Core Viewpoint - The relaxation of the age limit for civil service examinations from 35 to 38 years signals a significant shift in employment policies, reflecting the changing demographics and labor market dynamics in China [4][6][11]. Group 1: Age Limit Changes - The age limit for civil service recruitment has been extended to 38 years, with some regions even allowing up to 45 years, indicating a broader trend of relaxing age restrictions in employment [4][6]. - The original 35-year age limit, established in 1994, was based on the need for "younger cadres" but has become outdated as the average age of the labor force has risen significantly [7][9]. - The average age of the labor force in China has increased from 32.25 years in 1990 to 39.72 years in 2022, with projections suggesting it may soon exceed 40 years [7][9]. Group 2: Implications of Relaxing Age Limits - The removal of the 35-year limit is part of a broader national strategy to ensure equal employment rights and eliminate unreasonable age discrimination, as emphasized in recent government policies [11]. - The central government's decision to relax age limits for civil service exams is expected to set a precedent for local governments, potentially leading to a nationwide trend of increasing the age threshold for public sector jobs [11][12]. - Concerns arise that the removal of the 35-year limit may lead to a new "38-year ceiling," but the focus remains on gradually reforming employment practices to adapt to demographic changes [11][12]. Group 3: Importance of the 35-Year Age Group - The 35-year age group corresponds to individuals born in 1990, representing a significant demographic of over 400 million people, primarily from the 80s and 90s generations [13][15]. - This age group is crucial to the current labor market, comprising a substantial portion of the workforce, particularly in the 30-49 age range, which accounts for over half of the employed population [15]. - Stabilizing employment for the 80s and 90s generations is essential for maintaining social stability, as they are the most affected by economic fluctuations and are integral to the workforce [15].

Core Viewpoint - The relaxation of the age limit for civil service examinations from 35 to 38 years signals a significant shift in employment policies, reflecting the changing demographics and labor market dynamics in China [4][6][21]. Group 1: Age Limit Changes - The age limit for civil service recruitment has been raised from 35 to 38 years, with some regions extending it to 40 or even 45 years [6][8]. - The initial 35-year age limit was established in 1994, aimed at promoting youth in leadership roles, but has become outdated as the average age of the workforce has risen significantly [8][10]. - The average age of the labor force in China has increased from 32.25 years in 1990 to 39.72 years in 2022, indicating a demographic shift towards an older workforce [11]. Group 2: Implications of Policy Changes - The recent policy changes are part of a broader initiative to ensure equal employment rights and eliminate age discrimination, as outlined in the "24 Measures" for stabilizing employment [18][32]. - The removal of the 35-year age limit is expected to set a precedent for further reforms across various sectors, potentially leading to the elimination of age barriers in other employment areas [19][21]. - The demographic group affected by this change, primarily those born in the 1990s, constitutes a significant portion of the current workforce, making their employment stability crucial for overall economic stability [26][30]. Group 3: Future Considerations - There are concerns that the removal of the 35-year limit may lead to a new "38-year ceiling," necessitating careful management of age-related employment policies [22][32]. - The importance of the 35-year age group is underscored by their substantial representation in the labor market, with those aged 30-49 making up over half of the employed population [30][31]. - Ensuring job security for the 80s and 90s generations is vital for maintaining social stability and economic growth in China [31][32].