The committee is also reviewing proposals related to compensation and pension schemes for civil servants.
Pakistan to Replace Decades-Old CSS Examination with Cluster-Based System. The federal government is set to overhaul the long-standing Central Superior Services (CSS) examination system, with the Civil Service Reform Committee finalizing recommendations for a new cluster-based examination framework. This proposal, expected to be presented to the federal cabinet soon, is being described as a significant shift aimed at aligning candidates’ academic and professional qualifications with specific service groups.
A senior official involved in the reform process confirmed that the committee had completed deliberations on key issues related to the new system, which would replace the current generalized CSS framework. Under the new model, each service group will have its own specific qualifications and competitive examination, ensuring that candidates are better suited for their assigned roles.
The CSS examination, conducted annually by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), has historically followed a uniform assessment model. This often leads to mismatched placements, such as doctors being assigned to revenue services, law graduates to audit departments, and engineers to foreign service positions. The shift to a cluster-based system seeks to remedy these mismatches by ensuring candidates are placed in roles that better match their expertise.
The reform initiative comes as part of broader efforts to improve Pakistan’s civil service, which has faced criticism for declining effectiveness despite recruiting talented individuals. During a recent cabinet meeting, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the need to restructure the civil service to improve governance and service delivery. Following this, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed the Civil Service Reform Committee, led by Iqbal, to develop a comprehensive reform package.
“The goal is to ensure that professionals enter specialized services based on their qualifications and expertise, rather than being placed in roles where their skills are underutilized,” said an official close to the discussions.
The committee is also reviewing proposals related to compensation and pension schemes for civil servants. With one final meeting scheduled, the committee is expected to submit its complete report to the cabinet soon.
If the reforms are approved, they will fundamentally change how civil servants are recruited and assigned in Pakistan, moving away from the traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to a more tailored and professional recruitment system. However, the transition is likely to spark debate, especially among current CSS aspirants who are preparing for the existing framework.
