UPSC Eligibility 2026 – Age Limit, Qualification, Attempts

UPSC eligibility

Before preparing for the Civil Services Examination, understanding the complete UPSC eligibility is essential. Candidates must meet specific criteria related to nationality, education, age, and attempts:

• Nationality: For IAS and IPS, only Indian citizens are eligible. Other services allow limited exceptions as per government rules.
• Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is mandatory. Final-year students may apply for Prelims but must present proof of qualification before the Mains.
• UPSC age limit (as on 1 August 2026):
  • General: 21 to 32 years
  • OBC: 21 to 35 years
  • SC/ST: 21 to 37 years
  • PwBD: Up to 42 years (with age relaxation)
• Number of Attempts:
  • General/EWS: 6
  • OBC and PwBD (General/OBC): 9
  • SC/ST and PwBD (SC/ST): Unlimited (within the age limit)

Aspirants must fulfill all conditions under the UPSC eligibility rules. Even a single discrepancy can result in cancellation at any stage.

IAS qualification

To qualify for the IAS, aspirants must go beyond eligibility. They must fulfill the following IAS qualification norms:

• Be a citizen of India
• Possess a valid graduate degree
• Fall within the specified UPSC age limit
• Successfully clear all three stages — Prelims, Mains, and Interview
• Be medically and physically fit for service (especially important for IPS and allied services)

The IAS qualification process tests intellect, integrity, leadership potential, and administrative aptitude. It’s not just about academic performance—it’s about proving you're capable of handling India’s toughest responsibilities.

UPSC age limit

The UPSC age limit is a decisive factor in eligibility. Here is the detailed age range and relaxation info:

• General Category: 21 to 32 years
• OBC: Up to 35 years
• SC/ST: Up to 37 years
• PwBD: Up to 42 years

Other relaxations may apply for:

• Ex-servicemen
• Defence services personnel disabled in operations
• Individuals from specific backward regions

Candidates must ensure their age is calculated as of 1 August 2026. Proper documentation (birth certificate, category certificate, etc.) is mandatory during verification.

UPSC criteria

Here’s a consolidated view of all major UPSC criteria for CSE 2026:

Always read the official UPSC notification carefully before applying.

Understanding the UPSC eligibility, especially the UPSC age limit, number of attempts, and IAS qualification criteria, is not just a formality — it’s the foundation of your preparation strategy. Many aspirants waste attempts or get disqualified due to misinterpreting basic rules.

Don’t let that be you.

With the right awareness and early action, you can prepare smarter and stay ahead. Now that you know the UPSC criteria inside out, the next step is clear — align your preparation with these rules and start building momentum. The clock is ticking for UPSC 2026 — plan, prepare, and perform with purpose.

UPSC Preparation Tips for Aspirants

• Begin your preparation with the 24 May 2026 date in mind.
• Keep checking the official UPSC website for any changes.
• Finish optional and GS Mains topics by mid-July to smoothly transition into writing practice.
• Set daily or weekly targets to ensure consistent progress across all sections.
• Regular revision is key. Incorporate daily and weekly revision slots into your schedule.
• Vision IAS offers a comprehensive Foundation Course for your guidance and practice. You can connect with us, and we shall help you achieve your dream with our state-of-the-art facilities.
• For Prelims-focused preparation, start attempting high-quality MCQs and full-length papers. The VisionIAS All India Prelims Test Series with Sandhan offers a curated mix of NCERT-based, advanced-level, and current affairs-based questions — helping you benchmark your performance at national level.
• Begin practicing answer writing early. Focus on structuring your answers, using relevant examples, and adhering to word limits. Explore VisionIAS resources such as the VisionIAS GS Mains Test Series to effectively practice your writing.
• If you're opting for self-paced preparation but want structured guidance, check out our mentoring programs like Lakshya and Daksha. These include personalized mentoring, strategic plans, performance tracking, and regular feedback to keep your preparation on track.

Watch: Art of Prelims 2026 Mastery through PYQs