UPSC Number of Attempts 2026: Category-Wise Attempt Limit & Age Criteria

UPSC Number of Attempts 2026: How many UPSC Exam Attempts are there is a common question asked by the candidates preparing for IAS. Cracking the UPSC exam and becoming a civil servant is a dream for many youngsters. Many such aspirants successfully crack the exam in the first attempt, while others make multiple attempts to qualify for the exam. 

There is a limit on the number of attempts in UPSC a candidate can make in the UPSC exam, but this limit varies across categories. Candidates need to understand their allowed attempts to plan their preparation effectively. Read on to learn more about the number of attempts allowed for different categories to qualify for the exam.

UPSC Eligibility 2026

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has clearly outlined the eligibility criteria for candidates aspiring to appear for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2026. The eligibility is primarily based on three factors: nationality, educational qualification, and age limit with permissible number of attempts.

An important component of the eligibility is the maximum age limit and the number of attempts allowed, which varies based on the candidate’s category. The upper age is calculated as of 1st August 2026. Candidates must ensure they do not exceed the prescribed limit for their respective categories by that date.

UPSC Number of Attempts 2026

Every eligible candidate appearing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026 is permitted six attempts. However, candidates belonging to SC/ST, OBC, and PwBD categories are allowed additional attempts as per the rules. Specifically, SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts, OBC candidates are allowed nine attempts, and PwBD candidates have nine attempts for GL/EWS/OBC categories and unlimited attempts if they belong to SC/ST.

Each attempt is counted from the moment a candidate appears in any paper of the Preliminary Examination, even if only one paper is taken. Furthermore, any appearance in the exam counts as an attempt regardless of subsequent disqualification or cancellation of candidature. These provisions are subject to the limits and conditions outlined under Rule-12 of the Civil Services Rules, 2026.

How Many UPSC Exam Attempts Are Provided?

The UPSC sets a limit on the number of attempts in UPSC a candidate can appear for the IAS Examination, which varies depending on the category. Candidates must also ensure they stay within the age limit, calculated as of 1st August of the examination year. A number of UPSC Attempts category-wise is provided here:

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UPSC Attempt Limit for General Category

If you are wondering how many attempts in the UPSC exam are there for candidates belonging to the General category, then they have a maximum of 6 attempts. In rare cases, UPSC may provide additional attempts or age exemptions based on specific circumstances, but typically the limit remains at 6 attempts.

 OBC Category Attempts in UPSC

For candidates in the OBC category, the number of allowed attempts is 9. However, they must not exceed the upper age limit of 35 years. If a candidate also falls under the PwBD category, they can receive a cumulative age relaxation.

Attempts for SC/ST Candidates in UPSC

SC/ST candidates are allowed an unlimited number of attempts as long as they remain within the upper age limit of 37 years. If they also fall under the PwBD category, they are eligible for cumulative age relaxation under both categories. Here are the UPSC Attempt limits for SC/ST:

PwBD Attempts in UPSC

Candidates in the PwBD category are allowed a maximum of 9 attempts. With an age relaxation of 10 years, they can take the exam until the age of 42 years. However, SC/ST PwBD candidates can make unlimited attempts until they reach 42 years.

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 Ex-servicemen Attempts in UPSC

Ex-servicemen candidates are allowed a maximum of 9 attempts in the UPSC exam. The upper age limit for the General and OBC categories is 37 years, while candidates belonging to the SC/ST category can make unlimited attempts until they reach the age of 37 years.

 UPSC Attempts for Defence Services Personnel Disabled in Operations

Candidates in the category of Defence Services Personnel disabled in operations are also allowed 9 attempts. For those in the General and OBC categories, the upper age limit is 35 years, whereas SC/ST candidates can make unlimited attempts until they turn 37 years.

UPSC Age Limit and Relaxations for Eligibility

To be eligible for the UPSC examination, candidates must be at least 21 years old and not more than 32 years old as of August 1st of the examination year. However, there are age relaxations for candidates belonging to different categories, as mentioned below:

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Strategies to Crack UPSC in Your First Attempt

UPSC is a very competitive exam, which requires exhaustive preparation and dedication. Despite fulfilling much of the criteria, candidates are unable to crack the exam in the first attempt. However, there are many examples of candidates who have not just cracked the exam on their very first attempt but also have topped the exams.

