Last Updated on: 09 Apr 2026, 04:34 AM

UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Attempts & Qualification

Detailed guide on UPSC Civil Services Exam eligibility criteria for 2025. Check age limit, relaxation, educational qualifications, nationality, and number of attempts for IAS, IPS in India.

UPSC Civil Services Eligibility Criteria

Core Eligibility Requirements

UPSC CSE Exam Pattern 2026 🔥 (Prelims + Mains का नया पैटर्न) Click here to check full details

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1. Nationality

• For Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS): The candidate must be a citizen of India.
• For other services: The candidate must be one of the following:
  • A citizen of India, or
  • A subject of Nepal, or
  • A subject of Bhutan, or
  • A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
  • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Note: Candidates belonging to categories other than "Citizen of India" shall be required to produce a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

2. Age Limit (as on 1st August of the examination year)

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 32 years (for General Category)

The upper age limit is relaxable for certain categories:

UPSC CSE Eligibility 2026 🚨 (Overage Alert? Check Age & Attempts Rule) Click here to check full details

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3. Educational Qualification

• A candidate must hold a degree from any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.
• Candidates who have appeared at an examination, the passing of which would render them educationally qualified, but have not been informed of the results, are also eligible to appear for the Preliminary Examination.
• Candidates possessing professional and technical qualifications which are recognised by the Government as equivalent to a professional and technical degree would also be eligible.

Number of Attempts

UPSC Selection Process: IAS/IPS बनने की Step-by-Step पूरी प्रक्रिया Click here to check full details

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An attempt at the Preliminary Examination is deemed to be an attempt at the Civil Services Examination. The number of attempts is limited for different categories:

Citation: All information regarding eligibility criteria is based on the official Civil Services Examination Rules published by the Department of Personnel and Training and UPSC. Candidates must verify all details from the official notification for the respective exam year.

Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in

Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a final year student eligible for UPSC?

Yes, final year students who are awaiting their results can appear for the Prelims. However, they must submit proof of passing the degree examination when applying for the Main Examination.

Can a candidate with a distance education degree apply for UPSC?

Yes, a degree from any university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is valid. This includes degrees obtained through distance education or from an open university.

What is the age relaxation for ex-servicemen?

Ex-servicemen (including Commissioned Officers and ECOs/SSCOs) who have rendered at least five years of military service are granted a maximum relaxation of five years in the upper age limit.

Is there any limit on the number of times one can clear Prelims?

No, there is no limit on clearing the Preliminary exam. The attempt is counted only if you appear in at least one paper of the Preliminary Examination.

Are candidates from EWS category given age relaxation?

No, as of the current rules, there is no age relaxation for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category. They get 10% reservation but must adhere to the general category age limit.

Can a person with a tattoo apply for IPS?

Yes, tattoos are generally allowed, provided they are not obscene or offensive. However, for services like the IPS, the tattoo's location and size might be scrutinized during the medical examination. A tattoo on the saluting limb (e.g., forearm of the right hand) is usually a disqualifier.

What are the physical standards required for UPSC?

Detailed physical standards are specified for technical services like IPS, IRPS, etc. For non-technical services like IAS, candidates just need to be in good mental and physical health. The specific requirements are detailed in the official exam notification.

Does percentage in graduation matter for UPSC?

No, UPSC does not specify a minimum percentage requirement for graduation. A candidate only needs to possess a valid degree from a recognized university.

Can an NRI apply for the IAS or IPS?

A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) is an Indian citizen and is therefore eligible for all services, including IAS and IPS. However, other categories like a subject of Nepal/Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee are not eligible for IAS, IPS, and IFS.

Is there a 'creamy layer' concept for SC/ST reservations in UPSC?

No, the 'creamy layer' concept is applicable only to the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category to exclude the more affluent members. There is no such distinction for SC/ST candidates for the purpose of reservation in the Civil Services Examination.