Age relaxation raises the upper age limit for certain categories. In the SSC CGL 2026 notice, SC/ST candidates get 5 years more, OBC (non-creamy layer) 3 years, PwBD 10 to 15 years depending on category, and ex-servicemen 3 years after their military service is deducted from their age. EWS candidates get no age relaxation.
The SSC CGL 2026 relaxations
Age is counted on the crucial date, which is 1 August 2026 for both SSC CGL 2026 and SSC CHSL 2026; the CHSL notice uses the same relaxations. Above the upper age limit, the CGL notice allows:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC (non-creamy layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (UR / EWS) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 3 years, after deducting military service |
| Defence personnel disabled in hostilities | 3 years (8 years for SC / ST) |
| Central Government civilian employee with 3+ years' service (Group C posts) | up to 40 years of age (45 for SC / ST) |
| Widow, divorced or judicially separated woman, not remarried (Group C posts) | up to 35 years of age (40 for SC / ST) |
A worked example
Take a post with an age limit of 18–27 in SSC CGL 2026. On 1 August 2026 the upper limit becomes:
- UR and EWS: 27
- OBC: 30
- SC / ST: 32
- PwBD (UR / EWS): 37
- PwBD (OBC): 40
- PwBD (SC / ST): 42
The lower limit, 18, does not change.
Relaxations are not stacked
You cannot add up every category you belong to. The notice gives combined rows instead, such as PwBD (OBC). Use the one row that fits you. Under the general DoPT rules, a PwBD candidate who is also a Central Government employee gets the single more helpful concession, not both.
Ex-servicemen
For ex-servicemen, the length of military service is first taken off your actual age on the crucial date. If what is left is within the upper limit plus 3 years, you are within the limit. The longer you served, the more room you have. The detailed conditions are in the notice.
Points that catch people out
- EWS has reserved vacancies but no age relaxation, under a DoPT order.
- PwBD means at least 40% disability, and under the DoPT compilation the maximum age on the crucial date is 56. This comes from the general rules, so check your notice.
- Certificates: to claim relaxation you need a valid certificate in the format the notice asks for, such as OBC non-creamy layer.
- Other exams differ. State commissions, banks and railways set their own relaxations and crucial dates, so do not assume the SSC numbers apply.
What to do next
Enter your date of birth and category in the age calculator, and check every condition in the eligibility finder.