The Rise of CSS Aspirations and Social Media Influence
For the past few years, a huge number of Pakistani youth have been aspiring to become civil servants of Pakistan. The use of social media to glamorize the civil service is one of the key reasons behind an unprecedented surge in the CSS aspirants. It has been observed that the true aspiration behind CSS preparation of a huge number of aspirants is their desire to gain power and fame. However, they remain delusional about the pros and cons, and hence the reality of CSS in Pakistan.
Since its inception, Pakistan’s economy has been in shambles, leading to immense poverty and unemployment. In the past few years, the country has suffered from an unprecedented brain drain. Scores of educated youth left the country in pursuit of a bright future. However, there is a huge number of Pakistani youth who seek to change their fate by joining the country’s bureaucracy. Most of these young aspirants are inspired by some CSS officers using social media platforms to glamorize civil services. Many aspirants think that CSS can help them elevate their economic and social status. Moreover, they misconceive that bureaucrats lead a luxurious life. In addition, some of the aspirants think that they could change the country’s system by joining the bureaucracy.
The Harsh Realities of Civil Services
However, the reality of the civil services and CSS exam is totally different. It is true that some of the bureaucrats have earned unprecedented fame in society through social media. This has even helped them earn a handsome amount by teaching CSS aspirants and promoting different brands on their social media pages. However, one must understand that not all CSPs or bureaucrats get that much fame, and the real life of a civil servant is often filled with difficulties and problems.
Although all the civil servants of the country are employed in the 17th scale, they don’t get similar benefits and facilities from the government of Pakistan. Most of the aspirants know that the Pakistan Administrative Services (PAS), the Foreign Services of Pakistan (FSP), and the Police Services of Pakistan (PSP) are the most powerful groups in CSS. Those appointed in these groups get several privileges, including a house and cars, etc. However, only a few of the passed candidates can join these two groups due to higher merit and competition. Even those appointed in these two groups have to work for unspecified hours every day due to the nature of their job.
Unequal Opportunities within Civil Services
On the other hand, candidates who land in groups like the Postal Group, Information Group, Commercial and Transport Group, and Office Management Group mostly suffer throughout their careers due to a lack of facilities and powers. In addition, most of the CSS officers have to work under the uneducated and corrupt political elite, making it difficult for them to perform their constitutional responsibilities. In the current public sector environment and the political elite of the country makes it impossible for civil servants to change the corrupt system of the country.
CSS vs. Private Sector: A Comparative Reality Check
Moreover, the passing ratio of the CSS exam has always been extremely low. According to the FPSC, merely 2.77 percent have passed the written exam in 2025. The passing ratio of the CSS exam has always hovered around 2.5 to 3 percent. Many of these passing aspirants will fail to join the civil services, as a huge proportion of the passing candidates fail in the final interview. Most of the aspirants spend years preparing for the CSS exam. However, after failing all their exams, all the failed aspirants struggle to find jobs because they lack the practical experience required in the private sector. In addition, the hope of becoming a CSS officer changes their attitude towards the private sector, leading to significant struggle after failing all the CSS attempts.
On the contrary, those already working in the private sector, especially in the IT sector, earn high salaries and gain significant experience in the years the CSS aspirants spend preparing for their CSS exams. In today’s working environment, the private sector offers great salary packages and facilities, and faster promotions compared to the public sector. Therefore, all the aspirants should properly evaluate all the pros and cons of the CSS exam.
Despite the extreme glamorization of the civil services, one must do a cost-benefit analysis before starting their CSS preparations. Moreover, all CSS aspirants must have a plan B, as the passing ratio of the CSS exam is extremely low and only a few succeed in passing the exam. Pakistan’s youth must also understand that there is no shortcut to success, and passing the CSS exam does not guarantee a secure future in a country like Pakistan. In contrast, private sector employment and small to mid-sized entrepreneurial ventures increasingly present a more stable and promising future for the country’s middle class.
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The views and opinions expressed in this article/paper are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Paradigm Shift.
Mr Abdullah Nisar holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from International Islamic University Islamabad. He is currently working as a freelance journalist.