CSS Exam 2026: Age Limit Relaxed, Essay Paper Gets New Focus

The Senate Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation has asked the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for a detailed update on the rules governing the Central Superior Services (CSS) exams, particularly regarding age limits and the English essay paper.

During a meeting chaired by Senator Nasima Ehsan, FPSC officials explained that the current upper age limit for CSS candidates is 30 years, with an additional two-year relaxation in special cases. They clarified that these rules apply only to CSS and not to provincial commission exams.

Lawmakers expressed concern over the high failure rate in CSS, with FPSC confirming that most candidates are unable to clear the English essay paper. Members suggested that reforms may be needed to make the exam more balanced.

The quota system also came under debate. Senator Bushra Anjum Butt questioned why quotas for provinces, women, and minorities are still applied when the law supporting them was scrapped in 2013. The Establishment Division noted there is no constitutional provision for quotas, though FPSC maintained that the government continues to follow them.

The committee further directed FPSC to examine whether the age limit for provincial-level exams in Punjab could be extended and to review whether the English essay should remain a separate paper or be merged into a general English exam.

FPSC has been asked to submit a comprehensive report in the next session.

Source: Web Desk