The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a prestigious exam that opens the doors to a rewarding career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other central services. To appear for this exam, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria. Let’s delve into the detailed eligibility criteria to help aspiring candidates navigate this crucial aspect:

Nationality:

• Indian Citizen: Candidates must be a citizen of India to apply for the UPSC CSE exam.
• Subject of Nepal/Bhutan: Candidates who are subjects of Nepal or Bhutan are also eligible to apply, provided they meet certain conditions.
• Tibetan Refugee: Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India are also eligible.
• Person of Indian Origin (PIO)/Overseas Citizen of India (OCI): Candidates belonging to PIO/OCI categories are also eligible, but they must check the detailed eligibility conditions.

Age Limit:

• Minimum Age: Candidates must have attained the age of 21 years as of August 1st of the exam year.
• Maximum Age: The maximum age limit varies based on the category of the candidate. For the general category, the maximum age limit is 32 years. There are relaxations in the upper age limit for reserved categories.

Number of Attempts:

• General Category: Candidates belonging to the general category can attempt the exam a maximum of six times.
• OBC Category: Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category can attempt the exam a maximum of nine times.
• SC/ST Category: There is no restriction on the number of attempts for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories.

Educational Qualification:

• Degree: Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualification.
• Final Year Students: Candidates who are in their final year of degree examination are also eligible to apply, but they must submit proof of passing the exam along with the application for the Main Examination.

Conclusion:

Understanding the UPSC CSE exam eligibility criteria is crucial for aspiring candidates. Meeting these criteria is the first step towards realizing the dream of becoming a civil servant. With thorough preparation and dedication, aspiring candidates can ace the UPSC CSE exam and embark on a fulfilling career in the civil services.