UPSC Age Limit 2026: Eligibility, Qualification, and Number of Attempts

To appear in the UPSC Civil Services Prelims and Main exam, candidates must fulfill the prescribed eligibility criteria set by the UPSC. Those candidates targeting UPSC 2026, understanding the eligibility criteria, age limits, educational qualification, and number of attempts is crucial before beginning preparation.

In this blog, we provide a complete breakdown of the UPSC CSE eligibility norms, including age limit, qualification requirements, and attempt limits across different categories.

UPSC Age Limit 2026

The age limit for UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 remains the same as previous years unless officially notified otherwise. The minimum and maximum age limits are defined as follows:

➤ Minimum Age:

• 21 years as of 1st August 2026

➤ Maximum Age:

Note: The candidate must not have attained the maximum age limit by 1st August 2026.

Educational Qualification for UPSC 2026

To appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates must fulfill the following educational requirements:

➤ Minimum Qualification:

• A Bachelor’s Degree (graduate degree) from a recognized university.

➤ Additional Notes:

• Final year students can apply for the Preliminary Exam, but they must produce proof of passing the degree examination before the Mains Examination.
• There is no specific minimum percentage required in graduation.

Number of Attempts in UPSC 2026

UPSC restricts the number of attempts a candidate can take based on their category:

Category Wise Number of Attempts

⚠️ Attempt is counted only if the candidate appears in the Prelims Exam.

Nationality Criteria

To be eligible for various civil services posts:

➤ For IAS, IPS:

• Candidate must be a citizen of India.

➤ For Other Services:

• Must be either:
  • Citizen of India
  • Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
  • Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962
  • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India

Other Key Points to Remember

• UPSC Notification 2026 is expected to be released on January 14, 2026.
• Preliminary Exam is likely to be conducted in May 24, 2026.
• Always verify eligibility through the official notification on the UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in

UPSC’s eligibility criteria are strict and non-negotiable. Therefore, aspirants targeting UPSC 2026 must plan their preparation keeping these factors in mind. Ensuring you meet the age limit, educational qualifications, and attempt restrictions will help you avoid last-minute disqualifications and focus entirely on your preparation.

If you are eligible, start your journey today with consistent preparation, expert guidance, and the right strategy!