Government Jobs Age Relaxation by Category
Age Relaxation in Government Exams
Government exams provide age relaxation for certain categories to ensure equal opportunity. If you belong to SC/ST/OBC/PWD or are an ex-serviceman, you get additional years added to the upper age limit.
This relaxation varies by exam and category. Understanding your eligibility is crucial for planning which exams you can attempt.
Age Relaxation by Category (Exam-wise)
SC (Scheduled Caste)
Standard Relaxation: 5 years
| UPSC Civil Service | 5 years (37 years total) |
| SSC CGL | 5 years (37 years total) |
| Most Central Exams | 5 years relaxation |
ST (Scheduled Tribe)
Standard Relaxation: 5 years (same as SC)
Most exams provide identical relaxation to both SC and ST categories.
OBC (Other Backward Classes)
Standard Relaxation: 3 years
| UPSC Civil Service | 3 years (35 years total) |
| SSC Exams | 3 years |
PWD (Person With Disability)
Standard Relaxation: 10 years
Note: PWD relaxation is the highest and applies across almost all exams. Recognized disabilities include physical, visual, hearing, and locomotor disabilities.
Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen
Ex-servicemen get additional age relaxation:
Ex-Servicemen (ES): 5 years relaxation
Commissioned Officers from Defence Service (DOS): 10 years relaxation
Note: Maximum age limit can go beyond 50 for DOS category in some exams.
How to Claim Age Relaxation
- Verify Category Eligibility: Check your community certificate (for SC/ST/OBC) or disability certificate (for PWD)
- Check Exam Notification: Read the official age limit clause in exam notification
- Mention in Application: Clearly mention your category during online registration
- Upload Proof: Attach community/disability certificate as per exam requirement
- Verification: During interview/document verification, present original certificates
Can I Combine Multiple Relaxations?
This is a common question. Answer varies:
Generally: You get ONE relaxation (the highest applicable to you)
Example: If you're both OBC (3 years) and PWD (10 years), you get 10 years relaxation, not 13.
Exception: Some states or specific exams may have cumulative relaxation. Always check notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use age relaxation for any government exam?
Not all exams offer age relaxation for all categories. Central exams (UPSC, SSC, Railway) typically offer SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PWD (10 years). Always verify specific exam notification.
How do I prove I'm eligible for age relaxation?
You need official community/caste certificate from your district administration (for SC/ST/OBC) or medical certificate from authorized physician (for PWD). Upload during registration and present during verification.
If I'm OBC but the exam is over, can I still apply with relaxation?
No. Age relaxation means the upper age limit is increased. If the increased limit is also crossed, you're ineligible. Plan your applications considering the relaxed age limit.
Does age relaxation apply to interview selection criteria?
No. Age relaxation is only for written exam eligibility. In interviews and selection, candidates are judged equally. Your age doesn't give marks advantage in interviews.
Can I claim EWS (Economically Weaker Section) relaxation?
EWS is a separate category introduced in 2019. Generally, EWS doesn't come with age relaxation for most exams. Check specific exam notification for clarity.