UPSC Eligibility Criteria:- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging examinations in India. Every year, thousands of aspirants compete for a limited number of positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central services. To ensure only the most qualified candidates are considered, UPSC has established specific eligibility criteria regarding educational qualifications, age limits, and the number of attempts.
Union Public Service Commission Eligibility
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To achieve the dream of becoming an IAS or IPS officer, candidates must understand what the UPSC is. In this article, we will discuss the eligibility criteria for the UPSC exam. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the premier body responsible for conducting examinations for various group posts in the Central Government and all India services. Before applying for the UPSC exam, it is crucial to be aware of the eligibility requirements, age limits, and the number of attempts allowed. This blog will provide detailed information on UPSC eligibility, age limits, and attempts.
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UPSC Eligibility Overview
| Article for | UPSC Eligibility Criteria |
| Age Limit | 21 to 42 years |
| Age Relaxation | OBC – 3 years SC/ST – 5 years PwBD – 10 years |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation (Bachelor) |
| Number of Attempts | General – 06 OBC & PwBD – 09 SC/ST – Unlimited |
| Category | Trending |
| Nationality | Indian Citizens Only |
What is UPSC?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the annual recruitment examination for the post of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers. UPSC is responsible for recruiting candidates for both civil and defense services.
What are the Qualifications for UPSC?
Understanding the UPSC exam in detail is crucial for candidates aiming to succeed. Known as one of the toughest exams in India, having comprehensive knowledge about its requirements is essential. Below, we outline the necessary qualifications for the UPSC exam.
What is the Educational Qualification for UPSC?
To become an IAS or IPS officer, candidates must clear the UPSC exam. The educational qualifications required are as follows:
- Citizenship: Candidates must be Indian citizens to appear for the examination. However, for services other than IAS, IPS, and IFS, candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet are also given conditional permission.
- Degree Requirement: Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized college or university.
- Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year of study and awaiting results can apply for the Preliminary Exam. They must provide proof of passing their Bachelor’s degree to appear for the Civil Services Main Examination.
- Exceptional Cases: In some cases, UPSC may allow candidates to appear for the exam without a graduation certificate from the mentioned universities, provided they have passed their final year graduation from another recognized institution.
- Professional and Technical Qualifications: Candidates with professional and technical qualifications recognized by the Government as equivalent to a degree are eligible to apply.
- Medical Course Candidates: Candidates who have completed the final examination of their MBBS or any other medical course but have not yet finished their internship can apply for the UPSC Mains exam provisionally. They must present their original degree or a university certificate confirming the completion of all requirements for the degree, including the internship, at the time of the interview.
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UPSC Educational Qualification
Educational Qualification Details
| Qualification | Details |
| Bachelor’s Degree from a Recognized University | Candidates must have a degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification. |
| Professional and Technical Qualifications | Candidates with professional and technical qualifications recognized by the Government are also eligible. |
| Final Year Students | Final year students awaiting results can apply, subject to certain conditions. |
| Equivalent Qualifications | Degrees recognized as equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, such as Chartered Accountancy or MBBS, are acceptable. |
Age Limit for UPSC
The age limits for the UPSC exam vary by category:
- General Category: Minimum age is 21 years, and the maximum age is 32 years.
- SC and ST Candidates: 5 years relaxation; maximum age is 37 years.
- OBC Category Candidates: 3 years relaxation; maximum age is 35 years.
- Physically Handicapped Candidates: 10 years relaxation; maximum age is 42 years.
Physical Requirements for UPSC
Physical fitness is essential for the Indian Police Service (IPS):
- General Requirements: Candidates must be physically fit to serve as IAS or IPS officers.
- Height and Chest for IPS:
- Males: Height should be 175 cm, chest should be 84 cm.
- Males (SC, ST, and OBC): Height should be 160 cm.
- Females (General): Height should be 150 cm.
- Females (SC, ST, and OBC): Height should be 145 cm.
- Vision for IPS:
- Healthy eyes: 6/6 or 6/9.
- Weak eyes: 6/12 or 6/9.
Number of Exam Attempts for UPSC
The number of allowed attempts varies by category:
| Category | Number of Attempts |
| General Category | 6 attempts |
| General Category (EWS) | 6 attempts |
| OBC Category | 9 attempts |
| OBC Category (EWS) | 9 attempts |
| SC/ST Category | Unlimited attempts |
| SC/ST Category (EWS) | Unlimited attempts |
| PWD (General) | 9 attempts |
| PWD (OBC) | 9 attempts |
| PWD (SC/ST) | Unlimited attempts |
| PWD (General – EWS) | 9 attempts |
| PWD (OBC – EWS) | 9 attempts |
| PWD (SC/ST – EWS) | Unlimited attempts |
Exam Pattern of UPSC
Understanding the UPSC exam pattern is crucial. The exam consists of three phases: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern:
| Exam Component | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
| Paper-I: General Studies | 100 | 2 | 200 |
| Paper-II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) | 80 (33% Qualifying Criteria) | 2.5 | 200 |
UPSC IAS Mains Exam Pattern:
| Paper | Subject | Duration | Marks |
| Paper-I | Essay Writing | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society) | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations) | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper-IV | General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management) | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper-V | General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject Paper I (selected by the candidate) | 3 hours | 250 |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject Paper II (selected by the candidate) | 3 hours | 250 |
UPSC Interview
Candidates who clear the mains exam are called for the interview at the UPSC headquarters in Delhi. This personal interview is the final phase of the selection process. Candidates who pass this stage are included in the merit list. This covers the eligibility criteria for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, popularly known as the IAS exam. It is one of the toughest exams in the world, with millions of candidates aspiring to secure their dream jobs each year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, meeting the UPSC eligibility criteria is crucial for aspirants. Possessing a recognized graduation degree is mandatory, alongside equivalent qualifications. Age limits vary by category, with relaxation for SC/ST and OBC candidates. Additionally, the number of attempts allowed varies, ensuring fair opportunities for all. Understanding and fulfilling these criteria pave the way for candidates to pursue their aspirations within the UPSC framework.
FAQ’s
What is the age limit for UPSC and attempts?
UPSC Civil Services Exam Age Limit: General Category & EWS: Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old; allowed 6 attempts. OBC (with certificate): Candidates must be between 21 and 35 years old (32 years + 3 years relaxation); allowed 9 attempts. SC/ST: Candidates must be between 21 and 37 years old (32 years + 5 years relaxation); unlimited attempts.
How many attempts for IAS?
The number of attempts for the IAS exam is as follows: General Category: Allowed 6 attempts until 32 years of age. OBC: Permitted 9 attempts until 35 years of age. SC/ST: Unlimited attempts until 37 years of age.
What is the UPSC qualification?
A candidate must hold a degree from a Government-recognized University or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, candidates in their final year of graduation or awaiting results are eligible to participate in the UPSC Prelims Examination.
What is education eligibility for UPSC?
The minimum educational qualification required for appearing in the UPSC exam is to hold a graduation degree from a recognized university. Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree certificate recognized by the government or an equivalent qualification.
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