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Eligibility Criteria

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UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria 2023 (Released) - Age, Qualification, Nationality, Medical Standards

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious competitive exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. To be eligible for the UPSC CSE, candidates must meet certain criteria, which include the following:

  1. Nationality:

    • Candidates must be citizens of India, or
    • Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
    • Individuals of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

  2. Age Limit:

    • The minimum age limit for candidates is 21 years.
    • The maximum age limit varies based on the category:
      • General category: 32 years
      • OBC (Other Backward Classes): 35 years
      • SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes): 37 years
      • Defense Services Personnel, disabled in operations during hostilities: 35 years
      • Ex-servicemen including commissioned officers and ECOs/SSCOs: 37 years
      • Candidates domiciled in Jammu and Kashmir from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 1989: 37 years
      • Physically disabled candidates (blind, deaf-mute, locomotor disability): 42 years

  3. Educational Qualification:

    • Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from any recognized university. Candidates who are awaiting their results or are in the final year of their degree course are also eligible to apply. However, they must produce the proof of passing the exam with their application for the main exam.

  4. Number of Attempts:

    • The number of attempts allowed varies based on the category:
      • General category: 6 attempts
      • OBC category: 9 attempts
      • SC/ST category: Unlimited attempts till the upper age limit

It is essential to carefully read the official UPSC CSE notification for the specific year in which you plan to apply, as any changes in eligibility criteria or age limits may occur from time to time. Additionally, the eligibility criteria mentioned above may be subject to certain relaxations for some specific categories, so candidates should refer to the official notification for complete details.