This Sunday (November 30, 2025), the Chinese mainland kicked off its first national civil service exam since raising the age cap beyond 35. It’s a massive event: more than 3.7 million people are competing for spots with central authorities and their branches—about 98 hopefuls per position! 😲
About 70% of these vacancies are reserved for fresh college graduates 🎓, but the big headline is the new age limits. The general cap climbed from 35 to 38, while candidates with a master’s or doctorate can now be up to 43. That’s a game-changer for seasoned applicants who thought they’d missed the window.
For new grads juggling final papers and job hunting, this change offers more breathing room. And for experienced professionals, it’s a chance to aim for public-sector roles later in life without racing against the calendar.
This adjustment shows how rules can evolve to match today’s workforce needs. Will the extra years of eligibility bring more diverse skills into the Chinese mainland’s public offices? We’re watching! 👀
Stay tuned for more updates on major news from Asia and beyond 🌏
Reference(s):
China holds first national civil service exam since raising age cap
cgtn.com
