Daily Times

In Competitive Exams, an individual’s depth of thoughts and understanding of matters count. It is the race of pithy ideas and succinct thoughts. In addition to this, the one with a more mature and critical approach towards social, political and cultural conundrums excels over the rest. All of this encompasses the concept of competitive exams.

Now the question arises that in a country like Pakistan when is one considered to be mature of thought?

This question should garner the utmost attention of the authorities that are about to introduce civil service reforms. Besides, answering this question one can argue that in a country like Pakistan mental maturity takes time. This loophole can be attributed to the substandard education system, unequal education facilities, and economic disparities. Taking this argument forward if we compare the students of developed areas with those who belong to the rural areas, then we can see a huge difference in their perception and way of thinking. This difference can be discarded by increasing the upper age limit.

Currently, the age limit for appearing in Civil Service Exams is 30 for students belonging to urban areas, whilst aspirants from rural areas are given two years of relaxation which means that they can appear for exams till they are 32. Within this age limit, they can have three attempts at CSS and PMS.

In our neighbouring country India the age limit is 35 and students can have six attempts. Furthermore, developed countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden and Finland have no upper age limit for competitive exam aspirants. Here one is forced to think that when the candidates of such advanced countries have no upper age limit to appear in competitive exams then why are Pakistanis forced to adhere to a fixed age bracket?

However, in our neighbouring country India the age limit is 35 and students can have six attempts. Furthermore, developed countries like the United Kingdom, Italy, Sweden and Finland have no upper age limit for competitive exam aspirants. Here one is forced to think that when the candidates of such advanced countries have no upper age limit to appear in competitive exams then why are Pakistanis forced to adhere to a fixed age bracket.

The fact of the matter is that in Pakistan a huge inequality exists when it comes to providing facilities related to standard education and economic opportunities. These facts create hurdles for the aspirants from deprived areas. Considering these obstacles, they are less likely to be exposed to the same opportunities as those from urban areas. They lack competent teachers, guidance and the required material to qualify for the exam.

That being said, it does not mean that the students from rural areas lack competence. Actually, they find relevant material and help a tad bit late. However, when they come across the material, then they are more than capable of achieving success. In my opinion, all they need is a bit more time, so the upper age limit for appearing in Competitive exams should be increased for them.

In Pakistan a huge inequality exists when it comes to providing facilities related to standard education and economic opportunities. These facts create hurdles for the aspirants from deprived areas. Considering these obstacles, they are less likely to be exposed to the same opportunities as those from urban areas

Bluntly put, a student from an underdeveloped area has to deal with a myriad of conundrums in their life. After all these complications and responsibilities, a candidate then gets to devote time to studies. Unfortunately, till that time, the candidate crosses the fixed age limit for appearing in Civil service exams.

The short and long of it is that the incumbent government should look into the matter of age relaxation in civil service examinations at both, federal and provincial level. This is beneficial for the aspirants from less privileged areas. At the same time, if the age limit is increased then the pool of aspirants will also expand and more people will try their luck in the competitive exams. All in all, Pakistan will reap the benefit from this change, as seasoned minds will become a part of the civil bureaucracy. Thus, the government should pay heed to the of issue of age relaxation.

The writer can be contacted at asifmahsud44@yahoo.com

Published in Daily Times, September 26^th 2018.