THIS year’s Central Superior Services (CSS) examinations were held in May when the summer season was at its peak, and so was electricity loadshedding. To make things worse, no water was available at examination centres for the candidates who could not perform well enough under such irritating circumstances.

The furniture of the examination hall was in a poor state, and most of the chairs were broken. Unfortunately, there were also no proper seating arrangements for parents and guardians who had accompanied their children/wards from nearby towns and far-flung cities. Moreover, students had no proper place to sit and revise their notes for their second paper during the break between papers I and II.

As far as I know, the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) acquires on rent these examination centres, paying a handsome amount to the owners. To facilitate the candidates and their parents, the FPSC must have scrutiny of the proposed examination halls well before the commencement of the examinations to ensure the availability of at least basic facilities. Over and above, there must be designated waiting areas for parents and guardians. The FPSC administrative staff must seek feedback from parents and students about the arrangements.

I voluntarily offer my services to help out FPSC in scrutinising the examination centres. One more issue that merits mention here is that in case there are more than one candidate from one family, they should be allotted the same centre. In my case, my daughter and son appeared in the examinations and both were allotted different centres situated miles apart.

Last but not least, invigilation staff, instead of frowning and frightening the candidates, should motivate them by being cooperative. The FPSC should also contemplate conducting one paper at a time which would help students manage their time and will relieve them of pressure and anxiety that may have an impact on their performance.

Mian Muhammad Amin
Gujranwala

Published in Dawn, August 21st, 2022