Before you buy your first NCERT book, you must answer one question: “Am I eligible? UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) has strict rules regarding age, education, and attempts. A simple miscalculation here can cost you a precious year.
At Trademark IAS, we encounter hundreds of students who are confused about the “Cut-Off Date” or the “Final Year Rule.” Here is the definitive guide to the UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025.
1. UPSC Age Limit 2025 (The Most Common Doubt) UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025
The UPSC calculates your age as of August 1st, 2025.
-
Minimum Age: You must be 21 years old by Aug 1, 2025.
-
Maximum Age: This depends on your category.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Birth Date Range (Approx) |
| General / EWS | 21 Years | 32 Years | Born between 1993 and 2004 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy) | 21 Years | 35 Years | Born between 1990 and 2004 |
| SC / ST | 21 Years | 37 Years | Born between 1988 and 2004 |
| PwBD (Disabled) | 21 Years | 42 Years | Varies by sub-category |
-
Note: If you are even 1 day older than the limit on Aug 1st, you are not eligible.
2. Number of Attempts (Use Them Wisely) UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025
UPSC is not an exam you can take endlessly. You have a fixed quota.
-
General / EWS: 6 Attempts.
-
OBC: 9 Attempts.
-
SC / ST: Unlimited Attempts (till age 37).
-
PwBD: 9 Attempts (Unlimited for SC/ST PwBD).
-
Important: An attempt is counted only if you sign the attendance sheet in the Prelims exam hall. Applying but staying absent does not count as an attempt.
3. Educational Qualification UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025
-
The Rule: You must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) from a recognized university.
-
Stream: Any stream (BA, B.Tech, B.Com, MBBS, etc.) is valid.
-
Minimum Percentage: There is NO minimum percentage requirement. You just need to pass.
4. Can Final Year Students Apply? (The “Final Year” Rule)
This is the most asked question by college students.
-
The Answer: YES.
-
The Condition: You can apply for Prelims while in your final year. However, you must produce your Proof of Passing (Mark sheet/Degree) before applying for the Mains Examination (usually in July/August).
-
If you have backlogs that won’t be cleared by July, do not apply.
Conclusion
Understanding the UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025 is the first step of your strategy. If you fit the criteria, don’t waste another day wondering “if” you can do it.
Eligible? Let’s Start.
Join our Foundation Batch designed specifically for first-time attempters.
