How many attempts are allowed in UPSC Civil Services Examination?

General/EWS candidates are allowed 6 attempts, OBC candidates 9 attempts, and SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts, subject to the applicable eligibility and age conditions. PwBD attempt limits depend on the candidate's category.

How is a UPSC attempt counted?

An attempt is counted when a candidate actually appears in at least one paper of the UPSC Preliminary Examination.

Does applying for UPSC count as an attempt?

No. Simply submitting the UPSC application does not count as an attempt. The attempt is counted when the candidate actually appears in at least one Prelims paper.

Does appearing in only one paper of UPSC Prelims count as an attempt?

Yes. Appearing in even one paper of the Preliminary Examination is considered an attempt at the Civil Services Examination.

Does failing UPSC Prelims count as an attempt?

Yes. If you appeared in at least one Prelims paper, that examination counts as an attempt regardless of whether you qualified for Mains.

How many attempts are available for General category candidates in UPSC?

General category candidates are ordinarily allowed a maximum of 6 attempts, subject to the applicable age and other eligibility requirements.

How many attempts are available for OBC candidates in UPSC?

Eligible OBC candidates are ordinarily allowed a maximum of 9 attempts, subject to the applicable conditions and age limit.

How many attempts are available for SC/ST candidates in UPSC?

SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts, subject to the applicable upper-age limit and other eligibility requirements.

How many UPSC attempts do I have left?

Your remaining attempts depend on your category and the number of Prelims attempts you have already used. Use the Saarthik UPSC Attempt Calculator to enter your category, date of birth, previous attempts and target examination year to estimate your remaining attempts.

Can I have attempts remaining but still be ineligible for UPSC?

Yes. Having attempts remaining does not automatically mean that you are eligible to appear. You must also satisfy the applicable age and other eligibility conditions for that examination year. UPSC publishes the relevant requirements in its examination notification.

UPSC Attempt Calculator 2026 – Check Remaining Attempts & Age Limit

Calculate your remaining Union Public Service Commission attempts based on your category, date of birth, and attempts already used. Check your total attempt cap, upper age eligibility, and discover your last possible examination year.

Enter Attempt Parameters

Date of Birth *

Reservation Category *

Prelims Attempts Already Taken *

Target Exam Year *

Official Attempt Counting Rule

Sitting in even one paper of the Preliminary Examination (e.g. GS Paper 1) counts as an official attempt per official Union Public Service Commission notices.

Attempt Status Eligible based on age & attempt criteria

Target Exam UPSC 2026

Attempts Remaining

Unlimited

0 Used so far

Total Permissible Cap

Unlimited

SC (Scheduled Caste)

Age on Cutoff Date

26 Years

Max Upper Age: 37 yrs

Summary Assessment

You meet the age (21-37 yrs) and attempt criteria for UPSC 2026.

Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment

4-Point Verification

Attempt Limit Category Cap

Unlimited Remaining

Age Limit Cutoff Date Aligned

Within Limits

Education Degree Criteria

Bachelor's Degree

Nationality Citizenship

Indian Citizen

* Note: Always verify your eligibility against the official Union Public Service Commission examination notice.

Last Potential Age-Eligible Attempt 2037

Plan Your Remaining Attempts

You Have Unlimited Remaining Attempts

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