UPSC CSE 2026 · Age limit & eligibility
UPSC CSE Age Limit 2026: Relaxation, Qualification and Eligibility
Age limit, the date on which age is counted, category-wise relaxation and the educational qualification, as printed in the official notice.
UPSC CSE age limit and relaxation
Age limit
21–32 years (as on 1 August 2026)
Educational qualification
- Graduate degree from a university incorporated by a central or state Act, a deemed university, or an equivalent qualification
- Number of attempts: 6 for General/EWS; 9 for OBC and PwBD; unlimited for SC/ST (subject to age)
Upper age relaxation
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| Defence personnel disabled in operations | 3 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / ECOs / SSCOs (5 years' service) | 5 years |
| PwBD | See the official notice |
Application fee
₹100 for the Preliminary; ₹200 more for the Main. Women, SC, ST and Persons with Benchmark Disability are exempted from the fee.
Source: Civil Services Examination, 2026 — Examination Notice No. 05/2026-CSE (published 4 February 2026). Confirm in the official notice before applying.
Age limit, attempts and qualification
You must be at least 21 and under 32 on 1 August 2026 — born not earlier than 2 August 1994 and not later than 1 August 2005.
You need a graduate degree from a university incorporated by a central or state Act, an institution established by an Act of Parliament, a deemed university, or an equivalent qualification.
Each eligible candidate gets six attempts. OBC and PwBD candidates (General, EWS or OBC) get nine, and SC and ST candidates have no limit on attempts, subject to the age limit.
Upper age relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | Up to 5 years |
| OBC (eligible for reservation) | Up to 3 years |
| Defence personnel disabled in operations | Up to 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen incl. ECOs/SSCOs with 5 years' service on 1 August 2026 | Up to 5 years |
Further relaxations (ECOs/SSCOs still in service, PwBD) are set out in the notice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for UPSC CSE?
21–32 years, counted as on 1 August 2026, as per the Civil Services Examination, 2026 — Examination Notice No. 05/2026-CSE. Category-wise upper age relaxation is given in the notice.
What qualification is needed for UPSC CSE?
Graduate degree from a university incorporated by a central or state Act, a deemed university, or an equivalent qualification. Number of attempts: 6 for General/EWS; 9 for OBC and PwBD; unlimited for SC/ST (subject to age).
What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
21 to under 32 years on 1 August 2026, with relaxation of up to 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC.
How many attempts are allowed in UPSC CSE?
Six for General and EWS candidates, nine for OBC and PwBD candidates, and unlimited for SC/ST (within the age limit).