As of March 17, 2025, an official announcement regarding the increase of retirement age for central government employees from 60 to 62 years has not been made by the Government of India. The claims on social media about a change in retirement age have been dismissed by PIB (Press Information Bureau) stating that no such decision has been made.
Central Government Employees Retirement Age-In Real
The current retirement age for a central government employee in India continues to be 60 years. The 5th Central Pay Commission laid down this criterion, whereas the 4th Pay Commission had increased the retirement age from 58 to 60. The 7th CPC was instituted in 2016 did not suggest any change in the retirement age thereafter.
The Viral Rumors and GoI Response
Late 2024 saw some social media articles claiming that the Union Cabinet had approved a proposal to increase the retirement age to 62 years effective 1 April 2025. With confusion already spread among government employees and the general public, such claims gained traction very fast. The Press Information Bureau came out with an official clarification rejecting any such proposal and branded the news as fake. The government urged the public not to rely upon or share unverified information but consult only official channels for updates.
Exceptions to the General Retirement Age
While the general retirement age is fixed at 60, there are exceptions in certain fields. The retirement age of doctors (except for those under the Central Health Services) was approved to be increased to 65 years by the Union Cabinet in September of 2017, as an exception, in order to retain experienced medical professionals in public service.
The International Scene: Know the Retirement Age Trend in the World
India is not the only site of the debate on retirement age. Across the globe, countries are changing norms due to huge demographic changes and challenges regarding pension sustainability.
A gradual retirement age increase plan from 60 to 65 was approved by the Chinese government and is intended to take effect as of January 1, 2025, for 15 years in view of the aging in the country.
France has just raised its retirement age to 64 after widespread protests and debate. While aimed at addressing pension system deficits, it has faced strong resistance from labor unions and civil society groups.
Conclusion
To summarize, no formal announcement has either confirmed or denied a possible rise in retirement age, which, were it to go ahead, would be 62 years for central government employees in India. The retirement age remains 60, and all claims circulating to the contrary are false. Any legitimate policy change would be announced through official government channels. All central employees and the general public are advised to rely only on authentic sources of information regarding such important updates.