Over 3.7 million hopefuls flooded testing centers across China this weekend for the country's first national civil service exam since raising the maximum eligibility age to 38. With only 1 job opening for every 98 candidates, the competition is fiercer than a K-pop fan war! 🎤
Youth Meets Experience
Authorities reserved 70% of vacancies for fresh graduates, but the new age flexibility has created rare opportunities for older applicants. Master's and PhD holders now qualify until 43 – a major shift from the previous “35-and-out” norm that dominated China's job market.
Why the Buzz?
This year's policy change reflects Beijing's push to balance youth employment with experienced talent retention. While civil service roles offer stability in uncertain economic times, critics argue more systemic reforms are needed beyond age adjustments.
As one test-taker told us: “It's like finally getting extra lives in a video game – but the final boss fight is still crazy hard.” 🎮 Will this move level up China's workforce strategy? Stay tuned!
