UPSC Age Limit 2026 varies by category with relaxations for OBC SC ST PwBD and Ex-Servicemen. The minimum age is 21 years and maximum ranges from 32 to 47 years depending on category. General candidates get 6 attempts, OBC 9 attempts and SC ST unlimited attempts within age criteria.
theIAShub | 16 Oct, 2025 | 22693 | 0 |
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 will begin with the Prelims exam on May 25, 2026, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates must carefully review the eligibility criteria, especially the UPSC age limit, before applying. The UPSC Age Limit 2026 is a crucial factor that determines whether a candidate can appear for the exam.
The last date to apply for UPSC CSE 2026 is February 3rd, 2026. Read on to learn about the UPSC age limit criteria, UPSC age limit relaxation, and other important details before submitting your application.
Also Read: How to Prepare for UPSC
The UPSC age limit for 2026 determines the age range within which candidates can apply for the exam. This UPSC age limit varies based on the candidate’s category, with specific relaxations available for reserved categories. The key factors for age eligibility are as follows:
Here’s a table containing the UPSC Age Limit, Relaxation, and Number of Attempts:
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | UPSC Age limit Relaxation |
| UPSC Age limit General | 21 | 32 | None |
| UPSC Age limit OBC | 21 | 35 | 3 years |
| UPSC Age limit SC/ST | 21 | 37 | 5 years |
| UPSC Age limit Female (General) | 21 | 32 | None |
| UPSC Age limit Female (OBC) | 21 | 35 | 3 years |
| UPSC Age limit Female (SC/ST) | 21 | 37 | 5 years |
| UPSC Age limit Ex-Servicemen | 21 | Varies | 5 years |
| UPSC Age limit PwBD (General) | 21 | 42 | 10 years |
| UPSC Age limit PwBD (OBC) | 21 | 45 | 13 years |
| UPSC Age limit PwBD (SC/ST) | 21 | 47 | 15 years |
Also Read: UPSC Eligibility Criteria
The commission provides UPSC Age limit relaxation for candidates belonging to specific categories. Below is a detailed breakdown:
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age Limit |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) / Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 5 years | 37 years |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 3 years | 35 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 10 years (General), 13 years (OBC), 15 years (SC/ST) | As per category |
| Defense Services Personnel | Up to 5 years (depending on circumstances) | As per category |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government norms | As per category |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | No specific relaxation; general criteria apply | 32 years (General limit) |
Also Read: Books for UPSC
The UPSC age limit is calculated based on the candidate’s age as of August 1 of the examination year. For instance, if you are appearing for the exam in 2026, you must have turned 21 by August 1, 2026, and should not exceed the upper age limit for your category.
The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC exam varies depending on the category. However, candidates must adhere to the age restrictions:
Certain professions and roles offer exceptions to the standard UPSC age limit. For instance:
Following is the summary of all UPSC Age limit 2026 Criteria. Analyze your eligibility accordingly. Moreover if there is any modification, the changes will be updated here. Keep visiting this page.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation Details |
| General Category | 21 years | 32 years | No relaxation |
| OBC Category | 21 years | 35 years | 3 years beyond General limit |
| SC/ST Category | 21 years | 37 years | 5 years beyond General limit |
| General Female | 21 years | 32 years | Same as General |
| OBC Female | 21 years | 35 years | Same as OBC |
| SC/ST Female | 21 years | 37 years | Same as SC/ST |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | 21 years | 37 years | +5 years relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen (OBC) | 21 years | 40 years | +5 years relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen (SC/ST) | 21 years | 42 years | +5 years relaxation |
| PwBD (General) | 21 years | 42 years | +10 years relaxation |
| PwBD (OBC) | 21 years | 45 years | +10 years relaxation |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 21 years | 47 years | +10 years relaxation |
The UPSC age limit is a vital parameter that determines your eligibility for one of India’s most competitive exams. Whether you are a first-time aspirant or a repeat candidate, understanding the age restrictions, relaxation benefits, and category-specific allowances will help streamline your preparation. Remember to plan ahead, stay informed, and make the most of the opportunities within the permissible limits.
General candidates can attempt 6 times, OBC 9 times, and SC/ST have unlimited attempts, provided they stay within the upper age limits.
PwBD candidates get 10–15 years relaxation depending on category, while Ex-Servicemen receive 5 years beyond their category’s age limit.
Age is counted as of August 1, 2026; candidates must be 21 by then and not exceed their category’s upper limit.
No separate relaxation is given for women; they follow the same age rules as their respective category.
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