UPSC Prelims Exam 2025: Who Can Apply? Age Limit, Attempts, Qualification & Full Eligibility Criteria
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UPSC Prelims Exam 2025
UPSC Prelims Exam 2025 : The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually to recruit officers for prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS, and others. Regarded as one of the toughest examinations globally, the UPSC CSE sees lakhs of aspirants every year, yet only a few make it to the final merit list.
With the UPSC Prelims 2025 held on May 25, candidates aiming for the 2026 exam or beyond must understand the eligibility requirements thoroughly to plan their preparation strategically. Here’s everything you need to know about UPSC 2025 eligibility criteria, age limit, attempts allowed, and educational qualifications.
โ UPSC Prelims 2025: Key Highlights
Exam Conducting Body: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
๐งโ๐ Educational Qualification for UPSC CSE
To be eligible for the Civil Services Examination:
The candidate must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.
Final year students can also apply, provided they produce proof of graduation before the Main examination.
UPSC Prelims Exam 2025
๐ฎ๐ณ Nationality Requirements
For IAS and IPS posts: Only Indian citizens are eligible.
For other services:
Citizens of India,
Nepal,
Bhutan, or
Tibetan refugees (who came to India before January 1, 1962 with the intention to settle permanently) are eligible.
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) who have migrated from countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam, etc. can also apply under certain conditions.
๐ UPSC 2025 Age Limit (As on August 1, 2025)
Category
Minimum Age
Maximum Age
General/EWS
21 years
32 years
OBC
21 years
35 years
SC/ST
21 years
37 years
PwBD (General/OBC)
21 years
42 years
PwBD (SC/ST)
21 years
42 years
Ex-Servicemen (General)
21 years
37 years
J&K Domicile (1980โ1989)
21 years
37 years
Note: Relaxations are cumulative in certain cases. For example, an OBC Ex-Serviceman gets 3 (OBC) + 5 (Ex-servicemen) = 8 years relaxation, making the upper age limit 40 years.
UPSC Prelims Exam 2025
๐ Number of Attempts Allowed
Category
Number of Attempts
General/EWS
6
OBC
9
SC/ST
Unlimited
PwBD (General/OBC)
9
PwBD (SC/ST)
Unlimited
Important:
An attempt is counted only when you appear in any paper of the preliminary exam.
Filling the application form without appearing in the exam does not count as an attempt.
๐ Important Notes for Aspirants
Always ensure that you check the official UPSC notification for any changes in eligibility criteria.
Candidates must provide valid proof of category and age if they are availing relaxation benefits.
Incorrect or false information during the application process may lead to disqualification.
Preparing for the UPSC exam is not just about knowledge, but also about planning smartly within the eligibility framework. Knowing the age limits, number of attempts, nationality rules, and educational criteria will help aspirants avoid last-minute surprises.
As competition intensifies each year, aspirants are advised to start early, stay updated, and prepare with full focus. For updates related to UPSC Prelims Result 2025 and other notifications, visit the official website: upsc.gov.in
