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| UPSC Eligibility Criteria IAS Exam |
UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025: Comprehensive
Guide to IAS Age Limit, Qualifications, Nationality, and Attempts
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Civil |
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.
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Topics
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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:
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Age Limit |
21 to 32 |
|
Educational Qualification |
Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university |
|
Nationality |
Indian |
|
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 |
10 years |
42 years |
|
Ex-servicemen |
5 years (subject to conditions) |
Varies by category |
|
ECO/SSCO |
5 years |
Varies by |
Special Scenarios:
- Cumulative age relaxations apply for candidates belonging to
multiple eligible categories. - 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:
- 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. - Professional Qualifications:
Degrees like MBBS, BE, or other technical/professional qualifications
recognized by the government are eligible. - 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 |
|
PwBD (General/OBC) |
9 |
|
PwBD |
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
- Candidates already appointed to the IAS/IFS based on earlier exams
cannot apply for the same service. - 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)
- What is the age limit for General category candidates?
- The age limit is 21 to 32 years.
- Are there any relaxations for female candidates?
- No specific relaxations are provided based solely on gender.
- What is the educational qualification required for the UPSC exam?
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- How many attempts are allowed for OBC candidates?
- OBC candidates can attempt the exam up to 9 times.
- Can final-year students apply?
- Yes, final-year students can apply for the Preliminary exam but
must provide proof of passing before the Mains. - 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