Let me disagree with you here. Assessing CSS through the lens of cost-benefit analysis, I'll assert that the benefit is quite higher than the cost, even if you fail the exam. Once you prepare for CSS and sit through the exam, you come out a different person. One, the amount of knowledge gained is priceless; two, the clarity of ideas and thought process after the attempt - unmatched; and three, the possibility of giving back to the country is a different feeling all together. In my humble opinion, even a failed CSS attempt is a major learning process that can eventually facilitate future endeavours.