The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) conducts the Combined Graduate Level (CGL) Examination every year to recruit candidates for various Group B and C positions in different ministries and departments of the Government of India. As one of India’s most competitive and prestigious exams, the SSC CGL has strict eligibility criteria, including age restrictions based on the post and the applicant’s category.
For candidates belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, the Government of India provides certain relaxations to ensure equal opportunities and representation in the public sector. Among these benefits is the age relaxation provided to ST candidates applying for SSC CGL posts.
Understanding the SSC CGL ST age limit is crucial for aspirants planning their career path in government service. This article explains the age limit rules, post-wise eligibility, how relaxation is applied, and what it means for ST candidates.
What is the General Age Limit for SSC CGL?
Before discussing category-specific rules, it is important to know the general age limits set by SSC.
The SSC CGL exam has varying age limits depending on the post. These limits generally range between 18 and 32 years.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age (General) |
|---|---|---|
| All Candidates | 18 years | 27–32 years (post-wise) |
The minimum age required is 18 years across all posts, but the maximum age differs based on the designation. ST candidates benefit from extended upper-age limits, which are explained in the next section.
SSC CGL ST Age Limit: What Relaxation Is Provided?
ST candidates are given 5 years of relaxation over the general upper age limit for all applicable posts.
This relaxation is designed to support historically underrepresented communities and bring social equity in public recruitment.
ST Category Relaxation Breakdown
| General Max Age | ST Max Age with 5-Year Relaxation |
|---|---|
| 27 years | 32 years |
| 30 years | 35 years |
| 32 years | 37 years |
So, if the post has a general maximum age of 30 years, ST candidates can apply up to the age of 35.
Post-Wise SSC CGL Age Limit for ST Category
The SSC offers different positions, and each comes with its specific age requirement. Below is a comparison showing how ST relaxation applies to each post.
Post-Wise Age Limit Table
| SSC CGL Post | General Max Age | ST Max Age |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Audit Officer / Accounts Officer | 30 years | 35 years |
| Junior Statistical Officer (JSO) | 32 years | 37 years |
| Inspector (Central Excise, Preventive, etc.) | 30 years | 35 years |
| Sub-Inspector (CBI/NIA) | 30 years | 35 years |
| Tax Assistant / Assistant / UDC | 27 years | 32 years |
| Postal Assistant / Sorting Assistant | 27 years | 32 years |
| Accountant / Junior Accountant | 27 years | 32 years |
These limits are based on the official SSC notification and vary depending on the department or ministry under which the post falls.
Additional Relaxations for ST Candidates with Special Categories
ST candidates who also belong to other special categories like persons with disabilities (PwD), ex-servicemen, or Jammu & Kashmir residents may get further relaxation.
Combined Relaxation Table
| Category | Additional Relaxation |
|---|---|
| ST (Base) | 5 years |
| ST + PwD | 15 years |
| ST + Ex-Servicemen | 8 years |
| ST + Domiciled in J&K (1980–89) | 10 years |
| Central Govt. Employees (ST) | Up to 10 years |
Candidates should carefully verify if they qualify for cumulative benefits and confirm rules from official notifications.
How to Calculate Your Eligibility Age
It’s important to check your age eligibility as of the cut-off date specified in SSC CGL notifications, usually 1st August of the exam year.
For example, for SSC CGL 2025, the candidate must not exceed the upper age limit as of 1 August 2025.
Example Calculation
- Post: Assistant Section Officer
- General Max Age: 30
- ST Max Age: 35
- Therefore, if your date of birth is after 1 August 1990, you are eligible for that post in the ST category.
Always check the latest notification for updates on the age reference date.
Importance of ST Age Relaxation in SSC CGL
ST candidates often come from underserved regions with limited access to early education and resources. Age relaxation offers these candidates:
- Extended eligibility to apply even after a delayed start in education.
- Wider career opportunities across multiple departments.
- Fair competition by acknowledging social and regional disadvantages.
This ensures inclusive governance by bringing diversity into India’s civil structure.
Key Documents to Claim ST Age Relaxation
To avail of the ST age limit relaxation, candidates must present valid proof during document verification.
Required Documents:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| ST Certificate | Issued by a competent authority |
| Domicile Certificate | In case of state-specific quota |
| Date of Birth Proof | 10th Certificate or equivalent |
| PwD/Ex-Servicemen Proof | If claiming combined relaxation |
Make sure your ST certificate is issued in the prescribed format and includes the correct community name as per the central list.
Official Sources and Notifications
Candidates are advised to always refer to the official SSC website and the detailed exam notification for accurate and updated information.
SSC Official Website:
The notification includes post codes, age cut-off dates, and eligibility clauses. Never rely solely on third-party sources.
FAQs
A. ST candidates can apply up to 35 years of age for posts that have a 30-year upper limit for the general category.
A. The minimum age is 18 years, which is the same for all candidates irrespective of category.
A. Yes. ST + PwD candidates get up to 15 years of total relaxation depending on the severity of the disability.
A. Yes, the 5-year relaxation is applied to all posts that have an upper age limit. However, the final age limit varies post-wise.
A. It allows candidates from the ST category more time to prepare and apply for competitive government exams, increasing their chances of selection.