The question "How many attempts in UPSC?" is one of the most frequently asked questions by aspirants planning to enter the world of Civil Services. The answer, however, is not a single number. It varies significantly based on your social category (General, OBC, SC/ST, EWS) and physical ability (PwBD).
For the UPSC 2026 examination, the rules regarding the number of attempts remain a critical eligibility criterion. This guide aims to simplify these rules, explain the logic behind them, and help you calculate exactly how many chances you have to crack this prestigious examination. We will also discuss the strategic importance of each attempt and why you should value them highly.
The Logic Behind Attempt Limits
Why does UPSC limit the number of attempts? The primary reason is to ensure a level playing field and to encourage candidates to enter the service at a younger age. Younger officers have longer tenures, allowing them to reach higher policy-making positions like Cabinet Secretary. The attempt limit also prevents candidates from spending their prime productive years in an endless cycle of exams without success.
Attempt Limits for 2026: A Quick Reference
Here is the definitive list of attempt limits for UPSC 2026:
- General Category: 6 Attempts
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section): 6 Attempts
- OBC (Other Backward Classes): 9 Attempts
- SC (Scheduled Castes): Unlimited Attempts (till age limit)
- ST (Scheduled Tribes): Unlimited Attempts (till age limit)
- PwBD (General/EWS): 9 Attempts
- PwBD (OBC): 9 Attempts
- PwBD (SC/ST): Unlimited Attempts
Note: These attempts must be taken within the prescribed age limits (21-32 for General, 21-35 for OBC, 21-37 for SC/ST).
Calculating Your Remaining Attempts
It is vital to keep an accurate count of your attempts. Here is how to do it:
- List all years you applied for UPSC Prelims.
- Check attendance: For each year, did you enter the exam hall and sit for at least one paper? (Even if you sat for 10 minutes and left, it counts).
- Sum it up: Count the years where the answer to #2 is "Yes".
- Subtract: Subtract this number from the maximum allowed attempts for your category.
Example: Rahul (General Category) applied in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- 2022: Applied but was sick, didn't go. (Count = 0)
- 2023: Appeared for GS I, skipped CSAT. (Count = 1)
- 2024: Appeared for both papers, failed Prelims. (Count = 1)
Total Used: 2 Remaining for 2026: 6 - 2 = 4 attempts.
The Importance of the First Attempt
Statistics show that the success rate is highest in the first three attempts. As the number of attempts increases, the success rate tends to dip. This is due to several factors:
- Fatigue: Studying the same syllabus for years leads to burnout.
- Pressure: The psychological pressure increases with every failed attempt.
- Complacency: Older candidates sometimes feel they "know everything" and stop learning.
Therefore, your strategy should be to crack the exam in the first or second attempt. Do not hoard attempts for the future; give your best shot now.
What If I Exhaust My Attempts?
If you exhaust your attempts for the Civil Services Exam (CSE), you cannot appear for it again. However, this does not mean the end of the road.
- State PSCs: Most State Public Service Commissions allow more attempts and higher age limits.
- Other Govt Exams: Exams like RBI Grade B, NABARD, SEBI, and SSC CGL have different eligibility criteria.
- Private Sector: The knowledge gained during UPSC preparation (economy, polity, analysis) is highly valued in think tanks, NGOs, journalism, and public policy roles.
State PSC as Backup While Using UPSC Attempts
Smart aspirants prepare for State PSC simultaneously:
Advantages:
- Similar syllabus (70% overlap with UPSC)
- More attempts allowed (usually 10-15)
- Higher age limit in most states
- Same preparation helps for both exams
- Good backup if UPSC attempts exhaust
Top State PSCs:
- MPPSC: Well-regarded, good career prospects
- UPPSC: Large number of vacancies
- BPSC: Manageable exam pattern
- RPSC: Decent pay scale
- GPSC: Good work-life balance
How to Manage Both:
- Prepare primarily for UPSC (it's tougher)
- Appear for State PSC when notification comes
- Don't compromise UPSC prep for State PSC
- If selected in State PSC, can continue UPSC attempts
- Can resign from State service if selected in UPSC later
Important: While State PSC is a good backup, don't let it become a distraction from your primary UPSC goal.
Conclusion
The attempt limits in UPSC 2026 are designed to balance opportunity with urgency. While General and EWS candidates get 6 attempts, OBC candidates get 9, and SC/ST candidates get unlimited attempts, what matters most is not how many you have, but how effectively you use them.
Many candidates waste their early attempts by appearing unprepared, thinking 'I'll learn from the experience.' This is a costly mistake. Instead, appear when you're 80% ready—not 100% (that never comes), but not 30% either.
Use UPSC.AI's comprehensive preparation tools to maximize each attempt. Our platform offers personalized study plans, adaptive mock tests, and detailed performance analytics that help you identify when you're ready to take the plunge. Remember, success in UPSC isn't determined by attempts remaining but by preparation quality. Make every single attempt count towards your IAS dream!