Disappointing result

This refers to the article ‘The CSS debacle’ (May 23), by Hussain H Zaidi. It seems that now it has become virtually impossible to pass the CSS exams. Experts suggest that the standard of English in colleges and universities is not up to the mark because of which a large number of students couldn’t pass the exam. But this is the not the only reason for the disappointing result. Since 2010, the number of successful candidates is rapidly declining. Since the past few years, many education institutions have started conducting preparatory classes for CSS. The question is: Why hasn’t the number of students passing the exam gone up? Earlier, it was difficult to prepare for the exam.

Now, students have access to a large number of resources. They can sign up for a preparatory class or join forums on the Internet to prepare for the exam. Still, the end result is not up to the mark.

It is the FPSC’s responsibility to analyse why students are failing the exam. We cannot put the blame on one thing – the state of English in the country – Therefore, it is incumbent on FPSC to introspect as to why less candidates are applying for CSS exams.

Aitezaz Rashid Bajwa

Islamabad