Mar 11, 2025
10
mins read
The UPSC eligibility criteria for the Civil Services Examination (IAS exam) define the minimum and maximum requirements that candidates must meet to apply. Understanding the age criteria for UPSC along with other eligibility conditions is a crucial first step in the IAS preparation journey. In this comprehensive guide, we explain the UPSC age limit, age relaxations, number of attempts, educational qualifications, and nationality requirements for the UPSC IAS Exam 2026. If you are targeting UPSC 2026, read on to ensure you meet all the conditions and find out whether you are eligible to take the exam or not.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will release the official UPSC 2026 examination notification in early 2026, which will detail the eligibility criteria, exam dates, and other important information. As per the UPSC calendar, the Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2026 is scheduled for 24th May 2026 (Sunday) . The official notification is expected around January 2026 , following the trend of previous years (for example, the UPSC 2025 notification was released on 22 January 2025 ). Once released, candidates should download and carefully read the UPSC 2026 notification PDF from the official UPSC website (upsc.gov.in) to verify all details.
In this article, we provide an overview of the latest UPSC eligibility requirements. Aspiring candidates for the UPSC 2026 exam can check the key criteria below to confirm their eligibility before filling out the application.
Table of content
For quick reference, here is an overview of the IAS exam eligibility criteria (Civil Services Exam requirements) for UPSC 2026:
Age Limit: 21 to 32 years (for General category candidates).
Age Relaxation: Additional relaxation in the upper age limit is provided for various reserved categories (details given below as per category).
Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree (graduation) from a recognized university (or an equivalent qualification).
Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen for IAS and IPS; other services allow certain other nationalities as detailed later.
Each of these criteria is explained in detail in the sections below.
For the UPSC CSE 2026, the minimum age is 21 years, and the maximum age is 32 years for General (unreserved) category candidates. This means an applicant must have attained 21 years of age and must not have attained 32 years of age as of 1st August 2026 . In other words, for UPSC 2026 a general category candidate’s date of birth should be between 2nd August 1994 and 1st August 2005 (both dates inclusive) . If you fall outside this range, you would either be too young or too old to be eligible for the 2026 IAS exam (general category criteria).
The upper age limits are relaxed for certain categories as per government rules. The table below shows the UPSC age limit (minimum and maximum age) for each category in the Civil Services Examination 2026:
Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age (Upper Age Limit) |
General (UR) | 21 years | 32 years (no relaxation) |
EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 21 years | 32 years (no relaxation) |
OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 21 years | 35 years (3 years relaxation) |
SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Tribes) | 21 years | 37 years (5 years relaxation) |
PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) – General/EWS | 21 years | 42 years (10 years relaxation) |
PwBD – OBC | 21 years | 45 years (13 years relaxation) |
PwBD – SC/ST | 21 years | 47 years (15 years relaxation) |
Note: The age is calculated as of August 1 of the exam year. For example, even though the Prelims is in May 2026, the age eligibility is determined on 1st August 2026. Candidates must not have attained the above-stated maximum age by that date (e.g. a general category candidate turning 32 on 1st August 2026 is not eligible, whereas turning 32 on 2nd August 2026 would still be eligible).
As shown, EWS candidates have the same age limits as General category (no additional age relaxation). OBC candidates get up to 3 years of relaxation (upper age 35), and SC/ST candidates get up to 5 years (upper age 37) . The economically weaker section (EWS) was introduced recently, and EWS candidates are treated like general category in terms of age and attempts.
The Civil Services age limit is a critical factor – aspirants must ensure they fall within the allowed age range before applying. The official UPSC 2026 notification will contain the exact age cut-off dates; based on past years, those born between 2nd August 1994 and 1st August 2005 (for the general category) will satisfy the age criteria . Always double-check the notification for any changes or specific provisions.
Apart from the base age limits, UPSC provides age relaxation for various reserved categories, as summarized above. Along with age relaxations, the number of permissible attempts in the exam also varies by category. Below is a breakdown of the UPSC age relaxation and the corresponding number of attempts allowed for different categories:
General Category: Upper age limit 32 years; up to 6 attempts allowed . (No age relaxation for unreserved candidates. Once 32 years old or after six attempts, eligibility is exhausted.)
EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Upper age 32 years; 6 attempts (same as General Category, since EWS has no extra age/attempt benefit).
OBC: Upper age limit 35 years (which is 32+3 years relaxation); up to 9 attempts allowed.
