UPSC Attempts: General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwBD

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) allows candidates a limited number of attempts to appear in the Civil Services Examination (CSE). The number of UPSC attempts depends on the candidate’s category. While candidates belonging to the General and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) are allowed six attempts, candidates from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category are allowed nine attempts. Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates can appear an unlimited number of times, subject to the prescribed age limit.

It is important to understand that an attempt is counted when a candidate actually appears in at least one paper of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. Simply submitting the application form does not use an attempt. This article explains the category-wise attempt limits, the rules for counting an attempt, and other important conditions candidates should know before applying for the examination.

UPSC Attempts Count: Category-wise

As per the Civil Services Examination rules and the information published by UPSC, the permitted number of attempts varies according to the candidate’s category. The category-wise limits for the Civil Services Examination 2026 are given below:

Important: Unlimited attempts do not mean that a candidate can appear in the examination at any age. SC and ST candidates, including PwBD candidates belonging to these categories, must still satisfy the applicable upper age limit. Similarly, candidates from other categories must fulfil both the age and attempt requirements.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for General Category in UPSC?

Candidates belonging to the General or Unreserved category are allowed a maximum of six attempts in the Civil Services Examination. They can use these attempts at any time during the period in which they remain eligible under the prescribed age limit.

For example, a General category candidate who appears in the Preliminary Examination six times will have exhausted the permitted attempts, even if the candidate does not qualify for the Main Examination in any of those years. The candidate cannot appear in another Civil Services Examination after using all six attempts.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for EWS Candidates in UPSC?

Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates are allowed six attempts in the Civil Services Examination, the same as General category candidates. EWS status does not provide any additional attempt relaxation.

Therefore, an EWS candidate can appear in the Preliminary Examination a maximum of six times, subject to the applicable age limit and other eligibility conditions.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for OBC Candidates in UPSC?

Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates are allowed a maximum of nine attempts in the Civil Services Examination. This relaxation is available to candidates who are eligible to claim OBC benefits under the applicable government rules.

OBC candidates must also satisfy the prescribed conditions for their category, including the applicable Non-Creamy Layer requirements wherever relevant. Merely belonging to a community included in the OBC list does not automatically establish eligibility for every reservation benefit.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for SC and ST Candidates in UPSC?

There is no fixed numerical limit on the number of attempts for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories. They are permitted to appear in the Civil Services Examination an unlimited number of times, provided they fulfil the prescribed age limit and other eligibility conditions.

In other words, SC and ST candidates can continue to appear in the examination until they reach the applicable upper age limit, even if they have appeared in several previous examinations.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for PwBD Candidates in UPSC?

Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are allowed a maximum of nine attempts if they belong to the General, EWS or OBC category. PwBD candidates belonging to the SC or ST categories are allowed unlimited attempts, subject to the applicable age limit and other eligibility requirements.

The benefit is subject to the candidate meeting the prescribed disability and eligibility conditions. Candidates should refer to the relevant examination notification for the applicable PwBD provisions.

When Is a UPSC Attempt Counted?

One of the most important points regarding the UPSC attempt limit is understanding when an attempt is actually counted. According to the Civil Services Examination rules, an attempt at the Preliminary Examination is treated as an attempt at the Civil Services Examination.

An attempt is counted if a candidate actually appears in at least one paper of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. The following situations explain how the rule works:

• Filling the application form: Merely submitting the online application form does not count as an attempt.
• Not appearing in the examination: If a candidate applies but does not appear in either paper of the Preliminary Examination, no attempt is counted.
• Appearing in only one paper: If a candidate appears in either General Studies Paper I or General Studies Paper II (CSAT), the attempt is counted.
• Appearing in both papers: If a candidate appears in both Preliminary Examination papers, one attempt is counted.
• Disqualification or cancellation: If a candidate appears in the Preliminary Examination but the candidature is subsequently cancelled or the candidate is disqualified, the attempt is still counted.

Thus, candidates should be careful before appearing in the Preliminary Examination. Even if they are not adequately prepared or do not intend to continue to the next stage, appearing in at least one paper will use one of their permitted attempts.

Does Appearing in UPSC Mains Count as a Separate Attempt?

No. The Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Interview are stages of the same Civil Services Examination cycle. They are not counted as separate attempts.

An attempt is counted at the Preliminary Examination stage. If a candidate qualifies for the Main Examination and subsequently appears in the written examination and Interview/Personality Test, these stages do not consume additional attempts.

