CSS 2026 exam schedule announced

The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has released the schedule for the Central Superior Services (CSS) examinations 2026 through an advance public notice.

According to the commission, the public notice for online applications for the MCQ-based preliminary test (MPT) will be issued on August 10, 2025, while applications for the MPT will be accepted from August 11 to August 25, 2025.

Applicants who qualify for the MPT will be eligible to submit applications for the written CSS examination, which will be accepted from December 15 to December 30, 2025.

The written CSS exam is scheduled to begin on February 4, 2026, according to the FPSC.

The CSS exam serves as a key gateway to Pakistan's elite federal services, including positions in administration, foreign affairs, customs, and other civil sectors.

It has traditionally attracted fresh university graduates and young professionals, with strict eligibility criteria in terms of age and number of attempts.

Earlier, National Assembly passed a resolution to increase the maximum age limit for candidates appearing in the Central Superior Services (CSS) examination from 30 to 35 years, with the new policy set to take effect from 2026, the Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

Alongside the age limit increase, the resolution also allows candidates a total of five attempts at the CSS exam. Lawmakers urged the government to implement these changes without delay to give prospective applicants sufficient time to prepare under the revised criteria.

By raising the age cap and allowing an additional attempt, the new measures aim to broaden access and provide greater flexibility for aspirants who may need more time to prepare or who enter the workforce later.