The chances of cracking the exam on the very first attempt look very bleak, but following the procedure below can help you achieve your dream:

• Dedication: A candidate has to dedicate all their time and energy to the preparation to obtain optimum results. Without proper dedication, goals cannot be achieved.
• Planning: Planning a preparation are equally important as actually preparing. Without proper planning, a candidate may lose their way.
• Dividing Goals into Components: Goals are important for candidates to put their efforts in the right direction. They must be divided into short-term and long-term for better results.
• Practice: A successful candidate puts in hard yards practising the tests so that they can identify loopholes and later try to fill them.
• Knowledge Gaining: A successful candidate will not miss any opportunity to gain knowledge. He/she will strive to improve their knowledge base and apply it during exams.
• Addressing Shortcomings: Candidates will make mistakes and falter. However, a successful candidate will put effort into identifying shortcomings and working on them.
• Calm Head: A candidate having the right aptitude will keep calm even in adverse situations. To clear the exam on the very first attempt, he/she is required to keep their head calm without panicking.
• Guidance: Candidates may require regular guidance from a mentor who can ensure the candidate does not lose sight of the goal.

Eligibility and Service Allocation Rules for Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2026

1. Candidates already in IAS or IFS

   • If a candidate has been appointed to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or Indian Foreign Service (IFS) from an earlier examination and continues as a member, they cannot appear in CSE-2026.

   • If such a candidate is appointed to IAS or IFS after the CSE (Prelims) 2026 but continues as a member, they cannot appear in CSE (Mains) 2026, even if they qualified in Prelims.

   • If appointed to IAS or IFS after the CSE (Mains) 2026 begins but before results are declared, they will not be considered for any service/post based on CSE-2026 results.

2. Candidates in Indian Police Service (IPS) from earlier exams

   • Candidates already selected or appointed to the Indian Police Service (IPS) based on an earlier exam cannot opt for IPS through CSE-2026.

3. Candidates allocated to IPS or other Central Group ‘A’ Services via CSE-2026
   Such candidates may appear in CSE-2027 if eligible, but under these conditions:

   a. Exemption from Training:

   • Candidates must obtain a one-time exemption from training for the service allocated via CSE-2026 from the relevant authority.

   • This exemption is only to allow participation in CSE-2027.

   b. Foundation Course (FC):

   • If appearing in CSE-2027, the candidate joins only the Foundation Course (FC) of the new allocation.

   c. Non-compliance:

   • If the candidate neither joins training nor takes exemption, the service allocation from CSE-2026 is cancelled.

   d. Allocation based on CSE-2027:

   • If recommended in CSE-2027, the candidate can choose to join either the service allocated in CSE-2026 or CSE-2027.

   • Allocation not chosen will be cancelled.

   • If no service is allocated in CSE-2027, the candidate may join the service from CSE-2026.

   e. Failure to Join Training:

   • If the candidate does not join training for either CSE-2026 or CSE-2027 allocation, both allocations are cancelled.

   f. Seniority:

   • Seniority will be determined based on the joining date of the service (CSE-2026 or CSE-2027).

   • This seniority will not be reduced.

   g. Future Attempts:

   • The candidate cannot appear in CSE-2028 or later unless they resign from the allocated service.

   h. Utilizing Remaining Attempts:

   • Candidates may use their remaining attempts for CSE-2027 only if they do not join the service allocated in CSE-2026 or CSE-2027.

   • Such service allocation is automatically cancelled.

   i. Candidates allocated in CSE-2025 or earlier:

   • They are given a one-time opportunity to appear in CSE-2026 or CSE-2027 to use their remaining attempts without resigning.

   • To appear in CSE-2028 or later, they must resign from the allocated service.

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The UPSC exam is indeed a formidable challenge for any student. All those who prepare may not succeed in their very first attempt. Hence, every attempt is important. No attempt must be taken lightly. 

At the end of the day, a candidate who has the right approach, and is ready to put in the hard yards, is likely to succeed. Aspirants must not lose hope if they do not clear the exam in their initial attempts. They must decode their failure and look to improve themselves before attempting the exam again.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2026 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!

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