Key Takeaways
- The Establishment Division has rejected proposals to raise the CSS age limit and increase the number of attempts.
- The current CSS age limit remains 21 to 30 years, with a maximum of three attempts.
- The Federal Public Service Commission decided to maintain the existing policy.
The Establishment Division of Pakistan has rejected proposals to change the age limit and the number of attempts for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination. The current age limit for the CSS examination is between 21 and 30 years, and candidates are allowed a maximum of three attempts.
Previously, the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat had recommended raising the upper age limit from 30 to 35 years and increasing the number of attempts from three to five. However, these recommendations were not accepted by the Establishment Division.
In a statement, the Establishment Division stated that any change in the age limit or number of attempts falls under the policy domain of the federal government. It added that the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) follows only the policy approved by the federal government.
The FPSC, in its 174th meeting, decided to maintain the existing policy. The division explained that raising the age limit would significantly increase the number of CSS candidates, thereby adding to the administrative burden of conducting the examination and evaluating papers.
Furthermore, the Establishment Division argued that allowing more attempts could encourage candidates to keep appearing in the exam and waste their productive years. It also stated that officers entering civil service at a later age would have shorter service tenures, which could affect the long-term availability of experienced officers for senior positions.
The decision was conveyed to the parliamentary committee, and the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was informed of the federal government's stance.
The Establishment Division emphasized that the current policy is practical and effective, and any changes would not be beneficial for the civil service recruitment process.
The rejection of these proposals marks a significant decision in the ongoing debate over the CSS examination and recruitment process in Pakistan.
