Introducing cluster-based reforms to the Central Superior Services (CSS) exam in Pakistan has sparked significant debate and has raised many concerns. These proposed reforms aim to encourage and appoint field specialists in the bureaucracy to provide a better governance system. While specialization is an important part of civil service, it has raised the question of whether a cluster-based CSS exam is required or not, especially keeping in mind, the meticulous post-selection training that already is providing training to the Civil Service Probationers (CSPs), with the specialized skills they need for their respective fields. According to the existing practice, CSPs undergo a 12–14-month training process which includes both the general and specialized programs. After the Common Training Program (CTP), where all CSPs receive administrative training broadly, they further proceed to the Departmental Specialized Training Programs (STP) or the relevant District and Provincial Training, these programs equip them with the specialized knowledge and skills to perform effectively. According to the given scenario, the argument can be made that the existing training structure is sufficient to meet the needs of specialization, and this will probably make the debut of cluster-based exams unnecessary.
Moreover, the ongoing selection and training procedure of the civil service promotes versatility. The existing method of the CSS exam allows aspirants to enter the service with diverse knowledge, which is necessary for their better performance during their careers in the civil service,........

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