UPSC Age Limit and Number of Attempts 2026 – Complete Detailed Guide
Overview
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year to recruit candidates for prestigious posts such as IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A and Group B services.
One of the most important eligibility criteria for UPSC Civil Services 2026 is the age limit and number of attempts allowed for each category. Many aspirants lose opportunities due to confusion about age relaxation rules and attempt limits.
This article clearly explains the UPSC 2026 age limit, category-wise relaxation, and maximum number of attempts allowed.
Important Dates
The UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 notification is expected to be released in February 2026.
Tentative timeline:
Notification Release: February 2026
Online Application Start Date: February 2026
Last Date to Apply: March 2026
Prelims Exam Date: May–June 2026
Mains Exam Date: September–October 2026
Interview Stage: Early 2027
The candidate’s age is calculated as on 1st August 2026 unless specified otherwise in the official notification.
Candidates must regularly check the official UPSC website for confirmed dates.
Eligibility
To apply for UPSC Civil Services 2026, candidates must meet the following age criteria.
The minimum age required is 21 years.
The maximum age limit for General category candidates is 32 years.
Age relaxation is provided as per government rules.
OBC candidates receive 3 years upper age relaxation, making the maximum age 35 years.
SC and ST candidates receive 5 years upper age relaxation, making the maximum age 37 years.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) receive up to 10 years of relaxation depending on category.
Ex-Servicemen and certain other categories may also receive relaxation as per norms.
In addition to age limits, UPSC also specifies the number of attempts allowed.
General category candidates are allowed a maximum of 6 attempts.
OBC candidates are allowed 9 attempts.
SC and ST candidates have unlimited attempts until they reach the maximum age limit.
PwBD candidates receive attempts as per their respective category rules.
An attempt is counted when a candidate appears for the Prelims examination. Merely filling the form without appearing in the exam does not count as an attempt.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply, subject to producing proof of passing before the Mains stage.
Application Process
The UPSC Civil Services 2026 application process is conducted online through the official UPSC website.
Candidates must complete the One-Time Registration process and then fill out the detailed application form.
Applicants are required to upload a recent photograph, signature, and photo identity proof as per instructions.
The application fee is generally applicable to General and OBC male candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, and female candidates are usually exempted from paying the fee.
After submission, candidates should download and retain a copy of the application form for future reference.
Selection Process
The UPSC Civil Services selection process consists of three stages.
The first stage is the Preliminary Examination, which includes two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). Only marks from General Studies Paper I are considered for qualification to the next stage.
Candidates who qualify in the Prelims appear for the Mains Examination. The Mains consists of nine descriptive papers, including Essay, General Studies papers, Optional subject papers, and qualifying language papers.
Candidates who clear the Mains examination are called for the Personality Test or Interview conducted by UPSC.
The final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the Mains Examination and the Interview.
Salary
UPSC Civil Services officers receive salary as per the 7th Pay Commission.
The starting basic pay for IAS, IPS, and other Group A officers is ₹56,100 per month under Pay Level 10.
In addition to basic pay, officers receive Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Travel Allowance, and other benefits.
Senior officers at higher positions such as Cabinet Secretary can receive basic pay up to ₹2,50,000 per month.
Apart from salary, civil servants receive official accommodation, vehicle facilities (depending on post), pension benefits, and other government perks.
Direct Official Link
Candidates must refer only to the official Union Public Service Commission website for accurate and updated information regarding UPSC Civil Services 2026 age limit and attempts:
Always verify eligibility conditions through the official notification before applying.