The Central Superior Services (CSS) exam is one of the most difficult exams in Pakistan. If passed, it is a competitive exam that serves as an entry point into the country’s bureaucratic apparatus. A job within the bureaucracy is one of Pakistan’s most viable career options. It gives one access to a good lifestyle, with many facilities provided by the government, but above all, the respect that CSS gives a person is immense. These – among others – are reasons the CSS is one of the most sought-after career paths in the country. Thousands appear in the exams annually. Yet, few pass – the passing rate was barely 3% in 2023, with only 210 people passing. The prospect of failure is a brooding feeling for many. Life after CSS failure is not the end; it opens doors to alternative career paths. Failure can feel devastating as people put a lot of hope and hard work into the exams. Yet, not passing the CSS is not the end of one’s career – it doesn’t have to be.
Career Opportunities After CSS Exam
There are numerous alternative career paths for CSS aspirants, ranging from academia and government services to law, NGOs, and finance. After taking CSS exams, even if they don’t pass, one can take many career paths. One reason for this could be the diverse array of subjects studied and skills gained while preparing for the exams. So, one shouldn’t be disheartened after an unsuccessful CSS attempt.
Leveraging CSS Preparation for Different Professions
One career path can be the academic path. In CSS, one has to study many subjects. These subjects can range from history to politics and beyond. In the compulsory subjects themselves, there is a lot to learn. The English essay and precis can teach the candidate important writing and compositional skills. While preparing the essay, one learns sentence structure, grammar, composition/structure, coherence, etc. These skills can set one towards an academic path. Having already gained expertise in writing can help one tremendously within the academy. This career path, too, can take certain shapes.
One can, of course, opt for English or literary studies. The skills gained in essay writing would contribute to that. Yet, that is not the only academic path available to CSS aspirants. During CSS, one can also gain great research skills. These research skills can contribute towards a career in research – either at the university or a research institute. A research career can be a very fulfilling career option. It would give one insight into the most important topics worldwide, allowing them to contribute valuable opinions, leading to better policymaking.
Another career path within academia is to opt for CSS teaching. Even after failing the exams overall, it is possible to score well in one (or even most) subject. Familiarity with those subjects gives one an upper hand. The knowledge gained during preparation and exams can be used to help future aspirants land a job teaching those specific subjects. The expertise gained within specific subjects can also serve as a stepping stone into those disciplines academically at higher post-grad levels for those who opt to study further.
Apart from the academic path, there are other options as well. There are more options if you still aspire towards a governmental career path. There is an exam for the Provincial Management System (PMS). The PMS serves as an entry part into the provincial government. The age limit for PMS is similar to CSS at 21-30 years. The compulsory subjects are also similar to English Essay, Precis & Composition, Islamic Studies and/or comparative religions for non-Muslims. There is also the Urdu essay and composition. Options subjects are also similar. Some career options for PMS candidates are Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Additional Secretary, Secretary to Government, and Commissioner. PMS also offers stability and respect, similar to a CSS career path. It can also lead to one forming connections and ending up in similar circles.
Another option for CSS aspirants is the Federal Public Services Commission (FPSC) exam. The FPSC is responsible for conducting competitive exams such as Central Superior Services (CSS) to hire officers for federal-level jobs. The FPSC conducts CSS exams. It also recruits officers for different government positions, federal ministries, and departments. The FPSC recruits the education sector, defence sector, police, and foreign affairs. They also handle the internal matters of the organization within the said sector at times – such as the promotion of employees. Apart from this they also provide advice on recruitment policies and standards. The FPSC also does recruitment for FIA, FBR, and NAB. So, the FPSC provides a prestigious career path for those who might’ve failed to do CSS yet still aspire to pursue a viable governmental career.
How CSS Exam Preparation Benefits Other Careers
As the CSS is linked with many other departments and subjects, there is also the prospect of a CSS aspirant going into a career in law – through LLB. CSS equips one with the skills and knowledge needed for a legal career. Thus, many aspirants can opt for a career in law if they wish to do so.
CSS aspirants can also work for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). NGOs often look for recruits with exceptional leadership skills. They also value people who know social issues, international relations, politics, the economy, etc. The different subjects studied while preparing for CSS give one knowledge of these topics, thus equipping one with the knowledge needed for a career in an NGO.
There is also the option to opt for a career in finance and accounting. One option within this field is Chartered Accountancy (CA). It offers a professional career in accounting, business finance, and taxation. It can land jobs in accounting firms, multinational companies, banks, and government organizations like the FBR. Another option is ACCA, which offers similar career prospects – but no governmental ones.
Thus, in conclusion, a failure within CSS is not the end of everything. It isn’t all doom and gloom. CSS can prepare one of many careers – opening many professional doors. These careers can be prosperous positions in the private sector and great viable careers within the government.
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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.
Shahalam Tariq is based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. His writings on history, theory and literature have appeared in The Friday Times and Bazm e Dana. His poems have appeared in The Writers Sanctuary, Borderless Journal and Gentle Visitations.