How Many Attempts for UPSC, UPSC Attempts Limit General, OBC, SC/ST

The Number of Attempts for the General Category to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is 6 Attempts up to the age of 32 Years. The Number of Attempts to become an IAS Officer for each reservation category is different, as announced by UPSC in their official notification released every year in the month of February. A few years ago, the maximum age limit was 26, and the maximum number of attempts was 4. The number of attempts was changed to 6 in the year 2014.

How Many Attempts for UPSC?

Here is a table of the number of UPSC attempts and the upper age limit for each category:

The upper age limit for the UPSC 2025 prelims is calculated on August 1, 2025. This means that the candidate must be below the mentioned maximum age of 32 years (general category), 35 years (OBC), 37 years (SC/ST), 35 years (defence personnel), 37 years (ex-servicemen), or 42 years (blind, deaf-mute, and orthopedically handicapped persons) on August 1, 2025

In special cases, OBC/SC/ST candidates may get additional age relaxation. For example, an OBC ex-serviceman will get an age relaxation of 3 + 5 = 8 years, so their upper age limit will be 40 years.

UPSC Attempt Limit FAQs

Are there only 4 attempts in UPSC?

No, currently, there are a maximum six attempts for UPSC Exam if you belong to the General Category, Nine Attempts if you belong to the OBC Category and Unlimited attempts if you belong to the SC/ST category.

How many UPSC attempts are allowed?

The Number of attempts for the UPSC Exam for the General Category is 6, till 32 years of age. The number of attempts for the OBC Category is 9 attempts till 35 years of age, and the number of attempts for the SC/ST Category is unlimited attempts till 37 years of age.

Does applying for UPSC count as an attempt?

No, if you fill out the UPSC Exam Application Form but do not appear for the Preliminary Examination, it will not be counted as an attempt for UPSC.

How many attempts for UPSC for OBC Category?

The OBC Category is eligible for 9 attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Examination up to the age of 35 years as on 1 August of the year of attempt.

How many UPSC Attempts for General Category?

The general category is allowed 6 attempts to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination up to the age of 32 years.

How many UPSC Attempts for SC Category?

The SC Category is allowed an unlimited number of attempts to appear for UPSC CSE upto the age of 37 years.