Understanding the UPSC age limit 2025, including the category-wise distinctions, is essential for candidates. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is one of India’s most prestigious and challenging competitive exams. Age eligibility is a critical factor for aspirants. This article provides an in-depth explanation of the UPSC age limit for general category, SC/ST, OBC, and female candidates. It also covers the UPSC minimum age limit, maximum age limit, and the rules governing them.
Also Read: UPSC Exam Dates
UPSC Age Limit 2025 Overview
The UPSC age limit for 2025 determines the age range within which candidates can apply for the civil service exam. This limit varies based on the candidate’s category, with specific relaxations available for reserved categories. The key factors for age eligibility are as follows:
- Minimum Age Limit: The minimum age to appear for the UPSC exam is 21 years.
- Maximum Age Limit: The maximum age varies according to the candidate’s category.
UPSC Age Limit for General Category
General category candidates have the following age criteria for the UPSC 2025 exam:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 32 years
- Age Relaxation: No relaxation for general category candidates
Candidates from the general category must be at least 21 years old and no older than 32 years as of August 1, 2025, to be eligible for the exam.
UPSC Age Limit for OBC Category
Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates are entitled to age relaxation as per government rules:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 35 years (including 3 years of relaxation)
- Age Relaxation: 3 years beyond the general category limit
This age relaxation allows OBC candidates to appear for the exam until they reach 35 years of age.
UPSC Age Limit for SC/ST Category
Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates enjoy a more significant age relaxation:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 37 years (including 5 years of relaxation)
- Age Relaxation: 5 years beyond the general category limit
SC/ST candidates are allowed to attempt the exam until the age of 37, which gives them a broader window of opportunity.
UPSC Age Limit for Female Candidates
Female candidates do not receive a specific age relaxation for being female. However, they are eligible for the same relaxations available for OBC, SC, and ST categories. Their eligibility is as follows:
- General Category Female: 21 to 32 years (same as general category)
- OBC Female: 21 to 35 years (same as OBC category)
- SC/ST Female: 21 to 37 years (same as SC/ST category)
UPSC Minimum Age Limit
The UPSC minimum age limit for all candidates is 21 years. This applies to general, OBC, SC, ST, and female candidates. No candidate can apply for the exam if they are under 21 years old as of August 1, 2025.
UPSC Maximum Age Limit 2025
The UPSC maximum age limit depends on the candidate’s category. General candidates have a maximum age of 32 years, while OBC and SC/ST candidates have maximum ages of 35 and 37, respectively. Female candidates follow the same rules as their respective categories.
Other Categories with Age Relaxation
In addition to the primary categories, certain other groups receive age relaxation as specified by government regulations. These include:
- Ex-Servicemen: 5-year relaxation, making the upper age limit 37 for general, 40 for OBC, and 42 for SC/ST candidates.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10-year relaxation, allowing general PwBD candidates to apply up to 42 years, OBC PwBD up to 45 years, and SC/ST PwBD up to 47 years.
Summary Of UPSC Age Limits 2025 (Category-Wise)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
| General | 21 | 32 | None |
| OBC | 21 | 35 | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 21 | 37 | 5 years |
| Female (General) | 21 | 32 | None |
| Female (OBC) | 21 | 35 | 3 years |
| Female (SC/ST) | 21 | 37 | 5 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | 21 | Varies | 5 years |
| PwBD (General) | 21 | 42 | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 21 | 45 | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 21 | 47 | 15 years |
Important Rules For UPSC Age Limit 2025
- Date of Birth Cut-off: Age is calculated as of August 1, 2025. Candidates born after this date are not eligible.
- Age Proof Requirement: Candidates must provide official age proof (birth certificate, 10th-grade certificate, etc.) during the application process.
- Number of Attempts: Candidates from different categories have varying numbers of attempts. General candidates get six attempts, OBC candidates get nine, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts within the age limit.
Why Understanding The UPSC Age Limit Is Crucial
Awareness of the UPSC age limit for 2025 helps candidates avoid disqualification. It allows aspirants to plan their preparation effectively, especially for those close to the upper age limit. Knowing the minimum and maximum age limits and category-wise distinctions ensures a smooth application process.
The UPSC age limit for 2025 is crucial for aspirants. It defines eligibility and influences candidates’ preparation strategy. General candidates must be between 21 and 32 years, while OBC and SC/ST candidates have upper age limits of 35 and 37 years, respectively. Female candidates follow the same rules as their category. Knowing the minimum age limit, maximum age limit, and category-wise distinctions enables candidates to plan with clarity and confidence.
UPSC Age Limit FAQs
What is the minimum age to apply for UPSC 2025?
The minimum age to apply for the UPSC 2025 exam is 21 years for all candidates, regardless of category.
What is the maximum age limit for UPSC 2025?
The maximum age limit for UPSC 2025 varies by category: 32 years for general, 35 years for OBC, 37 years for SC/ST, and higher for PwBD and ex-servicemen.
How many attempts are allowed for UPSC?
General category candidates can attempt the exam six times, OBC candidates get nine attempts, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts within the age limit.
How is the age for UPSC calculated?
The age is calculated as of August 1, 2025. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and not exceed their category’s maximum age on this date.
