Dreaming of becoming an IAS, IPS, or IFS officer? The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) 2025 is your gateway to India’s most prestigious administrative roles. But before diving into preparation, you need to know the eligibility criteria, age limit, and educational qualifications. Miss any detail, and your application could get rejected. 😟 This guide breaks down everything—UPSC age relaxations, attempts, degree requirements, and even real-life stories of candidates who cracked the exam. Let’s make sure you’re fully prepared!
Key Highlights 📌
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Exam Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
| Conducting Body | UPSC |
| Minimum Age | 21 years |
| Maximum Age | 32 years (General) |
| Age Relaxation | OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), PwBD (10 years) |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline |
| Number of Attempts | General (6), OBC (9), SC/ST (Unlimited) |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
Who Can Apply? UPSC CSE 2025 Eligibility Criteria 🎯
1. Nationality Requirements
To apply for IAS & IPS, you must be an Indian citizen. For other services like IFS, certain conditions apply:
| Service | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service (IAS) | Indian Citizen |
| Indian Police Service (IPS) | Indian Citizen |
| Indian Foreign Service (IFS) | Indian Citizen or subject of Nepal/Bhutan |
| Other Services | Indian Citizen, OCI, or Nepal/Bhutan subject |
2. Educational Qualification
You need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Even final-year students can apply, but they must submit proof of passing before the UPSC mains exam.
Pro Tip:
“Many toppers hold degrees in humanities, but engineers and doctors also clear UPSC. Your subject doesn’t limit you—strategy does.”
—Shruti Sharma, AIR 1 (2021)
UPSC Age Limit & Relaxations 🗓
The UPSC age limit varies by category. Here’s the breakdown:
| Category | Upper Age Limit | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|
| General | 32 years | – |
| OBC | 35 years | +3 years |
| SC/ST | 37 years | +5 years |
| PwBD (General) | 42 years | +10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 37 years (varies) | Service period +3 years |
Real-Life Example:
- Roman Saini (Ex-IRS, now educator) cleared UPSC at 22—proving age is just a number if preparation is strong.
Number of Attempts Allowed 🔄
UPSC doesn’t let you take unlimited shots. Check your category-wise attempts:
| Category | Maximum Attempts |
|---|---|
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (till age limit) |
| PwBD (General/OBC) | 9 (OBC), 6 (General) |
Did You Know?
- Tina Dabi (AIR 1, 2015) cracked it in her first attempt—smart work beats endless retries.
Physical Standards for IPS & Allied Services 💪
If you’re aiming for IPS, IRPS, or CAPF, medical fitness matters.
| Requirement | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm | 150 cm |
| Chest (IPS) | 84 cm (expansion 5 cm) | Not applicable |
| Vision | 6/6 or 6/9 correctable | Same as male |
Expert Insight:
“Many aspirants ignore medical prep. Don’t wait till the interview—check fitness early.”
—Dr. A.K. Jha, UPSC Medical Board Consultant
Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected ❌
Even small errors can disqualify you. Avoid these blunders:
| Mistake | Why It’s Risky |
|---|---|
| Incorrect age/degree details | Instant rejection |
| Wrong category certificate | No relaxation benefits |
| Missing photo/signature | Form deemed incomplete |
| Exceeding attempts | Permanent disqualification |
Pro Tip: Double-check documents before uploading!
Final Checklist Before Applying ✅
Before hitting “Submit,” ensure you have:
| Document | Format |
|---|---|
| Scanned Photo | JPEG (10-40 KB) |
| Signature | JPEG (10-40 KB) |
| Degree Certificate | PDF (Under 1 MB) |
| Category Certificate (if applicable) | PDF (Under 1 MB) |
Neha Patel is a career guidance writer specializing in exam results and admit cards. With a Master’s in Human Resources and 8+ years of experience, Neha loves helping students navigate their academic journeys. She enjoys practicing yoga.
