Ex-servicemen (ESM) have reserved vacancies in central civil posts and in public sector banks and undertakings, along with a generous age concession. The benefit is often lost on a technicality.
The definition is set by government orders and reproduced in each notification. It covers those released on completing their engagement, on medical grounds attributable to service, or on retirement. Personnel in their last year of service can usually apply with a certificate from the commanding officer.
For Group C posts the usual rule is: deduct the length of military service from your actual age; the result must not exceed the upper limit by more than three years. Rules for Group A and B posts differ.
An ESM who has already joined a civil post on the regular side using the reservation is normally not eligible for it again, with exceptions for applications made before joining and declared to the employer. Read this clause carefully.
The application fee is waived in many central recruitments for ESM who have not yet used the reservation.
Check the ESM clause in each notification, listed under government job notifications. Related: category certificates guide.