FPSC cut-off: 31 December
CSS Age Calculator
Check the CSS age limit (21 to 30 on 31 December before the exam, 32 with a relaxation), the degree rule and which CSS exams you can still sit.
Last updated · Page editedCandidate Profile & Exam Parameters
Based on the CSS Competitive Examination Rules: Rule 5 (cut-off date), Rule 6 (age) and Rule 8 (education).
FPSC checks your age, degree and domicile on 31 December of the year before the exam, not on the day of the papers.
FPSC accepts the date of birth on your Matric certificate (or O-Level school certificate). Once accepted, it cannot be changed for later attempts.
Each category raises the upper limit from 30 to 32. Relaxations don't add up, and you need the certificate FPSC asks for. Staff of banks, the State Bank, WAPDA and autonomous bodies don't get the service relaxation.
Tick all three if they apply to you. The result shows your age eligibility either way.
How FPSC decides CSS age and eligibility
The CSS Competitive Examination Rules 2019 set the age limit for every CSS exam. FPSC checks your age, degree and domicile on a single cut-off date: 31 December of the year before the exam. For CSS 2027 that is 31 December 2026.
Age rule (Rules 5 and 6)
21 ≤ age on 31 December (exam year − 1) ≤ 30
- Neither below 21 nor above 30 on the cut-off date.
- FPSC's own explanation in Rule 6: for CSS 2019, candidates born on or before 31 December 1988 or on or after 2 January 1998 were not eligible.
- For CSS 2027 that means born from 1 January 1997 to 1 January 2006.
Relaxation, degree and attempts
Upper limit 30, or 32 with one relaxation
- Rule 6(2): 2 extra years for listed categories. Relaxations don't add up.
- Rule 8: at least a second-division or grade C Bachelor's by the cut-off date.
- Three attempts within the age limit; appearing in any paper counts as an attempt.
How to use the calculator
- Pick the CSS exam year. The calculator uses 31 December of the year before as the cut-off.
- Enter the date of birth on your Matric certificate (or O-Level school certificate). FPSC accepts that date and it can't be changed later.
- Choose a relaxation category only if you have the certificate FPSC asks for.
- Tick the degree checklist. The age result shows either way.
Worked example: born 15 August 2001
| Step | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Exam and cut-off | CSS 2027 | 31 December 2026 |
| Age on the cut-off | 15 August 2001 to 31 December 2026 | 25 years, 4 months, 16 days |
| Age rule | 21 to 30 | Meets it |
| Last exam by age | Born on or after 1 January 2001 for CSS 2031 | CSS 2031 |
| Exams within the age limit | CSS 2027 to 2031 (up to 3 attempts) | |
CSS 2027 at a glance
| Cut-off date | 31 December 2026 (age, degree and domicile) |
|---|---|
| Age limit | 21 to 30; up to 32 with one relaxation |
| Eligible births (no relaxation) | 1 January 1997 to 1 January 2006 |
| Degree | At least a second-division Bachelor's (Rule 8) |
| Screening | MPT (MCQ-based preliminary test) before the written exam |
| Attempts | Three within the age limit |
CSS age relaxation: who gets 2 extra years
Rule 6(2) raises the upper limit from 30 to 32 for:
- Government servants and armed forces personnel with at least 2 years of continuous service. Staff of banks, the State Bank, WAPDA and autonomous bodies don't get this relaxation.
- Recognised tribes of Balochistan and the listed former tribal areas.
- Permanent residents of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Scheduled caste and Buddhist candidates.
- Candidates with a physical, hearing, speech or visual impairment.
Relaxations don't add up: two categories still give 32, not 34. You need the certificate FPSC asks for.
Has the CSS age limit been raised to 35?
No. The National Assembly proposed raising the limit to 35 with five attempts, but the Establishment Division rejected the proposal in September 2026. FPSC's MPT notice for CSS 2027 still says 21 to 30 years on the cut-off date, with a two-year relaxation for the listed categories.
How many attempts do you get?
You can take CSS three times within the age limit. An attempt counts once you appear in any paper, even with a blank answer sheet. Candidates who have used all three attempts can't sit the MPT screening test either. The calculator lists the CSS exams that fall within your age limit, so you can plan which ones to use.
Plan your CSS attempts
The cut-off is 31 December of the year before the exam, not the day of the papers.
1. Use your Matric date of birth
FPSC goes by the date on your Matric or O-Level certificate, and it can't change between attempts.
2. Count your exam years
Most candidates have several exams within the age limit but only three attempts. Use them where you are best prepared.
3. Finish your degree in time
You need the degree exam passed by the cut-off date; a university certificate is accepted until the degree is issued.
4. Read the CSS guide
See the CSS guide for the groups, the MPT and the written exam.
Pakistan Secretariat, Islamabad.
CSS age limit: common questions
What is the age limit for CSS 2027?
You must be at least 21 and not more than 30 on 31 December 2026. Under FPSC's rule, candidates born from 1 January 1997 to 1 January 2006 meet the age rule for CSS 2027.
Which date does FPSC use to check my age?
31 December of the year before the exam. For CSS 2027 the cut-off date is 31 December 2026. Your degree and domicile are also checked on this date.
Who gets age relaxation for CSS?
A 2-year relaxation (upper limit 32) applies to government servants and armed forces personnel with 2 years of continuous service, recognised tribes of Balochistan and the listed former tribal areas, permanent residents of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, scheduled caste and Buddhist candidates, and candidates with a physical, hearing, speech or visual impairment. Relaxations don't add up.
Has the CSS age limit been raised to 35?
No. The Establishment Division rejected the proposal in September 2026, and FPSC's CSS 2027 notice still says 21 to 30.
How many times can I take CSS?
Three times within the age limit. An attempt counts if you appear in even one paper.
What education do I need for CSS?
At least a second-division Bachelor's degree by the cut-off date. With a third division, you need a Master's with a higher division.
Sources and calculation rules
Checked 19 October 2026 on the official pages: CSS Competitive Examination Rules 2019 (Establishment Division), FPSC: MPT notice for CSS 2027 (CE-2027), Pakistan Observer: CSS 2027 age limit not raised to 35.
The calculator checks age and lists exam years. FPSC decides eligibility; confirm with the CSS advertisement for your year.
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