CSS & PMS rules for Age Limit, Relaxation, and Number of Attempts

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CSS Age Limit, Relaxation & Attempts

1. Age Limit (General Rule)

  • Minimum Age: 21 years

  • Maximum Age: 30 years (on the cut-off date, usually 31st December of the previous year).

2. Age Relaxation Rules (up to 32 years)

The maximum age can be relaxed by 2 years for the following categories:

  1. Government Employees

    • Working in BPS-16 or above.

    • Must have 2 years of continuous service in federal or provincial government.

    • Contract employees of autonomous bodies, corporations, or banks are not eligible.

  2. Special Areas / Backward Areas Candidates

    • Candidates belonging to:

      • Balochistan

      • Tribal Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (ex-FATA)

      • Gilgit-Baltistan

      • Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK)

      • Sindh (Rural)

      • Districts of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur (Punjab)

    • Proof of domicile/residency is required.

  3. Disabled Candidates

    • Persons with disabilities (for specific groups such as PAS, PSP, FSP may be restricted).

    • Must submit disability certificate issued by a recognized Medical Board.

3. Number of Attempts

  • Every candidate is allowed 3 attempts only at the CSS exam.

  • Appearing in even one paper (compulsory or optional) counts as an attempt.

PMS Age Limit, Relaxation & Attempts

1. Age Limit (General Rule)

  • Minimum Age: 21 years

  • Maximum Age: 30 years (on the closing date mentioned in the advertisement).

2. Age Relaxation Rules (up to 32 years)

  • Similar to CSS, PMS allows 2 years relaxation in most provinces for:

    1. Government Employees (BPS-16 or above with 2 years service).

    2. Special Areas Candidates (Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, ex-FATA, certain under-developed districts depending on the province).

    3. Disabled Persons (for posts they are eligible for).

Important: Each province (Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan) issues its own PMS rules through the Provincial Public Service Commission. Slight variations may exist.

3. Number of Attempts

  • Most provinces allow 3 attempts for PMS as well.

  • In some provinces (e.g., Punjab), rules explicitly state 3 chances only.

✅ CSS vs PMS (Age & Attempts) Comparison Table

CriteriaCSS (FPSC)PMS (PPSC/KPPSC/SPSC/BPSC)
General Age Limit21 to 30 years21 to 30 years
Age RelaxationUp to 32 years for: • Govt employees (BPS-16+) • Backward areas (Balochistan, Sindh Rural, GB, AJK, ex-FATA, DG Khan & Rajanpur) • Disabled candidatesUp to 32 years for: • Govt employees (BPS-16+) • Backward areas (varies by province) • Disabled candidates
Number of Attempts3 attempts only3 attempts (in most provinces)
Cut-off Date31st December of previous yearAs per advertisement (varies)

👉 Summary:

  • Both CSS and PMS have the same basic age rules: 21–30 years, with 2 years relaxation.

  • Both allow 3 attempts only.

  • Difference: In CSS, the cut-off date is fixed by FPSC (31st Dec), while PMS cut-off date is set in each provincial ad.

 

Perfect ✅ Let’s create a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CSS & PMS Age & Attempts section for your website. This will answer the most common confusions students have.

CSS & PMS Age & Attempts – FAQs

1. Does applying without appearing count as an attempt?

  • No. Submitting an application but not appearing in even one paper does not count as an attempt.

  • An attempt is only counted if you appear in at least one compulsory or optional paper.

2. What if I appear in only one paper and leave the rest?

  • It will be counted as a full attempt, even if you don’t sit in all papers.

3. Can a candidate appear in both CSS and PMS in the same year?

  • Yes. CSS is conducted by FPSC (federal level) and PMS by provincial commissions (PPSC, KPPSC, SPSC, BPSC).

  • There is no restriction; you can apply and attempt both in the same year if eligible.

4. What if I turn 31 before the exam?

  • CSS: Age is calculated on 31st December of the previous year. If you are 31 on or before that date, you are overage (unless eligible for relaxation).

  • PMS: Each province sets its own closing date (mentioned in advertisement). If you cross 30 years before that date, you are not eligible (unless relaxation applies).

5. Is there any upper age limit beyond 32 years?

  • No. Maximum age with relaxation is 32 years only. No candidate beyond 32 can apply for CSS or PMS.

6. Do attempts in PMS count towards CSS attempts (and vice versa)?

  • No. CSS and PMS are separate exams under different commissions. Attempts in one exam do not affect the other.

7. Can government employees avail age relaxation in both CSS and PMS?

  • Yes. Government employees (BPS-16 and above with 2 years service) are eligible for 2 years relaxation in both CSS and PMS.

8. What if I apply for PMS in two provinces?

  • You can only apply in the province where you hold domicile. Each PMS exam is province-specific.

9. If I fail in screening test (if held), does it count as an attempt?

  • CSS: If FPSC holds a screening test and you fail, it does not count as an attempt because the main written exam is not attempted.

  • PMS: If a province introduces screening and you fail, it also does not count as an attempt.

10. Can I appear in CSS after exhausting PMS attempts?

  • Yes. PMS and CSS are independent. Even if you finish your 3 PMS attempts, you may still appear in CSS (if within age limit).