Online registration for the 2026 national civil service exam began on Wednesday, continuing to attract significant public interest and intense competition for certain posts.

The country plans to recruit 38,100 civil servants for central government agencies and their subordinate institutions in 2026, according to a notice issued on Tuesday by the State Administration of Civil Service.

Notably, the age limit for applicants has been raised this year.

In general, candidates should be between 18 and 38 years old. For those who will obtain a master's or doctoral degree in 2026, the upper age limit has been extended to 43.

The adjustment is in line with China's progressive approach to delaying the legal retirement age. Previously, the age requirement was 35 for most candidates and 40 for those with postgraduate degrees.

Recruitment continues to prioritize supporting new graduate employment, with about 26,000 positions reserved for fresh graduates.

To strengthen civil service capacity at the grassroots level, more than 28,000 positions are designated for institutions at or below the county level.

According to Huatu Education, a training institution for civil service exams, a total of 189,955 applicants had registered as of 5 pm on Wednesday.

Data from Huatu shows that popular positions are distributed across various regions, including Beijing and the provinces of Shandong and Guangdong.

One notable example is a police officer position with a grassroots unit of the Jinan Railway Public Security Bureau in Shandong. With only one vacancy, it has already attracted 649 applicants, highlighting the fierce competition.

Several positions in Beijing are also highly sought after. Roles in agencies such as the National Healthcare Security Administration and the Beijing Municipal Taxation Service of the State Taxation Administration are among the most popular.

A position at the Zhejiang Bureau of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration currently has the highest competition ratio, at 162 to 1. It is followed by a role in the education and employment department of the China Disabled Persons' Federation in Beijing, with a ratio of 130 to 1.

The notice from the State Administration of Civil Service said that political criteria are emphasized throughout the entire recruitment process, and those who fail to meet political standards will be disqualified. The written exam will continue to include a section on political theory, focusing on candidates' ability to analyze and solve problems using the Party's innovative theories.

Professional competency tests have been added for positions requiring specialized knowledge. Fourteen departments will organize specialized written exams, while 56 departments will conduct professional competency tests during the interview phase.

No official exam preparation materials have been published for this recruitment cycle, and no training courses have been organized or authorized. Authorities will strengthen oversight of civil service exam training institutions, regulate commercial promotional activities, and crack down on cheating and other irregularities to protect candidates' rights and ensure a fair examination environment.

The National Civil Service Administration stressed that integrity is a core socialist value, fundamental to personal conduct and professional development, and essential for anyone aspiring to become a civil servant. It reminded candidates to act in good faith throughout the exam process.

Chen Zhekai, a 24-year-old postgraduate student at the Communication University of China, said he decided to take the exam out of a genuine desire to serve the public and contribute to society. He feels his skills and temperament may not fit well with the competitive pressures and work culture in private companies.

Chen plans to apply for positions in Zhangzhou, his hometown, or near Xiamen, both in Fujian province.

"Being close to home aligns with my life goals — family, lower stress and modest career ambitions. Having a clear goal helps me stay calm and determined," he said.

Xiao Yifan contributed to this story.