BharatNotes Age is calculated as on 1 August of the year of examination. General category candidates must be 21-32 years on that date; OBC 21-35; SC/ST 21-37.
UPSC calculates a candidate's age strictly as on 1st August of the year in which the Civil Services Examination is held, regardless of the actual date of the Preliminary Examination.
For CSE 2025: Age was reckoned as on 1 August 2025. For CSE 2026: Age will be reckoned as on 1 August 2026.
Category-wise age limits (as per UPSC CSE notification):
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 21 years | 32 years |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 21 years | 32 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 21 years | 35 years (3-year relaxation) |
| SC / ST | 21 years | 37 years (5-year relaxation) |
| PwBD (General/EWS) | 21 years | 42 years (10-year relaxation) |
| PwBD (OBC) | 21 years | 42 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 21 years | 42 years |
Additional relaxation of up to 5 years is available for ex-servicemen and certain other categories as specified in each year's notification. Always verify the exact age limits from the official UPSC notification PDF for the relevant year at upsc.gov.in, as categories and relaxations are defined in the notification itself.
