✅ Yes, anyone can start UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) preparation at the age of 25.
📌 There’s no upper age limit for starting the preparation, as long as the aspirant falls within the age criteria set by UPSC:

  • 👤 For the General category, the upper age limit is 32
  • 🧑‍💼 For OBC (Other Backward Classes), it’s 35
  • 🧑🏽‍🎓 For SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes), it’s 37

📚 Reasons

  • 🚫 Age is not a barrier, as many successful candidates have started their UPSC preparation at 25 or even later and cleared the exam.
    👉 Examples include individuals like Anu Kumari, who secured AIR 2 in her 30s, and Ira Singhal, who topped the 2014 UPSC exam at the age of 31

  • ⚖️ While starting earlier might offer some advantages, success in the UPSC exam is primarily determined by your:

    • 🔹 Dedication

    • 🔹 Hard work

    • 🔹 Effective preparation strategies

  • 🎯 You have more maturity than fresh graduates.
    This helps in understanding complex topics like:

    • 🏛️ Polity

    • ⚖️ Ethics

    • 🏢 Governance

  • 🎓 You may already have a degree or work experience, which gives you:

    • 💰 Financial stability

    • 💪 Emotional stability while preparing

  • 🤝 Connect with mentors or other aspirants who can guide you through the preparation process.

💭 Final Thought

🌟 Many people start in their late 20s and still crack UPSC with top ranks.
⏳ If you start at 25, stay focused, and use your time well,
✅ You’re not late — you’re right on time.

a month later

I am 28 years old. I have basic knowledge of UPSC CSE. Can I CRACK my UPSC CSE attempt with a job or not?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to crack UPSC CSE while doing a job. Many candidates have done it before, and you can too. At 28, you still have enough attempts left, so age is not a problem. The main challenge is time management. You may not get 8–10 hours like full-time aspirants, but even 3–4 focused hours on weekdays and longer study sessions on weekends can make a big difference. The key is to study smart stick to NCERTs, standard books, and daily current affairs instead of running after too many resources. Use your mornings, late evenings, or even travel time for revision and short notes. What matters most is consistency, not the number of hours. If you stay disciplined and keep a clear strategy, you can definitely clear UPSC while working. In fact, having a job gives you financial security and stability, which helps reduce exam stress. So yes, you can crack UPSC with a job if you plan smartly and stay consistent.