Are you a beginner aspiring to become an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer? One of the first and most crucial steps in your UPSC journey is understanding the eligibility criteria, especially the age limit. At Fortune IAS Academy, we believe clarity from the start prevents disappointment later. This comprehensive guide covers everything General category candidates need to know about UPSC age limits, attempts, and relaxation rules.
The UPSC sets specific age criteria to ensure a standardised and fair selection process for India’s prestigious civil services, including the IAS, IPS, and IFS. Misunderstanding these rules can mean missing your chance, so let’s clarify them.
For beginners, here are the fundamental age criteria you must know:
Criteria | Rule for General Category |
Minimum Age | 21 years as of August 1st of the exam year. |
Maximum Age | 32 years as of August 1st of the exam year. |
Number of Attempts | 6 attempts (until the age limit is reached). |
For the UPSC CSE 2026 cycle, you must be at least 21 years old and not older than 32 years as of 1st August 2026 to be eligible under the General category.
The “6 attempts” rule is often a source of confusion. Remember:
* An attempt is counted only when you appear for the Preliminary Examination. Merely filling out the application form does not count.
* The attempt limit is linked to the age limit. A General Category candidate can appear a maximum of 6 times, but only until they turn 32.
While this guide focuses on the General category, it’s helpful to know the relaxations provided to others. This table gives you a complete picture:
Category | Upper Age Relaxation | Maximum Age Limit | Number of Attempts |
General / EWS | No Relaxation | 32 years | 6 |
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years | 35 years | 9 |
SC / ST | 5 years | 37 years | Unlimited (until age limit) |
PwBD (General) | 10 years | 42 years | 9 |
PwBD (OBC) | 13 years | 45 years | 9 |
PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years | 47 years | Unlimited (until age limit) |
Defence Services Personnel | Up to 3 years | 35 years for Gen | Varies by category |
Ex-Servicemen | Service period + 3 years | 32 + Service Period | Varies by category |
Note for Beginners: If you belong to a reserved category, ensure you have a valid central government certificate to claim relaxation.
Some circumstances grant extra attempts or age relaxation. Key ones include:
Professional Tip: Always refer to the official UPSC notification for the year you are applying. It is the final authority on all eligibility norms.
Q1: My birthday is in September. I will be 21 in September, but the exam is in August. Am I eligible?
> No. You must be 21 years old on or before 1st August of the exam year. You would have to wait for the next cycle.
Q2: I am 32 years and 5 months old on 1st August. Am I eligible?
> Yes. The rule specifies “not more than 32 years,” meaning you are eligible as long as you have not turned 33 by 1st August.
Q3: Do my attempts get reset if I change my category (e.g., from General to OBC)?
> No. Your attempts are calculated per category. Previous attempts as a General candidate remain counted. However, you gain the higher age limit and attempt count of the OBC category from that point forward.
Q4: Where can I find the official notification?
> Visit the UPSC’s official website: https://www.upsc.gov.in.
The notification is usually released in February each year.
Understanding the age limit is just the first step in your UPSC journey. At Fortune IAS Academy, we guide you through the entire process:
Begin your journey with clarity and confidence. Book a counselling session with our experts at Fortune IAS Academy today to chart a winning strategy tailored to your eligibility.
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For a General Category UPSC aspirant, the window is 21 to 32 years with 6 attempts. Use this window wisely. Start early, prepare strategically, and remember that understanding the rules is the foundation of a successful attempt.
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