Eligibility Criteria for CSS and PMS in Pakistan
1. Nationality / Domicile
CSS:
Must be a citizen of Pakistan or a permanent resident of AJK.
AJK applicants must provide a domicile certificate.
PMS:
Must hold domicile of the respective province or region (Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan, AJK, GB).
Example: Only Punjab domicile holders can apply for PMS Punjab.
2. Educational Qualification
CSS:
Minimum Bachelor’s degree (14 years education) from an HEC-recognized university.
At least Second Division (45% marks).
Candidates with Third Division in Bachelor’s are eligible only if they have a Master’s degree (16 years education) with at least Second Division.
PMS:
Minimum Bachelor’s degree (14 years education) from an HEC-recognized university.
Must have at least Second Division (45% marks).
No Master’s degree condition for third division holders (in most provinces PMS strictly requires minimum 45%).
3. Age Limit
CSS:
21 to 30 years (as of 31st December of the year before the exam).
Age Relaxation: Up to 32 years for:
Government servants with 2 years of continuous service.
Candidates from Scheduled Castes, Tribal Areas, Gilgit-Baltistan, AJK, Balochistan.
PMS:
21 to 30 years (cut-off date varies by province; usually the last date of application submission).
Age Relaxation: Up to 32 years for:
Government employees with at least 4 years of continuous service (Punjab PMS).
In some provinces (like KPK), relaxation may extend for tribal areas and minorities.
4. Number of Attempts
CSS:
Maximum 3 attempts allowed in a lifetime.
PMS:
Maximum 3 attempts in most provinces (Punjab, KPK, Sindh, Balochistan).
Each province may have its own rules regarding counting attempts.
5. Gender and Marital Status
CSS:
Both male and female candidates can apply.
Marital status does not affect eligibility.
PMS:
Both male and female candidates can apply.
Marital status does not affect eligibility.
6. Physical / Medical Requirements
CSS:
Medical fitness is compulsory.
Candidates with severe disabilities, weak eyesight (beyond limits), or speech issues may be declared unfit.
Certain occupational groups require strict medical fitness (e.g., Police, Foreign Service).
PMS:
Generally, no strict medical examination, but candidates must be fit for duties.
Police-related PMS seats may require fitness tests.
Quick Comparison Table
| Criteria | CSS (Federal) | PMS (Provincial) |
|---|---|---|
| Conducted by | FPSC (Federal) | Provincial PSCs (PPSC, SPSC, KPKPSC, BPSC, AJKPSC) |
| Nationality / Domicile | Pakistani or AJK citizen | Domicile of the specific province |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree (14 years, 45% marks) | Bachelor’s degree (14 years, 45% marks) |
| Age Limit | 21–30 years | 21–30 years |
| Age Relaxation | Up to 32 years for govt employees, AJK, GB, Balochistan, Tribal Areas | Up to 32 years (varies by province, usually for govt employees and special categories) |
| Attempts Allowed | 3 attempts nationwide | 3 attempts per province (rules vary) |
| Medical Fitness | Strict medical exam after written test | Basic fitness (less strict than CSS) |