Commission says answer sheets are securely tracked and examination-centre seating is fully automated

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has rejected social media claims that answer sheets from the CSS-2026 examination have gone missing, describing the allegations as baseless and part of a fabricated campaign aimed at undermining the credibility of Pakistan’s premier competitive examination.

The controversy emerged after a social media post alleged that CSS-2026 answer sheets were unaccounted for, records maintained by the Secrecy Wing and Exam Cell were incomplete, and certain coaching academies were allegedly manipulating examination-centre seat allocations to favour their candidates.

The FPSC categorically rejected the allegations as “baseless” and “factually incorrect”, describing them as a concocted narrative driven by ulterior motives.

FPSC explains answer-sheet security system

According to the Commission, CSS examination answer sheets are handled through a multi-tiered chain-of-custody system covering their receipt, counting, safe custody and issuance.

The process operates under the supervision of the FPSC’s Secrecy Wing and Exam Cell.

The Commission said answer sheets received from every examination centre are counted, documented and cross-checked under the supervision of designated officers.

It added that no discrepancy, complaint or irregularity concerning the answer sheets had been recorded.

Seating arrangements fully automated

The FPSC also rejected allegations that examination-centre seating arrangements could be manipulated by coaching academies or other third parties.

The Commission clarified that examination centres, roll-number plans and seating arrangements are generated through a fully automated process.

It said the system leaves no room for manual intervention by coaching academies or any other external parties, countering claims that candidates could be given preferential seating arrangements.

FPSC urges candidates to rely on official information

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, merit and impartiality in the conduct of the CSS examination.

It said verified complaints are dealt with promptly and transparently, and urged CSS candidates and the general public not to fall for unverified social media campaigns.

The FPSC advised candidates to rely only on information issued through its official channels for updates and developments relating to the examination.

The Commission also warned that it reserves the right to initiate appropriate legal proceedings against individuals responsible for spreading what it described as baseless propaganda.

The FPSC’s clarification comes amid heightened public and candidate interest in the CSS examination, with the Commission seeking to dispel concerns over the integrity and security of the examination process.