UPPSC PCS Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Qualification and Relaxation

UPPSC PCS eligibility depends on three things: your age on the reference date, your educational qualification for the posts you choose, and your nationality and domicile status. The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission sets these rules in the notification for each cycle of the Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Examination. For the 2026 cycle (Advertisement No. A-1/E-1/2026), age is counted as on 1 July 2026.

This page explains the age limit and relaxations, the degree you need for different posts, who can claim reservation, and the common mistakes that make candidates ineligible. Applications for 2026 closed on 3 August 2026, so use this page to check your eligibility for the posts in your preference list or to plan for the next cycle.

UPPSC PCS Eligibility

Educational Qualification

For most posts, you need a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a university recognised by law, or an equivalent qualification. Your marks percentage does not matter for these general posts.

Several posts need a specific degree. Some examples reported from the 2026 notification are given below. The notification lists the exact qualification for every post.

You can list only those posts in your preference sheet for which you hold the required qualification. Choosing a post you are not qualified for can lead to your candidature for that post being cancelled at the document stage.

Final-Year Students

Reports differ on whether final-year students can apply provisionally and by which date the degree must be held. Read the qualification clause in the official notification before you apply. If the degree must be held by the last date of application, a pending result will make you ineligible for that cycle.

UPPSC PCS Age Limit

Candidates must be at least 21 and not more than 40 years old as on 1 July 2026. For a general candidate, this means a date of birth between 2 July 1986 and 1 July 2005, both dates included. Use the date of birth recorded in your High School (Class 10) certificate.

Age Relaxation

EWS candidates do not get an age relaxation. Some posts have their own age rules. For example, the Principal, Government Intermediate College post is reported to need candidates aged 30 to 40. Check the post-wise table in the notification for these exceptions.

Nationality, Domicile and Other Conditions

• Nationality: You must be a citizen of India. Candidates from any state can apply.

• Domicile and reservation: Reservation, age relaxation and fee concessions are only for UP domicile candidates. Candidates from other states apply in the general category, whatever their category in their home state.

• Women's reservation: Horizontal reservation for women applies under UP government rules. Reports note that results for women candidates from outside UP have been subject to court orders, so follow official notices on this point.

• Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts, as long as you are within the age limit.

• Physical standards: Posts such as DSP, Superintendent of Jail, District Commandant Home Guards, Excise Inspector and Deputy Jailor have height, chest and other physical standards. Check these before selecting such posts.

• Character and medical fitness: Selected candidates must pass a medical examination and character verification.

Who Is Not Eligible

• Over age on the reference date: Even one day over the limit on 1 July 2026 makes you ineligible.

• Degree not complete in time: Missing the date by which the degree must be held.

• Wrong category claim: Claiming a UP reservation without a valid UP caste or category certificate in the required format.

• Post-wise mismatch: Choosing a post without its specific qualification or physical standard.

• Mismatched details: Name or date of birth in the form that does not match your certificates.

Fee and Documents

The prelims fee is Rs. 125 for General, EWS and OBC candidates, Rs. 65 for SC, ST and ex-servicemen of UP, and Rs. 25 for persons with disabilities. Keep your Class 10 certificate, degree marksheets, category certificate, domicile certificate and any relaxation certificates ready for the mains form and document verification. For dates and the application process, see the UPPSC PCS 2026 overview.

Always confirm eligibility in the official notification on the UPPSC website.