The undersigned is directed to refer to the instructions contained in this Department’s OM No. 8/7/87-CS.II dated 21.1.1988 and OM No. 8/5/98-CS II dated 8.3.1999 on the above mentioned subject and to say that the matter regarding appointment of staff on personal staff of Ministers regarding relaxation of upper age limit and educational qualification including typing and shorthand speed for the corresponding posts have been reviewed in this department and the consolidated decision in this regard is as follows:

1. With the rise in the age of retirement of the Central Government employees, the upper age limit for engagement of personal staff of Minister is also raised to 60 years from existing 58 years.
2. Proposal regarding appointments of staff on the personal staff of the Minister in relaxation of the upper age limit will require the approval of the Prime Minister through this department.
3. The education/skill qualification for personal staff of Ministers should be similar to the corresponding/comparable posts in the government. As regards the skill qualification, there is no need to verify this in respect of Government Servant if his parent post is having similar nature of duties. In other cases a certificate from an institution in support of knowledge of shorthand/typing be stressed.
4. As per directions of Hon’ble P.M. there will be no relaxation in the educational and skill qualifications for the personal staff of Ministers.