A Senate subcommittee has urged the Federal Public Service Commission to offer Central Superior Services (CSS) candidates two examination opportunities each year and to raise the upper age limit to 35.
The recommendations came during a meeting of the Sub Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on the Cabinet Secretariat, chaired by Senator Saleem Mandviwala at the Parliament Lodges.
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Officials from the establishment division and the FPSC briefed lawmakers on the current structure of the CSS exam, including the screening system, written assessment, and marking criteria. Lawmakers argued that allowing only one attempt per year places unnecessary pressure on candidates, many of whom lose eligibility as they age out while preparing over several years.
They proposed a biannual exam system to reduce delays and keep students within the age bracket. FPSC representatives said the current paper based evaluation process makes it difficult to introduce two exams per year because the commission needs substantial time to assess scripts and finalize results.
The panel also pushed for increasing the general upper age limit to 35. Members noted that academic breaks, employment responsibilities, and other factors often create unavoidable gaps in students academic timelines.
During the briefing, officials explained that the screening test carries 200 marks and serves only as a qualifying stage. The written portion includes 600 marks for compulsory subjects and 600 for optional subjects.
Candidates must secure at least 50 percent overall to advance. Successful candidates then move on to psychological tests, medical checks, and the viva voce, which carries 300 marks. Final merit is determined from a total of 1,500 marks.
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