The merit of civil service cannot be ruled out. The only problem if if you don't get through, you get nothing. U are as good as u started on day 1. Mba, on the other hand, is a degree. But what kind of job do u get with an Mba. Also, consider the number of mbas passing out from university each year. The number keeps rising, thus more competition in the job sector. CSS is gold if u pass.