How Many Times Can You Give the UPSC Exam?
The Union Public Service Commission is the conducting body for the IAS examination. The UPSC is one of the most difficult and competitive examinations in the country. Every year, around 13 lakh candidates apply for the UPSC exam, out of which around 8 to 9 lakh candidates appear for the preliminary examination. Before applying, candidates must understand the UPSC attempt limit and age criteria.
This Story also Contains
- UPSC category-wise attempt limits
- Important rules related to attempts
- Preparation Tips based on attempts
The number of attempts allowed varies for General, OBC, EWS, SC/ST, and PwBD candidates according to UPSC rules. 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. Read the article below for more details about the number of attempts for the UPSC exam.
UPSC category-wise attempt limits
The following table provides the age criteria and the number of attempts for each category to appear for the UPSC examination.
Category | No. of attempts | Age limit |
General | 6 | 32 years |
OBC/EWS | 9 | 35 years |
SC/ST | Unlimited (within the age limit) | 37 years |
PwBD | Varies by category | 42 years |
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Important rules related to attempts
The commission counts the attempts of each candidate based on a set of rules. Candidates must go through the guidelines about which are considered an attempt and which are not. The following are a few points about considerable and unconsiderable attempts.
Appearing in prelims counts as an attempt
Filling out the application form does not count as an attempt
Disqualification from the exam does count as an attempt
A candidate must satisfy both the maximum number of attempts and the maximum age limit
Preparation Tips based on attempts
Many aspirants appear for prelims without proper preparation, thinking they will gain experience. However, every serious attempt matters, especially for General category candidates with limited attempts. Candidates usually understand their weak areas after one or two attempts. The applicants must focus on the following aspects with each attempt
Better revision planning
Improving mock test performance
Strengthening optional subject preparation
Enhancing answer writing speed
Reduce negative marking
Understand question trends
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Filling out the application form does not count. An attempt is officially counted only if you actually appear in at least one paper in the Preliminary Examination.
Yes. Once appeared for the exam, it is counted as an attempt, regardless of subsequent cancellation or disqualification.
No, the UPSC does not provide any specific age or attempt relaxation exclusively for female candidates.
Questions related to UPSC CSE
On Question asked by student community
Dear Student, you are actually at a good stage to start preparing for your IAS goal. For now, focus on doing well in Class 12 while developing a habit of reading newspapers, understanding current affairs and strengthening subjects such as History, Geography, Polity and Economics. After school, you can choose
Hello Aspirant,
If your goal is to become an IAS officer, you can choose any stream like Arts, Humanities, Science, or Commerce, because UPSC does not require a particular stream in Classes 11–12.
However, Humanities and Arts can be a practical choice because subjects such as Political Science, History, Geography,
Hello Student, when choosing an IAS coaching institute in Delhi, it is useful to compare factors such as faculty, course structure, study material, test series, current affairs support, batch size, fees and student feedback. If you share your budget, preparation level and preferred area in Delhi, I can help you
Hello there!
That’s a wonderful and ambitious goal! Becoming an IAS officer requires clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
You can start by building a strong foundation in NCERTs (Classes 6–12), current affairs, Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economy and basic answer-writing. After graduation, you can appear for UPSC CSE, provided
Dear Student,
IAS banne ke liye aapko UPSC exam pass karni hogi. Iss exam ke main stages hai: Prelims, Mains aur Personality Test.
Check : How to Become a IAS Officer