Govt clears the air on Civils age limit

With an eye on the ensuing general elections, the Centre has a few weeks back approved age relaxation norm but the orders to that effect were not released by the concerned department.

Till now, the unreserved or general category candidates have been permitted a maximum of four attempts up to a maximum age limit of 30 years. These general candidates will now get six attempts until the age of 32 years.

Students belonging to SC, ST and OBC will get somewhat more benefit with an upper limit of 37 and 35 years of age respectively. While SCs and STs can appear for the exam any number of times until they attain the age of 37 years, Other Backward Communities would get seven attempts till they reach 35 years. Considering the huge vote bank they consist of, this can well be described as a poll-eve sop, experts remarked.

“Physically handicapped candidates in the general and OBC categories will now be eligible for nine attempts as against the seven at present. They will also get age relaxations of 42 years for general and 45 years for OBC candidates.

There is no cap on the number of attempts by physically handicapped candidates in the SC and ST categories while there will be an age limit of 47 years for them as against the present 45 years”, a statement by the Ministry of Personnel said.

“This is a much needed clarification. The earlier notification was not explicit about the age limit, it only mentioned that two additional attempts would be extended to all categories and there would be a consequent age relaxation. Aspirants were drawing their own conclusions about the age limits. This resolves the confusion to some extent” Dr Gopala Krishna, Director of Brain Tree Academy told The Hans India.

There has been a widespread demand for relaxation of age limit for quite some time. Students have taken the streets in Delhi and other important cities, staged dharnas at UPSC, Parliament demanding increase in age limit and attempts.

Since the pattern for Mains examination has been changed, there shall be relaxation, they contended.

Experts have also questioned whether this relaxation is just for this year or permanent. “There is no mention in the statement of Ministry of personnel whether this is a temporary extension of age and attempts or whether it is a permanent measure. If it this would continue, future aspirants can plan their preparation. So, it needs to be clarified” Gopala Krishna opined.