Ranchi: In a major relief for candidates of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) Combined Civil Services Exam 2025, the state government announced a reduction in the age cut-off year. Chief Minister Hemant Soren informed the assembly that the cut-off year for age relaxation will now be considered as 2022 instead of 2026, allowing thousands of previously ineligible candidates to apply.
Candidates’ Concerns Over Age Cut-Off
Initially, JPSC had set the age calculation cut-off year as 2026, which made many candidates ineligible to apply for the exam despite being eligible under previous rules. Candidates pointed out that earlier JPSC exams (2016, 2017) had provided age relaxation, and the 2021 regulations also allowed upper age limit exemptions.
Due to the 2026 cut-off, thousands of candidates were at risk of losing the opportunity to appear in the exam, causing widespread concern.
High Court Intervention
Several candidates challenged the cut-off year in the Jharkhand High Court, which allowed them to fill the exam forms and directed JPSC to respond. The court also issued an interim order preventing the publication of results for these candidates without its permission. The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for April 1, 2026.
Assembly Discussions and Political Support
The issue was highlighted in the state assembly by Congress Legislature Party leader Pradeep Yadav, urging the government to reconsider the cut-off. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Radha Krishna Kishore assured the house of the government’s seriousness on the matter.
Following this, CM Hemant Soren announced the cut-off year revision to 2022, offering relief to candidates who were barred from appearing due to age restrictions.
Calls for Further Relief
After the announcement, JLK(M) MLA Jayaram Mahto requested the Chief Minister to consider an even earlier cut-off date, suggesting it be moved to 2020. Mahto argued that only 13 civil service exams have been conducted in Jharkhand over the past 25 years, and an earlier cut-off would ensure more candidates benefit.
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Hemlal Murmu welcomed the government’s decision, stating that it resolves the ongoing age-related controversy for the 14th JPSC exam. Murmu added that any further relief would be at the discretion of the Chief Minister.
Impact on Candidates
With the revised cut-off year, thousands of candidates who were previously ineligible due to age restrictions will now be able to apply for the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Exam 2025, securing a fair chance to pursue government service careers in Jharkhand.
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