UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2024

UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2024 is a comprehensive guide, where we’ll be exploring the eligibility criteria for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) for 2024. In this article, we covered all information regarding UPSC eligibility criteria, including the age limit, number of attempts, and more. Before we delve into the specifics of the UPSC eligibility criteria, you might want to check out the detailed UPSC syllabus if you haven’t already.

Now, let’s unravel the eligibility criteria for the UPSC CSE. This article will answer your questions about the age limit for UPSC Examinations, the qualifications required, and other important aspects such as the age limit calculator. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission), India’s central recruiting agency, conducts the CSE, known as one of the most challenging examinations.

So, are you ready to understand what it takes to meet the UPSC eligibility criteria? Let’s dive in.

UPSC Exam Eligibility Criteria

Latest Update: The latest information regarding the UPSC eligibility criteria 2024 has been issued according to the UPSC notification 2024. The link to the pdf providing the latest details of the updated IAS eligibility criteria is attached here.

The UPSC Exam Eligibility is a set of requirements that candidates must fulfill to participate in the UPSC CSE exam 2024. One crucial need is having a bachelor’s degree, but there are more factors to consider. To fully understand this UPSC 2024 examination, it’s essential to review the detailed UPSC Eligibility 2024, as mentioned in the official UPSC 2024 notification, before applying for the IAS exam online. First and foremost, you must ensure that you meet the necessary educational qualifications; there is no need for a minimum passing mark in your graduation certificate. Another aspect is eligibility based on nationality.

<Image> Reference – https://www.anujjindal.in/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/UPSC-CSE-Eligibility-Criteria.png

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria – Nationality

Under certain criteria of UPSC, citizens need to be must fulfil certain nationality requirements. The following criteria as applicable:

Aspirants must be a citizen of India. However, candidates from Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 2024 with the intention to settle in India permanently, are also eligible.

• Candidates who are subjects of Nepal or Bhutan are eligible only if they had got eligibility certification issued by the government.
• Tibetan refugees came to India before 1 January 2023 with the intention to settle in India permanently.
• Migrants from Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, East African countries of Uganda, Zambia, Zaire, Kenya, the united republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Ethiopia, & Vietnam, with the purpose of settling permanently in India before 1 January 2023.

For more information on citizenship requirements for the IAS, please visit the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit

The UPSC age limit criteria play an essential role to qualify the requirement for aspirants taking the Civil service examination. The age limit varies depending on the reserved categories that balance with government guidelines. The aspirants need to check every criterion such as age limit, qualification, and other aspects before filling out the UPSC form. UPSC Aspirants preparing for their exams can check their age limit for UPSC 2024 by calculating it. By checking the age as of the 1st of August, 2024.

• The minimum age to apply for the IAS is 21 years.
• The maximum age to apply for the IAS is 32 years for general category candidates.
• Candidates from reserved categories have a relaxation in the upper age limit.

Category	Maximum Age Limit + Relaxation
General UPSC Age Limit	32
OBC UPSC Age Limit (Non-Creamy Layer)	35+3 = 35 (3 years Age Relaxation)
SC/ST UPSC Age Limit	32+5=37 (5 years Age Relaxation)
Physically disabled (Blind, Deaf-mute, Orthopedically handicapped)	32+10=42 (10 years Age Relaxation)
Ex-serviceman discharged from duty due to disability	General: 32+3=35 OBC: 32+3+3=38 SC/ST: 32+3+5=40
Ex-serviceman discharged after 5 years of duty	General: 32+5=37 OBC: 32+5+3=40 SC/ST: 32+5+5=42

Here is a more detailed explanation of the maximum age limit for IAS attempt:

1. Age Limit for General Category Candidates

• General category: The maximum age to attempt the IAS exam is 32 years as of August 1, 2024. This means that a candidate from the general category can attempt the IAS exam a maximum of 6 times.

Age Relaxations for Reserved Categories and PwBD

• Reserved categories: Candidates from reserved categories have a relaxation in the maximum age limit of 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST candidates. This means that an OBC candidate can attempt the IAS exam a maximum of 9 times and an SC/ST candidate can attempt the IAS exam a maximum of unlimited times.
• PwBD: Candidates with benchmark disability (PwBD) have a relaxation in the maximum age limit of 10 years. This means that a PwBD candidate can attempt the IAS exam a maximum of 9 times.

