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UPPSC 2026 exam guide

UPPSC Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services: everything you need to plan your preparation.

UPPSC PCS 2026 – Eligibility Criteria

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) defines clear eligibility criteria for candidates applying for the Provincial Civil Services (PCS) Examination. Every aspirant must ensure they meet all conditions regarding nationality, age, education, and physical standards (where applicable) before submitting their application.

1. Nationality

  • Candidate must be a citizen of India.
  • Nepalese, Bhutanese, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement are also eligible.
  • Persons of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or specified East African countries are eligible, provided they have valid eligibility certificates issued by the Government of India.

2. Age Limit (as per latest UPPSC Notification)

  • Minimum Age: 21 years (as on 1st July 2026)
  • Maximum Age: 40 years (as on 1st July 2026)

Relaxation in upper age limit:

  • SC, ST, OBC, Skilled Players of UP: 5 years
  • State Government Employees of UP: 5 years
  • Physically Handicapped Candidates: 15 years
  • Ex-servicemen: As per Government rules (usually up to 5 years)
Note: Age relaxations apply only to candidates having valid domicile of Uttar Pradesh. Candidates from other states are treated as general category for age and reservation.

3. Educational Qualification

For most posts under UPPSC PCS, candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized University by the last date of application submission.

Specific qualifications for certain posts:

  • District Cane Officer / District Audit Officer: Degree in Commerce / Economics.
  • District Probation Officer: Postgraduate Degree in Psychology / Sociology / Social Work.
  • Assistant Labour Commissioner: Degree in Arts with Sociology / Economics / Commerce / Law.
  • District Basic Education Officer: Postgraduate Degree in Education.
  • Accounts Officer (Treasury): Degree in Commerce with Accountancy.
  • Labour Enforcement Officer: Bachelor’s Degree with Economics or Sociology.
  • Executive Officer / Revenue Officer: Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline.

Equivalent degrees recognized by UGC or other statutory bodies are acceptable.

4. Physical Standards (for specific posts only)

Posts such as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), District Commandant (Home Guards), and Assistant Conservator of Forests require candidates to meet prescribed physical measurements and fitness criteria.

Category Height (cm) Chest (cm) Expansion (cm)
Male (General/OBC/SC) 165 84 5
Male (ST) 160 79 5
Female (General/OBC/SC) 152 — —
Female (ST) 147 — —

Candidates must also qualify a physical fitness test (walking, cycling, or running) as specified for certain posts.

5. Number of Attempts & Other Conditions

  • There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts, provided the candidate meets the age criteria.
  • Candidates must complete the One-Time Registration (OTR) process on the official UPPSC website before applying.
  • Only applications submitted successfully with fee payment before the last date will be accepted.
  • Any false information or misrepresentation may lead to cancellation of candidature and debarment.

6. Domicile Requirement

Reservation benefits (SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PH, etc.) are available only for candidates who are domiciled in Uttar Pradesh. Applicants from other states may apply as General (Unreserved) category candidates.