SC/ST: Upper age limit 37 years (32+5 years relaxation); unlimited attempts up to the age limit . (SC/ST candidates can attempt the exam as many times as they want until they reach 37 years of age.)
Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): Upper age limit is extended by 10 years beyond the base category, i.e. 42 years for General/EWS, 45 for OBC, and 47 for SC/ST candidates . PwBD candidates in General, EWS, or OBC categories are allowed a maximum of 9 attempts, while PwBD candidates from SC/ST have unlimited attempts (up to their 47 years age limit) . In other words, PwBD-General/EWS get 9 attempts instead of 6, PwBD-OBC continue to have 9 attempts (same as OBC), and PwBD-SC/ST remain unlimited in attempts (same as SC/ST rule).
Jammu & Kashmir Domicile: Applicants who were ordinarily domiciled in the state of J&K between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1989 have an age relaxation of 5 years in upper age limit. Thus, their maximum age is 37 years for General, 40 for OBC, and 42 for SC/ST candidates . The number of attempts for such candidates is not a separate fixed number; it depends on their category – e.g. a general category J&K domiciled candidate gets 6 attempts up to age 37, OBC gets 9 attempts up to age 40, etc.
Disabled Defence Services Personnel: Defence personnel who were disabled in operations during hostilities with a foreign country or in a disturbed area and were released as a consequence are eligible for an upper age relaxation of 3 years (above their category limit). This effectively raises the limit to 35 years for General, 38 years for OBC, and 40 years for SC/ST in this category . The number of attempts remains as per their respective community category (General – 6, OBC – 9, SC/ST – unlimited).
Ex-Servicemen (including ECOs/SSCOs): Former members of the armed forces who have completed at least 5 years of military service get an age relaxation of 5 years on the upper age limit (up to 37 for General, 40 for OBC, 42 for SC/ST) . For example, ex-servicemen from the General category can apply till 37 years of age. OBC ex-servicemen can apply till 40 years, and SC/ST ex-servicemen till 42 years. These candidates also have their attempts governed by community category (General – 6, OBC – 9, etc., up to the relaxed age limit).
Note: For the Ex-Servicemen category, particularly Commissioned Officers (ECOs/SSCOs) who have completed 5 years of service as of 1st August 2026 and have been released on completion of assignment (or will be released within one year of 1st Aug, not by dismissal or misconduct), a 5-year age relaxation is applicable. Those who have been extended beyond 5 years of service need a certificate from the Ministry of Defence stating that they are eligible to apply for civil employment and will be released on a three months’ notice if selected . This essentially aligns with the ex-servicemen relaxation of +5 years described above.
It’s important for candidates to confirm which category they belong to and how many attempts they have left before applying. An attempt is counted only if the candidate actually appears for a Prelims paper. Simply filling the form but not attending the exam does not count as an attempt . However, if you appear in any one paper of the Preliminary Examination, it is counted as an attempt – even if you absent yourself in the second paper or the candidature is later canceled, that appearance counts . There is no provision to extend attempts or age limit for anyone beyond these rules (except if the government itself issues a one-time relaxation, which is rare). Also, note that there are no separate relaxations for female candidates in UPSC; gender is not a criterion for additional age benefit – relaxations depend purely on category (community, disability, etc.).
What is the minimum educational qualification for IAS?
In order to be eligible for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, a candidate must hold at least a bachelor’s degree (graduate level) from a recognized university . The degree can be from any discipline (arts, science, commerce, engineering, etc.), and it can be obtained through regular study or via correspondence/distance education or an open university – as long as the university is recognized by the Government of India or UGC. There is no minimum percentage requirement in graduation – you simply need to have passed and obtained a degree. Even a pass class is sufficient; your graduation marks or academic distinctions have no bearing on UPSC eligibility (so a 50% or 90% in college is treated the same way in terms of eligibility) .
Here are some important points regarding the educational criteria:
Graduates only: You must have a degree awarded by a Central, State, or Deemed University, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of India . Equivalent qualifications can include degrees like MBBS, ICAI, ICWAI, etc., if recognized as equivalent to graduation.
Final Year Students: If you are in your final year of graduation and awaiting results, or will complete your degree by the current academic year, you are allowed to appear for the UPSC Preliminary Examination. Provisional eligibility is granted in such cases . However, you must produce proof of having passed your final exam (i.e., your graduation degree or at least a passing certificate) by the time you apply for the UPSC Mains (typically a few months after Prelims) . If you fail to produce proof of graduation because you did not ultimately pass or could not get the certificate in time, you will not be allowed to proceed to the Mains even if you cleared Prelims. So, final-year candidates should plan accordingly to have results or proof by the Mains application deadlines.
