UPSC 2018: Group A/ B Exam Age Limit
Giving relief to the ex-servicemen, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced new provisions clarifying on the relaxation of upper age limit for candidates appearing for Civil Services Exam for Group 'A' & 'B' Posts.
The upper age limit shall be relaxed by the length of military service increased by three years in the case of ex-servicemen and Commissioned Officers including Emergency Commissioned Officers or Short Service Commissioned Officers.
Why are Recruitment Rules required to be amended periodically?
Recruitment Rules prescribe various specifications relating to classification of post, pay structure (grade pay), method of recruitment, composition of various Committee(s), essential qualifications and consultation process with the UPSC. The said information is based upon extant Guidelines of the DoP&T and Government of India, which are revised based upon inputs like the Pay Commission Recommendations etc. Furthermore, the change(s) in the cadre structure and essential qualifications to a given post etc., also require due amendments in the specific column(s) of the Recruitment Rules. Due to these reasons, the Recruitment Rules are required to be amended every five years, in compliance of the said Guidelines of the DoP&T.
What is the difference between ‘Selection’ and ‘Non‐ Selection’ posts in the Recruitment Rules?
In case the promotion to a given post is based upon merit only, the recruitment is defined to be by way of ‘Selection’. In other words, seniority is not given precedence over performance (or grading in the performance reports) for recruitment to the given post. Thus, an incumbent with less qualifying service in the feeder grade can be selected if possessing better performance appraisal vis‐à‐vis another who has more qualifying service in the feeder grade but with a lower grade in performance appraisal.
What is Recruitment and what are Recruitment Rules?
Recruitment is the process of selection of incumbents to a designated post and Recruitment Rules are the provisions prescribed under the Statute, for executing the same. The UPSC is required to advise upon the Recruitment Rules for various Civil Posts which are mandated to it, under the Constitution of India or a specific Act governing an autonomous organization.
Why are Recruitment Rules required to be framed?
The Recruitment Rules are required to be framed for every post, in order to ensure probity and transparency in the process of Recruitment. They specify the provisions under various Columns, which are required to be adhered to and cannot be changed once the process of Recruitment has been initiated.
Note: The 'Ex-servicemen (Re-employment in Central Civil Services and Posts) Rules, 1979’ as amended vide DoP&T Notification No. 36034/1/06-Estt.(SCT) dated October 4, 2012 governs the policy on age relaxation applicable for ex-servicemen for appearing in Civil Services (Group A & B).
