The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has rejected what it termed as propaganda by certain quarters regarding the Lahore examination centre for the CSS exams 2026, clarifying that the competitive exams were being conducted smoothly as per schedule from February 4 to 15 across the country.
In an official announcement, the FPSC stated that all facilities were being provided to candidates in accordance with rules and regulations, and that the exams were starting and ending at the scheduled time. The commission emphasized that candidates were accommodated strictly according to the examination rules, while clear instructions were already available on the FPSC website and on the admission certificates issued to candidates.
The FPSC alleged that wrong reporting about the Lahore centre was done by individuals associated with some CSS coaching academies, adding that the commission reserves the right to initiate legal action against those responsible for spreading misleading information.
According to the statement, the CSS 2026 competitive examination was being held from February 4 to February 15 at 136 examination centres set up nationwide. This year, for the convenience of candidates, the FPSC decided to conduct one paper per day instead of two compulsory papers per day, and the starting time of compulsory papers was changed from 9 am to 11 am.
The commission revealed that on February 4, a report was received alleging that some candidates were not allowed to enter the examination centre operated by the Punjab Public Service Commission in Lahore on time. The FPSC immediately ordered an investigation into the matter.
An investigation board reviewed the incident in detail based on available evidence and witness statements. The Lahore centre, described as one of the major CSS 2026 centres with 23 examination halls, is equipped with modern facilities and is located at an easily accessible location where 4,110 candidates were registered.
As per examination instructions, candidates were required to be seated 50 minutes before the start of the paper, with the examination scheduled to begin at 11 am. The FPSC noted that in other major examinations such as MDCAT, candidates are also instructed to arrive well before time to allow completion of administrative procedures.
According to the commission, examination staff reached the centre on time and all preparations were completed as per SOPs. The main gate and examination halls were opened at 9:40 am, and most candidates had entered by 10:10 am. In line with SOPs, the main gate was closed at 10:14 am. However, around 1,000 to 1,200 candidates arrived late and sought entry.
In view of the situation, the chief supervisor reopened the gate at 10:27 am to allow latecomers to enter, and it was closed again at 10:32 am. Later, more candidates attempted to force their way inside. Despite these developments, the FPSC staff ensured that the examination starts and concludes on time.
The FPSC reiterated that it was clearly mentioned on its website and on admission certificates that candidates must be seated at least 50 minutes before the paper begins and that late entry would not be permitted. Nevertheless, the commission allowed all latecomers to appear in the examination on humanitarian grounds.
Expressing regret, the FPSC said that some individuals and circles linked with CSS coaching academies falsely reported the incident without evidence and portrayed it misleadingly on social media.
The commission maintained that examination policies and SOPs will continue to be strictly implemented and reiterated that it reserves the right to take legal action against those attempting to exploit or misreport the situation.
Reporter: Babar Shahzad Turk