UPSC Reservation for SC, ST, EWS, OBC, & Other Categories

Reservation in UPSC plays an important role in ensuring inclusive representation in India’s civil services. The Union Public Service Commission follows the reservation policies prescribed by the Government of India, in line with constitutional provisions, to provide equitable opportunities to candidates from historically underrepresented and disadvantaged sections of society.

Through reservation, eligible candidates receive certain relaxations related to age limit, number of attempts, cut-off marks, and application fees. These provisions aim to reduce systemic barriers and support wider participation in the Civil Services Examination (CSE).

Here, we'll explain UPSC reservation percentages, eligibility conditions, category-wise relaxations, and important rules applicable for UPSC CSE 2026, based strictly on the official notification.

UPSC Reservation Eligibility Criteria

To claim reservation benefits in UPSC CSE 2026, candidates must satisfy the eligibility conditions prescribed in the official notification.

Nationality Requirements

• For IAS, IFS, and IPS: The candidate must be a citizen of India.
• For other civil services: The candidate must be:

• • a citizen of India, or

  • a subject of Nepal, or

  • a subject of Bhutan, or

  • a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement, or

  • a person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or select East African countries with the intention of permanent settlement.

Candidates falling under non-Indian citizen categories must possess a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India.

UPSC Age Limit and Relaxation (As on 1 August 2026)

General Age Criteria

• Minimum age: 21 years

• Maximum age: 32 years

• Candidates must be born between 2 August 1994 and 1 August 2005 (both dates inclusive).

Category-wise Age Relaxation

Important Notes:

• SC/ST/OBC candidates who also fall under PwBD or Ex-Servicemen categories can avail cumulative age relaxation.

• Age relaxation is subject to medical fitness standards prescribed for the allocated service.

• No age relaxation is allowed beyond the limits mentioned in the rules.

Proof of Date of Birth

UPSC accepts the date of birth only as recorded in:

• Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate, or

• Higher Secondary Certificate, or

• Equivalent certificate recognized by a university.

Once submitted, no change in date of birth is permitted under any circumstances.

Minimum Educational Qualification

To appear for UPSC CSE 2026, a candidate must:

• Hold a graduate degree from a recognized university or institution established by law in India, or

• Possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government.

Key Points:

• Candidates in the final year of graduation can apply provisionally.

• Proof of passing the qualifying examination must be produced at the time of the Personality Test.

• Candidates with professional or technical qualifications recognized as equivalent are also eligible.

• Medical graduates must complete their internship before the interview stage.

UPSC Reservation Percentage

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UPSC Reservation Eligibility

1. Category in UPSC Reservation List: Candidates whose community/caste/category is included in the UPSC reservation list as per the list published by the Central Government in the official gazette.
2. Non-creamy Layer Certificate: The OBC category candidates must belong to the non-creamy layer and produce a certificate in favor of the same.
3. Income & Asset Certificate: This applies to EWS candidates who must have proof of income below the ceiling set by the government and have the requisite I&A certificate for the respective financial year.
4. Valid Certificate to Claim: Candidates from SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD/Ex-servicemen must have valid certificates issued by the designated government authorities as proof of their eligibility criteria.

How to Apply for Reservation in UPSC?

• Select your category in the UPSC Prelims application form.
• Ensure that you have all the required documents and you will need to submit them for verification during the DAF I and personality test.
• The category once submitted will not be changed in any circumstances including PwBD type.
• General category candidates will not be allowed to change to a different category after submitting the application.

Reservation in UPSC for OBC Category

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Reservation in UPSC for SC/ST Category

Candidate can check UPSC Prelims Disblity Support Here

Reservation in UPSC for EWS Category

• Candidates do not belong to SC, ST, or OBC categories.
• The annual gross income of family members is less than Rs. 8 lakhs for the respective financial year.
• The family members (parents, siblings, and spouses) do not own agricultural land with a size of 5 acres or more.
• The family members do not have 1000 square feet or a larger residential apartment.
• The family members do not have a plot/home in the notified municipalities with an area of 100 square yards or more or less than 200 square yards.

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Reservation in UPSC for PwBD Category

• Candidates must have a disability of at least 40% to be eligible:
• They must submit a valid disability certificate issued by a Central or State constituted medical board.

UPSC Reservation Cut off