UPSC Eligibility Criteria with Attempts for IAS Exam

UPSC Eligibility Criteria IAS Exam

UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025: Comprehensive Guide to IAS Age Limit, Qualifications, Nationality, and Attempts

UPSC Update 2025: Civil Services and Indian Forest Service (Preliminary): Both are scheduled for May 25, 2025, making it crucial for candidates targeting these prestigious exams to start early preparation.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious exams in India. With lakhs of aspirants competing every year, becoming a civil servant is not just a career goal but a dream for many. However, to pursue this dream, one must meet the UPSC eligibility criteria. This guide provides a detailed overview of the UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025 to help you understand if you are eligible to appear for the IAS exam.

 

Topics Covered: Overview of UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025 Nationality Requirements Age Limit and Relaxations Educational Qualifications Number of Attempts Restrictions on Applying Medical and Physical Standards

 

Why Eligibility Criteria Matter

Before embarking on your UPSC journey, understanding the eligibility criteria is critical. The factors include age limit, educational qualifications, and the number of attempts, which serve as checkpoints to assess your readiness and timing for the exam.

Let’s dive into the details of each criterion.

 

1. UPSC IAS Exam Eligibility Criteria Overview

The official notification for UPSC CSE 2025, released on 22nd January 2025, provides all necessary details regarding eligibility. Below is a summary:

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Criteria	Details
Age Limit	21 to 32 years (as of 1st August 2025)
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Nationality	Indian citizens (with specific provisions for certain other groups, as detailed below)
Number of Attempts	General: 6; OBC: 9; SC/ST: Unlimited (subject to upper age limit)

 

2. Nationality Requirements

To be eligible for UPSC CSE, candidates must fulfill the following nationality conditions:

• For IAS, IPS, and IFS: Only Indian citizens are eligible.
• For other services: Candidates must either be:
• A citizen of India,
• A subject of Nepal or Bhutan,
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement, or
• A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or certain East African countries with the intention of permanent settlement in India.

Note: Candidates falling under the last three categories must possess a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

 

3. Age Limit and Relaxations

General Age Limit

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: 32 years (as of 1st August 2025)
• Candidates must have been born between 2nd August 1993 and 1st August 2004.

Category-wise Age Relaxations

Category	Age Relaxation	Upper Age Limit
OBC	3 years	35 years
SC/ST	5 years	37 years
PwBD (Persons with Disabilities)	10 years	42 years
Ex-servicemen	5 years (subject to conditions)	Varies by category
ECO/SSCO (Emergency Commissioned Officers/Short Service Commissioned Officers)	5 years (specific cases)	Varies by category

Special Scenarios:

1. Cumulative age relaxations apply for candidates belonging to multiple eligible categories.
2. Ex-servicemen and PwBD candidates must provide relevant certificates to claim relaxations.

 

4. Educational Qualifications

To apply for UPSC CSE 2025, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from:

• A recognized university incorporated under an Act of Parliament or State Legislature, or
• An institution declared to be a deemed university under Section-3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

Key Points to Note:

1. Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of graduation can apply for the Preliminary exam but must provide proof of passing before the Mains.
2. Professional Qualifications: Degrees like MBBS, BE, or other technical/professional qualifications recognized by the government are eligible.
3. Exception: Candidates without a conventional degree but possessing qualifications equivalent to graduation, approved by the UPSC, may also apply.

 

5. Number of Attempts

The maximum number of attempts for different categories is:

Category	Attempts Allowed
General	6
OBC	9
SC/ST	Unlimited (subject to age limit)
PwBD (General/OBC)	9
PwBD (SC/ST)	Unlimited

Important Notes:

• An attempt is counted when the candidate appears for the Preliminary exam.
• Candidates exceeding the maximum number of attempts or the upper age limit are not eligible.

 

6. Restrictions on Applying

1. Candidates already appointed to the IAS/IFS based on earlier exams cannot apply for the same service.
2. Candidates serving in the IPS cannot opt for the IPS again in subsequent attempts.

 

7. Medical and Physical Standards

Candidates must meet specific medical and physical standards as prescribed in Appendix-III of the official notification. These standards ensure that the candidate is fit to handle the responsibilities of a civil servant. A medical examination will be conducted before the final selection.

Key Points:

• PwBD candidates need to provide a government-approved disability certificate.
• Standards vary depending on the service opted for.

 

Conclusion

Understanding the UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025 is crucial before you begin your preparation. This comprehensive guide outlines the age limit, educational qualifications, nationality, number of attempts, and more. By ensuring you meet all the criteria, you can focus entirely on your preparation journey.

The UPSC CSE is challenging, but with clarity about the requirements and a disciplined approach, success is achievable. Best of luck!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the age limit for General category candidates?
• The age limit is 21 to 32 years.
2. Are there any relaxations for female candidates?
• No specific relaxations are provided based solely on gender.
3. What is the educational qualification required for the UPSC exam?
• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
4. How many attempts are allowed for OBC candidates?
• OBC candidates can attempt the exam up to 9 times.
5. Can final-year students apply?
• Yes, final-year students can apply for the Preliminary exam but must provide proof of passing before the Mains.
6. Is there a minimum percentage required in graduation?
• No minimum percentage is required to appear for the exam.

 

Also Read: List of Exams Conducted by UPSC