Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced a five-year age relaxation for government jobs in Tamil Nadu. The new age limit for general category Group 1 exams is now 37. The government said, "This extension of the upper age limit would remain in effect for a period of five years starting October 30, 2026."

In a statement, the government said chief minister C Joseph Vijay issued orders for the move. The age limit extension would apply over and above the concessions currently available for Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes.

For aspirants under the general category, the age limit for taking the Group 1 examination for civil services has been revised to 37 from 32. For reserved category aspirants, it would be 42 years, up from 37 years.

For Group II and II-A exams, the age limit has been enhanced to 35 for general categories from the earlier 30. For reserved category aspirants, there is no upper age limit.

For aspirants taking Group IV examinations, the age relaxation would be 37 from the earlier 32.

"This extension of the upper age limit would remain in effect for a period of five years starting from October 30, 2026," the statement said. It added that thousands of competitive examination aspirants across the state would benefit.

Welfare measures under Vijay government

The announcement comes as the Vijay-led government continues to roll out welfare and other measures since assuming office. Among its key decisions have been increasing the free electricity entitlement for eligible domestic consumers from 100 units to 200 units every two months, setting up a dedicated women's safety force and ordering the closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops located near educational institutions, places of worship and transport points.

The government has also announced education-related initiatives, including an expanded breakfast scheme for school students and a laptop distribution programme for college students.

Relief for farmers, families

In the agriculture sector, the government announced a waiver of cooperative farm loans of up to ₹75,000, with additional relief for loans up to ₹1 lakh. The expanded waiver is set to benefit 13.34 lakh farmers.

Other welfare initiatives include a scheme to provide a 1-gram gold ring to every newborn delivered in a government hospital and an assistance scheme for eligible women getting married.