It is important to note that claiming age relaxation must possess valid documentary evidence supporting their category.

2. Recent Updates and Changes in Age Relaxation

For so many years, the UPSC has made certain changes to the age criteria to ensure that candidates get opportunities in a wider range. Here are some significant updates regarding eligibility criteria.

1. Relaxation for Economically Weaker Section (EWS): In 2019, the Indian government introduced the EWS reservation, providing 10% reservation for candidates from economically weaker sections. This reservation also extends to the age limit and allows EWS candidates up to 32 years of age, similar to general category candidates.

2. Age Relaxation for Jammu and Kashmir (J&k) Domicile Candidates: In 2020, the UPSC announced special age relaxation for candidates from J&K. Candidates from the J&K domicile are eligible for a relaxation of up to 37 years for the General Category, 40 years for OBC-NCL, and 42 years for SC/ST categories.

For example, if a candidate from the general category was born on August 2, 1991, they would be 32 years old as of August 1, 2023. This means that they would be eligible to attempt the IAS exam for the first time in 2023. However, if a candidate from the OBC category was born on the same day, they would be 35 years old as of August 1, 2024. This means that they would be eligible to attempt the IAS exam for the first time in 2024.

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria: UPSC Exam 2024 Educational Qualification

To be eligible for the exam qualification, candidates must fulfil the requirements for UPSC exams vary based on the particular examination, as it is one of the most sought-after exams conducted by the UPSC.

The eligibility criteria for the UPSC Civil Services Examination are as follows:

• Bachelor’s Degree: The candidate applying for UPSC Examination must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. There is no specific requirement for a particular subject or specialization. Only Bachelor’s Degree is a must.
• UPSC Eligibility for Final Year Students: Candidates who are in their final year and completed their exams have only one result left then they can apply for the UPSC Examination. Although candidates are required to show their passing results and a main examination application.
• Equivalent Qualification: In addition to the bachelor’s degree, candidates process professional and technical qualifications recognized by the government as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply. Examples of such equivalent qualifications include a degree from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria: Attempt Limit

The UPSC has also set an attempt for candidates appearing in the Civil Services Examination. The limit of attending the UPSC Examination may change according to the candidate’s category. The following table outlines the attempt limits:

• General category candidates can attempt the UPSC Civil Services Examination a maximum of 6 times.
• OBC candidates can attempt the UPSC Civil Services Examination a maximum of 9 times.
• SC/ST candidates can attempt the UPSC Civil Services Examination a maximum of unlimited times.

Category	Maximum Age (should not have touched the age of:)
General	6 Attempts
OBC	9 Attempts
SC/ST	Unlimited (As many as he/she can until upper age limit reached)
Physically disabled	General: 9 attempts
(Blind, Deaf-mute, Orthopedically handicapped)	OBC: 9
	SC/ST: Unlimited (As many as he/she can until upper age limit reached)
Ex-serviceman discharged from duty due to disability	As per categories mentioned above, i.e., Gen, OBC, SC/ST, Disabled
Ex-serviceman discharged after 5 years duty	As per categories mentioned above, i.e., Gen, OBC, SC/ST, Disabled

Note: The number of attempts is counted from the examination helped on to After 2014. The appearance in the Preliminary Examination is counted as one attempt, regardless of the candidate’s qualification or disqualification.

Restrictions on Applying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination

• IAS and IFS officers: Candidates who have already been appointed to the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) or Indian Foreign Services (IFS) on the basis of the results of an earlier examination and are still serving in either of these services are not eligible to apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in the same year.
• IPS officers: Candidates who have already been appointed to the Indian Police Services (IPS) on the basis of the results of an earlier examination and are still serving as IPS officers are not eligible to opt for the IPS in the UPSC Civil Services Examination in the same year.

UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria: Medical and Physical Standards

• Candidates must be physically fit to perform the duties of a civil servant.
• Candidates must meet the following physical standards:
  • Height: Minimum 157.5 cm for men and 152.5 cm for women.
  • Weight: Body mass index (BMI) should not be less than 18.5 or more than 25.
  • Chest: Expansion of at least 5 cm.
  • Vision: Distant vision of at least 6/6 in each eye with or without glasses.
  • Colour vision: Normal colour vision.
  • Hearing: Ability to hear a conversational voice at a distance of 6 meters in a quiet room.
  • General fitness: Candidates must be free from any physical or mental disability that would prevent them from performing the duties of a civil servant.

