Complete Guide to UPSC Age Limit: Know Who Is Eligible for the Civil Services Exam

Introduction

If you’re planning to take the Civil Services Exam, one of the first things you must check is the UPSC age limit. Every year, thousands of aspirants miss their chance simply because they miscalculate eligibility. To save you confusion, here’s a complete, simple guide to age limits, attempts, and category-wise relaxations.

Why Age Limit Matters for the UPSC

The Civil Services Exam is not only tough but also time-bound. UPSC imposes strict upper age limits and limits the number of attempts. Knowing when your upper age limit is going to limit your number of attempts helps you to plan your attempts effectively, whether you are a graduating student or a working professional.

Basic Eligibility: Minimum and Maximum Age

Let’s start with the basics before diving into category details.

• Minimum age for UPSC: 21 years
• Maximum age for UPSC: Varies by category (see table below)

You must also hold a graduation degree from a recognized university to meet the UPSC qualification requirement. Final-year students can apply provisionally.

UPSC Age Limit by Category

Here’s a clear breakdown of civil service exam age limit with attempts allowed:

Category	UPSC Exam Age Limit	Attempts Allowed	Relaxations
General/EWS	21-32 years	6	No relaxation
OBC	21-35 years	9	3 year age relaxation
SC/ST	21-37 years	Unlimited till age limit	5 year age relaxation
PwD (general)	21-42 years	9	10 year age relaxation
PwD (OBC)	21-45 years	9	OBC + PwD relaxation
PwD (SC/ST)	21-47 years	Unlimited till age limit	SC/ST + PwD relaxation
Defence Services (Disabled)	Up to 35 years (Gen), 38 (OBC), 40 (SC/ST)	As per category	3–8 years relaxation

If you’re interested in TNPSC, check out the age limit details in this blog too. https://kpriasacademy.in/tnpsc-group-4-age-limit-eligibility/

UPSC Qualifications 2026

In addition to the age limit for the UPSC exam, you must also fulfill the educational qualification and nationality criteria. Here’s what will be applicable for the 2026 attempt:

1. Educational Qualification

• A graduate degree from a recognized university is compulsory.
• Final-year students are eligible to apply, however, proof of graduation will need to be submitted to the UPSC before the Mains Examination.
• Degrees obtained from a distance learning or open university are recognized, as long as they are recognized by the UGC/AICTE

2. Professional/Technical Degrees

• Professional courses such as MBBS, CA, ICWA, or engineering are also valid.
• MBBS candidates awaiting internship completion can apply but must submit proof before the interview.

3. Nationality Criteria

• Must be an Indian citizen for IAS and IPS.
• For other services, citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees (settled before 1st January 1962) are also eligible under certain conditions.

In short, along with meeting the IAS age limit and number of attempts, you need to hold a valid degree and satisfy nationality norms. This combination of age, attempts, and qualifications ensures fair eligibility for all categories of aspirants.

Understanding the Rules Clearly

• The IAS exam age is calculated as of 1st August of the year of the exam.
• If on that day or later you are more than the maximum age, you are ineligible.
• The number of attempts starts the moment you sit for your Prelims exam, regardless of whether you pass or fail.
• If you fill out your application and do not appear for your exam, that is not counted against the number of attempts.

Common Mistakes Candidates Make

• Not checking the cut-off date properly – Many assume they are eligible because they’re 32 in the exam year, but being born after 1st August makes the difference.
• Confusing attempts with age – Even if you have attempts left, crossing the maximum age for UPSC disqualifies you.
• Not planning career changes early – Working professionals often delay preparation and cross the UPSC general age limit before starting.

Smart Tips to Plan Your Attempts

• Start Early: Use your 21–25 window to attempt multiple times and build exam confidence.
• Balance Job & Prep: If you’re working, plan your timetable and don’t waste attempts in half-prepared states.
• Target Mains: Don’t treat Prelims as just a screening; plan your first attempt with Mains as the real goal.
• Backup Careers: Use your 20s wisely. Combine UPSC with other exams like SSC, RBI, or State PSC.
• Seek Guidance: Joining an experienced UPSC coaching centre in Coimbatore or your city can help structure your preparation and save attempts.

Conclusion

The age limit of the UPSC exam is one of the most crucial eligibility criteria. You can plan your attempts smartly by knowing the range for each category. Give a look at the following details:

General/EWS – 21 to 32 Years, 6 attempts
OBC – 21 to 35 Years, 9 attempts
SC/ST – 21 to 37 Years, unlimited attempts till age limit
PwD – Up to 42 to 47 Years depending on category

So, whether you are a fresh graduates or a working professional, considering career shift check your eligibility now and plan future attempts. Time is your most valuable resources in the UPSC

FAQ

1. Who is eligible for UPSC exam?
Anyone who is an Indian citizen, holds a graduate degree from a recognized university, and meets the UPSC age limit criteria can apply.

2. What is the age limit for UPSC exam?
The civil service exam age limit is 21 to 32 years for General category, with relaxations for OBC, SC/ST, EWS, and PwD candidates.

3. How many attempts in UPSC?

• General: 6 attempts
• OBC: 9 attempts
• SC/ST: Unlimited till age limit
• PwD: As per category rules

4. Is UPSC age limit increased to 35?
No, the IAS exam age limit is still 32 years for General category. Only reserved categories get relaxations.

5. Can I do IAS at the age of 40?
Unless you belong to SC/ST or PwD category with age relaxation, 40 is above the maximum age for UPSC.

6. UPSC eligibility criteria age limit?
Minimum age is 21 years, maximum varies:

• General: 32
• OBC: 35
• SC/ST: 37
• PwD: 42 (depending on category).

7. UPSC maximum age?
The highest is 37 years for SC/ST and 42 years for PwD candidates.

8. UPSC civil services age limit?
Same as above. 21 to 32 years for General, with relaxations for OBC, SC/ST, and PwD.

9. Minimum qualification for UPSC?
A graduate degree from a recognized university. Final-year students may also apply.

10. Who is eligible for UPSC exam?
Any graduate Indian citizen within the UPSC exam age limit and attempt limits.