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Age Relaxation in Government Jobs allows candidates from reserved categories and special groups to apply even if they are above the general upper age limit. Every central government notification from SSC, RRB, IBPS, UPSC and other bodies includes an age relaxation table. Understanding Age Relaxation in Government Jobs helps you check whether you are still eligible before you give up on a notification.
This guide explains the standard central government age relaxation rules, how to calculate your eligibility, and how state rules such as Kerala PSC’s differ.
Standard Age Relaxation in Government Jobs (Central)
| Category | Relaxation over the upper age limit |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (General / EWS) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Actual military service + 3 years (subject to conditions) |
| Central Government civilian employees | As specified in each notification |
EWS candidates do not get age relaxation in central government recruitment. Always read the table in the specific notification because some posts have different rules.
How to Calculate Your Eligibility
This part of our Age Relaxation in Government Jobs guide gives you the details you need step by step.
- Note the crucial date for age in the notification (for example, 1 January 2027).
- Note the general age limit (for example, 18–30 years).
- Add the relaxation for your category to the upper limit.
- Check your date of birth against the resulting range.
Example: For a post with 18–30 years as on 1 January 2027, an OBC candidate can apply up to age 33, and an SC/ST candidate up to age 35.
Documents Needed to Claim Age Relaxation
Keep these points about the Age Relaxation in Government Jobs in mind before you take the next step.
- OBC: Non-Creamy Layer certificate in the central format, valid for the relevant financial year
- SC/ST: Caste certificate from the competent authority
- PwBD: Disability certificate showing at least 40% benchmark disability
- Ex-Servicemen: Discharge book / service certificate
Without the correct certificate, the claim for Age Relaxation in Government Jobs will be rejected at document verification.
Age Relaxation in Kerala PSC
Bookmark this Age Relaxation in Government Jobs page, as we update it when official changes are announced.
Kerala PSC follows the Kerala State and Subordinate Services Rules. Common relaxations in Kerala PSC notifications include:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC / ST: 5 years
- Ex-servicemen, widows and differently abled candidates: Relaxation as specified in each notification
The upper limit with relaxation can differ for each post and is printed in the “Age” section of every Kerala PSC notification. Read our Kerala PSC Notification 2026 guide for an example.
Bank Exams and PSU Jobs
IBPS, SBI and RBI generally follow the central government pattern (SC/ST 5 years, OBC 3 years, PwBD 10 years). Some banks give extra relaxation to their own experienced employees or to persons affected by specific events. PSUs mostly follow DoPT guidelines but can set their own age limits for executive posts.
Common Mistakes
- Using the date of the exam instead of the crucial date in the notice
- Claiming OBC relaxation with an expired or state-format certificate for a central job
- Assuming EWS candidates get relaxation in central jobs
- Ignoring maximum age caps (for example, some posts limit relaxation even for reserved categories)
For official details related to the Age Relaxation in Government Jobs, visit the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Age Relaxation in Government Jobs do OBC candidates get?
Three years over the upper age limit in most central and Kerala PSC notifications.
Do EWS candidates get age relaxation?
No, not in central government jobs.
Can relaxations be combined?
In some cases, such as PwBD with SC/ST or OBC, the relaxations add up as shown in the notice.
Where is the crucial date for age mentioned?
In the eligibility section of each notification.
Related: Eligibility & Age Limit | Central Government Jobs
Disclaimer: Kerala Job News is not affiliated with any government department, recruiting body or employer mentioned here. This article is compiled from standard central government recruitment rules for general information only. Details can change, so always confirm on the official website before you apply or pay any fee. Kerala Job News never charges money for job information.
