CSS age cap, exam attempts to increase from 2026 after NA passes resolution

• PML‑N MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar moved to landmark resolution.
• From next year, aspirants will also be allowed up to 5 attempts.
• Until now, hopefuls over 30 were not eligible to compete.

The National Assembly on Friday agreed to raise the maximum age for Central Superior Services (CSS) exam candidates from 30 to 35, with the change taking effect in 2026. 

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML‑N) MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar moved to suspend the rules and brought the proposal before the House, which backed it without any objection.

Under the new resolution, aspirants will also be allowed up to five attempts at the CSS exam, one more than at present. 

Lawmakers urged the government to implement these relaxations promptly so that potential candidates can plan their applications accordingly.

It must be noted that CSS, the academics-based gateway to Pakistan’s top federal posts, has long attracted recent graduates and young professionals seeking careers in administration, foreign affairs, customs and other services. 

Until now, hopefuls could sit for the exam only if they were no older than 30. The change to a 35‑year limit and five tries aims to give a broader range of applicants the chance to prepare and compete.