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. The UPSC Main 2025 exam will take place on August 22, 2025, as per the official schedule. As lakhs of aspirants prepare to take their shot at this competitive exam, it’s essential to understand that there is a UPSC attempt limit in place.

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 2025 

The exam follows a three-stage selection process: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. This year, the Preliminary exam was conducted on 25 May 2025, and the results have already been declared. Candidates who cleared the Prelims will now move forward to the Mains examination, scheduled from 22 August 2025 onwards. The official notification for UPSC 2025 was released earlier on 22 January 2025, announcing 979 vacancies across various services. Check out the exam details here:- 

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:- 

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:- 

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.

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:- 

UPSC 2025 Books 

Choosing the right books for UPSC 2025 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.

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.