1. Right Age Depends on Exam Type
- UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, etc.)
- Eligibility: Graduation + Age 21–32 years (for the general category).
- Right start: Final year of graduation or immediately after (21–23 years is ideal to get enough attempts).
- SSC CGL / CHSL
- Eligibility: 18–32 years (varies by post).
- Right start: After 12th or during graduation, as exams focus on aptitude, English, and reasoning.
- Banking (SBI PO, IBPS PO, RBI)
- Eligibility: Graduation + Age 20–30 years.
- Right start: Final year of graduation to attempt early and gain experience.
- State PSC / Other Govt. Exams
- Similar to UPSC but with slight variations.
- Safe to begin during graduation.
- Defence (NDA, CDS, CAPF)
- NDA: After 12th (16.5–19.5 years).
- CDS: After graduation (19–25 years).
- CAPF: Graduation + 20–25 years.
2. General Guideline
- After 12th (18–19 years):
Best for NDA, SSC CHSL. You can start early with aptitude, reasoning, and GK.
- During Graduation (20–23 years):
Best age window for UPSC, SSC CGL, Banking, and State PSC. You complete your degree and begin serious preparation with maximum attempts in hand.
- After Graduation (24+ years):
Still a good option, but fewer attempts remain before the upper age limit. Requires a focused and smart strategy.
Conclusion
The ideal time to start preparing is during graduation (20–23 years), but starting early (after 12th) gives more practice and confidence.
