The retirement age of Regimental Commissioned Officers (RCOs) was enhanced by 2 years as in case of other regular service officers, w.e.f. 30th May 1998. The retirement age of RCOs was enhanced from 50 years or 10 years of service to 52 years or 12 years of service, whichever is earlier.

A proposal to further enhance the retirement age of RCOs to 54 years of age or 14 years of service, whichever is earlier, has been referred to the VI Central pay Commission so that the RCOs become eligible for time based promotion to the rank of Lt Col after 13 years of reckonable service as recommended by the AV Singh Committee.

This is a measure for enhancing the availability of officers in the Indian Army. The army faces a shortage of officers.