FPSC statistics show a steep decline in CSS registrations and federal job applications, while the competition for limited government vacancies remains intense.
Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) examination has witnessed a sharp decline in registrations over the past four years, according to the latest statistics released by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). The data also points to a significant drop in applications for general federal government jobs, even as competition for available positions remains exceptionally strong.
Official figures show that CSS registrations fell from 35,059 candidates in 2022 to 18,139 in 2025, marking a decline of nearly 48%. The number of candidates who appeared in the examination also dropped from 20,262 in 2022 to 12,792 in 2025.
Despite fewer applicants, the number of candidates recommended for appointment remained limited. The FPSC recommended 239 candidates in 2022, compared with 170 candidates in 2025, underscoring the highly competitive nature of Pakistan’s civil service recruitment.
The success rate continued to remain extremely low. In 2025, only 0.94% of registered candidates and 1.33% of those who appeared in the examination were recommended for appointment, highlighting the rigorous selection process.
The report also revealed a major decline in applications for general federal government recruitment. Applications peaked at 436,757 in 2023 but dropped to 196,193 in 2025, representing a fall of more than 55% in two years. Attendance in recruitment examinations also declined from 199,234 candidates in 2023 to 80,633 in 2025.
Although overall applications decreased, recommendations increased in some recruitment cycles. In 2025, the FPSC recommended 3,005 candidates for federal jobs, compared with 1,436 recommendations in 2023.
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