Professional and Technical Qualifications: Candidates with professional degrees such as CA (Chartered Accountant), ICWA, CS or similar, and those who have obtained degrees from institutions like IITs, IIMs, etc., are all eligible as long as their qualifications are recognized as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. The Government of India recognizes many professional qualifications as equivalent to graduation . For example, if you have passed the final exam of the Institute of Chartered Accountants or Institute of Company Secretaries, it is treated on par with a university degree for UPSC eligibility.
Medical students: If you have passed the final year of your MBBS degree (or any medical degree) but have not yet completed your internship, you are still eligible to appear for UPSC. The rule states such candidates should submit a certificate from their university/institution at the Mains application stage, stating that they have passed the final professional medical examination and are awaiting internship completion . The internship completion certificate then can be submitted later. In summary, passing the final exam of MBBS is enough to let you take UPSC (the internship pending will not bar you), provided you can show proof from your college. This applies similarly to other courses where an internship or certain practical requirement might be completed after the final exam.
There is no restriction on the stream or subject of your graduation. All graduates from any stream are eligible – engineers, doctors, arts, commerce, science graduates, etc. Even those with a distance learning degree or an open university degree (like from IGNOU) are eligible if the university is recognized .
In summary, a graduate degree is the minimum qualification. Postgraduate degrees or higher qualifications are not required (though many candidates may have them). Just ensure your degree is valid and recognized. If you are in your final year, you can attempt Prelims, but remember to have your passing proof by the time of Mains form filling.
What is the nationality criteria for UPSC Civil Services?
The nationality requirement varies slightly depending on the service:
For Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS): The candidate must be a citizen of India . Only Indian citizens are eligible for the IAS and IPS positions. There is no provision for foreigners or even certain persons of Indian origin for these two services – it’s strictly only Indian nationals.
For all other services (Indian Foreign Service, Indian Revenue Service, Indian Audit and Accounts, Indian Railway services, etc.): The candidate must be either:
A citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A subject of Bhutan, or
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
A person of Indian origin (PIO) who has migrated from certain countries (Pakistan, Burma/Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire [Democratic Republic of Congo], Ethiopia or Vietnam) with the intention of permanently settling in India .
Candidates falling under categories (2), (3), (4), or (5) above (i.e., Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetans, or Indian origin migrants) are eligible to take the exam for services other than IAS/IPS, but they must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India. This certificate is usually issued by the Department of Home Affairs. Such candidates can apply and even appear for the UPSC exam without the certificate in hand, but they will only receive the appointment (if selected) after the Government of India issues the eligibility certificate . Essentially, UPSC may allow them to go through the exam process, but the actual joining in service is contingent on getting that nationality certificate.
One important point to note: Candidates belonging to categories (2), (3), and (4) — i.e., subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees — are not eligible for recruitment to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) . The IFS (which deals with diplomatic postings abroad) is restricted to Indian citizens only (and possibly PIO migrants, category (5), since they are of Indian origin intending to settle in India). So, if you are a Nepalese or Bhutanese citizen or a Tibetan refugee, you can join other civil services if you clear the exam (with the eligibility certificate), but you would not be allocated to the IFS cadre.
The application process for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted online through the official UPSC website. Here’s a brief outline of how to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official UPSC website.
Step 2: Fill out the online application form for the exam.
Step 3: Upload the necessary documents such as your photograph, signature, and educational certificates.
Step 4: Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Step 5: Submit the form and keep a copy for your records.
It is crucial to be aware of the important dates for the exam, such as the notification release date, application start and end dates, and exam date. Make sure you meet all the documents required for the application.
For detailed information on how to apply for IAS exam and UPSC exam ke liye age limit, refer to the official UPSC notifications.
For reference, check out this blog: UPSC Notifications Calendar 2026
Q1. What is the age limit for the IAS Exam?
Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age as of 1st August 2026 for General/EWS category. OBC gets up to 35 years, and SC/ST up to 37 years. No age relaxation is available for General or female candidates. Always verify the date range in the official notification.
Q2. How many attempts are allowed in the IAS exam?
