UPSC Civil Services Examination — Age Eligibility Table
Age limits as per recent official notifications. Always verify from the current year's notification.
| Category |
Min Age |
Max Age |
Attempts |
| General | 21 | 32 | 6 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 21 | 35 | 9 |
| SC / ST | 21 | 37 | Unlimited |
| PwBD (General/OBC) | 21 | 42 | 9 |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 21 | 42 | Unlimited |
| Ex-Servicemen (General/OBC) | 21 | 37 | 6/9 |
| J&K Domicile (General) | 21 | 37 | 6 |
Age calculated as of: 1 August of the exam year. Qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Final-year graduates can also apply.
About UPSC Civil Services Examination Age Eligibility
The age limit for UPSC Civil Services Examination is strictly enforced. Unlike marks or qualifications, there is no provision for relaxation beyond the stated limits (except for reserved categories as tabulated above). Missing the eligibility window by even one day means you cannot apply.
Your age is counted as of 1 August of the exam year. This means it is the age you are on that date that matters — not the date you fill the form or the date of the exam.
Important reminder
Age limits change with each official notification. Use this calculator to get an estimate, but always verify your eligibility from the official UPSC CSE notification published on the official website.
Also useful for UPSC CSE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UPSC CSE age limit for general category?
The general category age limit for UPSC Civil Services Examination is 21 to 32 years as of 1 August of the exam year. You must be at least 21 but not have turned 32 before 2 August of the exam year.
How many attempts are allowed for UPSC CSE?
General category: 6 attempts. OBC: 9 attempts. SC/ST: unlimited attempts (up to the age limit). PwBD (General/OBC): 9 attempts. PwBD (SC/ST): unlimited.
What is the cut-off date for UPSC CSE age calculation?
UPSC calculates your age as of 1 August of the exam year. If you are applying for UPSC CSE 2025, your age is calculated on 1 August 2025.
What is the UPSC qualification requirement?
A bachelor's degree from a recognised university in any subject. Final-year students waiting for results can also apply, but must furnish proof at the time of interview/DAF filling.
Can I apply for UPSC CSE at 21?
Yes. The minimum age is 21 years as on 1 August of the exam year. If you turn 21 on or before 1 August of the year the exam is held, you are eligible.
Does age relaxation apply automatically for OBC/SC/ST?
No. You must claim your category at the time of application and submit a valid caste certificate during the document verification stage. Without the certificate, the relaxation is not granted.
What is the age limit for UPSC NDA?
UPSC NDA has a separate age limit: candidates must be between 16.5 and 19.5 years on the first day of the month in which the course commences. This is different from UPSC CSE.