Applications for Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) examination have recorded a sharp decline, with registrations falling by nearly 48% over four years, according to available data from the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).
The number of CSS applicants reportedly decreased from more than 35,000 in 2022 to approximately 18,000 in 2025, reflecting a significant change in participation trends.
The decline is not limited to CSS examinations. General federal recruitment applications also witnessed a major decrease, reportedly falling by more than 55% between 2023 and 2025.
Despite fewer candidates appearing for these examinations, competition remains extremely challenging due to the limited number of available government positions.
Experts believe the declining interest may be linked to changing career priorities among young Pakistanis, including increased focus on private-sector careers, entrepreneurship, remote work opportunities, and international employment options.
The trend highlights the need to understand how young professionals view public sector careers and what reforms may be required to maintain interest in government service.
- CSS applications declined by nearly 48% in four years.
- Applicants dropped from 35,000+ in 2022 to around 18,000 in 2025.
- Federal recruitment applications also declined significantly.
- Competition remains high despite fewer candidates.
- Career preferences among youth are changing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available reports. The featured image is AI-generated and used for reference purposes
