If you’re aiming for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, staying updated on the official eligibility norms is your first step toward the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) gates.
UPSC Age Limit
The age of a candidate is calculated as of August 1, Every Year.
- Minimum Age: 21 Years
- Maximum Age: 32 Years (for General/EWS/OBC Creamy Layer)
Date of Birth Range (General/EWS/OBC Creamy Layer Category)
- Not earlier than: August 2, 1994
- Not later than: August 1, 2005
Category-wise Age Relaxation
| Category | Upper Age Limit | Total Relaxation |
| General / EWS/ OBC Creamy Layer | 32 Years | No relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 35 Years | 3 Years |
| SC / ST | 37 Years | 5 Years |
| PwBD (General/EWS/OBC) | 42 Years | 10 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 37 Years | 5 Years |
Note: Cumulative relaxation applies. For example, a candidate who is both OBC and PwBD can apply up to 45 years of age.
Number of Attempts
An “attempt” is counted only if you actually sit for at least one paper in the Preliminary Examination. Simply filling out the form does not count.
| Category | Max Attempts |
| General / EWS/OBC Creamy Layer | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| PwBD (General/OBC) | 9 |
| SC / ST | Unlimited (up to age limit) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | Unlimited (up to age limit) |
Educational Qualifications
To be eligible, you must meet the following:
- Degree: A Bachelor’s degree from any recognized university in any stream.
- Final Year Students: You can apply for Prelims if you are in your final year. However, you must produce proof of passing before filling out the Detailed Application Form (DAF) for the Mains.
- Professional Degrees: Candidates with MBBS, B.Tech, or B.E. are eligible. Medical students must complete their internship before the Interview stage.
Nationality Requirements
- For IAS and IPS: The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- For other services: A candidate can be a citizen of India, a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee (who came to India before January 1, 1962).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Does failing the CSAT paper count as an attempt? Yes. If you appear for Paper I (GS) or Paper II (CSAT), it is officially recorded as one attempt.
Q2. Are there any changes to the Optional Subject recently? As of the latest notification, there are no changes to the exam pattern; the Optional Subject remains a part of the Mains examination.
Q3. Can an already serving IPS officer appear for the exam?
Yes, a serving IPS officer can appear for the UPSC 2026 exam to aim for the IAS or IFS, but they are strictly prohibited from opting for the IPS again. Under the 2026 “Grandfather Clause,” they may appear without resigning this year, but from the 2028 cycle onwards, all serving officers must resign before applying.
Q4. Is there an attempt limit for EWS candidates? EWS candidates have the same attempt limit as the General category: 6 attempts.
