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Every year thousands of aspirants get confused over age limit, qualification for eligibility, number of attempts and education. Every year misinterpretation of age limit, attempts and educational qualification cause the rejection of applications.
Can I Apply for UPSC 2026 Prelims?
Quick Answer: Who Is Eligible for UPSC 2026?
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Meet the prescribed age limit
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Have the required educational qualification
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Fulfill nationality requirements
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Are within the allowed UPSC attempt count
There is no relaxation and exception except what UPSC allows.
UPSC 2026 Prelims – Important Dates (Expected)
|
Event |
Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
|
UPSC 2026 Notification |
February 2026 |
|
Online Application |
Feb–March 2026 |
|
UPSC Prelims 2026 |
May/June 2026 |
|
UPSC Mains 2026 |
September 2026 |
UPSC 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Complete Details
Understanding the UPSC eligibility criteria 2026 is crucial before filling the application form. Let’s break it down section by section.
UPSC Age Limit for 2026 Prelims
Minimum Age for UPSC 2026
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A candidate should be at least 21 years old as on 1st August 2026.
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This means that you have to have been born on or before 1st August 2005.
Maximum Age Limit Category-Wise
|
Category |
Upper Age Limit |
|---|---|
|
General |
32 years |
|
OBC |
35 years |
|
SC/ST |
37 years |
|
PwBD (General) |
42 years |
|
PwBD (OBC) |
45 years |
|
PwBD (SC/ST) |
47 years |
Age Relaxation Rules in UPSC 2026
Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories
UPSC only provides age relaxation to the candidates belonging to reserved categories as per government norms. General category candidates do not receive any age relaxation.
Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen
Candidates who are:
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Disabled in defence operations
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Ex-servicemen with at least 5 years of service
may be given further relaxation in the age as specified in the notification.
Read More - Will UPSC Give Extra Attempts in 2026? Latest Update & Official Stand
Can Final-Year Students Get Age Relaxation?
No. Final year students do not avail any age relaxation. Age relaxation is solely on the ground of category and not on the ground of educational status.
Educational Qualification for UPSC 2026
Minimum Requirement to qualify
As per UPSC rules:
-
If you are applying for this position, here are the qualifications that the candidate has to fulfil: -A candidate must have a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
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Degree can be in any of the disciplines - Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Medical or Law
Can Final-Year Students Apply for UPSC 2026?
Yes, final-year students are eligible to apply for UPSC Prelims 2026.
Conditions Final-Year Candidate Needs to Fulfill
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You must clear your final exam before the UPSC Mains 2026 application.
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The main difference is that no proof of graduation is required for the Prelims, but it is required for the Mains.
When Is Degree Proof Required?
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During Mains application stage and Interview stage.
Nationality Criteria for UPSC 2026 Prelims
Nationality is important, particularly for the best services such as IAS and IPS.
Who Can Apply Based on Nationality?
According to UPSC nationality requirements:
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Indian citizens – Can be Eligible for all services
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Nepal/Bhutan citizens – Eligible for most services (except IAS, IPS)
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Tibetan refugees (before 1 Jan 1962) – Eligible with conditions
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PIO candidates (from select countries) – Eligible for limited services
Nationality Rules for IAS, IPS vs Other Services
For IAS and IPS, the candidate must be an Indian citizen. No exceptions apply here.
UPSC 2026 Number of Attempts – Category Wise
Maximum Attempts Allowed
|
Category |
Attempts Allowed |
|---|---|
|
General |
6 |
|
OBC |
9 |
|
SC/ST |
Unlimited (till age limit) |
|
PwBD (General/OBC) |
9 |
|
PwBD (SC/ST) |
Unlimited |
What Counts as an Attempt in UPSC?
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Appearing for Prelims counts as one attempt.
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Even if you fail in Prelims, it is considered an attempt.
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Form filling but not appearing does NOT count as an attempt
Can I Apply for UPSC 2026 If…? (Most Asked Questions)
Can I Apply for UPSC 2026 If I Am 32 Years Old?
Yes, if you are under the general category and not crossed 32 years on 1st August 2026, then you are eligible.
