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, rejecting proposals to provide greater flexibility to aspirants.
The Establishment Division and the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) 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 maximum number of attempts from three to five.
The Establishment Division, however, described the proposed changes as impractical and maintained that the existing policy should remain in place.
Under the current rules, candidates can appear in the CSS examination until the age of 30, with a maximum of three attempts. The Establishment Division said decisions regarding changes to the age limit or number of attempts fall under government policy, while the FPSC is responsible for conducting the examination according to policies approved by the federal government.
The FPSC has also maintained its existing position. During 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 among the key reasons for rejecting the proposed changes. It said allowing older candidates and additional attempts could substantially increase the number of applicants, placing greater pressure on authorities responsible for organising the competitive examination and evaluating answer sheets.
The division also expressed concern that candidates could spend several additional years repeatedly attempting the CSS examination instead of pursuing careers and other professional opportunities.
Another concern relates to the length of service of successful candidates. The Establishment Division 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 decision means that, for now, the CSS age limit remains 30 years and the maximum number of attempts remains three, despite recommendations from the Senate subcommittee to increase both limits.
