The candidate's category determines how many attempts are permitted in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. According to the present UPSC regulations, SC/ST applicants enjoy an unlimited number of attempts, subject to the relevant age and other qualifying requirements, whereas General and EWS candidates receive 6 attempts and OBC candidates receive 9 attempts.

When a contestant appears in at least one UPSC preliminary exam paper, it counts as an attempt. Completing the application form on its own does not constitute an effort.

Last Updated: August 2026 (Note: Exam rules and age limits are subject to official notifications issued by the Union Public Service Commission. Aspirants should always verify current guidelines on (upsc.gov.in).

Why Is the UPSC Attempt Limit Important?

The attempt limit matters because every actual appearance in Prelims can reduce the number of attempts available to you. This is especially important for candidates who are considering their first attempt without completing their basic preparation.

Before choosing when to take the exam, a candidate should know what they need to study, how the test will be set up, and if they are personally ready.

When preparing for your first try, make sure you comprehend the entire [UPSC Civil Services Examination guide] before focusing your preparation on the official curriculum.

UPSC Attempts and Age Limit

The maximum UPSC attempt limit and the UPSC age restriction for your category are closely related. To be eligible to take the test, candidates must be at least 21 on August 1st of the exam year. Even if you have more unused attempts, your attempt count ends when you hit the maximum age restriction. 

Does UPSC Prelims Failure Count as an Attempt?

Yes. If a candidate actually appears in any one paper of the UPSC Preliminary Examination, the candidate’s appearance will be counted as an attempt even if the candidate does not qualify for the Main Examination.

If a candidate appears in General Studies Paper I but does not qualify for the next stage, it will be counted as one UPSC attempt.

The outcome of the preliminary examination does not alter the fact that the candidate sat for the examination.

The UPSC also states that even if the candidacy of a candidate is disqualified or cancelled later, it would still be counted as an attempt if the candidate appeared in the examination.

What Happens After You Exhaust Your UPSC Attempts?

 If you run out of attempts, your online profile will be flagged by the commission during the preliminary application stage, and further submissions will not be eligible. Using up all your attempts doesn’t mean your career preparation is wasted. 

The vast syllabus of the UPSC prepares you for a variety of alternative career paths in government and public policy.

If you have already appeared several times, compare your remaining attempts with the applicable UPSC age limit before planning another attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How many attempts are allowed in UPSC?

The number of attempts you can make depends on your social category. General and EWS candidates can attempt the exam 6 times, OBC candidates can attempt for 9 times, and SC/ST candidates can attempt it an unlimited number of times till they attain their maximum age limit of 37 years.

Q2. How many attempts does a general category candidate get?

Maximum 6 attempts for general category candidates. These attempts should be made between the ages of 21 and 32 years.

Q3. How many attempts does an OBC candidate get?

OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates are eligible for 9 attempts. They also get a relaxation of 3 years so that they can appear till the age of 35.

Q4. How many attempts do SC and ST candidates get?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for SC and ST candidates till they reach the upper age limit of 37 years. They can take the exam as many times as they wish within their eligible age window.

Q5. Does UPSC Prelims count as an attempt?

Yes, the attempt is counted if you appear in at least one paper of the UPSC preliminary examination. Your mark or score does not affect this rule.

Q6. Does filling the UPSC form count as an attempt?

No, the UPSC application form does not count as an attempt. A deduction of an attempt is made only if you are present at the exam centre and appear for a paper on exam day.

Q7. Can I skip a UPSC attempt?

Yes, you can skip the exam year freely even after applying. If you do not go to the exam centre on Prelims day, no attempt count is touched at all.