UPSC CSE 2027
Age · Attempts · Degree
Eligibility
UPSC Eligibility 2027: Age Limit, Number of Attempts, Qualification and Relaxations
To sit UPSC CSE 2027 you need a graduate degree and must be 21 to 32 years old on 1 August 2027, with extra years and attempts for reserved categories.
AGE (GENERAL)
21–32 on 1 Aug 2027
ATTEMPTS (GENERAL)
6
QUALIFICATION
Any graduate degree
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Quick Answer
A candidate is eligible for UPSC CSE 2027 if they hold a degree from a recognised university (final-year students can apply) and are between 21 and 32 years of age on 1 August 2027, that is, born between 2 August 1995 and 1 August 2006. OBC candidates get 3 extra years, SC/ST candidates 5 and PwBD candidates 10. General and EWS candidates get 6 attempts, OBC 9, and SC/ST unlimited attempts within the age limit.
Last updated: 26 October 2026 · Official source: upsc.gov.in. Dates from the UPSC calendar are tentative and can change; always confirm on the official website.
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Educational Qualification
- Minimum: A bachelor’s degree from a university recognised under an Act of Parliament or a State legislature, or an equivalent qualification.
- Any stream, any marks: There is no minimum percentage. Degrees through distance or open learning are accepted.
- Final-year students: Can apply for the Prelims, but must show proof of passing the degree when they apply for the Mains (DAF-I).
- Professional degrees: Candidates who have passed the final MBBS or another medical exam but have not finished the internship can appear provisionally; the internship must be completed before the interview.
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Age Limit for UPSC 2027 (as on 1 August 2027)
| Category | Age range | Born between |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 21–32 years | 2 Aug 1995 and 1 Aug 2006 |
| OBC | 21–35 years | 2 Aug 1992 and 1 Aug 2006 |
| SC / ST | 21–37 years | 2 Aug 1990 and 1 Aug 2006 |
| PwBD (General / EWS) | 21–42 years | 2 Aug 1985 and 1 Aug 2006 |
| PwBD (OBC) | 21–45 years | 2 Aug 1982 and 1 Aug 2006 |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 21–47 years | 2 Aug 1980 and 1 Aug 2006 |
Other age relaxations
- Ex-servicemen and commissioned officers (including ECOs and SSCOs) with at least five years of military service, subject to conditions: up to 5 years.
- Domicile of Jammu & Kashmir between 1 January 1980 and 31 December 1989: up to 5 years.
- Relaxations add up: For example, an OBC candidate with a benchmark disability gets 3 + 10 = 13 years.
Worked example: A general-category candidate born on 15 July 1995 turns 32 on 15 July 2027, before 1 August 2027, so is not eligible for CSE 2027. One born on 15 August 1995 is still 31 on 1 August 2027 and is eligible.
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Number of Attempts
| Category | Maximum attempts |
|---|---|
| General | 6 |
| EWS | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC / ST | Unlimited, up to the upper age limit |
| PwBD (General / EWS / OBC) | 9 |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | Unlimited, up to the upper age limit |
What counts as an attempt: Appearing in even one paper of the Prelims. Simply applying, or applying and not appearing, does not count. Being disqualified or having your candidature cancelled after appearing still counts.
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Nationality
| Service | Who can apply |
|---|---|
| IAS, IPS, IFS | Only citizens of India |
| Other services | Citizens of India; subjects of Nepal or Bhutan; Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1 January 1962 to settle permanently; and specified persons of Indian origin who migrated to settle in India permanently. Those other than Indian citizens need a certificate of eligibility from the Government of India. |
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Other Conditions to Know
- Serving officers: A candidate already appointed to the IAS or IFS on an earlier exam cannot sit CSE again. An IPS officer cannot choose the IPS again.
- EWS certificate: Gross annual family income below Rs 8 lakh, with limits on agricultural land and residential property, for the financial year before the application.
- OBC non-creamy layer: OBC benefits need a valid non-creamy-layer certificate under the central list.
- Physical standards: Services such as the IPS and other police and railway protection services have physical and medical standards, checked after selection.
- Documents are verified late: Eligibility is checked in detail only at the DAF and interview stage, so a false claim can cost a candidate their selection years later. Check every certificate before you apply.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age limit for UPSC 2027?
For general candidates, 21 to 32 years on 1 August 2027, meaning born between 2 August 1995 and 1 August 2006. OBC candidates can be up to 35, SC/ST up to 37, and PwBD candidates get 10 more years over their category limit.
Can I apply for UPSC in my final year of graduation?
Yes. Final-year students can apply for and write the Prelims. They must submit proof of passing the degree with the Mains application.
Is there a minimum percentage required for UPSC?
No. Any recognised graduate degree is enough, whatever the marks or the stream.
How many attempts does an OBC candidate get in UPSC?
Nine attempts, within the upper age limit of 35 years.
Does applying for UPSC count as an attempt?
No. Only appearing in at least one paper of the Prelims counts as an attempt.
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Related Resources on Strive Edge IAS
- Next steps: UPSC Notification 2027 and UPSC Exam Pattern 2027
- CSE 2027 essentials: UPSC Notification 2027, UPSC Calendar 2027, UPSC Syllabus 2027 and UPSC Eligibility 2027
- Daily practice: Daily Current Affairs, Prelims Pinpointer and Mains Answer Writing
- Previous papers: UPSC Prelims PYQs and UPSC Mains PYQs
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Source: UPSC Civil Services Examination rules and notification (upsc.gov.in). Confirm details in the CSE 2027 notification. Compiled by the Strive Edge IAS editorial team.
