The UPSC Eligibility criteria are a crucial part of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination process. UPSC is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India, and knowing the eligibility requirements is the first step toward a successful attempt. The UPSC Eligibility 2025 will provide candidates with all the necessary details regarding the age limit, educational qualifications, number of attempts, nationality criteria, and physical standards required for the UPSC examination.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the UPSC IAS eligibility criteria, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the upcoming exam.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria Overview

The UPSC IAS eligibility criteria determine whether a candidate can apply for the exam. It covers factors such as age limit, educational qualification, number of attempts, nationality, and physical standards. The UPSC Eligibility for IAS is set based on these factors to ensure that only qualified and capable individuals can appear for the exam. The UPSC exam eligibility also includes specific regulations for various categories, such as SC/ST, OBC, and physically disabled candidates.

What is the UPSC Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025?

The UPSC exam eligibility criteria for the 2025 exam season include requirements related to educational qualifications, age limit, nationality, number of attempts, and physical fitness. Before applying for the exam, it is essential for candidates to understand these requirements and ensure they meet the necessary qualifications. The UPSC eligibility criteria are designed to filter out those who are most suited for the challenging journey of becoming an IAS officer.

Nationality for UPSC Civil Services Exam

(1) For the IAS, IFS, and IPS, a candidate must be a citizen of India.
(2) For other services, a candidate must be:—
(a) a citizen of India, or
(b) a subject of Nepal, or
(c) a subject of Bhutan, or
(d) a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January, 1962 intending to settle permanently, or
(e) a person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia) and Vietnam intending to settle permanently in India.

Provided that candidates in categories (b), (c), (d), and (e) must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.
Note- Candidates requiring this certificate may appear for the examination, but appointments will be made only after the certificate is issued.

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria Age Limit

One of the significant components of the UPSC eligibility is the age limit. The UPSC IAS age limit is defined for general candidates as 21 years to 32 years. The age is calculated as of the 1st August of the examination year. However, there are age relaxations for certain categories, which make the age limit more flexible for candidates from specific backgrounds.

UPSC Age Limit Relaxations for ST/SC/OBC

The UPSC eligibility age limit offers relaxations for candidates belonging to reserved categories. The age limit relaxation is as follows:

• SC/ST candidates: 5 years (i.e., the upper age limit is 37 years)
• OBC candidates: 3 years (i.e., the upper age limit is 35 years)
• PwD candidates: 10 years for general candidates, 13 years for OBC candidates, and 15 years for SC/ST candidates

It is essential to note that these relaxations are applicable only if the candidates have valid caste certificates.

UPSC IAS Updated Age Limit Summary

UPSC Age Limit Relaxations for ST/SC/OBC

1. The candidates who belong to SC or ST category, there is an age relaxation of up to a maximum of 5 years.  
2. For OBC category, the age relaxation is up to a maximum of 3 years.  
3. In case you are Defence Services personnel and got disabled while in combat with a hostile foreign country or in a disturbed area and are released, an age relaxation of up to a maximum of 3 years is given.  
4. For applicants who are an ex-serviceman, Commissioned Officer, or SSCO/ECO, having served 5 years in the Military and are released, there is an age relaxation of 5 years.  
   1. This holds true for completion of service assignments, including the ones that are due to be completed within a year from the 1st of August 2025, other than the way of discharge or dismissal on account of inefficiency or misconduct, or on account of being physically disabled due to military service, or on being invalid.  
   2. A 5-year relaxation is given if you are an ECO/SSCO having completed an initial assignment period of 5 years of military service as of the 1st of August 2025, but the assignment has been extended beyond the 5 years period.  
   3. In such cases the Ministry of Defence issues certificates through which you can apply for civil employment. Through them, you can be released on a 3 months’ notice period in case of selection, from the date of receipt of the appointment offer.  
5. In case you are a candidate from PwBD category, i.e., deaf-mute, or blind, or orthopedically handicapped person, relaxation up to a maximum of 10 years is granted.   

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria Educational Qualification

One of the most crucial elements of the UPSC eligibility criteria is the minimum educational qualification. According to the UPSC IAS eligibility guidelines, candidates must possess at least a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The degree can be in any discipline, and there is no specific requirement for the subject of study.

What Degree is Required for UPSC Exam?

There is no specific requirement for which degree is required for the UPSC exam eligibility. Any candidate with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, irrespective of their field of study, can apply for the UPSC exam. The degree can be in arts, commerce, science, engineering, law, or any other discipline.

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria Number of Attempts

The number of attempts a candidate can make for the UPSC exam eligibility varies depending on their category:

• General category: 6 attempts
• OBC category: 9 attempts
• SC/ST category: Unlimited attempts until the candidate reaches the maximum age limit

Once a candidate crosses the age limit or exhausts the number of attempts, they will no longer be eligible to appear for the UPSC IAS exam.

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria Restrictions on Applying for the Examination

There are some restrictions on applying for the UPSC exam based on previous attempts or disqualification. Candidates who have been disqualified from the UPSC exam for misconduct or malpractices are not eligible to reapply. Additionally, candidates who have already secured a government job in a central service are also subject to specific conditions regarding applying for the exam.

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria for Medical and Physical Standards

The UPSC physical eligibility requirements are crucial for candidates applying for services like the Indian Police Service (IPS) or the Indian Forest Service (IFS). These services have specific physical fitness criteria, including height, chest measurement, and vision standards. The physical eligibility for UPSC is set to ensure that candidates are fit for the rigorous demands of these services.

For candidates applying for the IAS and IFS, the height requirements differ according to gender. Typically, male candidates should be at least 165 cm tall, and female candidates should be at least 150 cm tall. There are also additional physical standards for candidates in specific categories.

Conclusion

The UPSC Eligibility 2025 is critical to ensure that only eligible candidates can participate in the UPSC exam. Understanding the UPSC IAS eligibility criteria, including age limits, educational qualifications, number of attempts, and nationality requirements, is essential for prospective candidates. It helps ensure a smooth application process and avoids disqualification due to non-compliance with the eligibility rules.

The eligibility requirements are subject to periodic revisions, so candidates should stay updated with the latest notifications from the UPSC. By meeting the UPSC eligibility criteria, you can set yourself up for success in the highly competitive journey of becoming an IAS officer.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025