Tips for UPSC Aspirants

1. Understanding the eligibility criteria: Aspirants should thoroughly acknowledge the age limit, and nationality requirements, and attempt limits based on their category before starting their preparations.
2. Attempts planning: Candidates should make the strategy of their attempts, keeping in mind the limits of the attempts. It is important to utilize attempts judiciously to maximize the chances of success.
3. Seek Clarification: If candidates have any doubts or queries regarding eligibility criteria, then they should reach out to the UPSC or refer to official notifications for accurate information.

Quick Look

UPSC Age Limit For General

The age criteria for General category candidates in the UPSC exam are:

• Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 21 years old.
• Maximum Age: The upper age limit is 32 years.

UPSC Age Limit For Female

The age eligibility for female candidates in the UPSC exam aligns with the general category candidates:

• Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 21 years old.
• Maximum Age: The upper age limit is 32 years.

UPSC Age Limit For SC

The age criteria for SC category candidates in the UPSC exam are:

• Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 21 years old.
• Maximum Age: The upper age limit is 37 years.

UPSC Age Limit For OBC Female

The age requirements for OBC female candidates in the UPSC exam align with those of OBC category candidates:

• Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 21 years old.
• Maximum Age: The upper age limit is 35 years.

UPSC Eligibility Age Limit

The UPSC eligibility criteria vary by category:

• General Category: Minimum age: 21 years, Maximum age: 32 years.
• SC Category: Minimum age: 21 years, Maximum age: 37 years.
• OBC Category: Minimum age: 21 years, Maximum age: 35 years.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria for OBC

The UPSC eligibility criteria for OBC category candidates include:

• Age Limit: Candidates must meet the specified minimum and maximum age requirements for OBC candidates.
• Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
• Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria for SC

The UPSC eligibility criteria for SC category candidates include:

• Age Limit: Candidates must meet the specified minimum and maximum age requirements for SC candidates.
• Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
• Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.

UPSC Eligibility Criteria for General

The UPSC eligibility criteria for General category candidates include:

• Age Limit: Candidates must meet the specified minimum and maximum age requirements for the General category.
• Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
• Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.

Conclusion

The UPSC age limit 2024, eligibility criteria regarding nationality, and attempt limit are crucial aspects of the selection process for the Civil Services Examination. Aspiring candidates should carefully assess their eligibility and plan their attempts accordingly. Understanding these criteria is vital to ensure a smooth and successful journey toward joining the prestigious civil services in India.

FAQs on UPSC Eligibility Criteria

Q1. Is there an attempt limit for the UPSC exams?

Yes, there is an attempt limit for the UPSC exams. The attempt limit varies based on the candidate’s category. General category candidates are allowed a maximum of 6 attempts, while OBC-NCL candidates have a limit of 9 attempts. SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts. The number of attempts is counted from the examination held on or after August 2014. The appearance in the Preliminary Examination is counted as one attempt, regardless of qualification or disqualification.

Q2. Are there any relaxations for physically disabled candidates?

Yes, there are relaxations for candidates with benchmark disabilities. Such candidates are eligible for an upper age limit relaxation of up to 42 years. However, candidates claiming relaxation must possess valid documentary evidence supporting their disability category.

Q3. Can candidates with a gap year or work experience apply for the UPSC exams?

Yes, candidates with a gap year or work experience are eligible to apply for the UPSC exams. The exams are open to candidates from diverse backgrounds, and having a gap year or work experience does not disqualify them from applying

Q4. When will the UPSC CSE 2024 Notification be released?

According to the 2024 calendar, the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) notification is scheduled to be released on February 14th, 2024.

Q5. What is the minimum education qualification for UPSC CSE 2024?

Aspiring candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, approved by the State and Central Legislature of India. If you are in your final year or awaiting the results of your bachelor’s degree, you are eligible to apply for the CSE prelims examination.

Q6. What is the UPSC Exam Date 2024?

The UPSC 2024 Examination dates have been announced in the UPSC Calendar 2024. The Prelims are scheduled for May 26, 2024, and the Mains will take place from September 20 to September 27, 2024.