ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The federal government has rejected proposals to raise the standard CSS age limit from 30 to 35 years and to increase the permitted number of examination attempts from three to five.
The Establishment Division conveyed its written position to a parliamentary committee, declaring the proposed changes impractical and maintaining the existing policy for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.
A subcommittee of the Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat had recommended raising the upper age limit by 5 years and granting candidates 2 additional attempts. The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) currently implements the eligibility policy approved by the federal government.
The Establishment Division said increasing the age ceiling could substantially expand the candidate pool, raising the administrative burden of conducting examinations and marking papers. It also argued that five attempts could encourage aspirants to spend additional productive years repeatedly preparing for the examination.
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The division said officers entering the civil service at a higher age would also have shorter effective careers, potentially reducing the pool of experienced officials available for senior positions later in service.
Under the standard rules, candidates remain subject to an upper age limit of 30 years and a maximum of three CSS attempts. Specific categories may qualify separately for age relaxation under existing CSS rules; the rejected proposal would have raised the general ceiling to 35.
