Bhubaneswar: In order to provide ample opportunity to overaged aspirants to participate in different recruitment examinations, the Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday, after careful consideration, has approved a significant amendment to the Odisha Civil Service (Fixation of Upper Age Limit) Rules, 1989, by enhancing the upper age limit for entry into government service from 32 to 42 years.
The move follows numerous representations from various quarters requesting an age relaxation to allow more candidates to compete in upcoming recruitment drives. The decision is expected to widen the eligibility pool and offer a fair chance to aspirants who may have missed earlier opportunities.
However, the new upper age limit will not apply universally. The enhancement will exclude:
Posts or services where a higher age limit is already prescribed,
Uniformed services such as Police, Fire Services, Forest, and Excise, or Positions where a Physical Efficiency Test (PET) is mandated under recruitment rules.
The Cabinet also clarified that the existing age relaxations for SC/ST, SEBC, women, ex-servicemen, and persons with disabilities will continue to apply as per government norms.
This decision marks a major policy shift and is expected to benefit thousands of aspirants across Odisha.