THE CSS examinations are the most authentic and prestigious examinations in the country. Recourse to this examination is a measure to test the overall potential of a candidate.

The government has reserved provincial, army, women and minorities quota in these exams. Quota of any kind in this authentic examination or elsewhere negates the sense of competitiveness and must be abolished as it infringes upon merits.

The official policy of increasing women’s quota to 10 per cent and the minorities’ quota to five per cent is unjustified. The army quota is superfluous and illicit as they land into the three top groups without even taking the written examination.

The lawmakers should do away with not only the women’s quota but also with the army and minorities quota. This would increase open merit seats and gradually decrease the provincial quota as well. This will revive a true sense of competition among candidates.

IMTIAZ AWANIslamabad