UPSC CSE Age Limit 2026 — Check Your Eligibility by Category
The UPSC Civil Services (IAS/IPS/IFS) (2026) sets the age limit at 21–32 years for General category candidates, calculated as on 1 August 2026. Reserved categories receive relaxation: OBC candidates get 35 years, SC/ST candidates 37 years, and PwD candidates 42 years upper limit.
Category-Wise Age Limits
| Category | Min Age | Max Age | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved | 21 years | 32 years | - |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 21 years | 35 years | +3 yrs |
| SC / ST | 21 years | 37 years | +5 yrs |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 21 years | 42 years | +10 yrs |
| Ex-Servicemen | 21 years | 37 years | +5 yrs |
| J&K Domicile | 21 years | 37 years | +5 yrs |
Eligible Date of Birth (DOB) Range for UPSC CSE 2026
To qualify for the 2026 cycle, your birth date must fall within the dates specified below for your category (calculated as of the age count date: 1 August 2026).
General / EWS (Unreserved) 21-32 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 August 1994 to 1 August 2005
(Both dates inclusive)
OBC Category (3 Year Relaxation) 21-35 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 August 1991 to 1 August 2005
(Both dates inclusive)
SC / ST Category (5 Year Relaxation) 21-37 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 August 1989 to 1 August 2005
(Both dates inclusive)
PwD Category (10 Year Relaxation) 21-42 Years
📅 Candidate must be born between:
2 August 1984 to 1 August 2005
(Both dates inclusive)
💡 Enter your DOB to check if YOU are eligible for UPSC CSE 2026
Check Your Eligibility →Detailed Age Limit Information
📋 Age Criteria
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age (General): 32 years
- Age Calculation Date: 1 August 2026
- Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission
🎯 Attempts Limit
- General: 6
- OBC: 9
- SC/ST: Unlimited
Age Relaxation Rules
Standard Relaxations
- OBC (NCL): 3 years relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years relaxation
- PwD: 10 years relaxation
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years after service
Important Notes
- • Relaxations are applied on the upper age limit only
- • Minimum age remains same for all categories
- • Cumulative relaxations apply for eligible candidates
- • Always verify with official notification
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the age limit for UPSC CSE 2026?
A: The UPSC CSE 2026 age limit is 21-32 years for General category candidates, calculated as on 1st August 2026.
Q: What is the UPSC CSE age limit for OBC candidates?
A: OBC candidates get 3 years relaxation with a maximum age limit of 35 years for UPSC CSE 2026.
Q: What is the UPSC CSE age limit for SC/ST candidates?
A: SC/ST candidates get 5 years relaxation with a maximum age limit of 37 years for UPSC CSE 2026.
Q: How many attempts are allowed in UPSC CSE?
A: General: 6 attempts, OBC: 9 attempts, SC/ST: Unlimited attempts till upper age limit.
Q: On which date is age calculated for UPSC CSE?
A: Age is calculated as on 1st August of the examination year (01-08-2026 for CSE 2026).
Q: Can I apply for UPSC CSE if I am 32 years old?
A: Yes, if you are exactly 32 years old as on 1st August 2026, you are eligible for UPSC CSE under General category.
Q: What is the age relaxation for PwD in UPSC CSE?
A: PwD candidates get 10 years relaxation with a maximum age limit of 42 years for UPSC CSE 2026.
Q: What is the minimum age for UPSC CSE?
A: The minimum age for UPSC CSE is 21 years as on 1st August 2026.
Browse all UPSC CSE FAQs in the FAQ hub · Eligibility calculator
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Use our Age Calculator for a personalised eligibility verdict and see if you qualify for UPSC CSE 2026
Try the Age Calculator →Age limits are based on the 2026 official notification released by Union Public Service Commission. Last verified: 2026-02-04. Always check the official notification at Union Public Service Commission website