How Many Attempts for UPSC? Total Attempts Limit General, OBC, SC/ST Category
UPSC Civil Services Examination is one of India’s most prestigious and challenging competitive exams, with over a million aspirants every year vying for a few hundred top government positions (such as in the Indian Administrative Service or Indian Police Service). UPSC aspirants are often perplexed by the question, “How Many Attempts for UPSC?” and whether they can appear for the UPSC Civil Services Exam after a particular age limit is reached. To ensure fair competition, the IAS Exam has strict limits on the number of attempts and the age of eligibility for different categories (as per the latest UPSC guidelines). The total attempt limit for UPSC is as follows –
- General Category: Up to 6 attempts (upper age limit 32 years).
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): Up to 9 attempts (age limit 35 years).
- Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST): Unlimited attempts (age limit 37 years).
These attempt limits ensure a level playing field by preventing any candidate from having endless chances, thereby maintaining fairness and equal opportunity among all aspirants. Are you confused about the number of attempts you are eligible for as per the UPSC Eligibility Criteria 2025? Go through this article provided below to check category wise attempt limit for UPSC CSE 2025 and age criteria.
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How Many Attempts for UPSC?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) stipulates specific attempt limits for candidates based on the category they belong to. General category candidates are allowed up to six attempts, while Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates have a maximum of nine attempts. Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates benefit from unlimited attempts until they reach the upper age limit. It's important to note that these attempt limits are subject to the respective age restrictions of each category. Go through the table given below for an overview of the total attempts for UPSC based on the category and age limit criteria –
|
Category |
Age Limit |
Number of Attempts |
|
General |
32 |
6 |
|
OBC |
35 |
9 |
|
SC/ST |
37 |
Unlimited |
|
PwBD |
42 |
9 for General and OBC Unlimited for SC/ST |
|
EWS |
32 |
6 |
UPSC Attempt Limit for General Category
Candidates belonging to the General category are permitted a maximum of six attempts to clear the UPSC CSE. The age bracket for these candidates is between 21 and 32 years as of August 1 of the exam year. This means that aspirants must have attained 21 years but not exceeded 32 years on the specified date. It's crucial to note that merely filling out the application form does not count as an attempt; an attempt is only counted when a candidate appears for one of the papers in the UPSC Prelims.
|
Category |
Number of Attempts in UPSC |
Age Limit |
|
General |
6 |
21-32 years |
UPSC Attempt Limit for OBC Category
Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates benefit from certain relaxations in the UPSC CSE attempt limit. They are allowed up to nine attempts, with an extended upper age limit of 35 years as of August 1 of the examination year. This provides OBC aspirants with 3 additional attempts and therefore, extra time to prepare for the IAS Examination. OBC category candidates should utilize these provisions effectively by making their preparation count
|
Category |
Number of Attempts in UPSC |
Age Limit |
|
OBC |
9 |
21-35 years |
UPSC Attempt Limit for SC/ST Category
Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates enjoy the benefit of unlimited attempts at the UPSC CSE until they reach the upper age limit of 37 years as of August 1 of the examination year. This relaxation in the total attempts for UPSC is provided to ensure that SC/ST aspirants have ample opportunity to compete for positions in the Civil Services. Aspirants are encouraged to make the most of these provisions by engaging in consistent and focused preparation.
|
Category |
Number of Attempts in UPSC |
Age Limit |
|
SC/ST |
Unlimited |
21-37 years |
Also Read – How to Fill UPSC Online Form?
UPSC Exam Attempt Limit for EWS Category
Candidates from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) are subject to the same attempt limits and age criteria as those in the General category. They are allowed a maximum of six attempts, with the age limit set between 21 and 32 years as of August 1 of the examination year. Aspirants from the EWS category should plan their preparation meticulously to make the most of the available attempts within the stipulated age limit.
|
Category |
IAS Exam Attempts |
Age Limit |
|
EWS |
6 |
21-32 years |
UPSC Exam Attempt Limit for PwBD Category
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are accorded additional relaxations in the UPSC CSE. General and OBC PwBD candidates are permitted up to nine attempts, with an upper age limit of 42 years (as of 1st August of exam year). SC/ST PwBD candidates have unlimited attempts until they reach the age of 42. Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the specific guidelines and accommodations available to them in the UPSC exam guidelines.
|
Category |
Number of Attempts in UPSC |
Age Limit |
|
PwBD (General/OBC) |
9 |
21-42 years |
|
PwBD (SC/ST) |
Unlimited |
21-42 years |
How Many Attempts for UPSC? Frequently Asked Questions
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) has defined specific regulations regarding the number of attempts for UPSC Exam as well as age limit for each category. Candidates must go through the frequently asked questions provided below to clarify any doubts related to “How Many Attempts for UPSC Exam 2025?”
Are there only 4 attempts in UPSC?
No, the number of permitted attempts for the UPSC CSE varies by category as given below –
- General category: 6 attempts up to the age of 32 years.
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 9 attempts up to 35 years.
- Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST): Unlimited attempts up to 37 years.
Therefore, the notion of only 4 attempts is outdated.
What is the 7/5/3 rule in UPSC?
The 7/5/3 rule is a strategy for structuring answers in the UPSC Mains examination:
- 7: Allocate up to 7 minutes to answer each question.
- 5: Include 5 key points in your answer.
- 3: Discuss each point from 3 different perspectives or dimensions.
This approach has historically helped candidates in delivering concise, well-structured, and comprehensive answers within the time constraints.
Can a 40-year-old give an IAS exam?
Whether a 40 year old candidate can appear for the UPSC CSE Exam will depend on their category. If a candidate is 40 years old and belongs to General/OBC/SC/ST category, he/she will not be eligible to appear for the UPSC. However, PwBD candidates up to 42 years are eligible for writing the UPSC IAS Exam as per the criteria specified below –
- General category: Upper age limit is 32 years.
- OBC: Up to 35 years.
- SC/ST: Up to 37 years.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): Up to 42 years.
Therefore, a 40-year-old candidate can appear for the exam if they belong to the PwBD category.
How many times can I attempt UPSC?
The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC CSE will depend on the category of candidate as shown below –
- General category: 6 attempts.
- OBC: 9 attempts.
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts until reaching the upper age limit.
- PwBD: 9 attempts for General and OBC candidates; unlimited for SC/ST candidates.
Note that these number of attempts are subject to the respective age limits of each category.
Also read – UPSC Prelims Strategy
We hope you found this article on How Many Attempts for UPSC to be useful and informative for understanding the eligibility for the upcoming UPSC CSE Prelims 2025. Download the Testbook App to get access to industry-best learning resources, expert-recommended preparation tips as well as latest updates about the UPSC Civil Services Exam and other government recruitments.
Last updated: March 13, 2025
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