China holds first national civil service exam since raising eligibility age cap

BEIJING -- China on Sunday launched its first national civil service examination since elevating the eligibility age cap beyond 35.

More than 3.7 million people are taking the annual exam in a bid to secure positions with the country's central authorities and their branches. This means roughly 98 applicants are competing for one available post on average.

Approximately 70 percent of these vacancies are reserved for fresh college graduates, according to authorities.

China has lifted the eligibility age limit for this exam to 38 in general, which is hailed as a welcome move to break the 35-year ceiling normally seen in the job-seeking market.

For new graduates from master's and doctoral programs, the age cap has been further relaxed to 43, authorities said.