Anyone able to help me understand how many eligible years I have of NI contributions?

[likelysuspect]

On the NI contribution page I have 34 years not including this year, so by April that will be 35 years

That seems to be the eligibility for a full state pension (as it currently stands)

But it is also telling me that I contracted out of state pension payments at some point in the past but doesnt say when or how and doesnt indicate if this has affected my eligibility

Im looking at all this at the moment to see if it is feasible to not work for a period of time but am worried about NI contributions.

It should say under the headline amount something like either
'You cannot improve your forecast any more' or
'You need to have another x number of years to achieve this forecast amount'

Yes as I said upthread it tells me I cant increase the forecast any more so Im hopeful to assume Ive paid in the full whack.

Exam invigilating typically isn't sufficient to pay NI if that's your aim.

35 years NI is the requirement only for those who started work after 2016. Before that we all have a personal calculation and different number of years needed, hence it doesn't state the number of years NI you have paid because it's meaningless.

I have 36 years but was contracted out and still need to complete 3 more for a full SP.

The only way to know if you started before 2016 is logging on to your personal account on gov. UK. Pleas

Contracting out is a really common source of confusion. If you were contracted out at any point, HMRC applies a 'contracted out deduction' to your state pension calculation, which means you may need more than 35 years to get the full amount — the number of qualifying years you need effectively goes up.
The best way to get a precise figure is to call the Future Pension Centre on 0800 731 0175 — they can tell you exactly how contracting out has affected your forecast and what you'd need to do to fill any gaps.
ukworkrights.co.uk also has a free pension rights checker if you want to understand your options — no login needed.

I also can’t increase my contributions, it says so on my forecast and I was also contracted out of SERPS briefly when I had a stint in local government. For my utter sins I have worked for the NHS, local government and higher education. Each one progressively more hierarchical than the last.

I just checked mine...just go online and check your forecast.
It does say if your forecast is the maximum and if you cannot get anymore.
If you continue to work you still contribute NI but it wouldn't make any difference if you are at the current max amount.
There is a contact number, they are very helpful and will explain to you if you have any questions.
I too had overpaid many years before 2016 but it all seems to change with different govts and very complex. So I would call them to find out exactly for your situation then you know. But may all change again by the time you retire so best keeping an eye on it.

I contracted in and out over a period of time as advised by our works pension advisers. I still had enough time in to pay the required amount and now get the full £230pw pension.