How Many Attempts for UPSC? Total Attempts for All Category
How Many Attempts for UPSC: The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is considered one of the toughest and most prestigious exams in India. It opens the door to highly respected services like the IAS, IPS, IFS, and more.
Many candidates often wonder, “How many attempts for UPSC are allowed?” Well, the number of attempts is not unlimited. However, it's important to note that one cannot appear for the UPSC exam as many times as they wish. There are specific eligibility conditions such as age limits, the number of permissible attempts, and educational qualifications that candidates must fulfil.
Therefore, aspirants must have complete knowledge of the rules and requirements before applying. A lack of awareness or incorrect planning can lead to missed opportunities. To ensure success and avoid disqualification, candidates must thoroughly read and understand the maximum attempts for UPSC below.
Check Out: PW UPSC Modules
UPSC Exam 2026
UPSC 2026 exam date for the Prelims is set for 24 May 2026. The Mains exam will take place later in the year. Students preparing for UPSC 2026 should follow the official timeline carefully.
The UPSC 2026 prelims exam date and UPSC 2026 prelims date are important for planning revision and mock tests.
| UPSC 2026 Exam Dates | |
| Events | Dates |
| UPSC 2026 Prelims Exam Date | 24 May 2026 |
| UPSC 2026 Mains Exam Date | 21 August 2026 |
| UPSC 2026 Interview | To be Announced |
Check Out: UPSC Revision Books
How Many Attempts for UPSC?
When it comes to preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, understanding the attempt limit is just as important as choosing the right books or mock tests. Aspirants often assume they can appear for the exam multiple times without restriction. However, the Union Public Service Commission has set specific limits on the number of attempts and age criteria based on the candidate’s category. Check out the category-wise details here:-
How Many Attempts for UPSC General Category?
Candidates in the General category have the most restricted eligibility in terms of both age and the number of attempts. Therefore, it’s crucial for them to prepare strategically from the very beginning. Check out the UPSC attempt limit for General category details here:-
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Number of Attempts |
6 Attempts |
|
Maximum Age Limit |
32 Years |
|
Minimum Age to Apply |
21 Years |
|
Relaxation in Attempts |
No |
|
UPSC Attempt Counting Rule |
Appearing in Prelims = 1 attempt |
Check Out - UPSC Previous Year Papers
How Many Attempts for UPSC OBC Category?
The UPSC attempt limit for OBC candidates offers a fair advantage with additional attempts and an extended age limit. However, OBC candidates must ensure they meet the Central Government's OBC certificate norms. Check out the UPSC attempt limit for OBC details below:-
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Number of Attempts |
9 Attempts |
|
Maximum Age Limit |
35 Years |
|
Minimum Age to Apply |
21 Years |
|
Relaxation in Attempts |
Yes (based on category) |
|
UPSC Attempt Counting Rule |
Appearing in Prelims = 1 attempt |
How Many Attempts for UPSC SC/ST Category?
The UPSC attempts for SC and ST candidates are unlimited as long as they are within the prescribed age limit. This gives them more flexibility and chances to improve their performance with every attempt.
|
Criteria |
Details |
|
Number of Attempts |
Unlimited (within age limit) |
|
Maximum Age Limit |
37 Years |
|
Minimum Age to Apply |
21 Years |
|
Relaxation in Attempts |
Full (within age limit) |
|
UPSC Attempt Counting Rule |
Appearing in Prelims = 1 attempt |
Check Out: UPSC Textbooks
How Many Attempts for UPSC PwBD Category?
Candidates under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category are given extended support in both the number of attempts and the upper age limit, depending on their category (General/OBC/SC/ST). Check out the details here:-
|
PwBD Sub-Category |
Maximum Age Limit |
Maximum Number of Attempts |
|
PwBD – General |
42 Years |
9 Attempts |
|
PwBD – OBC |
42 Years |
9 Attempts |
|
PwBD – SC/ST |
42 Years |
Unlimited (within age limit) |
UPSC 2026 Books
Choosing the right books for UPSC 2026 can make or break your preparation journey. With the vast syllabus and limited time, it’s not about how many books you read, but how well you understand and revise them. Relying on trusted, standard sources is far more effective than switching between multiple materials.
UPSC 2026 के लिए सही किताबों का चयन आपकी तैयारी की यात्रा को बना भी सकता है और बिगाड़ भी सकता है। विस्तृत सिलेबस और सीमित समय को देखते हुए, यह ज़रूरी नहीं है कि आप कितनी किताबें पढ़ते हैं, बल्कि यह ज़्यादा महत्वपूर्ण है कि आप उन्हें कितनी अच्छी तरह समझते और बार-बार रिवाइज करते हैं।
|
Book Name |
Link |
|
UPSC Mains Wallah Previous 11 Years' (2013-2023) General Studies Solved Papers 1 to 4 Combo Set of 4 Books For Civil Services Mains Exams |
|
|
PW UPSC Mains Wallah Previous 11 Years' (2013-2023) General Studies Solved Papers 1 to 4 Combo Set of 4 Books For Civil Services Mains Exams l Hindi Edition |
|
|
UPSC Mains Wallah Q & A Bank General Studies Papers 1 to 4 Combo Set of 4 Books For Civil Services Mains Exams |
|
|
UPSC Prelims Wallah Q & A Bank Combo Set of 9 Books Hindi Edition |
|
|
ONLYIAS UPSC 31 Years PYQs (2025-1995) Book |
|
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ONLYIAS UPSC PYQ+ General Studies Beyond UPSC CSE For NDA, CAPF, CDS, EPFO, IES, Geoscientist |
Read More: Most Important Topics for UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam
How Many Attempts for UPSC FAQs
1. How many attempts for UPSC are allowed for General category candidates?
General category candidates are allowed a maximum of 6 attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, with an upper age limit of 32 years.
2. What is the UPSC attempt limit for OBC category candidates?
Candidates belonging to the OBC category can appear for the UPSC exam up to 9 times. The age limit for OBC candidates is 35 years.
3. Does appearing in UPSC Prelims count as an attempt?
Yes. Appearing in the UPSC Prelims, even for just one paper, counts as one attempt regardless of whether the candidate qualifies or not.
4. Is there any age relaxation for reserved categories in UPSC?
Yes. Reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST, PwBD) receive age relaxations ranging from 3 to 10 years, depending on the category and disability status.
5. What is the UPSC attempt limit for SC/ST category candidates?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for SC/ST candidates, but they must appear within the maximum age limit of 37 years.
