UPSC Civil Services Examination 2027 eligibility: who can apply
Who may sit the exam, read from the exam body's own bulletin. Colleges and universities can add their own rules on top, so check the institute you want to join as well.
These figures are for: 2027 dates from UPSC's calendar. Rules from the 2026 notice, until the 2027 notice on 13 January 2027.
| Age | At least 21 and not yet 32 on 1 August of the exam yearIn 2026 that meant born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005. The 2027 notice will give the 2027 dates. |
|---|---|
| Upper age relaxation | Up to 5 years for SC and ST, and up to 3 years for OBC candidates eligible for reservationThe notice lists further relaxations. |
| Number of attempts | Six attemptsSC and ST: unlimited. OBC: nine. PwBD: nine for General, EWS and OBC, and unlimited for SC and ST. |
| Education | A graduate degree from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualificationFinal-year students can appear, and must produce proof of passing within the time the rules give. |
| Provisional admission | Admission to every stage is provisional. UPSC checks eligibility against original documents only after you qualify for the Interview / Personality Test. |
Source: UPSC Civil Services Examination 2026 notice (the latest published rules). Checked on 10 November 2026.
Not announced yet for the next cycle: The 2027 notification (scheduled for 13 January 2027): the final eligibility, age limits, number of attempts, vacancies and fee for 2027; Any change to the syllabus and scheme for 2027. See the UPSC CSE page for the latest dates.
More on UPSC CSE: dates, how to apply, exam pattern, application fee. Official site: upsc.gov.in.