Question 1

What is the difference between cumulative and non-cumulative relaxation?

Accepted Answer

Non-cumulative relaxations compete — only the highest one is applied. Cumulative relaxations add on top of whatever non-cumulative relaxation was granted. For example, if you're SC (+5, non-cumulative) and PwD (+10, cumulative), you get 5 + 10 = 15 years total. If you're OBC (+3, non-cumulative) and SC (+5, non-cumulative), only SC's 5 applies — they don't add.

Question 2

Which categories get relaxation?

Accepted Answer

Common relaxation categories in central government exams: OBC (+3 years), SC/ST (+5 years), PwD (+10 years cumulative), Ex-Servicemen (+3 years, varies by service length). Some exams also grant relaxation to Widowed/Divorced women or female candidates in specific roles. The exact rules come from the official notification — the engine accepts whatever rules you enter.

Question 3

Does age relaxation affect the minimum age?

Accepted Answer

No — relaxation only raises the upper age limit. The minimum age stays fixed regardless of category. A candidate who is too young for an exam gets no help from age relaxation.

Question 4

What if I belong to both OBC and PwD?

Accepted Answer

OBC relaxation is typically non-cumulative and PwD is cumulative. The engine takes the higher of your non-cumulative relaxations (OBC = 3) and adds your cumulative relaxation on top (PwD = 10): total = 3 + 10 = 13 years. Whether OBC and PwD are additive or competing depends on the specific exam notification — enter the rules as given.

Question 5

Where do I find the official relaxation rules for an exam?

Accepted Answer

In the official exam notification — typically a PDF published on the conducting body's website (ssc.nic.in for SSC, upsc.gov.in for UPSC, ibps.in for IBPS). Look for the 'Age Relaxation' table, which lists categories and the corresponding relaxation in years.

Question 6

At what point is age measured — application date or exam date?

Accepted Answer

Government exams specify a cutoff date for age measurement — usually a date in the notification period, not the exam date. Your age on that cutoff date (including any relaxation) must fall within the allowed range. Use the Age Relaxation Calculator together with the Form Eligibility Checker to verify both the age ceiling and the cutoff date.

Age Relaxation Calculator

How age relaxation works

Example — SC + PwD Candidate, Base Max Age 27

Frequently Asked Questions

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