I am writing this petition out of curiosity about the basis for calculating age limit for appearing in Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services exam in India.

UPSC has the age criteria of "Engineering services" from 1st January then why the rules are not uniform for every UPSC exam. This appears to be discriminatory towards civil services aspirant.

Lakhs of aspirants prepare for it tirelessly and with full dedication. Be it poor, middle class or rich, aspirants from all walks of our society put in their efforts to clear this exam.

Currently age for this exam is calculated from 1st August which is unfair. UPSC is not a job but a service to the people of our country . Many times people after graduation preferred to be financially independent first and then pursue UPSC preparation . This leads to them short of attempts and age eligibility.

The notion is only to expand the base of eligible candidates so that UPSC could have candidates from variable aspects. Getting more professional and experienced aspirants will be a value addition to UPSC workforce. 

Also if UPSC thinks youngsters can waste their time and energy towards civil services’ preparation only and may end jobless and depressed if not selected. In that case UPSC can add the option of work experience for upper age candidates. This will help the aspirants to always have a backup plan in their life.

Changing the age limit from 1st Aug to 1st Jan will not be a very challenging task for UPSC but this change can be the lifeguard of many aspirants who may want one more last attempt to achieve their dream. 

In addition what is being asked in the petition is not violating any notion or law. It is even more about synchronising the age criteria of all UPSC exams to one eligibility.

I request every concerned and aware citizen of this country along with affected aspirants to please come forward and sign this petition.