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UPSC Age Limit – OBC, SC, ST, General & EWS Category

UPSC Age limit for General Category & EWS categories is 21 to 32 years and 35 and 37 years respectively for OBC and SC&ST as of 1st August (2024) every year. Along with upper-age relaxation, the number of attempts has also increased.

UPSC Age Limit

UPSC Age Limit for Different Categories in 2024

Every year UPSC is conducting Civil Service Examination to select appropriate candidates for various administrative services. UPSC has set Age Limits for candidates according to different categories. For each category, the Commission changed the UPSC Age limit accordingly over the years. Recently, the Baswan committee submitted its suggestion to reduce the Upper Age Limit for candidates appearing for the IAS Exam. However, the Baswan committee’s recommendations are yet to be made public.

For many years, the Age limit was 30 for General Category candidates, 33 years for OBCs, and 35 years for SC and ST candidates. Finally, the UPA government in 2014, increased the Age limit for Civil Service Examination. Due to an uproar over General Studies Paper 2, the UPA government relaxed the age limit to 32 years.

Furthermore, there is no age relaxation or attempt for UPSC as per EWS Reservation as per the UPSC 2023 Civil Service Notification Government announced.

Also read: IAS/ IPS Cadre Allocation New Proposal 

Cumulative Age Relaxation for UPSC

Apart from the mentioned UPSC Age limits for SC/ST and OBC candidates will get cumulative age relaxation. In other words, age limits are added in special cases. For example, if a person is OBC and ex-serviceman, he will get 5+7= 12 years of relaxation. Hence, his upper age limit will be 42 years.

Lower Age Limit for UPSC

UPSC Age Limit 2024

For all categories, the lower age limit for appearing UPSC Examination is 21 years. The Age Limit is calculated according to August 1. For example, if a candidate is appearing for 2024 prelims, he/she should have attained 21 years on August 1, 2024.

UPSC Age Limit – OBC Category

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) provides a relaxation in the age limit for OBC (Other Backward Classes) category candidates. Typically, the age limit for OBC candidates is 3 years higher than the upper age limit for the unreserved category candidates, ie 35 years.

However, it’s important to note that the specific age limit for OBC candidates may vary depending on the UPSC exam and notification. Aspiring OBC candidates should carefully review the latest UPSC guidelines and notifications to determine the exact age limit for their desired exam.

IAS Age Limit 2024 – SC/ST Category

The age limit for IAS (Indian Administrative Service) exams is generally relaxed for SC/ST (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe) category candidates. Typically, SC/ST candidates are granted a maximum age relaxation of 5 years compared to the upper age limit for unreserved category candidates, ie 37 years. However, it’s important to note that the specific age limit for SC/ST candidates may vary depending on the examination and notification. Aspiring SC/ST candidates should thoroughly review the latest guidelines and notifications issued by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) to determine the exact age limit for their desired IAS exam.

Age limit for UPSC – EWS Category

Reservation Percentage

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Also, there are speculations regarding relaxation in UPSC Age Limit and Attempts as per the recent introduction of EWS Reservation. However, the central government did not provide such provisions not yet. age relaxation but also attempts. There is no  Upper Age relaxation for EWS Category.

Also read: UPSC Syllabus for Prelims and Mains Examination

Baswan Committee Recommendations on UPSC Age Limit

The Baswan committee has recently submitted its recommendations regarding changes in IAS exams. Consequently, the significant recommendation among these is to reduce the upper age limit of the candidates. Although the recommendations are yet to be published, it’s heard from the sources that the upper age limit will be fixed at 26 years for the General Category.

In fact, the government will implement the recommendations only after extending a significant window to the existing candidates as per recent news. As a matter of fact, we expect the upper age limit will not change for existing candidates also for the Civil Service 2024 Exam.

Reference: UPSC Official Website

FAQs regarding UPSC Age Limit

Q1: What is the age limit for the UPSC Civil Services Exam?

A1: The age limit for the UPSC exam varies depending on the category of the candidate. For general category candidates, the age limit is 32 years, while for OBC candidates, it is 35 years. The age limit for SC/ST candidates is 37 years.

Q2: Is there any relaxation in the age limit for UPSC Candidates who have served in the armed forces?

A2: Yes, candidates who have served in the armed forces and been released from service can relax within the age limit. Armed Forces General category candidates can apply up to the age of 35 years, 38 years for OBC candidates, and 40 years for SC/ST candidates.

Q3: Is there any limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make for the UPSC exam?

A3: Yes, there is a limit on the number of attempts a candidate can make for the UPSC exam. For general category candidates, the limit is six attempts, while for OBC candidates, it is nine attempts. The limit for SC/ST candidates is unlimited.

Q4: Is there any relaxation in the age limit for candidates with disabilities?

A4: Yes, candidates with certain disabilities can avail of relaxation in the age limit. The extent of relaxation depends on the category of disability and can range from one to ten years.

Q5: Is there any relaxation in the age limit for candidates from the Northeastern states?

A5: Yes, candidates from the Northeastern states of India can avail of relaxation in the age limit. The extent of relaxation depends on the category of the candidate and can range from one to five years.

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