Pakistan, July 18 -- The number of candidates registering for Pakistan's prestigious Central Superior Services (CSS) examination has declined by nearly 48 per cent over the past four years, according to data from the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

Read More: CSS 2025 results reveal intense competition across Pakistan

Official figures show that CSS registrations dropped from 35,059 candidates in 2022 to 18,139 in 2025. During the same period, the number of candidates appearing in the examination also decreased from 20,262 to 12,792.

Despite the decline in applicants, the number of successful candidates remained limited. The number of candidates recommended for appointment fell from 239 in 2022 to 170 in 2025, highlighting the...