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UPSC Age Limit 2026 is a key eligibility criteria for candidates aspiring to appear for the Civil Services Examination, which opens doors to esteemed roles such as IAS, IPS, and IFS. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the age requirements, relaxation provisions, number of permissible attempts, and other critical eligibility conditions for the UPSC CSE 2026.
UPSC Age Limit 2026
UPSC Age Limit 2026 outlines the essential eligibility criteria for candidates aspiring to appear in the Civil Services Examination. It provides a concise summary of key requirements, including the minimum and maximum age limits, the total number of attempts allowed, educational qualifications, and nationality standards. This information helps aspirants quickly assess their eligibility before submitting an application. Age eligibility is determined based on the candidate’s age as of 1st August 2026.
UPSC Age Limit 2026 Summary
The table below discussing the UPSC Age Limit 2026 have been provided for candidates preparing for the UPSC CSE Exam 2026.
UPSC Age Limit 2026 Summary | |
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Age | 21 years as of 1st August 2026 |
| Maximum Age (General) | 32 years as of 1st August 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Nationality | Indian citizen (specific provisions for certain services) |
| Number of Attempts |
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| Application Mode | Online through the official UPSC website(upsc.gov.in) |
| Exam Stages |
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UPSC Age Limit 2026 Category-wise
The UPSC Age Limit 2026 is determined based on the candidate’s age as of 1st August 2026. While the minimum age requirement is consistent across categories, the maximum age limit varies depending on the candidate’s category, with specific relaxations provided to certain categories to ensure inclusivity.
UPSC Age Limit 2026 Category-wise Breakdown | |||
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
| General/EWS | 21 years | 32 years | No |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 21 years | 35 years | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 21 years | 37 years | 5 years |
| PwBD (General/EWS) | 21 years | 42 years | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 21 years | 45 years | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 21 years | 47 years | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | 21 years | 37 years | 5 years |
| Defence Personnel disabled in duty | 21 years | 35–37 years | 3–5 years |
Number of Attempts for UPSC CSE 2026
Apart from meeting the age criteria, the number of attempts allowed plays a vital role in determining a candidate’s eligibility for UPSC CSE 2026. Knowing your attempt limit is essential for planning your preparation and exam strategy effectively.
Number of Attempts Allowed in UPSC CSE 2026 | |
| Category | Number of Attempts |
| General/EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (until age limit) |
| PwBD (General/EWS/OBC) | 9 |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | Unlimited (until age limit) |
Educational Qualifications for UPSC CSE 2026
Candidates must fulfill certain educational criteria to be eligible for UPSC CSE 2026. A recognized bachelor’s degree from any discipline is mandatory. Final-year students can also apply, provided they submit proof of graduation before the Mains exam.
Educational Qualification Criteria for UPSC CSE 2026 | |
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Qualification | Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university |
| Final Year Students | Eligible if proof of degree is submitted before the Mains Examination |
| Technical/Professional Degrees | Accepted if recognized by the Government of India |
| Distance Education Degrees | Valid if approved by UGC/AICTE |
Nationality Criteria for UPSC CSE 2026
Nationality is a key eligibility requirement for UPSC CSE 2026, determining who can apply for various services. Most posts require the candidate to be an Indian citizen.
Nationality Requirements for UPSC CSE 2026 | |
| Service | Nationality Requirement |
| IAS and IPS | Must be a citizen of India |
| Other Civil Services | Citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee (before 1st Jan 1962), or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India |
Physical and Medical Standards for IPS, RPF
Candidates are required to fulfill specific physical and medical standards for certain UPSC services, particularly IPS, RPF, and other uniformed roles. These standards include criteria like height, vision, and physical endurance.
Physical Standards Requirements for IPS, RPF | |
| Service | Requirements |
| IPS | Specific height, chest measurements, and vision standards |
| RPF/IRTS | Physical endurance tests and medical fitness assessments |
| Other Services | General good health without any disabling conditions |
FAQs on UPSC Age Limit 2026
What is the age limit for General category candidates in UPSC CSE 2026?
General category candidates must be between 21 and 32 years as of 1st August 2026.
How many attempts are allowed for OBC candidates under UPSC Age Limit 2026?
OBC candidates are allowed 9 attempts up to the age of 35 years.
Are there unlimited attempts for SC/ST candidates under UPSC Age Limit 2026?
Yes, SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts until the age of 37 years.
Can final-year students apply for UPSC 2026?
Yes, final-year students can apply, but they must submit proof of graduation before the Mains Examination.
Are there specific physical requirements for all UPSC posts?
No, only certain services like IPS, RPF, and IRTS have specific physical and medical standards.
