IPS Age Limit 2026: Category-Wise Age Criteria, Relaxation

The Indian Police Service (IPS) is one of the prestigious services in India. Every year, candidates from across the country appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination to join the IPS. Understanding the IPS Age Limit 2026 is crucial before applying. Below will explained IPS age criteria, category-wise relaxations, and other important points related to the IPS exam in 2026.

What Is Age Limit for IPS?

The IPS Age Limit 2026 defines the minimum and maximum age a candidate must have to apply for the exam. UPSC sets this limit to ensure candidates are at the right stage of life for service. Age criteria also vary depending on the candidate’s category. Knowing the IPS age limit helps candidates plan their preparation and apply on time.

Minimum Age for IPS Exam

The minimum age required to appear for the IPS exam is 21 years as on August 1, 2026. Candidates must complete their graduation and meet other eligibility requirements. Anyone below this age is not allowed to register for the IPS exam.

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IPS Age Limit Category Wise

IPS Age Limit 2026 differs based on the candidate’s category. UPSC provides relaxations to reserved categories to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity. Candidates must check their category to understand the applicable age criteria.

IPS Age Limit for General Category

The IPS 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, careful age planning becomes very important.

IPS Age Limit for OBC Category

OBC category candidates get additional relaxation in the upper age limit. For OBC category aspirants:

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

This means the candidate must not have attained the age of 35 years on 1st August 2026. The age relaxation gives OBC candidates extra time to plan their preparation and attempts.

IPS Age Limit for SC Category

SC category candidates receive significant age relaxation. For SC category aspirants:

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

This means the candidate must not have attained the age of 37 years on 1st August 2026. SC candidates can utilize this extended age limit to maximize their chances in multiple attempts.

IPS Age Limit for ST Category

ST category candidates are also eligible for upper age relaxation. For ST category aspirants:

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

This means the candidate must not have attained the age of 37 years on 1st August 2026. The relaxation allows ST candidates more flexibility in preparing for the IPS exam.

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IPS Age Limit for Defence Personnel

Defence personnel and ex-servicemen get additional age relaxation over their respective category limits. For Defence personnel aspirants:

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: As per service period and category rules

This means candidates should calculate their upper age limit based on the years served in the defence. Proper planning ensures they can utilize the allowed relaxation effectively.

IPS Age Limit for Female Candidates

Female candidates follow the same age limits as their respective categories. There is no separate relaxation for gender. For female aspirants:

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: Same as category-specific limit

This means female candidates must check their category-wise upper age limit. Age planning is essential to make full use of the allowed attempts.

Number of Attempts Based on IPS Age Limit

The number of attempts for the IPS exam depends on the candidate’s category and their age limit.

• General and EWS Candidates: Eligible for 6 attempts until they reach 32 years of age.
• OBC Candidates: Can attempt up to 9 times, with the upper age limit of 35 years.
• SC/ST Candidates: Allowed to attempt until they reach the age limit of 37 years, with no restriction on the number of attempts.
• Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): General and OBC candidates can attempt up to 9 times, while SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts within their category age limits.

This structure ensures candidates get a fair chance according to their category and age, helping them plan their preparation effectively.

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IPS Age Calculator

The IPS Age Calculator 2026 is a useful tool for aspirants to quickly verify their eligibility. To use it effectively:

1. Note your date of birth.
2. Compare it with the UPSC reference date, which is 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 whether your age falls within the allowed range for your category.

Example (IPS 2026):

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

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