How Many Attempts for UPSC?
Complete Guide on UPSC Attempts, Age Limit & Categories (Explained Simply)
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year to select officers for prestigious services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A & B services.
One of the first and most important questions every UPSC aspirant asks is:
“How many attempts are allowed for UPSC?”
This question is not just about numbers.
It directly affects:
- Your preparation strategy
- Your career planning
- Your mental approach towards the exam
In this detailed guide, we will explain:
- UPSC attempts category-wise
- Age limits
- What exactly counts as an attempt
- Strategic advice on how to use attempts wisely
This article is written in simple English, especially for beginners and serious aspirants, so you can clearly understand and plan your journey.
What Is an “Attempt” in UPSC?
Before knowing the number of attempts, it is very important to understand what UPSC considers as an attempt.
An attempt is counted when:
- You fill the UPSC form
- You appear in the Preliminary Examination
- You sit in at least one paper of Prelims
An attempt is NOT counted if:
- You filled the form but did not appear in Prelims
- You missed the exam due to any reason (health, travel, etc.)
👉 Important:
Only Prelims appearance matters.
Mains or Interview stages do not affect the attempt count.
UPSC Civil Services Exam – Overview
Before going further, let us quickly understand the exam structure:
UPSC CSE has three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Objective type)
- Mains Examination (Written – descriptive)
- Personality Test / Interview
👉 Attempts are counted only at the Preliminary stage.
How Many Attempts for UPSC? (Category-Wise)
UPSC provides different numbers of attempts based on category, following Government of India reservation policies.
- General Category (UR)
- Maximum Attempts: 6
- Age Limit: 21 to 32 years
👉 Once you reach 32 years, you are not eligible even if attempts remain.
- OBC Category (Non-Creamy Layer)
- Maximum Attempts: 9
- Age Limit: 21 to 35 years
👉 OBC aspirants get 3 extra attempts and 3 years age relaxation.
- SC / ST Category
- Maximum Attempts: Unlimited
- Age Limit: 21 to 37 years
👉 There is no cap on attempts, but age limit still applies.
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Maximum Attempts: 6
- Age Limit: 21 to 32 years
👉 EWS category does NOT get extra attempts.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
Attempts vary based on category:
- General / EWS PwBD: 9 attempts (Age limit: 42 years)
- OBC PwBD: 9 attempts (Age limit: 45 years)
- SC / ST PwBD: Unlimited attempts (Age limit: 47 years)
Summary Table: UPSC Attempts & Age Limit
| Category | Attempts | Age Limit |
| General | 6 | 32 |
| EWS | 6 | 32 |
| OBC (NCL) | 9 | 35 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited | 37 |
| PwBD (General/EWS) | 9 | 42 |
| PwBD (OBC) | 9 | 45 |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | Unlimited | 47 |
Why Does UPSC Limit Attempts?
UPSC is not just testing knowledge.
It tests:
- Consistency
- Discipline
- Decision-making
- Time management
Limiting attempts ensures:
- Aspirants prepare seriously
- Candidates do not treat exams casually
- Fair opportunity for younger candidates
👉 UPSC wants quality officers, not endless trial-and-error candidates.
When Should You Start Giving UPSC Attempts?
This is a very important strategic question.
Common mistake:
Many aspirants give their first attempt without preparation, thinking:
“Let me just experience the exam.”
This is dangerous because:
- One precious attempt is wasted
- Confidence may drop
- Wrong mindset develops
Ideal Time to Give First Attempt
You should appear only when:
- Syllabus is covered at least once
- NCERTs are completed
- Optional subject basics are clear
- Previous year questions are analyzed
- Mock tests are attempted
👉 Treat every attempt as a serious attempt.
Is It Possible to Clear UPSC in First Attempt?
Yes, absolutely.
Many toppers have cleared UPSC in their first attempt.
But remember:
- First attempt does not mean first year
- Many first-attempt toppers prepare 2–3 years before appearing
👉 Success depends on:
- Right strategy
- Proper guidance
- Consistent study
- Smart revision
How Many Attempts Do Toppers Usually Take?
There is no fixed number.
Common patterns:
- Some clear in 1st or 2nd attempt
- Many clear in 3rd to 5th attempt
- A few clear even after multiple failures
👉 UPSC is a journey, not a race.
Should You Use All Your Attempts?
This depends on:
- Your age
- Financial condition
- Family responsibilities
- Mental health
- Backup plan
Ask yourself:
- Am I improving every attempt?
- Are my marks increasing?
- Am I enjoying the learning process?
👉 Attempts should be used wisely, not emotionally.
Smart Strategy to Use Attempts Effectively
Attempt 1:
- Learning + experience
- Understanding exam demand
Attempt 2–3:
- Serious performance stage
- Strong Prelims + Mains focus
Attempt 4–5:
- Precision, answer writing, refinement
Last attempts:
- Only if genuine improvement is visible
What Happens After Attempts Are Over?
This is a reality many aspirants fear.
But remember:
- UPSC preparation builds strong skills
- Knowledge of polity, economy, ethics, governance
- Writing & analytical ability
Many aspirants succeed in:
- State PSC
- Policy research
- Teaching
- Think tanks
- Corporate roles
- NGOs
- Law, journalism, administration
👉 UPSC prep is never wasted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Does failing Prelims count as an attempt?
Yes, if you appeared in Prelims.
Q2. Does failing Mains count as an attempt?
Yes, because attempt is counted at Prelims stage.
Q3. If I clear Prelims but skip Mains, is it an attempt?
Yes.
Q4. Can attempts increase in future?
UPSC rules may change, but aspirants should prepare as per current rules only.
Final Words: Attempts Are Limited, But Potential Is Not
UPSC gives limited attempts, but:
- Learning is unlimited
- Growth is unlimited
- Possibilities are unlimited
Do not waste attempts casually.
Do not fear failure either.
👉 Every serious attempt brings you closer to success.
If you plan smartly, stay consistent, and believe in the process, UPSC is achievable.
