The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually to recruit candidates for prestigious posts like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and various other central government positions. This exam is one of the most competitive in India, requiring rigorous preparation and a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements. Before applying, aspirants must thoroughly understand the UPSC eligibility criteria, including age limits, educational qualifications, and other conditions. Meeting these criteria is the first step toward achieving the dream of becoming a civil servant. In this guide, we will break down all the essential aspects of UPSC eligibility age, exam attempts, and other requirements to help you plan your preparation effectively.
UPSC Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, candidates must fulfill the following conditions which comes under the eligibility criteria :
1. Nationality
- For IAS & IPS, the candidate must be a citizen of India.
- For other services, candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees (who arrived before January 1, 1962) can apply.
- Individuals of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries intending to settle permanently in India may also be eligible under certain conditions.
2. Educational Qualification
- The candidate must have a graduate degree from a recognized university.
- Those in the final year of graduation can also apply but must present proof of passing before the UPSC exam eligibility educational criteria deadline.
3. UPSC Age Limit
4. Number of Attempts
Candidates are limited to a certain number of attempts based on their category:
- General Category: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (until the upper age limit)
- PwBD (General & OBC): 9 attempts
- PwBD (SC/ST): Unlimited attempts
5. Other UPSC Exam Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must be physically fit as per UPSC standards.
- Some services like UPSC CMS (Combined Medical Services) and UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services) have additional medical and physical requirements.
- Candidates must not have been debarred by the government from appearing for UPSC exams
UPSC Exam Age Limit Eligibility Criteria for Different Categories
UPSC Age Limit for General Category
The general category candidates must be between 21 and 32 years to fulfill the eligibility criteria .
UPSC Age Limit for OBC
Candidates from Other Backward Classes (OBC) get a 3-year age relaxation, making their upper age limit 35 years to fulfill the eligibility criteria .
UPSC Age Limit for SC/ST
Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates get a 5-year age relaxation, making their upper age limit 37 years to fulfill the eligibility criteria .
UPSC Age Limit for PwBD Candidates
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) get an age relaxation of 10 years, extending their upper age limit to 42 years to fulfill the eligibility criteria .
UPSC Age Limit for Ex-Servicemen
Ex-servicemen who have served for at least 5 years in the armed forces get an additional 5-year age relaxation, increasing their upper age limit to 37 years for general candidates to fulfill the eligibility criteria .
UPSC Age Limit for Female Candidates
There is no special relaxation for female candidates. They must follow the same age criteria as per their respective categories to fulfill the eligibility criteria.
Conclusion
Understanding the UPSC eligibility age and other conditions is crucial for every aspirant. Ensure you meet the UPSC exam eligibility educational criteria and prepare accordingly. Check official UPSC notifications for the latest updates.For more guidance on UPSC eligibility criteria, stay tuned to official UPSC updates and reliable sources. If you’re looking for expert coaching, consider joining SPM IAS Academy to enhance your chances of success in the UPSC examination.
