Assam cabinet raises age limit for ex-servicemen in state jobs to 45

Guwahati — The Assam Cabinet approved a welfare measure that raises the upper age limit for ex-servicemen seeking state government jobs to 45 years, extending eligibility for Grade III and Grade IV posts. The change, announced in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, directly addresses a systemic gap that previously left many veterans locked out of civilian employment, as Indian Armed Forces personnel frequently retire around the age of 42.

Cabinet decision expands eligibility

The decision was taken during a high-profile cabinet meeting and replaces the previous ceiling of 42 years. It is described as a major welfare initiative for retired military personnel. By allowing former armed-forces personnel to apply up to the age of 45, the state hopes to broaden access to public-service roles.

Quote from the chief minister

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Those who have served our nation deserve every opportunity to continue building a new future," emphasizing the state's responsibility to support veterans. He noted that the added three-year buffer opens vital pathways into civilian public service.

Reservation structure for veterans

Assam already guarantees a 2% reservation for ex-servicemen across Grade III and Grade IV categories. Within this quota, 25% of the seats are earmarked for disabled veterans or the immediate families of personnel killed in the line of duty, while the remaining 75% are open to other former service members. The reservation framework remains unchanged, with the age relaxation now complementing it.

Alignment with broader recruitment drive

State authorities highlighted that the age extension is part of a larger effort to accelerate public-service recruitment. Recent announcements have identified 5,734 upcoming departmental vacancies across the state police, home guards and prison networks. By extending the eligibility timeframe, the government aims to smooth the transition from military deployments to public-service administration.

Expected impact on veteran employment

The three-year extension is intended to address a gap that previously left many veterans without a viable pathway to state employment after discharge. Since armed-forces personnel typically retire around the age of 42, the higher age ceiling allows those who did not secure a job immediately to retain eligibility for state positions, potentially increasing veteran participation in the public sector.

Implementation outlook

The policy will be applied to all future recruitment cycles for Grade III and Grade IV posts. The government plans to monitor uptake among ex-servicemen and assess the effectiveness of the reservation and age-relaxation measures as part of its ongoing employment initiatives. This step aligns with the state's broader momentum to fast-track employment across multiple departments.