The first step is cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), one of India’s toughest competitive exams. But before diving into preparation, you must check if you meet the UPSC CSE eligibility criteria for 2025.
This guide breaks down everything age limits, educational qualifications, number of attempts, and relaxations so you don’t miss a thing. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a working professional, knowing these rules can save you from last-minute surprises. Let’s get started!
Key Highlights 🎯
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Minimum Age | 21 years (as of August 1, 2025) |
| Maximum Age (General) | 32 years |
| Age Relaxation | OBC (+3), SC/ST (+5), PwBD (+10) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (final-year students can apply) |
| Number of Attempts (General) | 6 attempts |
| Nationality | Indian (for IAS/IPS), exceptions for other services |
| Physical Standards | Required for IPS, IRTS, etc. |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CSE Age Limit 2025 📅
Your age is a make-or-break factor for UPSC. The commission calculates it as of August 1, 2025. Here’s the breakdown:
Category-wise Age Limits
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General | 21 | 32 |
| OBC | 21 | 35 (32 + 3) |
| SC/ST | 21 | 37 (32 + 5) |
| PwBD | 21 | 42 (32 + 10) |
| Ex-Servicemen | 21 | 37 (General), 40 (OBC), 42 (SC/ST) |
Real-life example:
- Rahul (General category, DOB: July 15, 1993) turns 32 on July 15, 2025. Since UPSC counts age as of August 1, he can apply for UPSC 2025.
- Priya (OBC, DOB: January 10, 1990) will be 35 years, 7 months by August 1, 2025—too old to apply.
Educational Qualification 🎓
You don’t need a fancy degree—just a recognized bachelor’s degree. Here’s what counts:
| Qualification Status | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Graduation Completed | Eligible |
| Final Year Student | Can apply for Prelims (must submit proof before Mains) |
| MBBS (Internship Pending) | Provisional eligibility (degree required before interview) |
| Distance/Online Degree | Valid if recognized by UGC/AICTE |
Expert Insight:
“Many candidates worry about their stream—Arts, Science, or Engineering. UPSC doesn’t discriminate. What matters is how well you prepare.”
— Dr. Anuj Jindal, UPSC Mentor
Number of Attempts 🔄
UPSC allows limited attempts based on category:
| Category | Maximum Attempts | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General | 6 | 32 |
| OBC | 9 | 35 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited | 37 |
| PwBD (General/OBC) | 9 | 42 |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | Unlimited | 42 |
Pro Tip:
An attempt is counted only if you appear for Prelims. Just filling the form doesn’t count!
Nationality & Physical Standards 🇮🇳
Who Can Apply?
| Service | Eligible Candidates |
|---|---|
| IAS, IPS | Indian citizens only |
| IFS | Indian citizens (exceptions for some refugees) |
| IRS, IRTS | Indian/Nepalese/Bhutanese/Tibetan refugees (pre-1962) |
Physical Requirements (For IPS, IRTS)
| Parameter | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm | 150 cm |
| Chest (Men only) | 84 cm (expansion: 5 cm) | – |
| Vision | 6/6 or 6/9 correctable | Same |
Fun Fact:
Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi (5’3″) got a height relaxation—proving exceptions exist!
Age Relaxations & Exceptions 🛠️
UPSC offers extra relaxations for:
- Defense personnel (5 years if served 5+ years)
- Disabled veterans (additional 3 years)
- PwBD + OBC/SC/ST (cumulative relaxation)
Example:
- Ajay (OBC + Ex-serviceman) gets 3 (OBC) + 5 (Ex-serviceman) = 8 years relaxation.
- Meena (SC + PwBD) gets 5 (SC) + 10 (PwBD) = 15 years relaxation!
Final Checklist Before Applying ✅
Before hitting “Submit,” cross-verify:
✔ Age as of August 1, 2025
✔ Graduation proof (or final-year certificate)
✔ Category certificate (if applicable)
✔ Number of attempts left
✔ Physical fitness (for IPS/IRTS)
Mistake to Avoid:
Many candidates miss the age cut-off by a month—always double-check dates!
Meera Patel is an education consultant specializing in exam results and admit cards. With a Master’s in Education and 6+ years of experience, Meera loves helping students achieve their goals. She enjoys reading and practicing meditation.
