IAS Age Limit 2026, Check Category-Wise Age Criteria, Relaxation

IAS age limit is one of the first and most important eligibility rules every UPSC aspirant must understand before applying. Many capable candidates lose their chance simply because they miscalculate their age or misunderstand category-wise relaxation rules. If you are planning to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2026, knowing the minimum age for IAS exam, the maximum age limits, and relaxations is essential.

Here we explain the IAS Age Limit 2026, including IAS age limit category wise, special provisions for defence personnel, and rules for female candidates. Also, learn how to use an IAS age calculator to avoid mistakes and plan your attempts wisely.

What Is the Age Limit for IAS?

The IAS age limit refers to the minimum and maximum age criteria set by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to appear for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). These limits are strictly enforced. UPSC calculates age based on a fixed cut-off date mentioned in the official notification.

For the IAS Age Limit 2026, the candidate’s age will be calculated as on 1st August 2026. This rule applies to all categories, and even a difference of one day can make a candidate ineligible.

Minimum Age for IAS Exam

The minimum age for IAS exam is the same for all candidates, regardless of category or gender. To appear for the UPSC IAS exam:

• A candidate must be at least 21 years old
• The age should be completed on or before 1st August 2026

UPSC does not allow any relaxation in the minimum age. This rule applies equally to male, female, general, OBC, SC, ST, and defence candidates.

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IAS Age Limit Category Wise

The IAS age limit category wise system ensures social and administrative fairness. UPSC provides age relaxation to candidates from reserved categories and special backgrounds.

Below is a clear overview of the IAS Age Limit for various categories, including IAS age limit for General, IAS Age Limit for OBC, IAS Age Limit for SC, and IAS Age Limit for ST.

IAS Age Limit for General Category

The IAS age limit for General category candidates is the strictest. There is no relaxation beyond the standard rule. For General category aspirants:

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: 32 years

This means the candidate must not have attained the age of 32 years on 1st August 2026. General category candidates also have limited attempts. Therefore, age planning becomes even more important. 

IAS Age Limit for OBC Category

The IAS age limit for OBC candidates includes a relaxation of 3 years over the general category. For OBC candidates:

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: 35 years

This relaxation helps candidates from socially and educationally backward classes get additional opportunities. However, OBC candidates must belong to the Non-Creamy Layer and possess valid certificates.

IAS Age Limit for SC Category

The IAS age limit for SC candidates comes with significant relaxation. For Scheduled Caste candidates:

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: 37 years

This means SC candidates get 5 years of age relaxation. The same relaxation applies to the number of attempts as well.

UPSC provides this benefit to ensure equal representation in top administrative services. Candidates must submit valid SC certificates issued by competent authorities.

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IAS Age Limit for ST Category

The IAS age limit for ST candidates is the same as that for SC candidates. For Scheduled Tribe candidates:

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: 37 years

ST candidates also receive 5 years of age relaxation. This rule acknowledges the historical disadvantages faced by tribal communities. Like other categories, the age is calculated strictly as per the cut-off date mentioned in the notification.

IAS Age Limit for Defence Personnel

The IAS age limit for Defence Personnel applies to candidates who served in the armed forces under specific conditions. For such candidates:

• Maximum age: 35 years

This relaxation recognises their service to the nation. However, they must submit proper service and disability certificates as prescribed by UPSC. Further, the eligibility criteria vary depending on the nature of service, the circumstances under which the disability was incurred, and the category of defence personnel.

IAS Age Limit for Female Candidates

A common misconception exists about the IAS age limit for female candidates. UPSC does not provide separate age relaxation based solely on gender. Female candidates follow the same rules as male candidates. However, female candidates often benefit from reservations if they belong to OBC, SC, ST, or PwBD categories.

Number of Attempts Based on IAS Age Limit

The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC Civil Services Examination varies based on the candidate’s category.

• General and EWS Category: 6 attempts until 32 years of age.
• OBC Candidates: 9 attempts until 35 years of age.
• SC/ST Candidates: Unlimited attempts until 37 years of age.
• Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): 9 attempts (General & OBC). Unlimited for SC/ST, up to category age limits.

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How to Calculate Age with the IAS Age Calculator?

An IAS age calculator is a simple but powerful tool. It helps aspirants check eligibility instantly. To calculate your age:

1. Note your date of birth
2. Compare it with the UPSC cut-off date (1st August 2026)
3. Select your category (General, OBC, SC, ST, PwBD, Defence Personnel, Ex-Servicemen, etc.) to apply the correct age relaxation.
4. Check if your age falls within the allowed range

Example (UPSC CSE 2026)

• Date of Birth: 15 July 1995
• Age on 1st August 2026: 31 years
• Category: General
• Result: Eligible

In summary, knowing the IAS Age Limit 2026, category-wise relaxations, and correct age calculation can save years of effort. Always verify your eligibility early and plan your attempts wisely.

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