The National Assembly passes a resolution to increase the age limit and number of CSS exam attempts In Pakistan.
Recently, the Pakistani National Assembly passed a resolution proposing modifications to the CSS exam’s qualifying requirements.The resolution, passed by a majority vote on Friday, demands for increasing the maximum number of candidate efforts and the age restriction.
- Raising the Upper Age Limit:
With the new limit going into effect in 2026, the resolution raises the upper age limit for CSS applicants from 30 to 35. This change is intended to give a broader segment of ambitious individuals the opportunity to compete in one of Pakistan’s most challenging examinations.
- Increased Number of Attempts:
The resolution increases the number of attempts permitted for the CSS exam in addition to raising the age limit. Candidates will now have five attempts instead of the previous three, thereby offering more chances to succeed in the highly competitive selection process.
Read more: Pakistan’s decades-old CSS exam system set for major overhaul
- Background and Rationale:
The move comes in response to the notably low pass rate revealed in the CSS 2024 written exam, where only 2.53% of candidates managed to clear the rigorous tests. MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, who tabled the resolution, emphasized that these adjustments would make the civil service examinations more accessible and better aligned with the aspirations of a diverse candidate pool.
- Implications for Aspirants:
By easing both age and attempt barriers, the new measures could help level the playing field, potentially increasing the quality and diversity of talent entering Pakistan’s civil services. In a field known for its intense competition, these reforms are seen as a necessary step to accommodate the evolving demands of public service and modernize recruitment.
This resolution is a significant move towards creating a more inclusive and realistic framework for future civil servants. With these changes, thousands of potential candidates might now have a fairer chance at securing a career in Pakistan’s esteemed civil services.