Cut-off: 1 AugAttempts + degreeDoB windowsMyths dossier

UPSC Eligibility 2027 — Age Limit & Attempts Calculator

Interactive UPSC eligibility checker for age limits and attempt counts by category, plus degree and nationality notes for CSE 2027.

1. Compass2. Validator3. Degree streams4. Physical standards5. Myths6. FAQs
Statutory compass

All four criteria must be satisfied

Citizenship

Indian citizen for IAS/IPS/IFoS; Nepal/Bhutan/Tibetan refugees may qualify for some Central services.

Age

21 to category upper limit on 1 August of the exam year (Gen/EWS 32; OBC 35; SC/ST 37; PwBD 42).

Degree

Any recognised graduate degree — no minimum %. Final year OK for Prelims.

Attempts

Gen/EWS 6 · OBC 9 · SC/ST unlimited to age · PwBD 9 / unlimited.

CSE eligibility & attempt validator

Cut-off date: 01-Aug-2027

Checks age, attempts, and degree status against standard DoPT-style CSE rules.

Category / reservation
Educational degree status

Permitted DoB for this category in 2027: 02-08-1995 → 01-08-2006

Eligible for UPSC CSE 2027

Age on 1 Aug
27 yrs (27.2 exact)
Attempts remaining
6
Years of eligibility
5
  • ✓Age (21–32 yrs on 1 Aug 2027): 27 years (27.2 exact)
  • ✓Attempt quota (6 max): 0 used · 6 remaining
  • ✓Educational degree: Graduation completed / provisional

Likely eligible for CSE 2027 under standard DoPT-style rules. DoB window for this category: 02-08-1995 to 01-08-2006. General / EWS / OBC male candidates typically pay ₹100 for Prelims. Confirm final rules in the official CSE notification on upsc.gov.in.

What counts as an attempt?

  • Applied but did not appear0 attempts used

    Merely applying does not count. An attempt is counted only if you appear in at least one Prelims paper.

  • Appeared in GS only, skipped CSAT1 attempt used

    Appearing in even one Prelims paper consumes one attempt for that cycle.

  • Appeared in both papers, missed cut-off1 attempt used

    The attempt is counted whether you qualify Prelims or not.

  • Reached interview but missed final list1 attempt used

    The whole CSE cycle from Prelims through Interview counts as one attempt.

Education

Degree guidelines by stream

Optional subject choice is independent of graduation discipline.

Engineering (B.Tech / BE)

4-year degrees from recognised universities. Final year (7th/8th semester) typically eligible for Prelims.

Medical (MBBS / BDS)

Final professional exam cleared can sit Mains even if internship is ongoing; completion proof before Interview.

Open / distance (IGNOU & UGC-DEB)

Recognised open-university degrees are valid and treated equal to regular degrees.

Arts, Science & Commerce

BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, BCA — any discipline. No minimum percentage required.

CA / CS / CMA

Final exams of ICAI, ICSI, or ICWAI are recognised as equivalent qualifications.

Final-year students

Eligible for Prelims; must prove passing before Mains DAF-I.

Medical / physical

Service-specific standards

IPS (technical police standards)

  • Height male: 165 cm (160 cm ST/Gorkhas)
  • Height female: 150 cm (145 cm ST/Gorkhas)
  • Chest male: 84 cm (+5 cm expansion)
  • Chest female: 79 cm (+5 cm expansion)

IAS / IFS / IRS (non-technical)

  • No minimum height / chest limits
  • Spectacles / LASIK permitted (corrected vision)
  • Good mental and bodily health standard
Fact-check dossier

Myths vs official-style rules

Myth

I need at least 60% in graduation.

Fact

False. Only a recognised graduate degree with pass marks is required.

Myth

IGNOU / distance degrees are not accepted.

Fact

False. UGC/DEB-recognised open university degrees are valid.

Myth

Filling the online form counts as an attempt.

Fact

False. An attempt counts only if you appear in at least one Prelims paper.

Myth

Gap years hurt eligibility or interview marks.

Fact

False. No gap-year bar if you meet age and attempt rules.

Myth

College backlogs block Prelims.

Fact

False for Prelims in final year; clear backlogs before Mains DAF-I.

Myth

Only Humanities graduates clear UPSC.

Fact

False. Large shares of selectees come from engineering, medicine, science, and commerce.

FAQs

Eligibility FAQs

What is the age cut-off date for CSE 2027?

1 August 2027. Gen/EWS must be 21–32 on that date (born not earlier than 2 Aug 1995 and not later than 1 Aug 2006), with category relaxations.

Can final-year students apply?

Yes for Prelims. Proof of passing is required at Mains DAF-I.

Is there a minimum graduation percentage?

No. Pass / third division from a recognised university is enough.

Does applying alone consume an attempt?

No — only appearing in at least one Prelims paper does.

Next: Notification & OTR · 2027 calendar

Disclaimer: UPSC Shelf is an independent study workspace and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Union Public Service Commission. Official notifications, calendars, admit cards, and results are published only at upsc.gov.in.