Major CSS update on age limit, English essay

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation has sought a detailed report on the relaxation of the age limit for Central Superior Services (CSS) examinations.

The issue was raised during a meeting chaired by Senator Nasima Ehsan, where Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) officials briefed members on the existing rules.

FPSC officials informed the committee that the maximum age limit for CSS aspirants is 30 years. However, a two-year relaxation is available under specific circumstances. Officials clarified that provincial service commission exams remain separate from CSS.

The committee was also told that reforms are under discussion to address the low pass rate in CSS examinations, with English being the subject where most candidates fail.

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CSS seats are allocated across open merit, provincial quotas, women, and minorities. Committee member Bushra Anjum Butt questioned the continuation of this system, stating that the quota law was abolished in 2013.

In response, the Additional Secretary of the Establishment Division said there is no constitutional provision for a quota system, while FPSC officials maintained that the government still follows it. Bushra Butt stressed that the matter should be resolved in a structured and transparent way.

The Standing Committee has also sought a briefing on the possibility of increasing the age limit for provincial-level examinations in Punjab, along with further clarity on the CSS age limit. Members discussed whether the English essay should be shifted to a general English exam instead of being retained as a separate paper.