Preparation for the KPSC Assistant Engineer (AE) examination? One of the initial requirements for every aspiring candidate before taking up preparation is the eligibility, particularly age restriction, educational background, and relaxations based on categories. Being aware of whether or not you fall under the eligibility criteria for an Assistant Engineer role is an initial step towards a successful exam attempt.
In this blog, we will break down the age limit, educational qualification, and other eligibility norms of the KPSC for the Assistant Engineer recruitment and guide you on how to keep yourself better informed and prepared.
Who Can Apply for the Assistant Engineer Exam?
The KPSC AE test is held to hire Assistant Engineers in different departments under the Government of Kerala, like PWD, LSGD, Irrigation, Kerala Water Authority, and many more. They are very popular jobs for civil, electrical, mechanical, and electronics engineering graduates.
1. Educational Qualification
In order to apply for the position of Assistant Engineer, you are required to fulfil the minimum academic qualifications as laid down in the official KPSC notification.
Basic Eligibility:
- A BTech/B.E. degree from a recognised university in the relevant engineering discipline (e.g., civil, mechanical, electrical, or electronics).
- A minimum of 60% aggregate marks in most cases. But always see the specific notification to ascertain the cut-off for that year.
- The AE exam is available for the holders of a diploma only if specially mentioned for special categories.
Note: Final-year students expecting results generally cannot apply unless otherwise specified in the advertisement.
2. Age Limit
It is important to know the Assistant Engineer age limit, particularly for those who are on the cusp of upper age eligibility.
General Age Criteria:
Minimum Age: 18 years
Maximum Age: 36 years
(That is, candidates should be born between 02.01.1987 and 01.01.2005, both dates inclusive.)
This is the general age limit for candidates applying under the General/Unreserved Category.
3. Age Relaxation
The KPSC offers age relaxation to the candidates of certain reserved categories. Let’s have a look:
Category | Upper age limit |
OBC | 39 years |
SC/ST | 41 years |
Ex-Servicemen | As per service rules |
Differently Abled (PH) | Up to 10 years extra |
These relaxations are slightly different depending on the department and post. Always check with the official KPSC notification during the time of application.
Nationality and Domicile
To qualify, the candidate should be:
- A citizen of India
- A domiciliary of Kerala with proper documents to establish nativity (particularly crucial for enjoying reservation concessions)
Other Basic Requirements
Apart from educational and age criteria, candidates should:
- Be healthy and possess good character.
- Meet physical fitness requirements, if indicated in the notification (not generally applicable to AE cadre posts).
- Produce valid documents to support community, reservation, or age relaxation, as the case may be.
Important Points to Remember
- Watch out for the official KPSC website (www.keralapsc.gov.in) for regular updates and notifications.
- Get your documents ready in advance—particularly your degree certificate, mark lists, age proof, and caste/community certificates.
- If you are in any reservation category, recheck your certificate validity.
- Begin your AE preparation even before the notification comes out. The majority of successful candidates start early!
Planning to Appear? Get the Proper Guidance First!
Passing the eligibility is just the initial step. The second one is targeted preparation under the proper guidance. At Engineering PSC, we offer:
- GATE-level classes specifically designed for the KPSC AE exam
- Live & recorded sessions with experienced mentors
- PDF notes, weekly mock tests & performance analysis
- Free crash courses for students who appear for polytechnic lecturer exams
If you meet the requirements and are committed to cracking the AE exam, delay no more. Enrol in our specifically formulated KPSC AE Online Coaching Programme today and begin the next large step toward an engineering job with the government.
Final Words
It is important to know the age and eligibility criteria to apply for the Assistant Engineer exam. If you are a new BTech graduate or someone looking to make a change in your career, ensure you meet all conditions and remain informed about the latest KPSC guidelines.
Here at Engineering PSC, we’re dedicated to assisting hopefuls like you not just in meeting the standards—but surpassing expectations within the exam room.
Ready to begin your AE journey? We’ll take you from eligibility to excellence.