Government rejects proposal to raise CSS age limit to 35

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to retain the existing age limit and number of attempts for candidates appearing in the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.

The Establishment Division and the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) have opposed recommendations seeking changes to the current CSS eligibility rules. Their positions were submitted in writing to the relevant parliamentary committee.

A Senate subcommittee had proposed increasing the maximum age for CSS candidates from 30 to 35 years. It had also recommended increasing the number of attempts from three to five.

The Establishment Division has, however, described the proposed changes as impractical and maintained that the current policy should remain in place.

Under the existing rules, candidates can appear in the CSS examination until the age of 30, with a maximum of three attempts.

The Establishment Division said decisions concerning changes in the age limit or number of attempts are matters of government policy. The FPSC, it added, is responsible for conducting the examination in accordance with policies approved by the federal government.

The FPSC has also maintained its existing policy. At its 174th meeting, the commission decided against increasing either the maximum age or the number of attempts for CSS candidates.

The Establishment Division cited administrative concerns as one of the main reasons for rejecting the proposed changes.

It said allowing older candidates and additional attempts could substantially increase the number of applicants. This would place greater pressure on the authorities responsible for organising the competitive examination and evaluating candidates’ answer sheets.

The division also expressed concern that candidates might spend several additional years repeatedly attempting the CSS examination instead of pursuing careers and other professional opportunities.

Another concern raised by the Establishment Division relates to the length of service of successful candidates. It argued that allowing candidates to enter the civil service at a relatively advanced age could reduce their overall effective service period.

According to the division, this could eventually affect the availability of experienced officers and the government’s ability to benefit from their services over a longer period.

The government’s decision means that, for now, the existing CSS eligibility framework will remain unchanged despite recommendations from the Senate subcommittee to provide candidates with greater flexibility.