Check your age eligibility for Civil Services Examination and calculate remaining attempts
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is India's most prestigious competitive exam for recruitment to various central government services. Often called the "Mother of all Exams," it selects candidates for coveted positions like IAS, IPS, IFS, and other Group A and Group B services.
The exam is conducted annually in three stages: Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Main Examination (Mains), and Personality Test (Interview). Age eligibility plays a crucial role in determining your chances of success, as it directly impacts the number of attempts you can make.
Unlike many other competitive exams, UPSC has both age limits and attempt limits that vary by category. Understanding your exact eligibility helps you:
| Category | Upper Age Limit | Maximum Attempts | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General General | 32 years | 6 attempts | None |
| EWS EWS | 32 years | 6 attempts | None |
| OBC OBC | 35 years | 9 attempts | +3 years |
| SC/ST SC/ST | 37 years | Unlimited | +5 years |
| PwD Person with Disability | 42 years* | 9 attempts | +10 years |
*PwD relaxation is applied on top of the candidate's category relaxation
Our comprehensive UPSC Age Calculator uses the official UPSC guidelines to provide accurate eligibility assessment. Here's the step-by-step process:
The maximum age limit varies by category: General/EWS candidates - 32 years, OBC candidates - 35 years, SC/ST candidates - 37 years. Additional relaxations apply for PwD (10 years), Ex-Serviceman (5 years), and other special categories. Age is calculated as on August 1st of the examination year.
Maximum attempts depend on your category: General/EWS - 6 attempts, OBC - 9 attempts, SC/ST - Unlimited attempts (until age limit), PwD - 9 attempts. These limits apply as long as you remain within the age eligibility criteria.
Yes, in many cases relaxations are cumulative. For example, if you're OBC + PwD, you get 3 years (OBC) + 10 years (PwD) = 13 years total relaxation. Our calculator automatically computes all applicable relaxations for accurate results.
UPSC age limits are strictly enforced. Even exceeding by a single day makes you ineligible for that examination cycle. This is why it's crucial to calculate your exact age as on August 1st using our precise calculator before applying.
Currently, there is no general age relaxation specifically for female candidates in UPSC Civil Services. However, female candidates who belong to reserved categories (OBC, SC/ST) or special categories (PwD, Ex-Serviceman) get the same relaxations as their male counterparts in those categories.
Our calculator is highly accurate as it follows the exact methodology used by UPSC - calculating age as on August 1st of the examination year and applying all official relaxations. However, we recommend verifying with the latest UPSC notification before final application, as rules may occasionally change.
If you clear the UPSC Civil Services exam in your last eligible attempt, you're still selected and can join the service. The attempt limit only affects your eligibility to appear for future exams, not your selection if you succeed within the allowed attempts.
Don't let age-related confusion derail your civil services dream. Our advanced UPSC Age Calculator provides:
Visit our comprehensive UPSC Age Calculator for detailed results and start planning your UPSC preparation strategy with confidence.