UPSC CSE Eligibility, Age Limit and Number of Attempts

Preparing for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a significant undertaking that begins with a clear understanding of the IAS eligibility criteria. These eligibility rules, defined by the Government of India, include the age limit in UPSC, number of attempts, and other key conditions—varying based on a candidate’s category.

Whether you’re aiming for the IAS, IPS, or IFS, knowing your UPSC CSE eligibility is essential to creating a successful and realistic preparation strategy.

General Eligibility Criteria for UPSC CSE

To apply for the Civil Service Exam, every candidate must meet the following basic conditions:

Nationality

• You must be a citizen of India.
• Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before 1st January 1962 are also eligible.
• Individuals from Nepal and Bhutan or Indian origin migrants from specific countries (as per UPSC norms) may also be eligible.

Educational Qualification

• A candidate must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.
• Final-year students awaiting results can apply for UPSC Prelims, but they must produce proof of passing before the Main Examination.
• There is no minimum percentage requirement for graduation.

Age Limit in UPSC (Category-wise)

The authorities calculate the UPSC age limit as of 1st August of the examination year. Here’s a detailed breakdown by category:

General Category Candidates

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age limit: 32 years
• Must not be born earlier than 2nd August (32 years before the exam year)

OBC Category Candidates

• Upper age limit: 35 years
• Age relaxation: 3 years over the General Category

SC ST Category Candidates

• Maximum age limit: 37 years
• Age relaxation: 5 years

EWS (Economically Weaker Sections)

• Treated like General Category
• Upper age limit: 32 years
• No additional age relaxation

PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities)

• PwBD (General/EWS): Upper age limit of 42 years
• PwBD (OBC): Up to 45 years
• PwBD (SC/ST): Up to 47 years

Other Special Cases

• Defence Services Personnel disabled in operation: +3 years relaxation
• Commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs: +5 years (subject to conditions)

Upper Age Limit Relaxations (Category-wise)

Category	Upper Age Limit	Relaxation
General	32 years	None
OBC	35 years	+3 years
SC/ST	37 years	+5 years
PwBD (General/EWS)	42 years	+10 years
PwBD (OBC)	45 years	+13 years
PwBD (SC/ST)	47 years	+15 years
Defence Services Personnel (disabled in hostilities)	35 years	+3 years
Ex-Servicemen / ECOs/SSCOs	37 years	+5 years
ECOs/SSCOs (extended assignment)	37 years	+5 years (with MoD certification)

H3: Special Notes on Age Relaxation

• Cumulative Relaxation: Candidates falling under multiple reserved categories (e.g., PwBD + SC) are eligible for cumulative age relaxation.
• Defence Personnel Conditions:
  • Must be disabled during hostilities or posted in disturbed areas.
  • ECOs/SSCOs must be certified by the Ministry of Defence for civil employment readiness.
• PwBD Categories include:
  • Blindness, low vision
  • Deaf, hard of hearing
  • Locomotor disability, cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims
  • Autism, intellectual disability, mental illness
  • Multiple disabilities including deaf-blindness

Number of Attempts in UPSC CSE

Appearing for the UPSC Prelims exam is counted as an attempt, regardless of whether the candidate clears it. Therefore, we must plan every attempt with precision.

H3: Attempt Limit by Category

Category	Number of Attempts	Age Limit
General	6	Up to 32 years
OBC	9	Up to 35 years
SC/ST	Unlimited	Up to 37 years
EWS	6	Up to 32 years
PwBD (General/EWS/OBC)	9	Up to 42-45 years
PwBD (SC/ST)	Unlimited	Up to 47 years

Note: Appearing in the Prelims exam, regardless of performance, counts as an attempt.

Important Notes and Clarifications

• Cumulative Relaxation : Candidates belonging to multiple categories (e.g., PwBD + SC) may receive cumulative age relaxation, as per UPSC norms.
• Final Year Students : Final-year students can apply, but must meet all criteria before the Main exam.
• Official Cut-Off Date : All eligibility criteria including age and attempts are determined as of 1st August of the exam year.
• Official Notification : Refer to the official UPSC CSE notification for each exam cycle. It is the most accurate and authoritative source of eligibility information.
• Download Official Notification of UPSC for 2025

Official Birth Certificate Requirements

• Only the date of birth mentioned in the Matriculation or Higher Secondary Certificate (or equivalent) issued before the application submission will be accepted.
• No other documents—like affidavits, horoscopes, or service records—will be accepted.
• Once submitted, no changes to the date of birth are allowed in any stage of the UPSC selection process.
  

How Eligibility Influences UPSC Preparation Strategy

Strategic Planning

Knowing your exact upper age limit and number of attempts helps design your preparation journey. For general category candidates, the pressure is higher due to limited attempts.

Integrated Preparation Approach

Since UPSC Prelims count as an attempt, many aspirants aim to be fully prepared for Prelims and Mains from their first attempt.

Stress Management

A clear understanding of IAS eligibility criteria reduces stress and eliminates uncertainty, allowing focused and confident preparation.

Long-Term Planning

For younger aspirants, especially those in college, awareness of UPSC age limits aids in charting a timeline—from graduation to when to attempt the exam.

Summary Table – UPSC CSE Eligibility at a Glance (2025)

Criteria	Details
Minimum Age	21 years (born before 1st August 2004)
Maximum Age (General)	32 years (born after 2nd August 1993)
Attempts (General)	6
Educational Qualification	Graduate from recognized university
Nationality	Indian citizen or as per UPSC norms
Age Relaxation Available For	SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, Defence Personnel

Conclusion

Understanding the UPSC CSE eligibility is an important first step in your civil services journey. This includes knowing the age limit and the number of attempts allowed. No matter if you are a general candidate, OBC, or SC ST, these criteria affect how and when you study for the exam.Candidate must also checkout physical standards requirements for upsc civil service exam.

Always verify your eligibility against the official UPSC notification and stay updated with any changes. This clarity helps you focus on the real challenge: passing one of India’s hardest and most respected exams.

UPSC CSE Eligibility FAQs

Q. What is the UPSC age limit for female candidates?

There is no separate age limit for female candidates. All categories (General, OBC, SC/ST, PwBD) determine the age limits.

Q. Can final-year students apply for UPSC?

Yes, provided you present your degree proof before the Main exam.

Q. Is there any attempt relaxation for OBC women?

Yes, OBC category candidates, including women, are eligible for 9 attempts up to 35 years.