CSS Age Limit and Attempt Increase Proposals Turned Down

The Establishment Division has rejected recommendations to increase the age limit and number of attempts for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination.

A subcommittee of the Standing Committee had recommended increasing the maximum age limit for CSS candidates from 30 to 35 years. Another recommendation called for increasing the number of attempts from three to five.

However, the Establishment Division decided to retain the existing age limit of 30 years and three attempts. It informed the parliamentary committee in writing that the recommendations were not practical.

The Establishment Division said the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) implements the policy approved by the federal government. The decision to maintain the current policy was also taken during the FPSC’s 174th meeting.

According to the Establishment Division, increasing the age limit could significantly increase the number of CSS candidates. This could put additional pressure on conducting the examination and checking answer papers.

The division also warned that changing the policy could affect the long-term availability of experienced officers for senior government positions.