The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination is one of the most important and prestigious exams in India. Lakhs of candidates appear for the examination every year. Before applying, every UPSC candidate must know about the UPSC eligibility criteria.
The UPSC eligibility criteria include several crucial elements that determine whether a candidate is qualified to appear for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). These elements encompass various factors, such as age limit, nationality, educational qualifications, and more. Aspirants must fulfill these criteria to be eligible for the UPSC Preliminary and Mains exams. The main components of the eligibility criteria are outlined below:
All these elements play a significant role in determining a candidate’s eligibility for the UPSC CSE. Meeting these criteria is the first step toward participating in one of India’s most challenging and prestigious examinations.
The UPSC eligibility criteria includes various aspects, including age, educational qualifications, nationality, and the number of attempts allowed. These criteria is be met to be eligible to sit for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
The age limit for the UPSC exam varies depending on the category to which a candidate belongs. For general category candidates, the age limit for the UPSC exam is different compared to candidates belonging to other categories such as SC, ST, OBC, or PwD.
The UPSC age limit for general category candidates is 21 to 32 years. It means that candidates must be at least 21 years old and should not have attained the age of 32 years on August 1 of the exam year.
Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category benefit from a relaxation in the UPSC age limit for OBC. The age limit for these candidates is 21 to 35 years.
For candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories, the UPSC age limit for SC and ST is 21 to 37 years. It offers a substantial relaxation compared to the general category.
There is no specific UPSC age limit for female candidates. The age limits are the same as those applicable to male candidates based on their respective categories.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| General | 21 years | 32 years |
| OBC | 21 years | 35 years |
| SC/ST | 21 years | 37 years |
Apart from the age criteria, there are other key factors that constitute the UPSC exam eligibility, including educational qualifications, nationality, and number of attempts allowed.
To be eligible for the UPSC CSE, candidates must meet one of the following nationality conditions:
| Nationality Criteria | Details |
| Be a citizen of India. | Indian citizenship is mandatory for most services under the Civil Services Examination. |
| Be a subject of Nepal or Bhutan. | Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan are also eligible to apply for the UPSC CSE. |
| Be a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently. | Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before this date are eligible. |
| Be a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries, Vietnam, etc., with the intention of permanently settling in India. | Persons of Indian origin from these countries are eligible if they intend to settle in India permanently. |
The UPSC age limit grants certain relaxations for various categories and special cases. The UPSC age limit grants certain relaxations for various categories and special cases, ensuring that all individuals have an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams of serving their country through civil services.
Government servants who are disabled and have served in a particular capacity can avail of a relaxation of up to 5 years in the upper age limit.
Ex-servicemen and Commissioned Officers, including ECOs/SSCOs, who have rendered at least five years of military service, are eligible for a relaxation in age. The maximum age limit after this relaxation is 37 years.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) enjoy an age relaxation of up to 10 years, irrespective of their category.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| Government Employees | Up to 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Up to 5 years |
| PwBD | Up to 10 years |
The UPSC limits the number of attempts that a candidate can make for the Civil Services Examination.
| Category | Number of Attempts |
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | No limit |
Certain other criteria also influence a candidate’s eligibility. It includes factors such as medical and physical standards and ineligibility.
Candidates must be physically fit according to the physical standards set by the UPSC. It is particularly important for services like the Indian Police Service (IPS).
If a candidate is appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) based on earlier exams, they are ineligible to appear in future UPSC CSE exams.
Understanding the UPSC eligibility criteria is essential for all aspirants. The criteria for UPSC age limit, UPSC qualification, and other conditions are clearly defined by the commission. Aspirants should carefully assess their eligibility before applying to avoid disqualification at any stage. The Civil Services Examination is rigorous, and meeting these eligibility criteria is the first step toward a successful attempt.
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