The Punjab government has increased the age limit and number of attempts for candidates seeking to appear in the Provincial Management Service (PMS) examination.
According to a notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), the upper age limit for PMS candidates has been increased from 30 to 32 years. The number of attempts allowed has also been increased from three to four.
However, the relaxation will be available only for the PMS examinations scheduled to be held in 2026 and 2027, making it a one-time concession.
The Punjab government has taken the decision under Section 23 of the Punjab Civil Servants Act, 1974. The notification states that the Governor of Punjab has approved the relaxation in the age limit and number of attempts, notwithstanding anything contained in the relevant rules and regulations.
The decision is expected to provide additional opportunities to candidates who may have otherwise exceeded the existing age limit or exhausted their permitted attempts under the PMS examination rules.
August 19 notification withdrawn
The latest notification also announces the withdrawal of an earlier notification issued by the Punjab government on August 19, 2026.
The withdrawn notification, bearing number No.SOR-I(S&GAD)9-2/2022, has now been superseded by the latest decision allowing the temporary increase in the PMS age limit and examination attempts.
The new notification was issued from Lahore on October 2, 2026. Copies have been forwarded to the relevant authorities and departments for information and necessary action.
The temporary relaxation will apply specifically to the 2026 and 2027 PMS examinations, after which the existing rules are expected to apply unless the government announces any further changes.