Record 37 Lakh Apply for China’s Civil Service Exam: Age Reforms and Rising Competition

China’s civil service exam has witnessed a record-breaking turnout, with 3.7 million candidates registering to compete for central government positions and their branches. This surge highlights the growing competition for public sector jobs amid high unemployment and uncertain private-sector prospects.

Official data reveals that approximately 98 candidates are vying for every available post, underscoring the extreme competitiveness of the examination. The 2026 recruitment drive aims to fill about 38,100 civil-service positions across central government institutions and their subordinate agencies. This means that, for many postings, the applicant-to-post ratio runs into thousands, especially for specialised roles.

Demographic Shifts and Policy Reforms Driving Changes

The record participation comes on the heels of significant policy reforms. China has raised the age cap for aspirants from 35 to 38 years, while fresh graduates holding master’s or doctoral degrees can now sit for the exam up to age 43, up from previous limits of 35 and 40 years, respectively.

Beijing frames these reforms as a response to shifting demographic realities, including:

• A shrinking working-age population
• Prolonged education periods with young adults completing master’s and doctoral programs before entering the workforce
• Delayed workforce entry, which often leaves older, highly-qualified individuals excluded under previous age limits

By extending the age ceiling, authorities aim to counter ageism in the labor market and utilize the skills and experience of slightly older candidates for public service roles. Analysts note that this policy aligns recruitment with modern educational trends and workforce participation patterns, making the process more inclusive.

Socioeconomic Pressures Driving Exam Participation

While demographic changes explain part of the surge, broader socioeconomic factors also play a major role. Many young Chinese professionals are reportedly turning away from unstable private-sector jobs in favor of government roles that promise the coveted “iron-rice-bowl” of lifetime job security, even if salaries are lower and career progression slower.

This trend mirrors historical preferences for stability during uncertain economic periods. The exam’s growing popularity reflects both a cultural emphasis on secure employment and contemporary economic pressures that make private-sector employment riskier for early-career candidates.

Approximately 70 per cent of vacancies are earmarked for fresh college graduates, reinforcing the government’s intent to attract both young talent and highly-qualified postgraduates to civil-service roles.

Comparing China’s and India’s Civil Service Exams

China’s civil service exam is often compared with India’s Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE), which recruits for elite services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and IRS.

Key contrasts include:

While China’s system emphasizes job security and inclusivity, India maintains stricter upper-age limits and a smaller, more selective intake. Indian aspirants are often motivated by prestige and influence, whereas China’s candidates are primarily responding to socioeconomic pressures and a shrinking pool of stable employment opportunities.

Why China Raised the Age Limit

The government’s October 2025 announcement lifting the 35-year ceiling reflects recognition of changing career patterns. Increasingly, young adults pursue longer educational pathways, including master’s and doctoral programs, and enter the workforce later than before.

Officials argue that the old limits excluded qualified candidates unnecessarily, making the selection process less reflective of social realities. The new ceiling—38 for general candidates and 43 for postgraduates—is intended to:

• Promote equity in recruitment
• Harness the skills of older or more experienced candidates
• Reflect a merit-based and socially inclusive approach

Experts suggest this shift could enhance administrative efficiency by integrating candidates with both academic credentials and life experience, potentially benefiting the quality of governance.

Rising Competition Across the Board

Even with the age reforms, competition remains fierce. Some specialised positions reportedly receive applications thousands of times greater than available posts, forcing candidates to compete at unprecedented levels.

This competitive environment has prompted candidates to prepare extensively, often investing years in exam coaching and specialized training. The demand for government roles reflects a combination of high stakes, limited seats, and the assurance of stable employment, making it one of the most challenging recruitment processes globally.

Broader Implications for China’s Workforce

The civil service age reforms and surge in applicants have multiple implications for China’s labor market:

1. Inclusion of older and highly-educated candidates ensures talent is not wasted due to age constraints.
2. Mitigation of workforce shortages amid declining working-age populations.
3. Increased competition for public-sector roles may push candidates to develop stronger skills and higher qualifications.
4. Shift in career planning, with more graduates considering government roles early in their educational journey.

These changes represent an effort to adapt governance and public administration to contemporary social and economic realities, including demographic shifts, educational trends, and job market instability.

Conclusion: A Historic Year for China’s Civil Service

China’s civil service exam of 2025 has set new records with 3.7 million applicants, reflecting both economic pressures and demographic policy shifts. The government’s decision to raise the age ceiling is a direct response to longer education cycles, delayed workforce entry, and the need to harness experienced talent.

With high application-to-post ratios, especially in specialised roles, the exam remains extremely competitive. The surge in candidates signals a broader societal shift where job security is increasingly prioritized, and public service is viewed as a viable and prestigious career path.

Compared with India’s UPSC, which emphasizes selective recruitment, strict age limits, and prestige, China’s approach illustrates a more inclusive strategy aimed at maximizing available talent and providing opportunities for older, highly-qualified candidates.

As the country navigates economic uncertainty, high unemployment, and shifting demographics, this year’s civil service exam marks a turning point in public employment, combining inclusivity with fierce competition and potentially reshaping China’s civil service workforce for years to come.