UPSC Exam Age Limit 2026 is officially set at 21 to 32 years for General and EWS category candidates as on 1 August 2026 (born not earlier than 2 August 1994 and not later than 1 August 2005). The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 notification on 4 February 2026, clearly defining the age limit, category-wise relaxations, number of attempts, and full eligibility rules.
This page gives you the complete, verified UPSC age limit 2026 details with easy-to-read tables, step-by-step eligibility check, and direct official links so you can confirm your eligibility instantly and focus on preparation for Prelims 2026 (scheduled on 24 May 2026).
UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria 2026 (Overview Table)
| UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria 2026 | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years |
| Age Relaxation | OBC – 3 years, SC/ST – 5 years, PwBD – 10 years |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Graduation |
| Number of Attempts | General/EWS – 6, OBC/PwBD – 9, SC/ST – Unlimited |
| Nationality | Citizen of India (primarily) |
UPSC Exam Age Limit 2026
For the UPSC Exam Age Limit 2026, General and EWS category candidates must have attained 21 years and must not have attained 32 years as on 1 August 2026.
Birth date range: 2 August 1994 to 1 August 2005.
UPSC Age Relaxation 2026 Category Wise
| Category | Minimum Age | Relaxation | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 21 Years | No Relaxation | 32 Years |
| OBC | 21 Years | +3 Years | 35 Years |
| SC/ST | 21 Years | +5 Years | 37 Years |
| PwBD (Blind, Deaf-mute, Orthopedically handicapped) | 21 Years | +10 Years | 42 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (Discharged due to disability) General | 21 Years | +3 Years | 35 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (Discharged due to disability) OBC | 21 Years | +6 Years (3+3) | 38 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (Discharged due to disability) SC/ST | 21 Years | +8 Years (3+5) | 40 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (After 5 years of service) General | 21 Years | +5 Years | 37 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (After 5 years of service) OBC | 21 Years | +8 Years (5+3) | 40 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen (After 5 years of service) SC/ST | 21 Years | +10 Years (5+5) | 42 Years |
UPSC Qualification & Educational Eligibility 2026
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a Government-recognised university or an equivalent qualification. Final-year students and those awaiting results can apply for Prelims but must submit proof of passing before the Mains examination. Professional and technical qualifications recognised by the Government are also accepted. Medical students who have passed final-year MBBS but not completed internship can apply with a completion certificate.
UPSC Nationality Criteria
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For IAS, IPS and IFS: Candidate must be a citizen of India.
-
For all other services: Citizen of India, or Nepal, or Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962, or person of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan or Tibetan refugees must furnish an eligibility certificate issued by the Government of India.
Number of Attempts in UPSC 2026
- General / EWS: 6 attempts
- OBC: 9 attempts
- SC / ST: Unlimited attempts (till upper age limit)
- PwBD: Same as their base category (9 for General/OBC PwBD, unlimited for SC/ST PwBD)
Restrictions on Applying for the UPSC Exam
Candidates already appointed to IAS or IFS on the basis of a previous examination and currently serving are not eligible. Candidates serving as IPS officers cannot opt for IPS service again in this examination.
UPSC Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates must meet the physical and medical standards prescribed in Appendix-III of the official notification. Certain services like IPS have additional requirements for height, chest girth, and eyesight. All selected candidates undergo a detailed medical test before final appointment.
How to Check Your Eligibility for UPSC 2026
1. Verify your date of birth against the UPSC Exam Age Limit 2026 table above.
2. Confirm your category and applicable relaxation.
3. Check educational qualification and number of attempts used.
4. Download the official notification for complete rules.
