The government has finalized a plan for long-awaited civil service reforms after reaching consensus on 43 of 46 recommendations proposed by two committees. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal led the consultation process on Thursday.

Under the proposed system, specialized recruitment could be conducted through cluster-based examinations or separate exams for different occupational groups. The CSS examination would continue, while candidates could be allowed to use English or Urdu for compulsory papers.

The government also plans to digitize the CSS examination process and reduce the recruitment cycle to six months. The passing threshold could rise from 33% to 40%, without negative marking, with GRE- and SAT-style questions proposed to test analytical and logical reasoning skills.

New system for senior officers

The reforms propose a National Executive Service for specialized recruitment to federal Grade 20 and above positions, excluding Police and Foreign Service. Private-sector professionals, academics and government officers could compete through screening tests, competency assessments and interviews.

Selected officers could receive five-year contracts linked to predetermined key performance indicators.

Training and performance reforms

Training courses would include more domain-specific content, while performance reports would focus on outcomes, competencies and integrity. A grading system is also proposed.

The plan includes establishing a National University of Public Administration and merging some existing training institutions. Officers failing competitive management courses after three attempts could be offered early retirement.

Ahsan Iqbal said the committees studied civil service systems in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and the United Kingdom while preparing the recommendations.