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What is the Average Age of UPSC Toppers?

The average age of UPSC toppers is approximately 26.9, or 27 years. The average age of UPSC toppers highlights that success in this prestigious exam depends on determination.
authorImageDeeksha Dixit22 Apr, 2025
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What is the Average Age of UPSC Toppers?

 

 Average Age of UPSC Toppers: The UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. Each year, thousands of aspirants strive to clear this exam and secure positions in India's administrative services. Among the many factors that intrigue aspirants is the average age of UPSC toppers.

Understanding the age trends of successful candidates can provide valuable insights into the journey of aspirants and guide students in strategizing their preparation. The average age of UPSC toppers has fluctuated over the years between 24 to 28. Keep reading to know UPSC topper's age trends and age limit.

UPSC Age Criteria and Eligibility

Before diving into the average age of UPSC toppers, it’s essential to know the age limits and eligibility criteria for UPSC aspirants. The age limit is as follows for the UPSC exam.
  • Minimum Age: 21 years.
  • Maximum Age (General Category): 32 years.
  • Maximum Age (OBC): 35 years.
  • Maximum Age (SC/ST): 37 years.
Candidates should note that they can attempt the exam multiple times, with age relaxation available for certain categories.

Age Distribution of UPSC Toppers

The average age of UPSC toppers typically falls in the range of 24 to 28 years, although it varies based on individual backgrounds and preparation timelines. According to data from the UPSC annual report 2022-2023, the highest percentage of candidates recommended is from the age group of 24-26 years (30.5%). The average age of UPSC toppers tends to be around 26.9 years, with some starting early and others achieving success after multiple attempts. Let’s look at some key statistics:
Age Distribution of UPSC Toppers
Age Group Percentage of Recommended Candidates (2021)
21-24 years 16.2%
24-26 years 30.5%
26-28 years 23.9%
28-30 years 15.4%
30 years & above 14.0%

Gender-Based Age Distribution of UPSC Toppers

The UPSC Annual Report 2022-23 sheds light on gender-based age distribution. Among both male and female candidates, the highest percentage of successful candidates belonged to the 24-26 age group. The following table presents the gender-wise and age-wise distribution of successful candidates in the 2021 Civil Services Examination:
Age Group Male Candidates (%) Female Candidates (%)
21-24 years 16.1% 16.2%
24-26 years 29.4% 33.3%
26-28 years 23.5% 19.4%
28-30 years 15.8% 12.5%
30 years & above 14.6% 12.5%

Average Age of UPSC Toppers Over the Years

On average, the age of UPSC toppers ranges between 26-28 years. This is derived from the fact that many candidates clear the examination after completing their undergraduate studies and attempting the exam multiple times before succeeding. As a result, it’s common for candidates to make their successful attempt in their mid-20s. Here’s a table summarizing the ages of UPSC toppers from 2014 to 2023:
Average Age of UPSC Toppers Over the Years
Year UPSC Topper Age
2014 Ira Singhal 31
2015 Tina Dabi 22
2016 Nandini K R 27
2017 Anudeep Durishetty 28
2018 Kanishak Kataria 26
2019 Pradeep Singh 29
2020 Shubham Kumar 25
2021 Shruti Sharma 26
2022 Ishita Kishore 27
2023 Aditya Srivastava 26
This table reflects the variability in the age of UPSC toppers , ranging from 22 to 31 years, with the majority falling between 26 and 28 years .

Factors Influencing the Average Age of UPSC Toppers

Several factors contribute to the age at which candidates successfully clear the UPSC exam:
  1. Attempt Strategy: Most candidates clear the exam after multiple attempts. The UPSC allows age relaxation, which can extend the age at which candidates finally succeed.
  2. Academic Background : Many aspirants first complete their postgraduate studies before beginning serious UPSC preparation, while a few start during the school years.
  3. Work Experience: A significant number of aspirants come from professional backgrounds, choosing to take the exam after gaining work experience, which adds to their age.
  4. Gap Years for Preparation: Many candidates take dedicated gap years after unsuccessful attempts, postponing their successful attempts to their mid-to-late 20s.
  5. Career Change Aspirants: Some candidates appear for the UPSC exam after working in other sectors such as IT, law, or medicine, leading to a higher average age of successful candidates.

UPSC Success and Age: A Myth?

Is there an ideal age for UPSC success? While statistics indicate that most UPSC toppers fall within the 26-28 years age group, there are numerous outliers who have succeeded at younger and older ages. For example, the youngest UPSC topper is Tina Dabi (22) while the oldest UPSC topper is Ira Singhal (31). UPSC success age doesn’t strictly follow a uniform pattern. For instance, the report highlights that 14% of the successful candidates were 30 years or older.

This age distribution suggests that the UPSC exam can be successfully tackled across a wide range of ages, provided one has the right preparation and mindset. Therefore, it is evident UPSC exam does not favor any specific age group, and success depends on the candidate’s preparation, strategy, and persistence. Whether you're in your early 20s or approaching your 30s, with the right strategy and perseverance, you can achieve your UPSC goals.

 If you’re looking for guidance in your UPSC preparation, consider enrolling in Physics Wallah's UPSC Courses to receive structured support, mentorship, and resources. Hurry up!

Average Age of UPSC Toppers FAQs

What is the average age of UPSC toppers?

The average age of UPSC toppers is approximately 27 years, with many successful candidates in their mid-20s.

Who is the youngest UPSC topper?

Tina Dabi, who cleared the UPSC exam at the age of 22, is one of the youngest toppers.

Can a 30-year-old clear UPSC?

Yes, many candidates have cleared the UPSC exam at the age of 30 or above. The upper age limit is 32 years for general candidates.

What is the success rate of older candidates in UPSC?

Approximately 14% of the recommended candidates in 2021 were 30 years or older, demonstrating that age does not necessarily limit success.

What is the best age for UPSC preparation?

The best age for UPSC preparation is typically between 21 and 25, as it allows ample time for thorough preparation while still being within the eligibility age for the exam.
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