Question

The following criteria must be satisfied for the recruitment of a Senior Project Analyst in a state government department:

1. The candidate must hold a Master's degree in Economics or Public Administration with a minimum of $60\%$ marks.
2. The candidate must be between $25$ and $35$ years of age as of August 1, 2026.
3. The candidate must possess at least $3$ years of work experience in public policy or data analysis.
4. The candidate must have cleared the State Level Computer Proficiency Test (CPT).

Exceptions / Override Provisions:
- Provision (i): If a candidate satisfies all criteria except (1) above, but has obtained a Ph.D. in a relevant subject and scored at least $55\%$ marks at the Master's level, the case is to be referred to the Selection Committee Chairman.
- Provision (ii): If a candidate satisfies all criteria except (3) above, but has served for $5$ or more years as a Junior Analyst in a government office, the case is to be referred to the Executive Director.
- Provision (iii): If a candidate satisfies all criteria except (2) above, but is a project-displaced candidate, an age relaxation of up to $5$ years is permitted.

Candidate Information:
Rajesh was born on July 15, 1999. He completed his Master's degree in Economics with $58\%$ marks and subsequently earned a Ph.D. in Economics. He has worked for $4$ years as a public policy analyst in a reputed research institute and successfully cleared the CPT.

Based strictly on the criteria and provisions provided, which of the following administrative decisions should be taken regarding Rajesh's candidature?