The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to recruit candidates for prestigious roles like IAS, IPS, and IFS. Understanding the UPSC eligibility criteria for 2025 is essential for aspirants to avoid disqualification.

This comprehensive guide covers the key aspects of UPSC IAS eligibility, including educational qualifications, age limit, attempt limits, physical requirements, and nationality criteria. Whether you’re curious about the degree required for the UPSC exam or the physical standards for certain roles, this article has all the answers.

Also Read: UPSC Syllabus

UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025 Key Requirements

UPSC eligibility is divided into several components that every aspirant must fulfill. Below is an overview of the main criteria:

• Educational Qualification
• Age Limit
• Number of Attempts
• Nationality Requirements
• Physical Eligibility (for specific posts like IPS)

Meeting these criteria is essential to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2025.

UPSC Exam Education Qualification

One of the most common queries is: Which degree is required for the UPSC exam? Here are the essential details:

• Minimum Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is mandatory.
• Accepted Degrees: Candidates from diverse academic backgrounds, including Arts, Science, Commerce, and Engineering, are eligible.
• Final-Year Students: Final-year students can apply but must provide proof of degree completion before the Main Exam.
• Percentage Requirement: There is no minimum percentage requirement. A “pass” degree from a recognized institution suffices.

This inclusivity allows aspirants from all fields to compete in the examination.

Also Read: UPSC Exam Dates

UPSC Eligibility Age Limit

The age limit for UPSC 2025 is determined as of August 1, 2025. Here are the details:

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 32 years (for general category candidates)

Age Relaxation for Reserved Categories:

• OBC: +3 years (up to 35 years)
• SC/ST: +5 years (up to 37 years)
• PwBD: +10 years (up to 42 for general, 45 for OBC, 47 for SC/ST)
• Ex-servicemen: +5 years

These criteria ensure fairness and inclusivity for candidates from diverse backgrounds.

UPSC Attempt Limits

The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC exam depends on the candidate’s category:

• General Category: 6 attempts
• OBC: 9 attempts
• SC/ST: Unlimited attempts (within the age limit)
• PwBD: 9 attempts (for general and OBC PwBD candidates)

Note: An attempt is counted only when a candidate appears for the Prelims. Merely filling out the application does not count as an attempt.

UPSC Exam Nationality Criteria

Nationality plays a vital role in UPSC eligibility. The requirements are:

• For IAS, IPS, and IFS: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
• For Other Services: Citizens of India, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, and Tibetan refugees who migrated before January 1, 1962, are eligible.

This ensures that only individuals with a strong connection to India are selected for administrative roles.

Physical Eligibility for UPSC 2025

For most UPSC posts, physical standards are not required. However, roles like IPS and IRPF have specific requirements:

• Height Requirements:
  • Men: 165 cm (160 cm for SC/ST/OBC)
  • Women: 150 cm (145 cm for SC/ST/OBC)
• Chest Measurement:
  • Men: Minimum 84 cm (with 5 cm expansion)
  • Women: Minimum 79 cm (with 5 cm expansion)
• Vision Requirements:
  • Corrected vision (with glasses): 6/6 or 6/9 for the better eye; 6/12 or 6/9 for the worse eye.

Candidates with disabilities in hearing, speech, or locomotor functions may qualify under the PwBD category.

Key Notes on UPSC Eligibility 2025

• Document Verification: Candidates must provide valid documents for age, education, and category during the selection process.
• Final-Year Students: Proof of degree completion must be submitted before the Mains exam.
• Medical Examination: Certain roles, such as IPS, require medical fitness tests to assess candidates’ physical and mental health.

By adhering to these UPSC eligibility criteria for 2025, aspirants can confidently prepare for one of India’s most competitive exams. Plan your preparation and stay updated with official announcements to ensure a smooth application process.

Understanding UPSC eligibility 2025 is vital for candidates preparing for the exam. The criteria cover educational qualifications, age limits, attempts, nationality, and physical eligibility. A bachelor’s degree in any field is required, and there’s no minimum percentage. The age limit ranges from 21 to 32 for general candidates, with relaxations for OBC, SC/ST, and other categories. By meeting these criteria and submitting the necessary documents, candidates can ensure a smooth application process and enhance their chances of success in one of India’s most challenging examinations.

UPSC Eligibility FAQs