Kerala PSC application age increased by four years; 40 for General category, 45 for SC/ST; lakhs of government job aspirants to benefit

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has approved increasing the upper age limit for Public Service Commission (PSC) recruitments by four years. General category candidates see their age limit raised from 36 to 40, with corresponding relaxations for reserved categories, including 43 for OBC(including Ezhava and Muslim) and 45 for SC/ST. Widows currently have a 5-year relaxation in the age limit, and they will also get the benefit of four years.

The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting held yesterday. The decision will benefit lakhs of candidates, including those who are currently over the age limit and are hoping for government jobs. More people will be able to apply for jobs. The crucial decision comes as the assembly elections are approaching. It has been a long-standing demand to revise the age limit in a timely manner.

When the retirement age for state government employees was 55, the general maximum age limit for PSC application was 35 years. This structure allowed for a minimum of 20 years of service, ensuring eligibility for pension benefits. The retirement age was unified when Thomas Isaac was the Finance Minister. Later, in 2012, the Oommen Chandy government increased the retirement age to 56. The age limit for applying was raised to 36.

With the introduction of participatory pension, the retirement age of employees appointed after April 1, 2013 was increased to 60 years. However, the upper age limit for applying through PSC remained at 36 years. The current increase is proportional to this. The current provision that the upper age limit should not exceed 50 years may also be changed.

Move to increase retirement age?

1. The criticism is that the age limit for applying for appointments was increased in advance of the retirement age of employees being set at sixty

2. Most states have increased the application age limit, considering the unemployment rate and the current economic and social conditions in the country

50 in universities and colleges

The upper age limit for appointment of Assistant Professor in universities and government and aided colleges was earlier increased from 40 to 50 years. This was done by pointing out that the age limit prevents those with higher degrees from applying as college teachers. However, the UGC does not prescribe an age limit for appointment. There is no age limit in central universities and many other states.

Age limit in other states

Telangana-----------46

Goa------------------45

Andhra Pradesh------42

Odisha---------------42

Haryana--------------42

Uttarakhand----------42

Chhattisgarh---------40

Madhya Pradesh-----40

Uttar Pradesh--------40