IAS Eligibility
Last verified 31 Jul 2026
UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS) eligibility requires the following. A Bachelor's degree from a university incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India, or an institution declared deemed university under the UGC Act 1956. Candidates awaiting their final year result may also apply, subject to producing proof before the Mains application. The age limit is 21 to 32 years as on 1 August 2026 — born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005.
Educational qualification
A Bachelor's degree from a university incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India, or an institution declared deemed university under the UGC Act 1956. Candidates awaiting their final year result may also apply, subject to producing proof before the Mains application.
Age limit
21 to 32 years as on 1 August 2026 — born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005.
Age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation in upper age limit |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability | 10 years |
| Defence Services personnel disabled in operations | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen (commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs) | 5 years |
A candidate who belongs to SC, ST or OBC and is also an Ex-serviceman or PwBD candidate is eligible for cumulative relaxation under both heads.
Number of attempts
6 attempts for General and EWS candidates, 9 for OBC, and unlimited for SC and ST. PwBD candidates get 9 attempts if they are General, EWS or OBC, and unlimited if SC or ST.
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India, or fall within the other categories of nationality set out in the Examination Notice — which for most services include subjects of Nepal and Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962, and persons of Indian origin who have migrated from certain countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.