Pakistan, Oct. 15 -- China has raised the maximum age limit for civil service applicants for the first time in thirty years, allowing people up to 38 years old to apply. The new rule, announced on Tuesday, aims to keep older workers active in the labour force and address the country's shrinking working-age population. Applications for the 2026 national civil service exam will open this week, marking a major policy shift that reflects Beijing's commitment to reducing age-related barriers in employment.

Under the new guidelines, candidates between 18 and 38 years can apply for most positions, while those holding a master's or doctoral degree are eligible up to age 43. This change comes alongside China's broader plan to gradually delay the ...