ISLAMABAD — The federal government has finalised 43 of 46 proposed civil service reforms. The package could change CSS recruitment, training, performance reviews and promotions.
What could change in CSS recruitment?
The existing CSS examination would continue. However, specialised posts could use cluster-based examinations or separate tests for individual occupational groups.
Candidates could also attempt compulsory papers in English or Urdu. The government plans to digitise the examination process and shorten the recruitment cycle to six months.
The proposed reforms would raise the CSS passing threshold from 33% to 40%. Negative marking would remain absent. GRE- and SAT-style questions could test analytical and logical reasoning.
Additional attempts could be allowed when quota seats for Balochistan, Sindh, minorities or women remain vacant.
What is the proposed National Executive Service?
The plan includes a National Executive Service (NES) for specialised recruitment to federal Grade 20 and above positions. The Police and Foreign Service would be excluded.
Applicants could come from government, academia or the private sector. Proposed appointments would last five years and include performance targets. Candidates would first complete an FPSC screening test and a competency-based assessment.
How would promotions and training change?
Senior posts outside the NES would continue to use promotion. Training and job performance would form part of the assessment.
Performance reports would give more weight to outcomes, competencies, professional attributes and integrity. Officers superseded twice could face retirement after 25 years of service with entitled benefits.
The government has also proposed a National University of Public Administration. Existing National Institutes of Management and other training institutions could be merged. Up to half of training programmes could focus on specialised knowledge.
Officers in BS-17 to BS-20 could be required to complete specialised short courses. Candidates for senior management courses would take competitive examinations, with up to three attempts.
When could the reforms take effect?
The recommendations were discussed under the leadership of Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Committees reviewed civil service systems in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and the United Kingdom.
These are proposed reforms, not yet a confirmed implementation schedule. The government must still take further administrative and regulatory decisions.
