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Age eligibility is one of the most critical factors when applying for Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) posts. Even being one day overage or underage can disqualify you. However, the government provides age relaxation for certain categories of candidates. This guide covers everything you need to know about PPSC age relaxation policies.
General Age Relaxation (Across the Board)
How much relaxation is given?
The general relaxation in upper age limit is:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 5 years |
| Female Candidates | 8 years |
This relaxation is given by the Secretary of the concerned Department and appears as part of the job advertisement. It is applied across the board, meaning every candidate who fulfills the pre-requisite criteria for the post can benefit from it.
Key Point: General age relaxation is for everyone fulfilling the pre-requisite criteria - it is not limited to any specific group. Always check the advertisement for the exact age limits applicable to the post.
Can a Slightly Underage or Overage Candidate Apply?
No. A candidate who is underage or overage by even one day is not eligible for a post advertised by the Punjab Public Service Commission. There is absolutely no margin - the age limits are strictly enforced.
This is why it's crucial to calculate your age correctly before applying.
Age Relaxation for Government Servants
If there is age relaxation for Government Servants, it will be specifically mentioned in the advertisement. Do not assume any relaxation unless the ad explicitly states it.
Federal Government & Autonomous Bodies
The rules for employees of different government tiers are:
Employees of Federal Government or Semi-Government and Autonomous Bodies of Federal Government, as well as employees of Local Bodies, are not entitled to age concession for the period of their service in such organizations.
Exception: Officials serving in connection with the affairs of the Federal Government who are domiciled in Punjab, as well as officials serving in connection with the affairs of the Punjab Government having at least 4 years of service, the upper age limit shall be 35 years.
Employees of Semi-Government bodies and Local Bodies are not entitled to age concession for service in such organizations.
Age Relaxation for Ad-Hoc Employees
Candidates working continuously on ad-hoc basis in the Punjab Government are entitled to the following relaxation:
Rule 1: Service Period Deduction
The period of their continuous ad-hoc service will be deducted from their age. This concession is available for any post applied for in the Commission except:
- Combined Competitive Examination
- Civil Judges-cum-Judicial Magistrates
Rule 2: Previous Relaxation Carried Forward
A candidate who was already granted some relaxation in age at the time of their ad-hoc appointment will be allowed to avail such relaxation in addition to the fresh continuous period of ad-hoc service, provided that:
- He/she applies to the Commission for selection to the same post against which he/she was appointed on ad-hoc basis
- He/she submits a certificate from the appointing authority stating:
- That he/she was appointed on ad-hoc basis after grant of relaxation in age limit of a specific period
- That since then, he/she has been serving continuously on the same post without any break
Age Relaxation for Contract Employees
When a person has rendered services on contract basis or on regular basis under the Punjab Government:
- The period spent in such service is excluded from their age for the purpose of upper age limit prescribed under any rule for appointment
- However, the upper age limit does not exceed 35 years for recruitment to any post filled on the recommendations of PPSC on the basis of the Combined Competitive Examination
Important Exception for Contract Posts
When contract appointments are made against posts where the upper age limit has already been enhanced by the Department (e.g., Education Department) - as against the age limit prescribed in the service rules - no further relaxation in the upper age limit will be allowed.
Summary: Quick Reference Table
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General (Male) | 5 years across the board |
| General (Female) | 8 years across the board |
| Underage/Overage by 1 day | Not eligible |
| Government Servants | As mentioned in advertisement |
| Punjab Govt. employees (4+ years) | Upper limit 35 years |
| Federal Govt. domiciled in Punjab | Upper limit 35 years |
| Semi-Govt. / Local Bodies | No age concession |
| Ad-hoc employees (Punjab Govt.) | Service period deducted from age |
| Contract employees (Punjab Govt.) | Service period excluded from age |
| CCE (Contract/Ad-hoc) | Max upper limit 35 years |
Key Takeaways
- Always check the specific advertisement - age limits and relaxations vary by post
- Even one day overage or underage means automatic disqualification
- General relaxation (5 years male, 8 years female) is for everyone meeting the basic criteria
- Ad-hoc and contract employees get their service period deducted from age, but conditions apply
- Federal/Semi-Government/Local Body employees do not automatically get age concession
- Keep your appointing authority certificate ready if claiming ad-hoc service relaxation
For more PPSC eligibility guides, visit PakExam - your trusted resource for government job preparation in Pakistan.