UPSC Civil Services
Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination
The UPSC Examination is the annual competition the Union Public Service Commission holds to recruit officers for the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service and other central services. It is widely regarded as the most competitive examination in India, with lakhs of applicants for a few hundred posts.
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UPSC Civil Services at a glance
- Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination, conducted by Union Public Service Commission.
- Open at graduate level.
- Age band 21–32 years (as on 1 August; category relaxations apply).
- Selection runs through 3 stages: Preliminary Examination → Main Examination → Personality Test.
Who is eligible for UPSC Civil Services?
The Civil Services Examination is open to graduates in any discipline from a recognised university. Nationality requirements differ by service, with the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Foreign Service reserved for Indian citizens. Candidates in their final year may sit the preliminary stage, subject to producing proof before the main examination.
What is the age limit for UPSC Civil Services?
The Civil Services Examination is open to candidates aged 21 to 32 years, reckoned as on the first of August in the year of the examination. Upper-age relaxation extends the limit for reserved categories, persons with disabilities and ex-servicemen, and the number of permitted attempts is also capped and varies by category.
What is the UPSC Civil Services selection process?
Civil Services selection runs through a preliminary objective examination, a written main examination of nine papers, and a personality test. The preliminary stage is qualifying only and its marks do not count towards the final ranking, which is built from the main examination and the personality test combined.
Selection stages in order
- 1 Preliminary Examination
- 2 Main Examination
- 3 Personality Test
Frequently asked questions
How many attempts are allowed in the UPSC Civil Services Examination?
The number of permitted attempts is capped and varies by category, with additional attempts allowed for reserved categories and persons with disabilities. Appearing at the preliminary examination counts as an attempt, so a candidate who applies but does not sit the paper is not charged one.
Do preliminary marks count in the final UPSC Civil Services rank?
No. The preliminary examination is a screening stage only, and its marks are set aside once the main examination list is drawn. Final ranking rests on the written main examination together with the personality test, which is why preliminary performance beyond the cut-off carries no advantage.
Where does this information come from?
- https://www.upsc.gov.in — checked 5 August 2026
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