Age limit is one of the first eligibility criteria every aspirant must check before applying for a government job. This guide covers all age relaxation rules applicable to Central Government jobs.
Standard Age Limits for Central Government Jobs
| Post Level | General Category | Upper Age |
|---|---|---|
| Group A (Gazetted) | General | 30-35 years |
| Group B | General | 28-30 years |
| Group C | General | 18-27 years |
| Group D | General | 18-25 years |
Note: Age limits vary by exam. Always verify the specific job notification.
Category-wise Age Relaxation (Central Govt)
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 years |
| SC / ST | +5 years |
| PwD (General) | +10 years |
| PwD (OBC) | +13 years |
| PwD (SC/ST) | +15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Service period + 3 years |
| Women (some depts) | +5 years (varies) |
| J&K domicile (1980-89 period) | +5 years |
| Victims of 1984 riots | +5 years |
Age Relaxation for Government Employees
Central Government employees who have served for at least 3 years continuously are eligible for up to 5 years additional age relaxation for Group C and Group D posts.
How Age is Calculated
Age is calculated as on the date specified in the notification - this is usually either:
- The last date of application, OR
- A specific cut-off date mentioned in the notice (e.g., 1 January 2026)
Example: If the age limit is 27 years and the cut-off date is 01-01-2026, you must have been born on or after 02-01-1999.
State Government Age Relaxation
State government jobs have their own age relaxation rules, which may differ. Key differences:
- Many states give additional relaxation to their own domicile candidates
- Some states give extra relaxation to women, widows, and divorced women
- Age relaxation for state government employees is usually higher than central govt
For state-specific rules, check the official notification of each state government job.
Important: Cumulative Age Relaxation
Age relaxations are NOT cumulative. For example, an OBC-PwD candidate gets the PwD relaxation (+13 years for OBC-PwD) - not OBC (+3) plus PwD (+10) separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there an age relaxation for unemployed graduates?
No, there is no age relaxation specifically for being unemployed under central government rules.
Q: What if I am at the boundary of the age limit?
You are eligible as long as you do not exceed the upper age limit on the specified cut-off date. Being exactly at the limit (e.g., exactly 27 years) is acceptable.
Q: Can I get relaxation for multiple categories?
No. You can claim relaxation for only one category (whichever is most beneficial).
See also: Documents Required for Govt Jobs | OBC/SC/ST Certificate Guide | Latest Job Notifications 2026