The Ministry of General Administration has decided to raise the cut-off age for aspiring civil servant candidates from Madhesi, Janajati and Dalit communities to 40 years from the existing 35 years. The revised age bar will also apply to the candidates who come from remote parts of the country.

So far, only women and disabled candidates had been enjoying the 40 years age

limit to vie for various government jobs under the quota system.

“Out of the six categories enjoying the reservation quota in civil service, only women and disabled persons could apply for jobs until they were 40 years so far.

The new decision was taken to ensure uniformity in all categories,” General Administration Minister Lal Babu Pandit said.

To introduce the provision, the ministry is preparing to amend the Civil Service Act.  

The ministry has formed a three-member task force under Joint Secretary Rup Narayan Bhattarai to suggest ways to ensure uniformity in cut-off age for government jobs under the quota system.

Out of the total vacant positions in government offices, 55 percent is filled through

open competition and 45 percent is appointed from the reservation quota. For those who want to apply for public posts under the open competition category, the age limit is still 35 years.

Similarly, the ministry is also planning to amend the Civil Service Act that will require government employees to serve at least three years in remote districts.