To appear for the UPSC exam 2026 for Prelims and Mains, female candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Commission. For those targeting the Civil Services 2026, it is important to understand the UPSC 2026 age limit for female candidates, age relaxation, and the number of attempts before starting their preparation.
In this article, we will look into the UPSC 2026 age limit for female candidates. We will also discuss the age relaxation for the female candidates.
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026
To apply for the UPSC Exam 2026, female candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission. These criteria cover several important factors, including nationality, age, number of attempts, educational qualifications, and physical standards.
The basic requirements state that the candidate must be an Indian national. They should have graduated from a recognized university or be in the final year of their undergraduate program. Additionally, candidates must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for the examination.
The UPSC 2026 age limit for female candidates applies to both the Prelims and Main stages of the exam.
Below is an overview of the UPSC eligibility criteria 2026.
| UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2026 | |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Graduation |
| Nationality | Citizen of India |
UPSC 2026 Age Limit for Female Candidates
The UPSC 2026 age limit for female candidates in the General category is 21 to 32 years. This means that, for the UPSC Exam 2026 cycle, candidates should have been born not earlier than August 1994. Additionally, they should not have been born later than August 2005.
To ensure equal opportunity and inclusivity, the UPSC provides age relaxation for female candidates from reserved categories. Below is the age criteria for female candidates:
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Relaxation |
| General | 21 years | 32 | No relaxation |
| OBC | 21 years | 35 | +3 years relaxation |
| ST/SC | 21 years | 37 | +5 years relaxation |
| PwD | 21 years | 42 | +10 years relaxation |
Number of Attempts for Female Candidates
| Category | Number of Attempts |
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| ST/SC | Unlimited |
Additional Information on UPSC 2026 Age Limit for Female Candidates
1. Advisory for Pregnant Candidates: Although there is no specific provision for pregnant candidates, it is advisable to ensure readiness for physical and mental stress before applying. The examination process can be demanding, and adequate preparation is crucial.
2. Age Limit for Reserved Categories: The age limit for female candidates is highly beneficial for women from reserved categories, as it offers extended opportunities to apply even later in life.
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Conclusion
Understanding the UPSC 2026 age limit for female candidates is important for every female aspirant. The relaxations based on category and disability ensure that female candidates have equitable opportunities to apply for the UPSC Exam 2026. It is important to keep track of your UPSC eligibility criteria 2026, especially in terms of age, and make use of the various relaxations available to maximize your chances of success. Always refer to the official UPSC notifications to stay updated on any changes to the criteria or age limits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The age limit for female candidates is 21 to 32 years for general candidates, with age relaxations for OBC, SC/ST, and PwD candidates.
Yes, female candidates from the OBC category have a relaxation of 3 years, so they can apply up to 35 years of age.
No. The female candidates from SC/ST categories can apply up to 37 years only due to the 5-year relaxation.
Female candidates can attempt the UPSC exam 6 times if they belong to the general category, 9 times if they belong to OBC, and there is no limit for SC/ST candidates.
The UPSC does not mention any specific relaxation for pregnant candidates. Female candidates should consider applying when they are physically fit to appear for the exam.
