The UPSC age limit is one of the key eligibility criteria for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). Along with educational qualifications and nationality, age determines whether a candidate can apply. For aspirants aiming to crack the exam with proper guidance, choosing the best UPSC Coaching in India can make a big difference. This guide explains the UPSC exam age limit for different categories, attempt rules, relaxations, and what aspirants must know before applying.
Why Understanding Age Limit & Eligibility is Crucial
Knowing the UPSC age limit for general, OBC, SC, and other categories helps you:
Confirm whether you are eligible before investing time in preparation.
Plan attempt strategy—how many attempts you have left.
Time your preparation according to your category’s upper age limit.
To get the full picture of eligibility beyond age, check the Officers IAS Academy’s detailed UPSC eligibility criteria page.
Basic Age Rules for UPSC
Minimum age: 21 years (as of 1 August of the exam year).
Maximum age for General category: 32 years.
For OBC, SC/ST, and other reserved categories, age relaxation applies.
Category-Wise Age Limits & Attempts
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age / Relaxation | Number of Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 21 years | Up to 32 years | 6 |
| OBC | 21 years | Up to ~35 years | 9 |
| SC / ST | 21 years | Up to ~37 years | Unlimited (till max age) |
| PwBD General/OBC | 21 years | Further relaxation beyond base category | As per category |
| Ex-Servicemen / Defence Personnel | 21 years | Additional years depending on service condition | Category-based |
These age & attempt norms are part of the wide eligibility framework that also links to how the UPSC selection process works. For insight into how age, attempts, and stages tie together, see the Officers IAS Academy’s UPSC selection process page.
Specifics: UPSC Age Limit by Category
General Category
Must be between 21 and 32 years as on 1 August of that year.
Total allowed attempts: 6.
OBC (Other Backward Classes)
Relaxed upper age limit (up to ~35 years).
Attempts allowed: 9.
SC / ST (Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes)
Further age relaxation (up to ~37 years).
Unlimited attempts till the age limit.
Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD)
Larger relaxation in maximum age, depending on category (General/OBC/SC/ST).
Attempt limits align with respective categories.
Ex-Servicemen / Defence Personnel
Additional age relaxation beyond category limit, subject to fulfilment of service conditions.
Rules & Conditions Applicants Must Know
Age is always calculated as of 1 August of the exam year.
Having one day past the upper age limit makes you ineligible.
An “attempt” is counted if you appear in Prelims (even one paper).
Withdrawal of candidature does not count as an attempt.
Candidates must fulfil both age & attempt criteria together.
These rules interact with the syllabus, examination stages, and optional subject performance. For a view of how these components interplay, check the Officers IAS Academy’s UPSC syllabus page.
Misconceptions: “UPSC Age Limit 40 Years” & Other Myths
Some believe the UPSC age limit is 40 years—this is not true for General or OBC categories.
Only SC/ST + PwBD candidates may see effective eligibility beyond 40 (due to cumulative relaxations).
Always check latest notification for any updates.
Strategy for Those Approaching the Age Limit
If you are close to your category’s upper age limit, consider:
Prioritizing Prelims & CSAT practice to ensure clear passing.
Planning for Mains + taking optional subject decisions early.
Avoid letting attempts lapse—use them wisely.
Evaluating optional subjects well, since high scores in optional can influence overall rank. For options, see the Officers IAS Academy’s UPSC optional subjects list page.
How Age Limit Fits with the Exam Stages & Cut-Offs
The age eligibility is only one part. Even if you are within the age limit and have attempts left, performance matters:
You must clear Prelims (both GS & CSAT) to move forward.
Cut-offs differ yearly—staying aware helps. Officers IAS Academy’s UPSC cut-off trends in prelims CSAT vs GS is very helpful.
ASPIRANTS should align their study plan with the exam pattern. For structure, see the Officers IAS Academy’s UPSC exam pattern stages page.
Final Thoughts
The UPSC age limit sets not just who can apply, but also shapes how aspirants plan their journey. Whether you are in General, OBC, SC/ST, or other reserved categories, understanding your specific age limit, allowed attempts, and associated relaxations is necessary.
Age limit alone doesn’t guarantee success—it must be combined with strategy, consistent preparation, smart optional choice, and awareness of exam pattern.
For those also interested in long-term benefits like IAS officer compensation, comparing the age limit and eligibility rules with posts and service benefits can help you plan. Officers IAS Academy has info on IAS salary that complements this guide well.
FAQs about UPSC Age Limit
Q1. What is the UPSC age limit for general category?
It’s 21-32 years (on 1 August of the exam year), with a maximum of 6 attempts.
Q2. What is the UPSC age limit for OBC?
For OBC, it’s around 21-35 years, with 9 attempts.
Q3. Is there “UPSC age limit 40 years” for anyone?
SC/ST + PwBD candidates might cross 40 due to cumulative relaxations, but not General/OBC under normal category.
Q4. What is the UPSC age limit for SC / ST categories?
About 21-37 years, with unlimited attempts within that window.
Q5. Can ex-servicemen apply beyond age limit?
Yes, ex-servicemen/discharged defect personnel get certain relaxations depending on service and category.
Q6. How does age limit impact optional subject strategy?
Choosing optional early, because best preparation takes time—especially for those with fewer attempts ahead.
