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A Senate sub-committee has proposed major changes to Pakistan’s Central Superior Services (CSS) exam, recommending two attempts per year and an increase in the upper age limit to 35. The suggestion aims to ease growing concerns among candidates about limited opportunities and strict timelines.
The proposal was shared during a meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on the Cabinet Secretariat, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwala. Officials from the Establishment Division and FPSC briefed the panel on existing procedures. The debate around CSS reform has been ongoing for years, with many students arguing that the single annual exam and rigid age criteria create unnecessary pressure and exclude deserving candidates.
During the discussion, members noted that many students lose eligibility due to only one yearly attempt. They stressed that more flexible options would help candidates stay on track academically.
“Two attempts will stop students from wasting years just waiting for the next exam cycle,” a committee member said while supporting the proposal.
Officials from the FPSC, however, maintained that conducting two full examinations annually is not possible under the current manual marking and evaluation system, which requires long processing time. The committee also reviewed the structure of screening and written exams, calling for reforms that create a more efficient and accessible examination process.
The panel concluded that the government must consider updating rules to match modern needs, ensuring that students are not held back by procedural limitations.
