West Bengal raises upper age limit for state government job aspirants across all groups

The Government of West Bengal has significantly revised the upper age limits for recruitment to state government posts across Group A, B, C, and D categories, according to an official notification issued by the state’s Finance Department.The development was first reported by ANI, which cited the government’s notification detailing the revised eligibility framework for public sector recruitment in the state.Revised age limits under new rulesAs per the notification issued by the Finance Department, Audit Branch, Nabanna (Howrah), the amended rules increase the upper age ceilings as follows:• Group A posts: Raised to 41 years (Existing higher limits, where applicable, will remain unchanged)• Group B posts: Raised to 44 years• Group C and Group D posts: Raised to 45 yearsThe changes have been incorporated through an amendment to the West Bengal Services (Raising of Age-limit) Rules, 1981, under powers granted by Article 309 of the Constitution of India.Effective date and legal frameworkThe notification states that the revised age limits will be deemed effective from May 11, 2026, even though the formal notification was issued on May 16, 2026.It further clarifies that in cases where recruitment is conducted through bodies other than the Public Service Commission, West Bengal—under the West Bengal Regulation of Recruitment in State Statutory Bodies, Government Companies and Local Authorities Act, 1999—the upper age limit will uniformly be 45 years.The amendment was issued “by order of the Governor” and signed by P. K. Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal.Significance of the decisionThe revision is expected to widen eligibility for thousands of job seekers in the state, particularly those who may have crossed earlier age thresholds due to delays in recruitment cycles.Officials have not yet announced any changes to examination schedules or recruitment notifications in light of the revised eligibility criteria.