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he UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of India’s most competitive exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates aspiring to join services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and others must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria cover aspects like nationality, age, educational qualification, and the number of attempts allowed.
Below is the updated eligibility criteria for UPSC CSE:
To be eligible for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, candidates must satisfy one of the following nationality conditions:
1. Indian Citizen: The candidate must be a citizen of India.
2. Nepal/Bhutan Citizens: Candidates from Nepal or Bhutan are eligible to apply.
3. Tibetan Refugees: Candidates of Tibetan origin who came to India before January 1, 1962, and intend to permanently settle in India.
4. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO): Candidates who have migrated from countries like Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam) with the intention of permanently settling in India.
The age limit is one of the most important eligibility criteria. The age of the candidate must be within the specified range on August 1 of the examination year. The minimum age for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is 21 years. The maximum age limit depends on the candidate’s category and is as follows:
1. The minimum age limit for candidates is 21 years.
2. The maximum age limit varies based on the category:
3. General category: 32 years
4. OBC (Other Backward Classes): 35 years
5. SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes): 37 years
6. Defense Services Personnel, disabled in operations during hostilities: 35 years
7. Ex-servicemen including commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs: 37 years
8. Candidates domiciled in Jammu and Kashmir from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1989: 37 years
9. Physically disabled candidates (blind, deaf-mute, locomotor disability): 42 years
To be eligible for the UPSC CSE, candidates must meet the following educational criteria:
1. Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from any recognized university.
2. Final Year Students: Candidates who are in the final year of their degree course or awaiting results are also eligible to apply. However, they must provide proof of passing the exam at the time of applying for the Mains exam.
1. General category: 6 attempts
2. OBC category: 9 attempts
3. SC/ST category: Unlimited attempts till the upper age limit
Note that attempts are counted only if the candidate has appeared in the exam and at least one paper. Candidates who withdraw from the exam will not be counted as having used an attempt.
There are specific medical standards for certain services like the Indian Police Service (IPS), which candidates must meet. These standards are evaluated at the time of the Medical Examination or Interview stage.
Candidates with physical disabilities (e.g., blindness, locomotor disabilities, or hearing impairments) are eligible to apply for civil services, but some services may be restricted based on the nature of the disability. It is important for such candidates to check specific service requirements outlined by UPSC.
Candidates belonging to certain categories are eligible for relaxations in age and the number of attempts:
1. OBC candidates get a 3-year age relaxation.
2. SC/ST candidates get a 5-year age relaxation.
3. Physically disabled candidates enjoy a 10-year relaxation in the upper age limit.
4. Ex-servicemen and defense personnel may be eligible for a relaxation in age and attempts, depending on the type of service and disability.
1. Refer to the Official Notification: Candidates should carefully read the official UPSC notification for the year they intend to apply to ensure that there are no changes or updates in the eligibility criteria or age limits.
2. Permanent Residency of Jammu and Kashmir: If applying for age relaxation under the Jammu and Kashmir domicile criteria, candidates must provide appropriate documentation.
3. Medical Fitness: Some services (especially IPS) require candidates to meet specific medical standards, including vision and physical fitness tests.