How Many Attempts for UPSC CSE? Category-wise Details
Jan, 2026
•4 min read
One of the first and most important questions every civil services aspirant asks is how many attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Examination are allowed. Since UPSC preparation demands years of disciplined study, clarity on UPSC attempts, age limits, and category-wise relaxations becomes crucial for effective planning.
Here, we will explain the latest UPSC rules, as per the official UPSC notifications, to help you avoid wasting attempts and structure your preparation effectively.
What Is an Attempt in the UPSC CSE?
Before understanding how many attempts are allowed, it is essential to know what constitutes an attempt in the UPSC.
According to UPSC rules:
- An attempt is counted only when a candidate appears for at least one paper of the Preliminary Examination.
- Merely filling out the application form or downloading the admit card does not count as an attempt.
Important Clarification
- Appearing in UPSC Prelims (GS Paper I or CSAT) → 1 attempt counted
- Absent in Prelims → No attempt counted
- Present in GS Paper I but absent in CSAT → 1 attempt counted
This rule applies uniformly to all categories.
How Many Attempts for UPSC CSE? (Latest Category-wise Rules)
UPSC prescribes a maximum number of attempts along with an upper age limit, which varies across categories. Candidates must satisfy both conditions simultaneously.
| Category | Maximum Attempts | Age Limit (Upper) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 6 attempts | 32 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 9 attempts | 35 years |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (within age limit) | 37 years |
| PwBD – General | 9 attempts | 42 years |
| PwBD – OBC | 9 attempts | 45 years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | Unlimited (within age limit) | 47 years |
Note: The minimum age to appear for UPSC CSE is 21 years for all categories.
How Many Attempts for IAS, IPS, and IFS?
A very common misconception among aspirants is that IAS attempts are separate from IPS or IFS attempts.
- UPSC conducts a common Civil Services Examination
- Attempts are counted collectively, not service-wise
Whether you aim for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, or any Group A/Group B service, the attempt count remains the same.
What Happens If You Skip Prelims After Applying?
If a candidate:
- Applies to UPSC CSE
- Receives athe dmit card
- Does not appear in Prelims
No attempt is counted in such cases.
This provision allows aspirants to skip an exam cycle without penalty if they feel underprepared.
Smart Attempt Utilisation for UPSC Aspirants
Knowing how many attempts for UPSC you have should directly shape how and when you prepare. Each attempt carries a high opportunity cost. Therefore, aspirants must treat attempts as strategic resources, not trial-and-error chances.
1. Initial Attempts (Learning & Foundation Phase)
The first 1–2 attempts can help you:
- Build strong conceptual clarity of the UPSC syllabus
- Understand the changing exam trend, question pattern, and demand for answers
- Identify strengths and weaknesses through real exam exposure
- Learn time management and exam temperament
It is important to note that several top-ranked candidates have cleared all three stages of UPSC CSE in their very first attempt, proving that focused and disciplined preparation can outweigh multiple attempts.
Toppers like Tina Dabi (AIR 1), Anudeep Durishetty (AIR 1), Kanishak Kataria (AIR 1), and Srushti Jayant Deshmukh (AIR 5) cracked UPSC in their first try with a well-planned, exam-oriented strategy.
2. Middle Attempts (Peak Performance Phase)
Middle attempts are the most crucial and productive phase of UPSC preparation. Aspirants should aim to:
- Complete full syllabus coverage with multiple revisions
- Strengthen answer writing for Mains and analytical thinking
- Polish optional subject preparation
- Improve accuracy and consistency in Prelims
Most successful candidates clear the UPSC during this phase due to maturity, discipline, and focused strategy.
3. Last Attempts (Maximum Precision Phase)
When attempts are limited, preparation must become:
- Highly exam-oriented and revision-heavy
- Focused on high-yield topics and previous year questions
- Backed by mock tests, error analysis, and micro-improvements
There is little room for experimentation in the last attempts. Every decision should be driven by data, past performance, and exam trends.
Key Takeaway: Wasting attempts is far more dangerous than having fewer attempts. Strategic planning, consistency, and smart execution matter more than the total number of chances.
Also read: UPSC OTR 2026: One Time Registration & New Online Application Portal
Can UPSC Increase Attempts in the Future?
There have been multiple debates and representations regarding increasing UPSC attempts, especially for the General category. However:
- UPSC attempts are decided by the Government of India
- As of now, no official change regarding the number of attempts has been notified
Aspirants must rely only on the latest UPSC CSE notification, released every year.
Conclusion
Understanding how many attempts for UPSC CSE is a foundational step in every aspirant’s journey towards IAS, IPS, or IFS. A well-planned strategy, conceptual clarity, and consistent revision can help aspirants clear the exam within fewer attempts.
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