The Civil Service Reform Committee of the federal government is finalizing its suggestions for a cluster-based examination system, which would replace the decades-old Central Superior Services (CSS) examination system.

According to a senior source with knowledge of the situation, the committee has finished discussing important topics, such as the suggested switch from the current generalized CSS framework to a cluster-based competitive examination. It is anticipated that the federal cabinet will soon hear the proposal.

Described as a major structural change, the proposed reform will guarantee that every service group has its own unique set of requirements and competitive exam, matching candidates' professional and academic backgrounds with their designated roles.

Currently, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) uses a uniform assessment procedure for the CSS examination, which is administered once a year. Successful applicants are assigned to different service groups under this approach based on their educational background, which frequently results in postings that are not appropriate for the candidates.

Push for reforms

Long-standing worries about the civil service's deteriorating efficacy, despite hiring highly qualified people, have prompted the decision to restructure the CSS exam.

Ahsan Iqbal, the minister of planning, emphasized the necessity of reorganizing the civil service in order to enhance governance and service provision during a recent cabinet meeting. In order to create a comprehensive reform package, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif then established the high-level Civil Service Reform Committee, which was chaired by Iqbal.

"Instead of a generalized approach that frequently places candidates in irrelevant fields, the goal is to ensure that professionals enter technical services and specialized cadres based on their expertise," according to an official with knowledge of the conversations.

Additionally, suggestions regarding government servant pension and compensation plans are being finalized by the committee. It is anticipated that the committee will shortly present its final report to the cabinet, with just one meeting remaining.

Effect on upcoming hiring

The reforms, if accepted, will fundamentally alter the hiring and role-assignment practices used by Pakistan's civil personnel. Professionals with pertinent educational backgrounds will be inducted into particular technical and administrative services thanks to the cluster-based approach.

It is anticipated that the proposed modifications will redefine Pakistan's civil service going forward, shifting away from the conventional one-size-fits-all examination procedure and toward a more focused recruitment strategy. Nonetheless, the change is probably going to cause controversy, especially among candidates getting ready for the current CSS framework.