How to check your age for an exam
Every recruitment notice gives an age limit and the date on which your age is counted, often called the cutoff date or the "crucial date". Your age on that date is what matters, not your age on the day you apply. Enter your date of birth exactly as it is in your Class 10 certificate, then the cutoff date from the notice. The calculator shows your completed age in years, months and days, and the total number of days.
Next, type the minimum age and the upper age limit for the post and pick your category. The tool adds the relaxation to the upper limit and tells you whether you are eligible. It also shows the range of dates of birth that are allowed, which is how many notices write it, for example "born not before 2 January 1998 and not after 1 January 2007".
Upper age relaxation by category
For most central government posts, such as those filled through SSC, the upper age limit is relaxed as follows. Your own notice may differ, so treat this as a guide and check the notice.
- OBC (non-creamy layer): 3 years.
- SC and ST: 5 years.
- Persons with benchmark disability (PwBD): 10 years for General and EWS, 13 years for OBC and 15 years for SC and ST.
- Ex-servicemen: usually 3 years after taking away the military service done from the actual age. Because this needs your service period, add it yourself in "Other relaxation".
- EWS: there is generally no age relaxation for EWS in central government posts.
Many states give their own relaxation, often extra years for women, state residents or contract employees. Use the "Other relaxation" box for these. Relaxations can add up only where the notice says so.
How the age limit is read
A notice that says "18 to 27 years" means you must have completed 18 years and must not have completed 28 years on the cutoff date. In other words, you can be 27 years and 11 months old and still apply. The calculator follows this rule. If your notice is worded differently, for example "below 27 years", reduce the upper limit by one before you check.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using today's date instead of the cutoff date in the notice.
- Using a date of birth that does not match the Class 10 certificate. The commission only accepts the date in that certificate or its equivalent.
- Assuming relaxation applies to every post. Some posts, such as unreserved vacancies, may not give it.
- Forgetting that a leap year birthday on 29 February is counted from 28 February in other years.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my age on the cutoff date?
Enter your date of birth and the cutoff date from the exam notice. The calculator shows your completed age in years, months and days on that date.
How much age relaxation do OBC, SC and ST candidates get?
For most central government posts, OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates get 3 years and SC and ST candidates get 5 years of relaxation in the upper age limit. Check your notice, since some posts and states differ.
Do EWS candidates get age relaxation?
Generally no, for central government posts. Some states do give it, so check your own notice.
If the limit is 27 years, can I apply at 27 years and 6 months?
Usually yes. "Not more than 27 years" means you must not have completed 28 years on the cutoff date. The calculator follows this rule.
How do I add ex-servicemen relaxation?
Work out the years your notice allows (often 3 years after taking away your service period) and type that number in "Other relaxation".
Which date of birth should I use?
Use the date of birth shown in your Class 10 (matriculation) certificate, as that is the one the commission accepts.
Is my date of birth stored?
No. Everything is worked out in your browser and nothing is saved or sent.