Can I Apply If My Age Is Borderline?
If your date of birth falls exactly on the cutoff date mentioned by UPSC, you are eligible. But even a mismatch of a day can cause rejection.
Can I Apply Without Graduation Certificate?
Yes, for Prelims. But you have to turn up proof of passing graduation before Mains.
Can I Apply While Doing a Job?
Yes. UPSC has no restriction in the area of employment status. Many candidates prepare while working full-time.
Can I Apply After Multiple Failed Attempts?
Yes, as long as:
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You are within the age limit
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You have remaining UPSC attempts
UPSC 2026 Eligibility – Common Mistakes Candidates Make
Incorrect Age Calculation
Many candidates calculate the age on the basis of the date of examination rather than 1st August.
Misunderstanding Attempt Count
Some of the candidates wrongly think that Prelims failure doesn't count as an attempt-it does.
Assuming Final-Year Students Are Not Eligible
Final-year students are fully eligible for Prelims.
How to Check Your UPSC 2026 Eligibility in 60 Seconds
Step-by-Step Self-Check Guide
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Check your date of birth as per cutoff
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Identify your category
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Count attempts already used
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Confirm your graduation status
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Check eligibility to nationality
Provided that all conditions are fulfilled, it is safe to apply.
Documents Required to Prove Eligibility for UPSC 2026
Age Proof Documents
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Class 10 certificate
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Birth certificate (if required)
Educational Certificates
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Graduation degree/provisional certificate
Category Certificates
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SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate (as per UPSC format)
Nationality Proof (If Applicable)
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Aadhaar card, Passport or government ID
Final Verdict – Should You Apply for UPSC 2026?
Who Should Definitely Apply
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Candidates within age limit
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Final-year or graduate students
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Remaining attempts of aspirants
Who Should Recheck Eligibility Carefully
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Borderline age candidates
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For those candidates who have had multiple attempts used
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Candidates applying under reserved categories
Other Recommended Books | Study Materials
Frequently Asked Questions – UPSC 2026 Prelims
Yes, you can apply for UPSC 2026 Prelims if you meet the prescribed age limit, educational qualification, nationality conditions, and attempt limit as specified in the official UPSC notification. Eligibility is strictly verified based on documents and cutoff dates.
The UPSC eligibility criteria 2026 include a minimum age of 21 years, a maximum age limit based on category, a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, specified nationality requirements, and a limited number of attempts depending on category.
The UPSC age limit for general category candidates is 21 to 32 years as on 1st August 2026. Candidates must not have attained 32 years of age on the cutoff date mentioned in the UPSC notification.
UPSC calculates age based on a fixed cutoff date, which is 1st August of the examination year. Age is not calculated from the exam date or notification date, and even a one-day difference can affect eligibility.
Yes, final-year students can apply for UPSC 2026 Prelims. However, they must clear their graduation examination and submit proof of passing before filling the UPSC Mains application, otherwise their candidature may be cancelled.
The UPSC educational qualification requires candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The degree can be in any discipline, and there is no minimum percentage requirement specified by UPSC.
As per UPSC nationality requirements, Indian citizens are eligible for all services, including IAS and IPS. Candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees, and PIOs may apply for certain services, subject to conditions mentioned by UPSC.
General category candidates are allowed a maximum of six attempts in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Each appearance in the Prelims exam is counted as one attempt, regardless of qualification for Mains.
An attempt in UPSC is counted when a candidate appears for the Prelims examination. Simply filling the application form without appearing for the Prelims does not count as an attempt under UPSC rules.
Yes, UPSC allows candidates to apply while working in a private or government job. There is no restriction on employment status, provided the candidate fulfills age, education, nationality, and attempt criteria.
No, a graduation certificate is not required at the time of UPSC Prelims. Candidates must produce proof of passing their bachelor’s degree only during the Mains application or interview stage.
After confirming eligibility, beginners should start with NCERT books for Indian Polity and history. NCERTs build strong basics, and later a standard history book for UPSC like Spectrum can be added for focused preparation.
