FPSC Opens Online Applications for CSS CE-2026 Written Examination: Key Dates and Eligibility Criteria

FPSC Opens Online Applications for CSS CE-2026 Written Examination: Key Dates and Eligibility Criteria

The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has officially announced the commencement of the online application process for the written phase of the Central Superior Services (CSS) Competitive Examination 2026 (CE-2026) . In a public notice issued today, the Commission has outlined a strict timeline and procedure for aspiring civil servants, marking the start of a crucial recruitment phase for the country's prestigious bureaucracy.

Eligibility Restricted to MPT-2026 Qualifiers

A significant highlight of this year's announcement is the eligibility criterion. Only candidates who have successfully qualified the MPT Test CE-2026 are permitted to apply for the written examination. This gatekeeping step ensures that only pre-screened candidates proceed to the main CSS written exams .

In addition to clearing the MPT, applicants must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree with a Second Division . The age limit is set between 21 and 30 years as of December 31st, 2025 , which serves as the cutoff date for all eligibility criteria including age, qualification, and domicile. A two-year age relaxation is admissible for categories specified under the CSS CE Rules, 2019 .

The FPSC notice sternly warns candidates under Rules 11(20) and 11(21) that they are admitted provisionally at their own risk. Any candidate found ineligible at any stage of the process will face immediate cancellation of candidature, regardless of their participation or even success in subsequent stages.

Step-by-Step Application Procedure and Mandatory Deadlines

Prospective candidates must navigate a two-part application process: online submission followed by physical document delivery.

1. Online Application & Fee Payment (Deadline: December 22nd, 2025):

Qualified MPT candidates must log in to the FPSC website (www.fpsc.gov.pk) using their existing MPT credentials via the 'Apply Online' link. After completing their profile, they must generate a 16-digit Payment Slip ID (PSID) for an online fee of Rs. 2,200 . This fee is payable exclusively through the 1-Link payment system via ATMs, mobile banking apps (Easypaisa, JazzCash), internet banking, or over-the-counter at any 1-Link member bank. The FPSC explicitly states that payments made on old challan forms (TR-6) or via cheque, draft, or pay order will not be accepted .

Crucially, paying the fee does not complete the application . Candidates must log in again, select their optional subjects (as per Appendix-I), choose occupational groups and an examination center, and formally submit the application. A submitted application should appear in the candidate's 'Application History' on the portal. No changes will be allowed after final submission.

2. Hard Copy Submission (Deadline: January 1st, 2026):

After online submission, candidates must send a signed hard copy of the online application form along with attested copies of all educational certificates, CNIC, domicile certificate, and four recent photographs to the FPSC headquarters in Islamabad. Documents received after the January 1 deadline will not be entertained.

Key Dates for CSS CE-2026 Aspirants

Aspiring candidates must meticulously adhere to the following schedule to ensure their application is considered:

• Last Date for Online Application & Fee: December 22nd, 2025

• Last Date for Hard Copy Submission: January 1st, 2026

• Admission Certificates Online: By January 15th, 2026

• Tentative Written Exam Start Date: February 4th, 2026

The Commission will upload the Admission Certificates for the written exam on its website by January 15th, 2026 . Candidates are responsible for downloading their own certificates; no separate postal intimation will be sent.

The CSS CE-2026 written examination will be conducted across 19 cities in Pakistan, in strict accordance with the CSS CE Rules, 2019 , which the notice emphasizes will govern the entire process with no exceptions.

Advisory for Candidates

The FPSC advises all eligible candidates to apply well before the deadlines to avoid any last-minute technical or procedural issues. Given the irreversible nature of the application submission and the strict eligibility vetting, candidates are urged to double-check all details and ensure full compliance with every requirement before applying.

For further details and clarifications, candidates can contact the FPSC UAN: 051-111-000-248 or email fpsc@fpsc.gov.pk .

The announcement of the CSS exam dates sets the stage for the competitive process that selects future bureaucrats for Pakistan's civil service, a career path that remains a top choice for the nation's graduates.