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UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria 2025 - Age, Qualification, Nationality, Medical Standards
Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Feb 18, 2025 10:35 AM IST | #UPSC CSE
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Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the IAS 2025 eligibility criteria in the official notification on January 22, 2025, at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC CSE eligibility criteria 2025 is based on nationality, age limit, educational qualification, number of attempts, and medical standards. As per the exam eligibility criteria, candidates between the age group of 21 to 32 years with a graduation degree are eligible to apply for the UPSC IAS exam. Interested applicants needed to check the UPSC IAS eligibility criteria thoroughly. Applicants belonging to the reserved category will be eligible for relaxation in the UPSC age limit criteria.
This Story also Contains
- UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria 2025 - Overview
- IAS Eligibility Criteria 2025
- IAS Application Form 2025
UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria 2025 - Overview
Aspirants can check the UPSC IAS eligibility and other details related to the exam in the below table.
UPSC IAS Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
Exam Name | Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination |
Examination Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Exam Level | National |
UPSC Eligibility 2025 | Nationality - Indian Age limit - 21 years to 32 years Educational Qualification - Graduation |
Number of attempts | General/ EWS - 6 OBC/ General (PwD) - 9 SC/ ST - No limit (can apply till upper age limit is reached) |
IAS Eligibility Criteria 2025
The IAS eligibility criteria has multiple components which together determine the eligibility of candidates for the examination. The different components of IAS eligibility are mentioned below:
Nationality
IAS age limit
Educational Qualification
Attempt limit
Medical standards
UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria - Nationality
According to the UPSC IAS eligibility, any candidate who is a citizen of India can apply for the exam. More details on the IAS 2025 eligibility on nationality are mentioned below.
Citizen of India or
A subject of Nepal/ Bhutan or
Tibetan refugee who came to India, to permanently settle here before January 1, 1962, or
People of Indian origin who migrated from Uganda, Burma, Pakistan, Zambia, the United Republic of Tanzania, Malawi, Sri Lanka, East African Countries of Kenya, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam to permanently settle in India.
UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy and Best Books
UPSC CSE preparation strategy along with best books for prelims as well as mains exam for sure success.
Download EBookNote: Applicants belonging to categories 2, 3 and 4 in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India are eligible to apply in the examination.
Other Quick Links: IAS exam dates 2025
IAS Eligibility Criteria 2025 - Age Limit
Union Public Service Commission prescribes the age limit in the official UPSC IAS notification 2025. As per the age limit eligibility criteria, those between 21 to 32 years as of August 1, 2025, can fill out the IAS application form 2025. Applicants belonging to the reserved category are eligible for age relaxation as per the rules set by UPSC. For more details on IAS exam age limit and age relaxation, check the tables below:
UPSC IAS age limit 2025 eligibility criteria
Category | IAS age limit |
General | 21 to 32 years |
IAS eligibility criteria 2025 - Age Relaxation
Categories | Age relaxation |
General | No age relaxation |
OBC | 3 years |
SC/ ST | 5 years |
Defense Services Personnel, who got disabled during operations during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence | 3 years |
Ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers (CO) and ECOs/ SSCOs who will render at least five years Military Service as of August 1, 2021, and have been released | 5 years |
ECOs/SSCOs who have completed an initial period of assignment of five years of Military Service as of 1st August 2021 | 5 years |
In the following cases: blindness and low vision, deaf and hard of hearing, locomotor disability including acid attack, cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, victims and muscular dystrophy, intellectual disability, autism, specific learning disability and mental illness | 10 years |
Candidates ordinarily domiciled in the State of Jammu & Kashmir from January 1, 1981, to December 31, 1989. | 5 years |
Quick Links: UPSC IAS 2025 syllabus
UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria 2025 - Educational Qualification
The educational qualifications that one must have to be eligible to apply for the Civil Services 2025 exam for all the posts are mentioned in the notification. They must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university as laid down under the law. For more details on the IAS educational qualifications, check the table below:
IAS education qualification
IAS educational qualification | Bachelor's degree (BA, B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA, B.Tech etc.) with at least one of the subjects namely Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology or a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Forestry or in Engineering from recognized university. |
Note: Applicants awaiting their final graduation result can also apply for IAS exam. And there is no minimum UPSC qualification percentage required.
Other Links: How to prepare for IAS exam 2025
UPSC IAS Eligibility Criteria 2025 - UPSC attempts limit
The Commission also mentioned the number of UPSC attempt limits for every category of candidates. The minimum number of attempts is given to General/ EWS category applicants. For more information the UPSC attempt limit check the table below:
UPSC attempt and age limit
Category | UPSC Civil Services Age Limit | Number of Attempts |
General/ EWS | 32 | 6 |
OBC | 35 | 9 |
SC/ ST | 37 | No limit |
General Physically Disabled | 35 | 9 |
OBC Physically Disabled | 38 | 9 |
SC and ST Physically Disabled | 40 | No limit |
Disabled servicemen (General) | 35 | |
Disabled servicemen (OBC) | 38 | |
Disabled servicemen (SC and ST) | 40 |
Note: As per the UPSC rules, not withstanding the disqualification/ cancellation of candidature, the appearance of the applicant in the IAS exam will count as an attempt.
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IAS Eligibility Criteria 2025 - Medical Standard
Applicants appearing for the IAS exam must be physically fit and have a sound mind. After the CSE personality test, the selected applicants undergo several medical tests at the medical centre notified by the commission. Candidates must pass all the medical tests to get admitted to any of the services.
