Every year, millions of people apply and appear for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and RRB etc. Every exam has different eligibility criteria, based on the specific requirements of the position. But one thing that is ignored in many cases is the age limit.
Different authorities have set their age limit to appear for the exam, and not fulfilling the age criteria can disqualify you from the exam. Authorities also give some age relaxations to candidates from different categories. Understanding these age limits and relaxations can help you plan your preparation and avoid any risk during the application process.
In this blog, we will explain the Age Limit for Competitive Exams, UPSC, SSC, NEET, etc., in a simple way so you can easily know if you are eligible to apply.
About Competitive Exams In India
Competitive exams in India are designed to select the best candidates for various educational courses and government jobs. From getting admission into top colleges like AIIMS, IITs, and NITs, to joining respected positions in government services like IAS, IPS, or bank officers, these exams open the door to many career opportunities.
Each exam is different. Some are for students just out of school (like NEET or JEE), while others are meant for graduates or working professionals (like UPSC, SSC, or banking exams). But one thing they all have in common is tough competition. Lakhs of candidates apply for a limited number of seats or job posts, which makes these exams challenging but also rewarding.
That’s why it’s important to understand the basic rules of eligibility, especially the age limit. Knowing this helps you plan better and apply at the right time, without missing your chance.
Now, let’s look at the age limits for some of the most popular competitive exams in India.
Age Limit For Some Popular Competitive Exams in India
Different competitive exams in India have different age criteria based on the level of the exam and the category of the candidate. Below, we’ve listed the age limits for some of the most popular exams so you can quickly check.
1. UPSC Civil Services Examination
To appear for the UPSC exam, you must be at least 21 years old and not more than 32 years old as of 1st August of the year you’re giving the exam.
Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
OBC | Up to 35 years |
SC/ST | Up to 37 years |
Defence Services Personnel (disabled during service) | Up to 40 years |
Ex-servicemen (with at least 5 years of service) | Age relaxation available as per r. |
2. SSC Exams
SSC-CGL
To appear for the SSC CGL exam, you must be between 18 and 32 years old (for 2025, born between 1st January 1993 and 1st January 2007).
Age Relaxation (Category-Wise)
OBC | 3 Years |
SC/ST | 5 Years |
PwD (Unreserved) | 10 Years |
PwD (OBC) | 13 Years |
PwD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
Ex-Servicemen | 3 Years |
SSC CHSL
To appear for the SSC CHSL exam, you must be between 18 and 27 years old (for 2025, born between 1st January 1998 and 1st January 2007).
OBC | 3 Years |
SC/ST | 5 Years |
PwD (Unreserved) | 10 Years |
PwD (OBC) | 13 Years |
PwD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
Ex-Servicemen | 3 Years |
3. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
NEET is the national-level entrance exam for students who want to pursue MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses in India.
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 17 years old by 31st December of the year you’re taking admission.
- Maximum Age: There is no upper age limit. Anyone who meets the educational criteria can appear for NEET, no matter their age.
4. Banking Exams
IBPS PO Age Limit
To appear for the IBPS PO exam, you must be at least 20 years old and not more than 30 years old as of the specified cut-off date in the official notification.
Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
OBC (Non-creamy layer) | Up to 33 years |
SC/ST | Up to 35 years |
Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | Up to 40 years |
Ex-servicemen | Up to 35 years |
1984 Riot Victims | Up to 35 years |
SBI PO Age Limit
To appear for the SBI PO exam, you must be between 21 and 30 years old as of the cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.
Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
OBC (Non-creamy layer) | Up to 33 years |
SC/ST | Up to 35 years |
PwD (General/EWS) | Up to 40 years |
PwD (OBC) | Up to 43 years |
PwD (SC/ST) | Up to 45 years |
Ex-servicemen / ECOs / SSCOs | Up to 35 years |
Note: Cumulative age relaxation is not allowed in SBI PO. You can only claim one category of age relaxation.
IBPS Clerk Age Limit
To appear for the IBPS Clerk exam, your age should be between 20 and 28 years. Exact dates are specified in the notification (for example, born between 02.07.1996 and 01.07.2004).
Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
OBC (Non-creamy layer) | Up to 31 years |
SC/ST | Up to 33 years |
PwD (General) | Up to 38 years |
PwD (OBC) | Up to 41 years |
PwD (SC/ST) | Up to 43 years |
Ex-servicemen | Service period + 3 years (max age 50 years) |
RBI Grade B Age Limit
To appear for the RBI Grade B exam, you must be between 21 and 30 years old (for 2025, born between 2nd July 1994 and 1st July 2004).
Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
OBC (Non-creamy layer) | Up to 33 years |
SC/ST | Up to 35 years |
M.Phil holders | Up to 32 years |
Ph.D. holders | Up to 34 years |
PwD (General/EWS) | Up to 40 years |
PwD (OBC) | Up to 43 years |
PwD (SC/ST) | Up to 45 years |
Experienced officers from public sector banks or RBI | Up to 3 years of additional relaxation (max 33 years) |
5. Railway Exams
RRB NTPC
For undergraduate-level posts, candidates must be between 18 and 33 years of age. For graduate-level posts, the age limit is 18 to 36 years. (The age will be calculated as on 1st January 2024.)
Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
SC/ST | 5 years |
PwD (UR) | 10 years |
PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
Ex-Servicemen | Defence service + 3 years (as per rules) |
RRB Group D
Candidates applying for RRB Group D posts must be between 18 and 36 years of age. This includes relaxation due to COVID-19, and the age will be calculated as on 1st January 2025.
Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
Category | Age Relaxation |
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
SC/ST | 5 years |
PwD (UR) | 10 years |
PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
Ex-Servicemen | UR: 3 yrs, OBC: 6 yrs, SC/ST: 8 yrs (after service) |
RRB JE (Junior Engineer)
To apply for the RRB Junior Engineer (JE) exam, candidates should be between 18 and 33 years old as of 1st January 2025.
Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
Category | Age Relaxation |
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
SC/ST | 5 years |
PwD (UR) | 10 years |
PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
Ex-Servicemen | UR: 3 yrs, OBC: 6 yrs, SC/ST: 8 yrs (after service) |
RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot)
For the RRB Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) exam, candidates must be 18 to 30 years of age. The age limit is considered as on 1st July 2025.
Age Relaxation (Category-wise):
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
SC/ST | 5 years |
PwD (UR) | 10 years |
PwD (OBC) | 13 years |
PwD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
Ex-Servicemen | UR: 3 yrs, OBC: 6 yrs, SC/ST: 8 yrs (after service) |
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6. NDA (National Defence Academy) Exam
The age limit for the NDA exam is 16.5 to 19.5 years as of the first day of the month in which the course is scheduled to begin. This age limit is applicable to both male and female candidates and is the same across all three wings of the NDA Army, Navy, and Air Force. There is no age relaxation for any category.
7. CTET (Central Teacher Eligibility Test)
To apply for the CTET exam, candidates must be at least 17 years old. There is no upper age limit, which means anyone who meets the minimum age and the required educational qualifications can apply, regardless of how old they are.
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Conclusion
Age limit is a very important part of the eligibility for any competitive exam in India. Whether you’re preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Teaching, or Defence exams, knowing the correct age limit helps you plan better and avoid problems later.
Also, if you belong to a reserved category like SC, ST, OBC, PwD, or you’re an ex-serviceman, you may get extra age relaxation. So always check the official notification carefully before applying. Even a small age difference can decide whether you’re eligible or not.
FAQs About Age Calculation
Q1. What is the age limit for the UPSC Civil Services Exam?
Ans: You must be between 21 and 32 years old. If you belong to the OBC category, you can give the exam till 35 years. For SC/ST candidates, the age limit is 37 years.
Q2. Is there any age limit for SSC exams?
Ans: Yes. For SSC CGL, the age limit depends on the post but is usually between 18 and 32 years. For SSC CHSL, it is 18 to 27 years.
Q3. Can I give government exams after 30 years of age?
Ans: Yes, you can. If you are from the OBC, SC, ST, or other reserved categories, you get extra years to apply.
Q4. Is there any age limit for CTET?
Ans: The minimum age is 17 years. There is no upper age limit, so you can apply even if you are older.
Q5. What is the age limit for the NDA exam?
Ans: You must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years old. This is the same for everyone, including boys and girls.
