The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of India’s most prestigious competitive exams, recruiting candidates primarily for services like IAS (Indian Administrative Service) and IPS (Indian Police Service). Before embarking on the rigorous preparation for these coveted posts, knowing the eligibility criteria set by UPSC is vital to ensure that you are eligible to appear for the exam.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the UPSC IAS and IPS eligibility criteria for the year 2025, covering age limits, educational qualifications, physical standards (especially for IPS), nationality requirements, and the permissible number of attempts.
For IAS: Candidates must be citizens of India.
For IPS: Indian citizens, as well as citizens of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (who came to India before 1 Jan 1962), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) who migrated from specified countries with the intent to settle permanently in India, are eligible.
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates who are awaiting results are eligible to appear for the Preliminary exam but must produce proof of passing for the Mains exam.
For IPS, candidates generally require a graduation degree in any discipline. However, some specialized subjects like Engineering and certain sciences are preferred for technical knowledge but not mandatory.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 21 years | 32 years | No relaxation |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 21 years | 35 years | 3 years |
| Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) | 21 years | 37 years | 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 21 years | 42 years | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | Varies by category | Varies by category | Additional relaxations applicable |
| Category | Number of Attempts |
|---|---|
| General | 6 attempts |
| OBC | 9 attempts |
| SC/ST | Unlimited till upper age limit |
| PwBD | 9 attempts (General and OBC); Unlimited for SC/ST |
Since IPS involves police and field duties, candidates must meet certain physical standards:
| Parameter | Male Candidates | Female Candidates | Relaxation for Some Tribes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Height | 165 cm (160 cm for certain tribes) | 150 cm (145 cm for certain tribes) | 5 cm relaxation available for Scheduled Tribes and certain regions |
| Chest Girth | Minimum 84 cm with 5 cm expansion | Minimum 79 cm with 5 cm expansion | N/A |
| Vision | Uncorrected 6/12 each eye, correctable to 6/6; no squint or color blindness | Same as males | N/A |
Candidates undergo medical fitness tests after the Mains exam. Spectacles may be allowed within limits.
| Criteria | IAS | IPS |
|---|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizens only | Indian, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan Refugees, PIOs |
| Age Limit | 21-32 years (General) | Same as IAS |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) | Same as IAS |
| Number of Attempts | 6 (General) | Same as IAS |
| Physical Standards | No specific physical criteria | Specific height, chest, vision requirements |
Candidates appearing in the final year of graduation are allowed to apply for Prelims but must qualify their degree before Mains.
Age relaxations and the number of attempts are strictly as per category and disabled status.
Meeting physical eligibility is mandatory for IPS but not for IAS.
Ex-servicemen and other categories have additional relaxations as per UPSC rules.
Before starting your UPSC IAS or IPS exam preparation, ensure you meet these eligibility criteria to avoid surprises at the application or exam stage. Checking the detailed UPSC notification for the latest updates regarding eligibility, syllabus, and exam pattern is highly recommended.
Being eligible is the first step; dedicated preparation aligned with the syllabus and exam pattern will pave your way to success in UPSC Civil Services.
Q1: What is the minimum educational qualification for UPSC IAS and IPS?
A1: A candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification. Final year graduates can appear for the prelims.
Q2: What is the age limit for UPSC IAS exam?
A2: The minimum age is 21 years and the maximum is 32 years for general category as of August 1, 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories.
Q3: Are physical standards mandatory for the IAS exam?
A3: No, physical fitness criteria are mandatory only for IPS aspirants due to the nature of the service.
Q4: How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC IAS exam?
A4: General category candidates can attempt the exam 6 times; OBC candidates get 9 attempts, SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts till the age limit.
Q5: Can Nepali and Bhutanese nationals apply for IPS?
A5: Yes, Nepali and Bhutanese citizens, Tibetan refugees who came before 1962, and Persons of Indian Origin can apply for IPS.