The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has formally initiated the online application process for the written component of the Central Superior Services (CSS) Competitive Examination 2026 (CE-2026). This crucial announcement made via a public notice marks the definitive start of the competitive journey for thousands of aspiring civil servants aiming to join Pakistan’s prestigious bureaucracy.
Key Dates and Timeline for CSS CE-2026 Written Exam
Candidates who have successfully qualified the MCQ-Based Preliminary Test (MPT) 2026 are now eligible to apply. Aspiring candidates must strictly adhere to the following crucial dates:
| Event | Deadline / Date | Note |
| Online Application Closing Date | Well before December 22, 2025 | Online submission and fee payment deadline. |
| Fee Submission Deadline | Well before December 22, 2025 | Online fee payment via PSID is mandatory. |
| Hard Copy Submission Deadline | January 1, 2026 | Hard copy of the application and required documents must reach FPSC by this date. |
| Cut-off Date for Eligibility | December 31, 2025 | Age, qualification, and domicile criteria are determined on this date. |
| Written Examination Commencement | Tentatively February 4, 2026 (Wednesday) | Start date of the main written papers. |
| Admission Certificates Upload | By January 15, 2026 | Certificates will be uploaded on the FPSC website. |
Eligibility Criteria for CSS CE-2026
Only candidates who have passed the MPT-2026 are eligible to apply for the written examination. All other criteria are determined based on the cut-off date, which is December 31, 2025.
Age Requirements
The general age limits are clearly defined with provisions for age relaxation for specific categories as per CSS Rules 2019.
| Criterion | Requirement (as of Dec 31, 2025) | Age Relaxation |
| Minimum Age | 21 years | None |
| Maximum Age | 30 years | 2 years admissible for specified categories (e.g., Scheduled Castes, residents of certain areas, in-service government servants with 2 years of continuous service). |
Educational Qualification
Candidates must meet the minimum academic requirement to be considered for the examination.
- Hold at least a Second Division or Grade “C” Bachelor’s Degree in any faculty from a Pakistani university recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), or an equivalent degree from a foreign university recognized by HEC.
- A candidate with a Third Division/Grade ‘D’ in a Bachelor’s degree is still eligible if they have obtained a higher division/grade in a Master’s degree.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply Online
The application process requires both an online submission and a physical submission of documents. Candidates must follow these steps in sequence:
Stage 1: Online Application and Fee Payment
- Login: Qualified MPT-2026 candidates must log in to the FPSC official website using their existing MPT Login / Password via the ‘Apply Online‘ link.
- Profile Update & PSID Generation: Complete or update the profile and generate the mandatory 16-digit PSID for online fee payment.
- Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable examination fee of Rs. 2,200/- using the generated PSID. Payment can be made through 1-Link facilities (ATMs, Mobile Banking Apps like JazzCash/Easypaisa, Internet Banking, or over-the-counter at any 1-Link member bank).
- Application Completion: Log in again, select the optional subjects (as per Appendix-I), occupational groups, and examination center. Submission is only complete after all details are entered and the form is finalized.
- Verification: Ensure the application appears in the ‘Application History’ to confirm successful online submission.
Stage 2: Hard Copy Submission
A signed hard copy of the finalized online application, along with the required documents, must be dispatched to the FPSC headquarters.
- Required Documents: Attested copies of all educational documents, CNIC, Domicile Certificate, and four recent photographs.
- Submission: The hard copy package must reach FPSC before January 1, 2026. Submissions received after this date will not be accepted.
The CSS CE-2026 presents a momentous opportunity for qualified graduates to enter the echelons of Pakistan’s civil service. Strict adherence to the deadlines, especially for the online application (before December 22, 2025) and the hard copy submission (January 1, 2026) is paramount. Candidates are urged to consult the official FPSC public notice and CSS CE Rules 2019 for complete and accurate information.
