UPSC Criteria for CSE Eligibility Age Limit and Number of Attempts

Preparing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is no small feat. It is laborious, time-consuming, and systematic and before all that, it is important to know if, indeed, you are eligible to appear in the exam. Knowing the eligibility criteria that apply with regard to nationality, educational qualifications, age, and attempts helps you start preparation on the right track and avoids unwanted surprises down the line.

Age Limit Guidelines for UPSC Civil Services Aspirants

Nationality Requirement

To be eligible to take the UPSC CSE, the candidate must be:

• An Indian citizen
• Or a citizen of Nepal or Bhutan
• Or, an Indian citizen
• Or, a Tibetan refugee, who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention to settle here permanently
• Or an Indian citizen by ancestry who has immigrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or the East African countries, namely Kenya, Uganda,
• Tanzania, Zambia, and many others, and with the intention to settle down in India indefinitely

Educational Qualification

You will, at a minimum, need to have a Bachelors degree from a recognised university. It does not matter which stream or subject is followed. If it is the final year and the results have not yet arrived, application is feasible, but admission is subject to the provision of evidence of the degree within the timeline prescribed by UPSC.

Age Limit and Relaxations

UPSC has its own age limits:

• General category candidates must be between 21 and 32 years of age on 1 August during the year of the exam.
• OBC candidates get an age relaxation of 3 years, so the age limit is 35.
• SC/ST candidates are eligible until the age of 37, as there is a 5-year relaxation.
• Ex-servicemen are also eligible for a 5-year relaxation in the upper limit.

Also Read: Essay writing for civil service examination

Attempts Per Day

There are limits to the number of times that you may try the exam:

• General category candidates may attempt the test 6 times.
• OBC candidates are allowed 9 attempts.
• SC/ST candidates are eligible to apply any number of times till their age limit is attained.

It is important to plan your preparation schedule wisely and count on each attempt.

Conclusion

Its not just about working alone that gets you into India elite civil services, but also being rule-compliant. Make sure you are eligible in all ways before starting your preparation.

And if UPSC is seriously an idea in your mind, DICS is there to help and guide your way with expert counsel, study materials, and the right approach.