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 official retirement age. The upcoming exam, scheduled for November 30, will recruit over 38,000 civil servants, offering a rare opportunity for older professionals who were previously excluded due to age limits.
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For years, many Chinese workers above 35 have faced difficulties finding stable employment, especially in the private sector, due to age discrimination known online as the “curse of 35.” By expanding eligibility for government jobs, authorities hope to set an example for other employers to value experience and skills over age. This move also reflects growing pressure to reform employment policies as competition for state jobs continues to rise.
China’s ageing population remains a major concern, as decades of the one-child policy have sharply reduced birth rates. By 2035, people aged 60 and above are expected to make up around 40% of the population—over 400 million individuals. This demographic shift poses challenges for economic growth, labour productivity, and social welfare systems, pushing the government to find sustainable ways to retain experienced workers in the workforce.
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Earlier this year, China also revised its retirement policies, extending the age for men to 63 from 60. For women, the limit now stands at 58 for white-collar employees and 55 for blue-collar workers. Together, these reforms demonstrate China’s effort to adapt to demographic realities while ensuring that older citizens continue contributing to the economy and public service.