UPSC Age Limit 2025, Eligibility, Qualifications, and Attempts

Key UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025

To appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:

Age Limit: Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old as of August 1, 2025. Relaxations apply to certain categories.
Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is mandatory. Final-year students can also apply, provided they submit proof of qualification by the Mains exam.
Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible for most services, with some exceptions for candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, and others.

Detailed UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025

1. Age Limit for UPSC CSE 2025

The age limit for UPSC CSE is 21 to 32 years for general category candidates. The key date for age calculation is August 1, 2025. Therefore, applicants must have been born between August 2, 1993, and August 1, 2004.

2. Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories

Candidates from specific categories can avail of age relaxation:

OBC (Other Backward Classes): 3 years
SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes): 5 years
PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): 10 years
Ex-Servicemen and ECO/SSCOs: Up to 5 years

Educational Qualification for UPSC 2025

To be eligible for UPSC CSE, candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university or institution. Even final-year students can apply, but they must submit proof of graduation at the time of the Mains exam.

Professional and Technical Qualifications: Candidates with equivalent qualifications recognized by the government are also eligible.
MBBS Candidates: Medical graduates who have completed their final MBBS year but have not yet finished their internship can apply, provided they submit a completion certificate from the university/institution during the Mains exam.

Nationality Requirements for UPSC CSE

Candidates must meet nationality criteria based on the civil services they wish to apply for:

For IAS, IPS, and IFS: Must be a citizen of India.
For Other Services: Must be one of the following:
- A citizen of India
- A citizen of Nepal or Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who settled in India before January 1, 1962
- A person of Indian origin (PIO) from certain countries, intending to settle in India.

UPSC Number of Attempts

The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC Civil Services Examination varies by category:

General/EWS: 6 attempts until the age of 32
OBC: 9 attempts until the age of 35
SC/ST: Unlimited attempts until the age of 37
PwBD: 9 attempts until the age of 42

Important Restrictions for UPSC Applicants

Previous Service Holders: Candidates who are already serving in IAS or IFS positions are not eligible to appear for the exam in the same year.
Serving IPS Officers: Candidates who are currently appointed as IPS officers cannot select the IPS option if they are reappearing for the exam.

Physical and Medical Standards for UPSC CSE

Candidates applying for certain services (like the IPS) must meet specific physical and medical standards, which include weight, height, and chest measurements. These standards are essential for candidates appearing for roles like District Police Officers or Indian Railway Services.

Non-technical services do not have strict physical requirements, but candidates must be physically fit and mentally stable.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria FAQs

1. What is the UPSC eligibility criteria?

Nationality: Indian citizen
Age Limit: 21–32 years (age relaxations apply)
Educational Qualification: Graduation or final-year students with a recognized degree

2. Will the UPSC age limit be reduced?

No, the government has not indicated any plans to reduce the age limit for UPSC CSE.

3. How many attempts are allowed in UPSC?

General/EWS: 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited attempts
PwBD: 9 attempts

4. Can a 12th-pass student apply for UPSC?

No, the minimum requirement is a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

5. Is there a minimum percentage requirement for graduation in UPSC?

No, there is no minimum percentage required. A degree from a recognized university is sufficient.

Meeting the UPSC eligibility criteria is the first step towards appearing for one of the most challenging and prestigious examinations in India. Make sure to check the official notification for any updates and ensure you meet all the requirements before applying.

Good luck with your UPSC preparation!