中国竞争最激烈的考试，挤破头也难上岸

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing competition and changing dynamics in the civil service examination landscape in China, highlighting the challenges faced by candidates in securing government positions amid rising applicant numbers and decreasing recruitment quotas [3][4][5]. Group 1: Examination Trends - In 2026, the number of candidates for the civil service examination reached 3.718 million, a significant increase compared to previous years, with a 34.7% rise in 2022 alone [6][7]. - The recruitment plan for the 2026 civil service examination saw a reduction of 1,602 positions, marking the first decrease in seven years, leading to a record competition ratio of 98:1 [7][9]. - The civil service examination has been labeled as "the most difficult" for several years, with the number of successful candidates consistently increasing, reaching 371.8 million in 2026, which is double the number from 2019 [6][7]. Group 2: Regional Competition - The provinces with the highest number of successful candidates include Guangdong, Beijing, Shandong, Henan, and Yunnan, with Guangdong alone having 290,000 candidates pass the review [9][10]. - Despite high applicant numbers, the competition ratio is more intense in regions like Beijing, Ningxia, and Guizhou, where the number of positions is limited compared to the number of applicants [10][15]. Group 3: Age Limit Changes - The age limit for civil service examination candidates has been raised to 38 years, with specific positions allowing applicants up to 43 years old, which has led to increased anxiety among current candidates [17][18]. - The number of positions available for candidates without a fresh graduate status has decreased by 6%, while the number of applicants has increased by 6%, indicating heightened competition [18][24]. Group 4: Job Market Dynamics - The civil service examination offers a significant number of positions at the county level, accounting for 73.88% of total positions, but competition remains fierce for higher-level positions [33][34]. - Certain positions, particularly in the tax system, are highly sought after, with the tax system planning to recruit 25,004 individuals, representing 65.6% of total recruitment [24][27]. Group 5: Candidate Experience - Many candidates face challenges in securing positions due to high competition and stringent requirements, with some positions remaining unfilled due to their demanding qualifications [30][31]. - The experience of working as a grassroots civil servant can be taxing, with many expressing a desire to leave the position due to the high workload and complex interpersonal dynamics [39][43].