The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) on Thursday announced the results of the Central Superior Services (CSS) Examination 2025, showing a highly competitive outcome with a success rate of just 2.67%.

According to official figures, 12,792 candidates appeared in the written examination, of whom only 355 managed to clear it. The commission recommended 170 candidates for appointment, including 84 men and 86 women.

Among the top performers, Asad Rafiq secured first position, Muhammad Mohsin Khalid came second, while Tariq Hafeez stood third.

Read: Why CSS candidates fail the exam

The FPSC said the top 30 position holders had been allocated to the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) and the Police Service of Pakistan. However, none of the top 30 candidates secured placement in the Foreign Service.

According to figures issued by the commission, female candidates performed strongly, with 177 women passing the examination compared to 178 men. Among those recommended for appointment, women outnumbered men, with 86 female candidates selected out of the total 170.

The statement also noted that a specially abled (blind) candidate secured the overall second merit position and was allocated to PAS.

Data released by the commission showed a strong regional concentration among top achievers. Of the top 30 candidates, 23 belonged to Punjab, while Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa had two candidates each. Three candidates from Balochistan also made it to the top 30 list.