The Odisha Government recently increased the upper age limit of candidates to enter into State Civil services exams. The age was increased from 32 years to 38 years. This was done by amending the State Civil Services Rules, 1989.

About the rise in upper age limit

The increase in age limit has been made for 2021, 2022 and 2023 exams only. Odisha government relaxed the age limit for people belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Socially and Educationally backward classes, persons with disabilities and for women.

What are the relaxations?

• SC/ST/OBC: The maximum age limit is now 43 years, that is, 38+5.
• Women of all categories: 38+5 = 43 years
• General category: 38+10 = 48 years
• SC/ST/SEBC PwD categories: 53 years

Why were the provisions made?

The age limit has been relaxed to nullify the COVID induced delays in conducting the exam. Because of the pandemic, the age of the candidates passed by and they are not able to appear in exams. It is essential to make such alterations to improve employment rate in the states.

Employment Status in Odisha

The Labour Force Participation rate in Odisha is 48.3%. This mirrors national rate of 48.3%. The worker population ratio is 44.9%. And the National worker population ratio is 46.8%. The unemployment rate in the urban areas is higher than that of the employment rate.

Demographic dividend

In Odisha, 56% are engaged in agriculture. 18% in construction and 7.8% in other services. Around 30% are engaged in other services. Informal sector is the largest job provider in Odisha. With such conditions, it is essential to increase the employment window in the state. The extension of age limit will help achieve this.