The strength of any system depends on the nature of its flexibility and adoptability of the new challenges that emerges with the passage of time. The previous government cut down the age limit for the CSS exams along with other modifications in the system, with the mood of bringing effectiveness in the bureaucracy. Although, the intention to reform the system in public interest was a positive step but shadowed by myopic vision. A report presented to government by International Crisis Group In February 2010 stated, Pakistan's Civil Services as "incapable of providing effective governance and basic public services". The purpose of the CSS exam is not only to provide job opportunities but to select the best out of the best, from the certain percentage of the population to serve the rest. This instigates a comprehensive criterion for the selection of the CSS exams that must cover the whole energetic and educated lot of the population.
The aim of formulating any “criterion” is to set standards for the competition, alone. So, the question arises, whether the current policy, for the selection of CSS exams, meets the standard? International criterion defines “youth” as, the actual strength of any country (20 to 30 years of age), decisive, responsible, strong, educated and at the same time aptly experienced.
Instead of, accomplishing the benchmark, the CSS selection scheme capsule the age limit between 21 to 28 years, technically, it cut three years short in contrast to international opinion. The existing “age limit” for the selection of CSS provides less space for maneuverability’s, because; CSS itself is a full time job having its own demands. As, the unparalleled education system caused favor in CSS age limit, So, the economic and social conditions do not provide equal opportunities to all, as well. Interestingly, law granted two years age relaxation to the government employee but do not cover the whole spectrum of enthusiastic youth.
The prevailing “market mechanism” is witnessing a transformational changes due to the army of M.Phil and PhD students that replacing the bulk of fourteen’s and sixteen’s. At least, one’s requires a Master degree to cope with new market ultimatums. So, the present precept, regarding to the “age limit”, does not promote the necessity of having knowledge, if, promotes than with little space that even most of the aspirants cannot utilize “all three chances” of appearing in CSS exams.
There is a dire need to bring prudent and comprehensive reforms in the selection criterion for competitive exams that not only cater the needs of the youth but facilitate in the positive progress of the country. That should absorb all the changing realities with passage of time. Attention is required in, (a) age limit, (b) scheme of the exam, (c) criterion of the subjects and papers.
The government must take some practical steps in this regard; extending the age limit will not force government to produce new jobs, instead will generate a decent competition. By making the scheme of the exams more analytical and extending the age limit will move FPSC in more command able position to select “best from good”. Increase in age is directly proportion in the increase of suitable competition, because it depicts the old repeating saga that ends with the same lines, that Pakistan has immense resources of coal, gas, copper, gold, hydroelectricity, wind, solar energy etc, Alas, it has tapped nothing.