For CSE 2026 you must be at least 21 and under 32 on 1 August 2026. In dates: born no earlier than 2 August 1994 and no later than 1 August 2005.
Relaxation in the upper age limit
| Category | Extra years | Upper limit (under) |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 0 | 32 |
| OBC (eligible for reservation) | 3 | 35 |
| SC / ST | 5 | 37 |
| Defence personnel disabled in operations and released | 3 | 35 |
| Ex-servicemen with 5 years’ service (conditions apply) | 5 | 37 |
| Persons with benchmark disabilities | 10 | 42 |
Relaxations add up across categories. An SC candidate who is also PwBD gets both (5 + 10). Outside these listed cases, the notification says the limit cannot be relaxed.
Which date of birth counts
Only the date in your Class 10 (matriculation) certificate or an equivalent certificate is accepted. Affidavits, horoscopes and municipal birth extracts are not. Once entered in your UPSC profile, it cannot be changed.
Age and attempts work together: you stop when either runs out.
FAQs
What is the UPSC age limit for 2026?
21 to 32 years as on 1 August 2026 for General and EWS candidates.
What is the age limit for OBC candidates?
3 extra years, so under 35 on 1 August 2026.
What is the age limit for SC/ST candidates?
5 extra years, so under 37 on 1 August 2026.
Can age relaxations be combined?
Yes. SC/ST/OBC candidates who are also ex-servicemen or PwBD get cumulative relaxation.