The discussion took place in a meeting chaired by Senator Nasima Ehsan. Officials from the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) briefed the committee on the current CSS rules.

FPSC officials confirmed that the maximum age for CSS aspirants is 30 years, with a two-year relaxation allowed under specific circumstances. They clarified that provincial service exams are separate from CSS.

The committee also reviewed proposed reforms aimed at improving the CSS pass rate. The English essay paper was identified as the main subject in which most candidates fail.

A debate emerged over the current quota system used in CSS recruitment. Committee member Bushra Anjum Butt argued that the quota law was abolished in 2013. However, FPSC officials stated that the system is still in practice, though the Establishment Division noted there is no constitutional basis for it.

Senators requested a structured resolution to the quota system issue and asked for further details on increasing the age limit for provincial exams in Punjab.

Another proposal which discussed was replacement of English essay with a general English exam.

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Potential changes to Pakistan s top civil service examination are indicated by this report. Growing impetus for more inclusive policies is hinted at by the Senate committee s request for a thorough report on the CSS age limit. There has been discussion about substituting a general English exam for the English essay paper due to the high failure rate. In the meantime, there have been challenges to the quota system s legality, raising the possibility of a revision to the current distribution process. These modifications have the potential to drastically alter the CSS landscape in the upcoming years if they are put into practice.