The Civil Superior Services (CSS) exams in Pakistan have long been the gateway to the country’s bureaucratic structure. However, discussions about major reforms to the CSS exam system have recently gained momentum. A draft regarding these proposed changes went viral on the internet, sparking debates among aspiring candidates and experts. The suggested reforms primarily revolve around two major aspects: linking CSS exams with academic degrees and introducing a cluster-based examination system.

One of the most significant changes under discussion is that a candidate’s eligibility for allocation to a particular service group will depend on their academic background. This means that individuals with degrees in specific fields will only be considered for relevant service groups, limiting the current open-merit selection system.

The most substantial transformation in the proposed CSS structure is the introduction of a cluster system. This reform suggests a significant reduction in compulsory subjects, removing Pakistan Affairs, Current Affairs, and General Science from the list. The weightage of compulsory subjects will be reduced from 600 to 300 marks, divided into four key areas: English Grammar (50........

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