UPSC Alert: Citizens of These Countries, Including Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Can Apply?
The Union Public service Commission (UPSC), India’s premier recruitment body, has certain eligibility rules regarding citizenship for candidates applying to its exams, including the Civil services Exam (CSE), indian Forest service (IFS), and other central services. Recently, a question has arisen: can citizens of countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka apply for UPSC exams? Let’s explore the details.1. Citizenship Eligibility for UPSC ExamsAs per UPSC rules, candidates must meet the citizenship criteria to be eligible for various exams:Exam / ServiceEligible CitizensCivil services (IAS, IPS, IFS)Only Indian citizensIndian Forest service (IFS)Indian citizens, Nepalese citizens, and Bhutanese citizensOther UPSC Exams (e.g., CDS, NDA)Usually restricted to Indian citizens; some allow subjects of Nepal/BhutanThis means that citizens of pakistan, sri lanka, or any other country except Nepal/Bhutan are not eligible to appear in UPSC exams.2. Why Only Certain Foreign Citizens Are EligibleTreaties & Historical Agreements: india has longstanding treaties with nepal and bhutan regarding civil service eligibility.National Security & Sovereignty: UPSC exams lead to positions with sensitive responsibilities, hence restricted to indian citizens or citizens of closely allied countries.3. ExceptionsOverseas Citizens of india (OCI): OCI cardholders are not considered indian citizens, so they cannot appear for UPSC exams.Persons of indian Origin (PIO): PIOs who have acquired foreign citizenship are also ineligible.In short, only indian citizens and citizens of Nepal and Bhutan are allowed to appear for UPSC exams leading to civil services.4. How to Confirm EligibilityCandidates must check the official UPSC notification for each exam.Citizenship is verified at the time of application and again during document verification.Falsifying citizenship information can lead to disqualification or legal consequences.5. ConclusionWhile UPSC opens doors for talented candidates, citizenship is a non-negotiable criterion. Citizens of pakistan, sri lanka, or other countries (except nepal and Bhutan) cannot apply for UPSC exams. Aspirants must ensure they meet the citizenship requirement before applying, as it is one of the first eligibility filters.Official Reference: UPSC Eligibility Criteria Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.