FPSC CSS examination 2026
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has announced a significant change in the conduct of the Central Superior Services (CSS) Competitive Examination, altering a long-standing examination practice for thousands of candidates across the country. Beginning with the CSS examination in 2026, the commission will conduct only one compulsory paper per day, replacing the previous system under which two compulsory papers were held on the same day.
The decision was communicated through an official public notice issued from Islamabad on December 17, 2025. According to the notice, the revised examination schedule is aimed at facilitating candidates and ensuring the smooth conduct of the highly competitive examination, which serves as the gateway to Pakistan’s elite civil services.
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Under the existing system, candidates were often required to attempt two compulsory papers in a single day, a structure that many aspirants and education experts described as physically and mentally demanding. The FPSC’s move is being viewed as a response to long-standing concerns raised by candidates, academies, and former civil servants regarding fatigue, performance pressure, and examination-day logistics.
An FPSC official, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to comment publicly beyond the notice, said the change was the result of internal reviews of examination management over recent years. “The CSS examination is one of the most rigorous competitive exams in the country. Reducing the burden on a single day allows candidates to perform closer to their actual academic potential,” the official said.
Education analysts note that the CSS exam has expanded significantly in scale, with thousands of candidates appearing annually from all provinces and regions. Conducting two papers in a day not only placed strain on candidates but also on examination centres, invigilators, and administrative staff. By spacing out compulsory papers, the FPSC is expected to improve coordination, reduce errors, and manage unforeseen disruptions more effectively.
The public notice clarified that the revised policy will apply from CSS 2026 onwards and will initially cover compulsory papers. The FPSC also stated that a detailed examination timetable will be issued separately, addressing speculation among candidates regarding the overall length of the examination schedule. Aspirants have been advised to regularly visit the FPSC’s official website for updates and official announcements.
The notification was signed by Zafar Abbas Memon, Director (CE) at the FPSC, lending formal authority to the decision. While the commission did not provide a detailed rationale beyond candidate facilitation and smoother conduct, the announcement has already sparked discussion within academic circles and online forums dedicated to CSS preparation.
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Former civil servants and examiners largely welcomed the move. One retired officer, who has previously served as a CSS examiner, said the decision could have a positive impact on answer quality. “When candidates are exhausted, even well-prepared individuals struggle to articulate their knowledge. One paper per day is closer to international competitive examination standards,” he said.
However, some candidates have also raised practical questions. Extending the examination over additional days could increase accommodation and travel costs, particularly for outstation candidates. Others have questioned whether the change will later be extended to optional papers as well. The FPSC has not addressed these points directly, indicating that further details will be shared through the official timetable.
The CSS examination remains one of Pakistan’s most prestigious and challenging assessments, determining recruitment to key services such as the Pakistan Administrative Service, Police Service of Pakistan, and Foreign Service of Pakistan. Any structural change to its conduct is therefore closely watched by aspirants, training institutions, and policymakers alike.
Looking ahead, the FPSC’s decision may set the stage for broader reforms in examination management, including the possible use of improved scheduling, enhanced invigilation systems, and greater emphasis on candidate welfare. As the commission prepares to release the detailed timetable, candidates and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the new format is implemented and whether further adjustments follow in future examination cycles.
