Age limit for CSS exams

Letter February 24, 2014
The age limit for civil service exams in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka is 35 years, but in Pakistan it is 28 years.

FAISALABAD: The Central Superior Service (CSS) examinations are being held these days, but there are many aspirants who cannot appear for them. This is not because they cannot prepare for these examinations, but because their age is over 28 years now, which is the age limit set for those who can sit these exams. I, being part of the middle class, like the majority of Pakistanis, had to complete my studies by doing part time jobs to meet expenses. Now I want to appear for the CSS examinations but I have crossed the age limit.

The age limit for civil service exams in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka (countries in our immediate neighbourhood) is 35 years. Why are Pakistanis over the age of 28 not given the opportunity to sit the CSS exams?

This highly unfair step was taken during the tenure of former president General (retd) Pervez Musharraf. To control the number of students, who appear for the tests, this serves as a screening test before the main exam can be taken. The government must think about the millions of people who want to serve their country but for some reason or the other have not been able to appear for the CSS exams before they turned 28.

Ali Zaman

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2014.

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