The Central Superior Services (CSS) Examination is considered one of the most challenging exams in Pakistan, with thousands of candidates competing for a limited number of seats. However, data of CSS presented in the National Assembly on Friday showed that a significant number of candidates had been failing the Urdu exam in the past three years.
According to the Establishment Division, at least 54.53% of candidates failed in Urdu between 2019 and 2021. In 2019, 30% of candidates failed, while the rate of failure increased to 59% in 2020 and 73% in 2021.
The high failure rate has raised concerns about the quality of education and the level of proficiency in Pakistan’s national language. Urdu is considered a critical component of the CSS exam and is a mandatory subject for all candidates.
The CSS exam is used to select candidates for various positions in the civil service, including police, customs, and foreign service. The exam consists of a written test and an interview and covers a range of subjects, including language, general knowledge, and analytical reasoning.
Experts have suggested that the high failure rate in Urdu could be due to several factors, including the lack of emphasis on language skills in schools and colleges, inadequate preparation by candidates, and the complexity of the exam itself.
In recent years, the government has taken several steps to improve the quality of education in Pakistan, including introducing reforms in the curriculum and increasing funding for education. However, there is still a long way to go, particularly in improving language proficiency.
The high failure rate in Urdu also highlights the need for greater support and resources for candidates who may struggle with the language. This could include language classes, study materials, and tutoring.
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Overall, the CSS exam is a crucial component of the civil service recruitment process, and it is essential that candidates have a strong command of Urdu and other languages to ensure they can effectively communicate with the public and carry out their duties.
