UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2024
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for every aspirant planning to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Below are the detailed criteria for UPSC 2024:
Age Limit
| Category | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| General | 21 to 32 years |
| OBC | 21 to 35 years |
| SC/ST | 21 to 37 years |
| Disabled Defense Services personnel | 21 to 35 years |
| Ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers and ECOs/SSCOs | 21 to 37 years |
Educational Qualification
The candidate must hold a degree from a recognized university. Candidates who are in their final year of graduation can also apply, but they must present proof of their degree while appearing for the Mains exam.
Nationality
- For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), a candidate must be a citizen of India.
- For other services, a candidate must be either:
- A citizen of India, or
- A subject of Nepal, or
- A subject of Bhutan, or
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Number of Attempts
| Category | Number of Attempts |
|---|---|
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited till age limit |
| Disabled Defense Services personnel | 9 |
| Ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers and ECOs/SSCOs | 9 |
Medical and Physical Standards
The medical and physical standards required for the UPSC Civil Services Examination are crucial for candidates aspiring to join services like the Indian Police Service (IPS). Here are the key criteria:
Medical Standards
- Candidates must be in good mental and physical health and free from any disease or disability that may affect their performance in the examination and service.
- Specific medical standards are applicable for each service. For instance, candidates aiming for the Indian Police Service (IPS) must meet stricter medical standards compared to other services.
Physical Standards
| Criteria | Male Candidates | Female Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 165 cm (Minimum) | 150 cm (Minimum) |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | 84 cm (Minimum) | 79 cm (Minimum) |
| Chest (Expanded) | 89 cm (Minimum) | 84 cm (Minimum) |
| Vision | 6/6 or 6/9 (with or without glasses) | 6/6 or 6/9 (with or without glasses) |
Eligibility Criteria: Restrictions on Applying for the Examination
In addition to the above criteria, there are certain restrictions for applying to the UPSC Civil Services Examination:
- Candidates must not have been debarred from appearing in any examination held by the UPSC.
- Those who have been disqualified from service or dismissed from any government service are not eligible to apply.
- Candidates who have been found guilty of misconduct or have violated examination rules in the past will be disqualified.
FAQs: UPSC Eligibility Criteria
The number of attempts varies based on the category. General candidates can attempt up to 6 times, OBC candidates up to 9 times, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts till the age limit.
The candidate must hold a degree from a recognized university. Final year students can also apply but must provide proof of graduation during the Mains exam.
The age limit for General category candidates is 21 to 32 years.
Yes, female candidates benefit from the same age relaxations as other categories, such as OBC or SC/ST, depending on their category.
The age limit is 21 to 32 years for General category candidates, with relaxation for reserved categories and other specific groups.
Yes, ex-servicemen are given age relaxations and can attempt up to 9 times, similar to OBC candidates.
No, a diploma holder is not eligible. The candidate must have a degree from a recognized university.
No, there is no minimum percentage required in graduation for the IAS exam.
No, candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree to be eligible for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.