Pakistan's National Assembly backs age limit hike for CSS exam candidates

Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a resolution on Friday seeking to increase the maximum age limit for Central Superior Services (CSS) exam candidates to 35 years and allow five attempts.

The resolution was introduced by Nosheen Iftikhar, a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), as a private member’s bill. A motion was first passed to suspend the house's scheduled agenda before presenting the resolution.

Members of the ruling coalition voted in favor of the motion, which was approved by a majority.

The resolution stated:

"This house is of the opinion that Government should take immediate steps to grant special age relaxation of at least 5 years to the aspirants of the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination, as well as increase the upper age limit to 35 years for CSS 2026 and onward, and allow at least 5 attempts for all eligible candidates."

The CSS exam is administered annually by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) and is one of the most competitive examinations in Pakistan.

Current CSS Eligibility Criteria:

• Age Limit: 21 to 30 years
• Education: At least a second division or grade “C” bachelor’s degree (14 or 16-year qualification)
• Nationality: Must be a Pakistani citizen

Exam Format:

• Preliminary Test: Based on Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Written Exam: Includes both compulsory and optional subjects
• Psychological Assessment
• Interview

Compulsory Subjects:

• Essay
• English (Precis and Composition)
• General Science and Ability
• Current Affairs
• Pakistan Affairs
• Islamic Studies / Comparative Religion

Optional Subjects:

Candidates choose from a wide range of subjects. Each subject requires at least 33% to pass.

The resolution is non-binding and does not immediately change the rules. Implementation now depends on the federal government and the FPSC.

If adopted into law or policy, the changes would apply starting with the CSS 2026 examination.