The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) in response to a petition challenging the scheduling of the upcoming Central Superior Services (CSS) exam before the results of the previous year are released. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard the case, filed by Hamza Javed and others, who argued that they had appeared for the CSS exam in February 2024, yet results had not been announced even after 11 months. Traditionally, the FPSC releases results within eight months, but the delay this year has raised concerns among candidates.
Petitioners requested the court to halt the upcoming CSS exam until the 2024 results are declared. In response, the court sought records from the FPSC and directed the Commission to address the grievances. The case has been adjourned until February 6, with the FPSC Chairman expected to hear the petitioners’ concerns and issue a decision.
FPSC Under Scrutiny for Extended Delays
During the hearing, Assistant Attorney General Usman Ghuman informed the court that the FPSC Chairman would be available next week to review the matter. Justice Kayani stressed that the delay was not just an isolated complaint but a systemic issue that needed resolution. The court directed the petitioners to formally present their case before the FPSC, warning that if the matter remains unresolved by February 6, the court would intervene with an official order.
The FPSC’s unusual delay has sparked frustration among aspirants, many of whom rely on the results to plan their careers. The uncertainty has disrupted schedules, especially for candidates preparing for subsequent attempts. Petitioners argue that announcing a new exam cycle without releasing previous results creates unnecessary stress and administrative complications.
Special Exam Policy Blamed for Bottleneck
The delay in result announcements has been attributed to the FPSC’s decision to introduce a special CSS exam in 2023. This initiative aimed to address regional underrepresentation in Pakistan’s civil services by allowing additional candidates from specific areas to participate. While the policy was intended to improve inclusivity, it resulted in a surge of candidates, overwhelming the Commission’s processing capacity and leading to prolonged delays in finalizing results.
This backlog has now spilled over into the 2024 cycle, with FPSC struggling to manage both the increased number of examinees and the routine annual examination schedule. Critics argue that the Commission should have anticipated the administrative burden and implemented measures to streamline the process.
Uncertain Future for CSS Aspirants
As the controversy unfolds, thousands of CSS aspirants remain in limbo, unsure whether the upcoming exams will proceed as scheduled or be delayed. The court’s decision on February 6 will be pivotal in determining whether the FPSC can continue with its planned schedule or must first release the pending results.
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Candidates fear that further uncertainty may impact their preparation and career timelines. The FPSC, on the other hand, faces mounting pressure to justify its handling of the examination process and restore confidence among future civil servants. With the judiciary now involved, the fate of the 2025 CSS exam hangs in the balance.