Aspirants demand age limit revision for competitive exams

Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, we, the distressed aspirants of the Combined Competitive Exams 2024, want to bring our grievances and distress forward so that they reach the LG's administration and concerned authorities in time for serious consideration.

Since 2021, there has been a fluctuation in the age bar set for the CCE exams. Earlier during statehood, it was 37-40; however, after certain amendments and the implementation of SRO 103, the maximum age limit was set at 32 for General Candidates, 34 for Reserved Categories, and 35 for Physically Disabled candidates. This annual change has caused distress among aspirants, mostly youth, leading to several representations and delegations sent to the government for reconsideration. The government has responded by raising the age bar to 35 for General Candidates.

Last year, as per the PSC guidelines, the age limit was set at 32 for General and 34 for Reserved categories. However, through a later order, the government declared a respite to the aggrieved candidates and enhanced the age bar to 35 for General and 37 for Reserved Categories. This move was welcomed and applauded by the youth and aspirants.

However, in a shocking move, the notification released by PSC on 26 July 2024 reduces the age bar again to 32 for General and 34 for Reserved categories. This has come as a shock, especially to those aspirants who have been preparing the entire year and suddenly find themselves unable to appear in the exam now.

Considering the high unemployability rate in J&K, among the highest in India, this comes as yet another blow to the prospects of youth. In other states and UTs, the upper age limit is 37-40 for General Candidates, with extra years for reserved categories, reflecting different state-level needs and demands. For instance, in Haryana, the upper age limit for General is 42 years, in UP and Rajasthan it is 40 years, and in Punjab it is 37 years. Jammu and Kashmir has the lowest age bar in the entire country.

This is quite distressing for the youth and aspirants, given the peak in unemployability in the UT.

We kindly request that you raise this issue in your esteemed paper so that it catches the government's attention and prompts a change in the notification pertaining to the age bar. It would be a significant move if the government grants respite to the youth by extending the age bar to be on par with other states and UTs on a permanent basis, avoiding yearly fluctuations and consequent distress.

We hope that our grievances will be addressed as soon as possible.

Aspirants