khan Rodhwal, gathered at the National Press Club in Islamabad, where they held a press conference to highlight their concerns.
The primary issue raised by the candidates revolves around the delayed announcement of the CSS 2024 results, which they argue severely impacts their ability to prepare for the upcoming 2025 exams.
The students claim that the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has created an unfair and stressful environment by failing to provide adequate time for preparation, coupled with an unpredictable scheduling system.
Many candidates rely on past results to refine their strategies and improve their performance in subsequent attempts. However, with the 2024 results still pending, aspirants are left in a state of uncertainty.
The protesters also pointed out that the preliminary test (MPT) for CSS 2025 was initially scheduled much earlier but was postponed by 41 days. This delay, they contend, significantly hampered their ability to focus on the written examination, which is the most critical stage of the CSS process.
Additionally, many students reported that the MPT for CSS 2025 was unusually challenging, leading to over 10,000 failures. This added another layer of difficulty, particularly for students from underserved areas such as Balochistan and Sindh, who often struggle with limited educational resources.
According to FPSC records, reserved seats for candidates from these regions have frequently remained unfilled in previous years due to the high failure rate in the MPT.
Another major concern highlighted by the students is the FPSC’s history of inconsistent exam scheduling. Many received their MPT results as late as January 6th due to unexplained delays, further compressing the time available for preparation.
The candidates also referenced previous instances where the CSS exam schedule was disrupted. For example, the CSS 2023 special exam was postponed three times and was ultimately conducted in October 2023.
Similarly, the CSS 2022 exam was delayed until May 2022 due to the introduction of the MPT. These recurring disruptions, the students argue, demonstrate a pattern of mismanagement that leaves candidates in a constant state of uncertainty.
For older candidates, particularly those aged 29 and 30, the stakes are even higher. Since the maximum age limit for CSS eligibility is 30, many of these aspirants will not have another opportunity to sit for the exams in 2026. If the 2024 results are not announced soon, they risk wasting a valuable attempt due to inadequate preparation time.
The students have formally requested the FPSC to reconsider the exam schedule and delay the CSS 2025 written examinations. They have submitted their concerns both via email and in hard-copy format, urging the commission to address the ongoing uncertainty.
They also compared the current situation to past instances when CSS exams were delayed due to political instability and high court interventions, such as in 2009.
Despite multiple requests for a response, the FPSC has not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter. Meanwhile, the protesting candidates remain determined to push for a postponement, arguing that a fair and well-structured schedule is essential to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.
