Punjab to launch free CSS preparation programme for minority youth

In a positive development for minority communities, formal authorisation has been granted for the training of 15 minority youths, both boys and girls, at the prestigious Civil Services Academy (CSA) to prepare for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.

According to a report by the 24NewsHD TV channel, the announcement was made during a key meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora.

During the meeting, a decision was made to launch a dedicated training program designed to equip minority youth for success in the competitive CSS exam.

It was revealed in the meeting that all expenses for the three-month training course will be fully borne by the Punjab Department of Human Rights and Minority Affairs.

The selected 15 participants will receive coaching at the Civil Services Academy, a premier institution known for grooming future bureaucrats.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora described the initiative as a significant first step and affirmed that more opportunities for minority youth are on the horizon.

He emphasised that young individuals from minority communities have a crucial role to play in national development, and such initiatives will help uplift their confidence and self-worth.

He also expressed his sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for supporting and enabling this milestone effort. The Prime Minister is the final authority on all matters regarding the civil service.

About CSS Exam:

The Central Superior Services (CSS) exams in Pakistan are a highly competitive examination conducted annually by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to recruit talented individuals for various government positions.

CSS exams are held every year in the entire country. These are conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission of Pakistan, which also posts successful candidates to various civil service departments.

In 2019, a total of 14,521 candidates appeared in the exam, out of which only 214 (1.47%) were finally recommended by the Federal Public Service Commission for various posts under the federal government.

Only candidates between 21 and 30 years old can apply for the CSS exam. A candidate can appear for a maximum of three attempts. After 2020, FPSC has introduced MPT in order to shortlist the candidates before the actual exams.

The CSS Exam has two major parts: a written test, which takes place in February or March, and a panel interview, which takes place in November. In the first part, the FPSC tests the students in 12 different subjects. Six subjects are compulsory, and 6 are optional. Candidates can choose six subjects of their own choice from many different options. There is a total of 1200 marks.

Reporter: Rao Dilshad