The UPSC attempts limit for candidates from the General Category is up to 6 times, provided they are not older than 32 years — the current UPSC age limit. However, the number of attempts varies for different categories, as mentioned in the official UPSC notification, which is released annually, usually in February.
A few years back, the rules were a little different. The upper IAS exam age limit was 26 years, and candidates from the General category were allowed only 4 attempts. It was only in 2014 that the Commission revised its policy and increased the attempts to 6. If you want to know, How many attempts you have left for UPSC? then you can use our free Age Limit calculator below.
Age Limit Calculator
UPSC Attempts limit for different categories
Here is a table of the number of UPSC attempts and the upper age limit for each category:
| Category | Age Limit | Number of Attempts |
| General/EWS | 32 Years | 6 |
| OBC | 35 Years | 9 |
| SC/ST | 37 Years | Unlimited |
| PwBD | 42 Years | 9 (General & OBC) / Unlimited (SC/ST) |
How the UPSC exam age limit Is Calculated (Cut-off: 1 Aug 2025)
The IAS age limit for 2025 will be determined based on the candidate’s age as of August 1, 2025. Aspirants must not exceed their upper age limits on that date. These limits are as follows:
- General Category: Must be under 32 years
- OBC Category: Must be under 35 years
- SC/ST Category: Must be under 37 years
- Defence Services Personnel: Must be under 35 years
- Ex-Servicemen: Must be under 37 years
PwBD (blind, deaf-mute, orthopedically handicapped): Must be under 42 years
In certain cases, age relaxations are added based on multiple factors. For instance, an ex-serviceman belonging to the OBC category is eligible for both a 5-year (ex-servicemen) and a 3-year (OBC) relaxation. This brings the upper age limit to 40 years in such a case.
Check category-wise age limit or attempt limit using the Age limit calculator
Minimum UPSC / IAS Qualification (At a Glance)
- A recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- Final-year students can apply if they can produce proof before the Mains result.
Nothing else is demanded, so the basic UPSC qualification and IAS qualification criteria are identical.
Also Read: UPSC Prelims PYQs | UPSC Prelims Answer Keys | UPSC CSE Result 2024
UPSC Attempts Limit FAQs
Q. How many attempts for upsc?
Ans:- The number of attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) depends on the candidate’s category:
| Category | Number of Attempts | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 6 | 32 years |
| OBC | 9 | 35 years |
| SC/ST | Unlimited* | 37 years |
| PwBD (General) | 9 | 42 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 9 | 45 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | Unlimited* | 47 years |
*Unlimited attempts for SC/ST means you can appear as many times as you want within the age limit.
Q. How many attempts for upsc for obc category?
Ans:- For the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category:
- Number of attempts: 9
- Age limit: 35 years
This means an OBC candidate can attempt the UPSC Civil Services Examination up to 9 times until they reach 35 years of age.
Q. How many attempts for upsc for general?
Ans:- For the General (Unreserved) category:
- Number of attempts: 6
- Age limit: 32 years
This means a General category candidate can attempt the UPSC Civil Services Examination up to 6 times before turning 32 years old.
Q. Who is the youngest IAS officer in India?
Ans:- Ansar Shaikh emerges as India’s youngest IAS officer, a distinction he earned by successfully navigating the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2016, an impressive feat considering he was just 21 at the time.
Key Takeaway
Whether you’re searching “how many attempts for UPSC” or checking the precise IAS age limit for your category, always cross-verify with the latest notification. Plan your preparation around both attempt count and age eligibility to maximise your success odds.
