THIS is with reference to the letter “CSS exam a suggestion” by Dr Altaf Salyana (July 21). With due respect, I disagree. The points are as follows.

First, CSS is undoubtedly a uniform and composed system to check the capability of the candidates along with their potential to carry out crucial government tasks.

Second, there is no need for the screening of candidates because candidates evaluate themselves before they take any exam like CSS. Despite judging themselves if any candidate needs to be screened then he/she lacks commitment, dedication and authentic guidance for the exam.

Third, we have optional subjects like history, geography and philosophy, while compulsory papers cover first hand information about English writing skills (a basic need), Pakistan (our country) and its on-going relations with the world (the outer world) and Islam (our religion).

Fourth, the majority of candidates in CSS fail or receive low marks in compulsory subjects, not in optional subjects; in this context talking of injustice in the marking of optional subjects is not right.

Fifth, I carried out a survey regarding the age of successful candidates in the CSS between 1980s and 2007 and found that most of the candidates achieved success in CSS between the ages of twenty-two to twenty-seven.

CSS candidates are required to study six to eight hours on a daily basis and any candidate with ordinary skills can make his dream come true, provided that one moves in the right direction.

If CSS candidates study properly with lot of commitment and dedication, the demand of the relaxation of age limit to 32-years will not hold water, nor will they need to make more than three attempts.

Lastly, every exam has its own criteria and it would be better not to compare the rules and regulations of one exam with the other.

G.H. Jibrran Mangnejo
Hyderabad

(II)

One fails to understand why the present government is not abolishing the age restriction policy imposed by Pervaiz Musharraf wherein the eligibility of age was reduced from 30 years to 28 years which discouraged a lot of candidates who wish to prepare for a prestigious career in Civil Service of Pakistan.

Though the summary of this issue has been presented to the concerned authorities for their kind consideration, no action has been taken in this regard so far.

Age relaxation would encourage students who want to pursue their career in this field.

I hope the concerned authorities would take action to revise the policy.

BISHARAT ALI KUNBHAR
Larkana