Note: For more details on the medical requirements for the CSE exam read the eligibility criteria in the official IAS notification 2025.
Who are not eligible to apply for Civil Services Exam
According to the IAS eligibility criteria 2025, applicants who are serving in the Indian Administrative Services (IAS)/ Indian Foreign Services (IFS)/ Indian Police Services (IPS) can not appear for the IAS exam 2025 unless and until they resign from their current deputation.
IAS Application Form 2025
The UPSC IAS application form 2025 will be closed today, February 18, 2025 (extended date). UPSC released the UPSC IAS 2025 application form on January 22, 2025 on the official website. The UPSC IAS application form correction window will be available from February 19 to 25, 2025. The IAS application form has two parts - One Time Registration (OTR) and filling application form. On successful completion of both parts of the IAS application process, applicants will receive a confirmation regarding the same.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the IAS exam age limit?
The UPSC age limit to apply for IAS 2025 exam is 21 to 32 years as on August 1, 2025.
2. What is the qualification for IAS in UPSC?
According to the IAS qualification, candidates must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline to apply for the IAS exam.
3. Are all the posts under UPSC CSE gazetted posts?
Yes, all the posts under Civil Services Exam gazetted posts.
4. Will UPSC reduce age limit in 2025?
Candidates are recommended to go through the UPSC CSE official notification to know the age limit. The UPSC CSE age limit likely not reduce in 2025.
5. Will the UPSC pattern change in 2025?
It is unlikely that the IAS 2025 exam pattern will change much in 2025.
6. How many attempts for UPSC 2025?
Candidates of general category have 6 attempts, while OBC candidates have 9 attempts. Candidates belonging to SC/ST category do not have a limit.
7. What is the IAS age limit for female?
Aspirants can check the IAS qualification and age limit for females from the above article.
8. Which degree is best for UPSC IAS 2025?
The best degree to become an IAS officer is a Bachelor of Arts (BA), as it covers many of the topics in the UPSC CSE 2025 syllabus.
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Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?
If your goal is to become an IAS officer, choose a degree that supports UPSC preparation and also provides a good backup:
BA in Political Science, History, Geography, or Economics is ideal for IAS.
BSc or BCom is fine too, but you'll need to study humanities separately for UPSC.
For backup, pick a subject with good job prospects like BBA or Computer Science.
KCET is required only if you're planning professional courses like Engineering or Agriculture. It's not needed for BA or general degrees.
Rubina Naseer 04 April,2025
Hello aspirant,
For becoming IAS , you have to first complete your graduation from any background from any recognised university or college. If you are in your final year, then also you are eligible. After that you have to give an entrance exam name UPSC . If you will clear this exam then according to your marks you may get the IAS position.
To know about UPSC entrance exam, kindly go through the given link:
https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse
All the best!!
Sakshi Sharma 31 March,2025
Hello Rishika,
You can take any stream for becoming IAS. As per the eligibility criteria of UPSC IAS , student have to graduate from any stream from any recognised university or college. So it's doesn't matter from which stream you choose. But if you really want to become IAS, then humanities , arts related subject helps you alot.
To know more, kindly go through the given link:
https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse
Good luck!
Sakshi Sharma 31 March,2025
Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query
To start your prep for IAS exams without any coaching and free of cost here are some pointers you can follow :-
1.Understand the exam- To get started with IAS prep, first grab the official UPSC syllabus for both the first exam (Prelims) and the main exam (Mains) from their website. Understand what you need to study and how important each topic is.
Next, learn how the exam is set up. There are three parts: a multiple-choice test (Prelims), a written exam with long answers (Mains), and an interview. Know how many papers are in each, how you get marks, and how much time you get.
Finally, look at old exam papers from the last 5 to 10 years. This will give you an idea of how tough the exam is, what kinds of questions they ask, and which topics you should really focus on.
2.Build a strong foundation-Begin your IAS study with NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 for subjects like History, Geography, Civics, Economics, and Science. These will give you a basic understanding. Once you know the basics well, switch to standard books for each subject. You can find lists of recommended books online from people who've cleared the exam. Some popular ones are mentioned for Polity, Economy, Modern History, and Geography.
3.Stay updated with current affairs- To stay updated for IAS, read a good national newspaper every day (like The Hindu or Indian Express) and jot down important news from India and the world. Also, read magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra to understand social and economic topics deeply. Check websites like PIB and those of research groups for info on government plans and reports.
4.Utilize free online resources-For IAS prep help, check out websites like BYJU'S, ClearIAS, and Mrunal. They have free study stuff. Also, watch YouTube channels by teachers and ex-IAS officers for tips and lessons. Join online groups to ask questions and learn from others preparing for the exam.
5.Mock tests and self assessment-Take free practice tests online for both Prelims and Mains to see how ready you are and what you need to work on. After each test, check what you did wrong and focus on fixing those things. Remember to study regularly, believe in yourself, and take breaks so you don't get too tired. Consistency is more important than studying for many hours at once.
I hope this helps . Financial problems can never stop one from dreaming and achieving things in their life. Stay motivated!!!
SUKRITI GUPTA 04 April,2025
Hello Chetan,
IAS (Indian Administrative Service) is one of the top civil services in India. IAS officers work in various government departments, implementing policies, managing administration, and advising ministers. They hold key positions like District Collector, Secretary, or Commissioner and play a vital role in governance and public service. To become an IAS officer, one must clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE).
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 09 March,2025
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