For UPSC 2027, General category candidates must be 21–32 years as on 1 August 2027 — born not earlier than 2 August 1995 and not later than 1 August 2006. Age limits are category-specific; reserved categories receive relaxation on the upper age limit. UPSC calculates age exclusively from the notification's cut-off date, not from the application or Prelims date.
UPSC 2027 age eligibility checker
Age is counted as on 1 August 2027. Gender does not change UPSC age limits for CSE.
This checks age only for CSE 2027. Nationality, degree, attempts, OBC creamy layer, ex-servicemen, and J&K relaxations are not included. Confirm against the official notification on upsc.gov.in.
Key highlights
- Cut-off date: 1 August 2027
- General: 21–32 years (born 2 Aug 1995 – 1 Aug 2006)
- OBC (NCL): Up to 35 years
- SC/ST: Up to 37 years
- PwBD (General): Up to 42 years
Category-wise age limits for UPSC 2027
| Category | Minimum age | Maximum age | Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 21 | 32 | None |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 21 | 35 | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 21 | 37 | 5 years |
| PwBD (General) | 21 | 42 | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 21 | 45 | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 21 | 47 | 15 years |
Ex-servicemen, domiciled J&K residents, and other notified categories may receive additional relaxation — verify in the January 2027 notification.
Birth year ranges (illustrative)
| Category | Earliest date of birth | Latest date of birth |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 2 August 1995 | 1 August 2006 |
| OBC | 2 August 1992 | 1 August 2006 |
| SC / ST | 2 August 1990 | 1 August 2006 |
| PwBD (General) | 2 August 1985 | 1 August 2006 |
| PwBD (OBC) | 2 August 1982 | 1 August 2006 |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 2 August 1980 | 1 August 2006 |
Use the calculator above for your exact date of birth. Candidates born on boundary dates should confirm inclusion against the January 2027 notification wording.
How UPSC calculates age
- Reference date: 1 August of the examination year (2027)
- Minimum age: Candidate must have completed 21 years on or before 1 August 2027
- Maximum age: Candidate must not have completed the category maximum on 1 August 2027
- Date of birth proof: Matriculation certificate or equivalent — not self-declared age
Age vs attempts interaction
Age and attempts are independent constraints. An SC candidate may have unlimited attempts but must still be within 37 years on 1 August 2027. A General candidate at age 31 with five attempts used has one attempt remaining before hitting either cap.
See UPSC attempts 2027 for attempt-counting rules.
Common mistakes
- Using application date instead of 1 August 2027 for age calculation
- Submitting OBC certificate without verifying Non-Creamy Layer status
- Assuming EWS gets age relaxation (it does not — only vacancy reservation)
- Relying on Aadhaar date of birth when it differs from matriculation certificate
Frequently asked questions
What is the UPSC age limit for General category in 2027?
21 to 32 years as on 1 August 2027.
What is the UPSC age limit for OBC in 2027?
Up to 35 years as on 1 August 2027, with a valid Non-Creamy Layer certificate.
Does UPSC give age relaxation to female candidates?
No separate female age relaxation exists. Female candidates in General category follow the 32-year upper limit.
Which document proves date of birth?
Matriculation or secondary school leaving certificate is the standard proof. Gazette notification required if name or DOB differs across documents.
Can defence personnel get extra age relaxation?
Yes — ex-servicemen and certain defence categories receive additional relaxation per notification rules.
Is the age limit the same for IFoS?
IFoS has a separate upper age limit (typically lower for General). Check the IFoS section in the 2027 notification.
Key Takeaways
- Age is counted as on 1 August 2027, not Prelims day.
- General category: born between 2 August 1995 and 1 August 2006.
- OBC, SC/ST, and PwBD receive cumulative upper-age relaxation.
- Matriculation certificate is the authoritative date-of-birth proof.
- Plan attempts alongside age — both caps apply simultaneously.