ISLAMABAD: The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has revealed the schedule for the Central Superior Services (CSS) exams for 2026 through an advance public notice.
The commission has stated that the notice for online applications for the MCQ-based Preliminary Test (MPT) will be published on August 10, 2025. Applicants can submit their applications for the MPT from August 11 to August 25, 2025.
Only those who pass the MPT will be eligible to apply for the written CSS exam, with applications being accepted between December 15 and December 30, 2025. The written CSS exam is set to begin on February 4, 2026.
The CSS exam is an important gateway to Pakistan’s top federal services, including positions in administration, foreign affairs, customs, and other civil sectors. Traditionally, it has attracted recent university graduates and young professionals, with stringent eligibility requirements related to age and number of attempts.
Recent reforms, including raising the age cap and allowing an additional attempt, aim to make the exam more accessible and provide greater flexibility for candidates who may require more preparation time or enter the workforce later. These changes were made after the National Assembly approved a resolution to extend the maximum age limit for candidates from 30 to 35 years, with the new policy coming into effect in 2026.