General/EWS: 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited (until upper age limit)
PwBD: 9 (General/OBC/EWS), Unlimited (SC/ST)
Appearing in even one Prelims paper counts as an attempt.
Q3. Is there age relaxation for ex-servicemen?
Yes. Ex-servicemen (including ECOs/SSCOs) with 5+ years of service get 5 years age relaxation: up to 37 (Gen), 40 (OBC), and 42 (SC/ST). Disabled defence personnel also get 3 years relaxation. The number of attempts follows their respective category limits.
Q4. Is a minimum graduation percentage required?
No. You only need a pass in a recognized graduation degree. Marks or percentages don’t matter. Final year students can apply, but must submit proof of passing before Mains.
Q5. What is the starting salary of an IAS officer?
The basic pay starts at ₹56,100/month (Level 10) plus DA, HRA, and perks like accommodation, vehicle, and pension. Top officers (Cabinet Secretary level) can earn up to ₹2.5 lakh/month.
Q6. What’s the highest post an IAS officer can reach?
The topmost position is Cabinet Secretary of India. Other high roles include State Chief Secretary and Union Secretary. Most IAS officers begin as SDMs and rise through ranks over the years.
Q7. Is there lateral entry in IAS?
Yes, but it’s limited. Since 2018, specialists from private/academic sectors are recruited to senior posts like Joint Secretary. They don’t go through CSE and are not regular IAS officers.
Q8. What’s the IAS age limit for general category candidates?
21 to 32 years, with no relaxation. For UPSC 2026, eligible candidates must be born between 2nd Aug 1994 and 1st Aug 2005.
Q9. Can a 30-year-old apply for UPSC?
Yes, if they have attempts left and fall within the age limit of their category (e.g. under 32 for General, under 35 for OBC, under 37 for SC/ST).
Q10. What’s the age limit for OBC candidates?
OBC candidates can apply up to 35 years, with a maximum of 9 attempts. They must belong to the Non-Creamy Layer and submit a valid OBC certificate.
Q11. Can someone under the age limit but out of attempts apply?
No. Both age and attempt limits must be satisfied. If you’ve used all your attempts, you cannot apply even if you’re within the age limit.
Q12. What is the age bar in UPSC?
Minimum age: 21 years (all categories)
Maximum age: 32 (Gen/EWS), 35 (OBC), 37 (SC/ST), with higher limits for PwBD, ex-servicemen, and J&K domicile.
Q13. Is there any age relaxation for female candidates?
No. Gender-based relaxation is not provided. All candidates are evaluated based on category (e.g., SC/ST, OBC, PwBD), not gender.
To sum up, the key eligibility criteria for the UPSC exam 2026 are the age limit, educational qualifications, and the number of attempts. If you meet these requirements, you are ready to begin your journey toward becoming a civil servant. Don’t forget to check the official UPSC notification for the latest updates and changes.
For more information on UPSC eligibility IAS and UPSC exam rules, always refer to the official guidelines.
Internal Linking Suggestions
How to Begin Your UPSC Preparation : The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
UPSC Previous Year Question Papers with Answers PDF - Prelims & Mains (2014-2024)
How to Prepare Current Affairs for UPSC Exam: A Comprehensive Guide
51st G7 Summit 2025 – Countries, Key Issues, India’s Role & UPSC
External Linking Suggestions
UPSC Official Website – Syllabus & Notification: https://upsc.gov.in/
Press Information Bureau – Government Announcements: https://pib.gov.in/
NCERT Official Website – Standard Books for UPSC: https://ncert.nic.in
01
Start Early to Maximize Your Attempts
Starting early gives you ample time to cover the vast syllabus and refine your knowledge. This allows you to make the most of your attempts while also building a strong foundation for future stages of the exam.
02
Focus on Building a Strong Foundation in General Studies and Current Affairs
General Studies and Current Affairs form the core of both the Prelims and Mains exams. Stay updated with daily news, and understand key concepts in subjects like history, polity, economy, and environment to ensure that you're well-prepared.
03
Regularly Practice Answer Writing and Mock Tests
Answer writing and mock tests are crucial for improving your writing speed and structuring your responses effectively. Regular practice will help you refine your time management and improve your performance during the actual exam.
04
Stay Consistent and Dedicated to Your Preparation
Consistency is key in UPSC preparation. Set a timetable, stick to it, and ensure regular revision. The UPSC journey is long, so maintaining dedication and focus over time will help you tackle the challenges and stay on track.
