Government job aspirants in India always search for the right information about age limit and eligibility criteria before applying for any exam. Every year, lakhs of candidates get disqualified because they do not meet the required age or educational qualification.
This post gives you a complete list of popular Sarkari exams in India with their eligibility and age limits for 2025.
🔹 UPSC Exams Age Limit & Eligibility
| Exam | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|
| UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IPS/IFS) | Graduation in any stream | 21 – 32 years (Gen), OBC +3, SC/ST +5 |
| UPSC CDS | Graduation (Army/Navy/Air Force specific) | 19 – 25 years |
| UPSC NDA | 12th Pass (PCM for Navy & Air Force) | 16.5 – 19.5 years |
| UPSC CAPF (AC) | Graduation | 20 – 25 years |
🔹 SSC Exams Age Limit & Eligibility
| Exam | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|
| SSC CGL | Graduation in any discipline | 18 – 32 years (varies by post) |
| SSC CHSL | 12th Pass | 18 – 27 years |
| SSC MTS | 10th Pass | 18 – 25 years (some posts up to 27 years) |
| SSC GD Constable | 10th Pass | 18 – 23 years |
| SSC Stenographer | 12th Pass | Grade C: 18 – 30 yrs, Grade D: 18 – 27 yrs |
🔹 Banking Exams Age Limit & Eligibility
| Exam | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|
| IBPS PO / SBI PO | Graduation | 20 – 30 years |
| IBPS Clerk / SBI Clerk | Graduation | 20 – 28 years |
| RBI Grade B Officer | Graduation (60% marks preferred) | 21 – 30 years (M.Phil up to 32, PhD up to 34) |
| NABARD Grade A | Graduation/PG (depending on post) | 21 – 30 years |
🔹 Railway Exams Age Limit & Eligibility
| Exam | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|
| RRB NTPC | 12th / Graduation (post-wise) | 18 – 33 years |
| RRB Group D | 10th Pass | 18 – 33 years |
| RRB JE | Diploma / BE / B.Tech | 18 – 33 years |
| RRB ALP | 10th + ITI / Diploma | 18 – 30 years |
🔹 Defence Exams Age Limit & Eligibility
| Exam | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|
| Indian Army (Agniveer GD) | 10th / 12th | 17.5 – 21 years |
| Indian Navy (SSR/AA) | 12th (with PCM) | 17 – 21 years |
| AFCAT (Air Force) | Graduation (Physics/Math for Flying) | Flying Branch: 20 – 24 yrs, Ground Duty: 20 – 26 yrs |
| Territorial Army Officer | Graduation | 18 – 42 years |
🔹 Teaching Exams Age Limit & Eligibility
| Exam | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|
| CTET / State TET | D.El.Ed / B.Ed | No upper age limit (varies by state) |
| KVS Teacher | Graduation + B.Ed | PRT: up to 30 yrs, TGT: up to 35 yrs, PGT: up to 40 yrs |
| DSSSB Teacher (PRT/TGT/PGT) | Graduation + B.Ed | 21 – 36 years (post-wise) |
| State Teacher Recruitment | Graduation + B.Ed / TET | 21 – 35 years (varies by state) |
🔹 State PSC Exams (Examples)
| Exam | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|
| BPSC (Bihar) | Graduation | 20 – 37 years |
| UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh) | Graduation | 21 – 40 years |
| MPPSC (Madhya Pradesh) | Graduation | 21 – 40 years |
| RPSC (Rajasthan) | Graduation | 21 – 40 years |
🔹 Other Popular Govt Jobs with Age Limit
| Exam | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|
| LIC AAO / ADO | Graduation | 21 – 30 years |
| ESIC / EPFO Recruitment | Graduation | 21 – 30 years |
| Police Constable (State-wise) | 12th Pass | 18 – 30 years |
| Police Sub-Inspector (State-wise) | Graduation | 20 – 30 years |
🔹 Maximum Age for Sarkari Jobs in India
- Central government exams → 30–32 years (General category).
- State government exams → Many allow up to 37 years.
- Teaching & PSU jobs → Some go up to 40 years.
- Special recruitments (certain states/PSUs) → May allow up to 45 years.
✅ Conclusion
Knowing the age limit and eligibility criteria is the first step before applying for any Sarkari exam. Age relaxations for OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates provide additional opportunities, so always check the official notification carefully.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Sarkari Exam Age Limit & Eligibility
Q1. What is the maximum age for government jobs in India (General category)?
For most central government jobs, the maximum age is 30–32 years. In state-level exams, the limit can go up to 37–40 years depending on the state.
Q2. Can I get a government job after the age of 35?
Yes, some State PSCs, Teaching jobs, and PSU jobs allow candidates up to 37–40 years. In a few cases (like special state recruitments, professors, and doctors), the limit may extend up to 45 years.
Q3. Which government exams can I apply for after 12th pass?
Popular exams after 12th include:
- SSC CHSL
- SSC GD Constable
- Railway Group D & RRB NTPC (12th level posts)
- Defence (NDA, Agniveer, Navy SSR, Air Force X Group)
- Police Constable (state-wise)
Q4. What are the eligibility criteria for UPSC exams?
For UPSC Civil Services, a candidate must be a graduate and the age should be 21–32 years (Gen). Relaxations apply for OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
Q5. Is there any government exam with no upper age limit?
Yes, exams like CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test) do not have a fixed upper age limit, though state teacher recruitments may have specific limits.
Q6. How many attempts are allowed in UPSC exams?
General: 6 attempts up to 32 years
OBC: 9 attempts up to 35 years
SC/ST: Unlimited attempts up to 37 years
Q7. Can I get a government job at the age of 40?
Yes, in some categories like teaching, state PSC recruitments, and PSU jobs, candidates up to 40 years can apply. Professors, doctors, and specialist posts sometimes allow up to 45 years.
Q8. Which are the best government jobs for graduates?
After graduation, top options include UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, Banking (IBPS/SBI PO), Railways NTPC/JE, Defence AFCAT/CDS, and State PSCs.
Now it’s your turn:
Which exam’s age limit do you think is most candidate-friendly — SSC, UPSC, or State PSC? Share your views in the comments and discuss with other aspirants.
