FPSC CSS Exam Eligibility Criteria
For candidates aspiring to join the Civil Service of Pakistan, the CSS (Central Superior Services) Exam, conducted by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), is the gateway. Before registering, it’s essential to understand the FPSC’s eligibility requirements to determine if you qualify to take this competitive exam in 2024.
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Age Requirement for CSS Exam 2024
1. Standard Age Limit
Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years old as of December 31 of the year preceding the exam.
This means that for the CSS 2024 exam, applicants must not be born on or before December 31, 1992, or after January 1, 2003.
2. Age Relaxation
The FPSC offers a relaxation in age requirements for certain candidates:
Candidates from specific areas and demographics, such as recognized tribes in Balochistan, former Tribal Areas, and specific regions of the Hazara Division, can apply until they are 32 years old.
Proof of residency in these areas is mandatory to benefit from the age relaxation clause.
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Educational Requirements for CSS Exam 2024
To appear in the CSS Exam, candidates must meet the following educational qualifications:
Minimum Education
A bachelor’s degree with a second division or “C” grade from an HEC-recognized university.
Degrees from foreign universities are accepted if HEC equivalency is granted.
Exceptions for Third Division Holders
Candidates with a third division in their bachelor’s degree may still be eligible if they have higher grades in their master’s degree.
Degree Completion Proof
If the bachelor’s degree is not completed by registration time, candidates must provide proof of degree completion before the CSS result is announced.
Nationality and Marital Status
Nationality
Only Pakistani citizens and residents of the State of Jammu and Kashmir are eligible to apply.
Marriage to Foreign Nationals
If married to a foreign national, candidates are generally ineligible unless they obtain prior permission from the federal government.
Domicile Requirements
The FPSC requires applicants to present an attested domicile to be eligible for the CSS exam. This is crucial, as seat allotment across occupational groups and services is based on domicile.
Domicile Documentation
Candidates must present an attested copy of their domicile at registration.
Additional Requirements for AJK Candidates
Applicants from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) must also provide a permanent residence certificate along with signed application forms from an officer ranked Deputy Secretary or higher.
Domicile Invariance
Domicile documents, once submitted, cannot be altered for the current or any future CSS exams.
Additional CSS Exam Eligibility Criteria
Attempt Limit
Candidates are allowed a maximum of three attempts. An attempt is counted only if the candidate submits a non-blank answer sheet, not merely by registering.
Mandatory Preliminary Test (MPT)
Passing the MPT is a prerequisite to qualifying for the CSS written exam.
Identification
The original Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) and CSS admission form are required at the examination center.
Punctuality
Late arrivals are not allowed to take the exam. If admitted to the examination center despite ineligibility, applications will be later disqualified upon detailed review.
CSS Exam Quotas for 2024
To ensure fair representation, the FPSC has set quotas by region and gender for CSS 2024:
Merit: 7.5%
Punjab: 50%
Sindh: 19%
Sindh Urban Areas (Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur): 40% of 19%
Sindh Rural Areas: 60% of 19%
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK): 15.5%
Balochistan: 6%
Azad Kashmir: 2%
Women: 10% (allocated from each province/region’s share)
Quick Eligibility Summary Table
Eligibility Criteria
Details
Age
21-30 years (Standard), 21-32 years (Age Relaxation)
Education
Bachelor’s degree with a second division or “C” grade
Nationality
Pakistani citizen or resident of Jammu and Kashmir
Marriage
If married to a foreign national, FPSC permission is required
Domicile
Required, additional AJK requirements include permanent residence certificate and higher official signature
Attempt Limit
Maximum of 3 attempts
Mandatory Test (MPT)
Must pass to qualify for the CSS written exam
Quotas
Based on merit, regional allocation, and gender
For complete information on eligibility, candidates are encouraged to visit the official FPSC site and verify eligibility details before registration. With clear criteria, prospective candidates can better assess their eligibility for CSS 2024 and proceed confidently.
