UPSC Prelims 2026 Eligibility: Attempt Limit, Age Relaxation, and Category

June 9, 2025 Modified date: June 9, 2025

KKN Gurugram Desk | The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually, a three-stage recruitment process that selects candidates for top government positions like IAS, IPS, IFS, and more. Considered one of the toughest competitive exams globally, the CSE is known for its rigorous pattern and strict eligibility criteria.

Over 1 million candidates appear for the Prelims every year, but only a few thousand proceed to the Mains, and fewer make it to the final interview round. Therefore, understanding the eligibility conditions is essential before planning your UPSC journey.

UPSC Prelims 2025 Held in May, Aspirants Now Eyeing 2026 Exam

The UPSC Prelims 2025 was held on May 25, and results are expected soon. However, thousands of serious aspirants have already begun preparing for UPSC CSE 2026. For them, one of the first steps is to know:

How many times they can attempt the exam
What is the permissible age limit
Whether they are eligible for any relaxation based on their category

Let’s break down the complete UPSC Prelims eligibility criteria for 2026.

UPSC Attempt Limit: How Many Times Can You Appear for Prelims?

UPSC imposes a maximum number of attempts for Civil Services aspirants, depending on their category. Importantly, an attempt is counted only if the candidate actually appears in at least one paper of the Prelims exam. Merely filling the application form is not considered an attempt.

Category-wise UPSC Attempt Limit:

Category	Maximum Attempts Allowed
General (UR)	6 Attempts
EWS (Economically Weaker Section)	6 Attempts
OBC (Other Backward Class)	9 Attempts
SC/ST	Unlimited Attempts (until age limit)
PwBD (General/OBC)	9 Attempts
PwBD (SC/ST)	Unlimited Attempts (until age limit)

Note:
Even if a candidate appears in just one paper of the Prelims, it will be treated as one full attempt. However, if the candidate skips the exam completely despite applying, it is not counted.

UPSC Age Limit for Prelims: Minimum and Maximum Age Criteria

Age is another important eligibility factor, and UPSC uses a fixed cut-off date of August 1 of the examination year to determine the age.

As per 2025 norms (expected for 2026):

Category	Minimum Age	Maximum Age	Age Relaxation
All Categories	21 Years	Varies by Category	As below
General/EWS	21 Years	32 Years	None
OBC	21 Years	35 Years	3 Years
SC/ST	21 Years	37 Years	5 Years
PwBD (General/OBC)	21 Years	42 Years	10 Years
PwBD (SC/ST)	21 Years	42 Years	10 Years (Unlimited Attempts)
Ex-Servicemen (General)	21 Years	37 Years	5 Years
Domiciled in J&K (1980–1989)	21 Years	37 Years	5 Years

🔹 Cumulative Age Relaxation:
Some candidates may be eligible for combined relaxation. For example, an OBC Ex-serviceman can receive:

3 years (OBC) + 5 years (Ex-servicemen) = 8 years total relaxation
Thus, maximum age = 32 + 8 = 40 years

UPSC Educational Qualification for Prelims 2026

To appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, a candidate must meet the following academic eligibility:

Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Final-year students can apply for Prelims, but they must submit proof of passing the degree before applying for Mains.
There is no percentage cutoff — passing the degree is sufficient.

Nationality Criteria for UPSC Aspirants

Nationality rules vary depending on the service applied for:

Post/Service	Nationality Requirement
IAS & IPS	Must be an Indian citizen
Other Services	Must be an Indian citizen, OR a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, OR a Tibetan refugee settled in India before January 1, 1962, OR a person of Indian origin migrated from select countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc., with the intent of permanent settlement in India

All non-Indian nationals must present a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India.

Important UPSC Prelims Eligibility Points to Remember

Minimum age of 21 years is mandatory for all.
Maximum age and number of attempts vary by category.
Attempt is counted only when the candidate appears for at least one Prelims paper.
No upper age relaxation for General and EWS candidates.
Academic qualification must be completed before Mains application.
Only Indian citizens are eligible for IAS/IPS posts.

What Should 2026 UPSC Aspirants Do Now?

If you plan to attempt UPSC Prelims 2026, here’s what you should start with:

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide:

Verify your eligibility based on age, attempts, and qualification.
Track your attempts if you’ve already appeared before.
Plan your timeline backward from August 2026 — the likely cut-off for age and documents.
Start preparation early with Prelims-focused resources.
Check UPSC notifications regularly on the official site: www.upsc.gov.in

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming attempts count from application – No, only if you appear in the paper.
Ignoring cumulative age relaxation – You might qualify under combined categories.
Missing documentation deadlines – Especially for OBC, SC/ST, or PwBD certificates.
Not calculating age from August 1, 2026 – Always refer to the cut-off date.

Quick Reference: UPSC 2026 Eligibility Summary

Criteria	Requirement
Minimum Age	21 Years (as of August 1, 2026)
Maximum Age (General)	32 Years
Educational Qualification	Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Attempt Limit (General/EWS)	6
Attempt Limit (OBC)	9
Attempt Limit (SC/ST)	Unlimited (until age 37)
Citizenship	Indian citizen required for IAS/IPS

The UPSC CSE is not just an exam — it’s a long-term commitment. Before you dedicate years to preparation, it is essential to understand the eligibility framework in detail. Whether it’s your age limit, attempt count, or academic criteria, even a small oversight can disqualify you.

As UPSC continues to evolve and adapt its processes, staying informed is your first step toward success.

For updates on UPSC 2026 notifications, preparation tips, and result announcements, stay connected with KKN Live — your trusted source for competitive exam coverage.