Core Points - The Guangdong Province has announced plans to recruit 11,779 civil servants for the 2026 examination, with the written test scheduled for December 7, three months earlier than last year [1] - The age limit for applicants has been relaxed, allowing candidates aged 18 to 38, and for 2026 graduates with master's or doctoral degrees, the limit extends to 43 years [1][8] - The trend of relaxing age limits for civil service examinations is expected to continue, influenced by the national examination's policies [9] Examination Schedule - The examination period is entering a peak phase, with various civil service and public institution exams scheduled from October to January [4][5] - The 2025 second half public institution joint examination will take place on October 25, followed by the national examination on November 30 [4][5] - After December, several provinces will begin their civil service examinations, with Guangdong's written test on December 7 [5] Competitive Landscape - The civil service examinations are highly competitive, especially in major cities, prompting candidates to consider less competitive positions in rural areas [6][10] - Candidates are advised to adopt a "tiered application" strategy, categorizing positions into "target," "main," and "backup" to optimize their chances [6][10] - The trend of simultaneous examinations across multiple provinces may lead to difficult choices for candidates, as they can only apply for one position per exam [7] Age Limit Changes - The relaxation of age limits is seen as a significant change in the recruitment landscape, with implications for the number of candidates and competition levels [8][9] - The age limit adjustments are expected to alleviate talent shortages and broaden the talent pool, particularly for grassroots positions [9] Preparation Strategies - Candidates are encouraged to balance their preparation for civil service exams with job applications in the private sector, as many positions are limited to recent graduates [10][11] - Effective preparation involves a structured approach, including foundational study, intensive practice, and strategic selection of positions based on competition levels [10][11]