For example, if a candidate appears in the Preliminary Examination and qualifies for the Main Examination, only one attempt is counted for that examination cycle. Appearing in the Main Examination and Interview does not increase the count to two or three attempts.

Does Not Qualifying UPSC Prelims Count as an Attempt?

Yes. If a candidate actually appears in at least one paper of the Preliminary Examination but does not qualify for the Main Examination, the attempt is counted.

The result of the Preliminary Examination does not determine whether an attempt is counted. The important condition is whether the candidate appeared in at least one of the Preliminary Examination papers.

Can I Withdraw My UPSC Application Without Losing an Attempt?

Yes. Merely applying for the Civil Services Examination does not count as an attempt. If a candidate submits the application but does not appear in either paper of the Preliminary Examination, the attempt is not counted.

However, candidates should not confuse withdrawal of an application with withdrawal after appearing in the examination. Once a candidate has appeared in at least one Preliminary Examination paper, the attempt is counted, even if the candidate later decides not to continue.

How Can Candidates Check the Number of UPSC Attempts Already Used?

UPSC places the primary responsibility on candidates to maintain a record of the attempts they have used. Candidates should keep track of the years in which they actually appeared in at least one paper of the Preliminary Examination.

UPSC may verify the number of attempts from its available records at the appropriate stage of the examination. Candidates should therefore provide correct information about their previous attempts while filling out the application form.

Providing incorrect information or concealing the number of attempts already used can lead to cancellation of candidature and other action under the applicable examination rules.

Important Points About UPSC Number of Attempts

• General category candidates are allowed six attempts.
• EWS candidates are also allowed six attempts.
• OBC candidates are allowed nine attempts.
• SC and ST candidates are allowed unlimited attempts, subject to the age limit.
• PwBD candidates belonging to General, EWS and OBC categories are allowed nine attempts.
• PwBD candidates belonging to SC and ST categories are allowed unlimited attempts, subject to the age limit.
• An attempt is counted when a candidate appears in at least one paper of the Preliminary Examination.
• Merely filling out the application form does not count as an attempt.
• Not qualifying in the Preliminary Examination still counts as an attempt if the candidate appeared in at least one paper.
• Appearing in the Main Examination or Interview does not count as an additional attempt.
• Even if candidature is subsequently cancelled or the candidate is disqualified, an appearance in the Preliminary Examination counts as an attempt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many attempts are allowed in UPSC for General category candidates?

General category candidates are allowed a maximum of six attempts in the Civil Services Examination, subject to the prescribed age limit.

2. How many attempts are allowed for EWS candidates in UPSC?

EWS candidates are allowed six attempts, the same as General category candidates.

3. How many attempts are allowed for OBC candidates in UPSC?

OBC candidates are allowed a maximum of nine attempts in the Civil Services Examination, subject to the applicable eligibility conditions.

4. Can SC and ST candidates appear in UPSC an unlimited number of times?

Yes. SC and ST candidates are permitted unlimited attempts. However, they must remain within the applicable upper age limit and fulfil all other eligibility conditions.

5. How many attempts are allowed for PwBD candidates?

PwBD candidates belonging to the General, EWS and OBC categories are allowed nine attempts. PwBD candidates belonging to the SC and ST categories are allowed unlimited attempts, subject to the applicable age limit.

6. Does filling the UPSC application form count as an attempt?

No. An attempt is counted only when a candidate actually appears in at least one paper of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination.

7. If I appear only in UPSC Prelims GS Paper I, will it count as an attempt?

Yes. Appearing in either one of the two Preliminary Examination papers is sufficient for an attempt to be counted.

8. If I do not qualify for UPSC Mains, will my attempt be counted?

Yes. If you appeared in at least one paper of the Preliminary Examination, the attempt will be counted, regardless of whether you qualify for the Main Examination.

9. Are UPSC Prelims and Mains counted as two separate attempts?

No. The Preliminary Examination and Main Examination are stages of the same examination cycle. An attempt is counted at the Preliminary Examination stage and is not counted again when the candidate appears in Mains or the Interview.

10. If I apply for UPSC but remain absent from both Prelims papers, will an attempt be counted?

No. If you do not appear in either paper of the Preliminary Examination, your attempt will not be counted.

Official Sources

The information in this article is based on the official UPSC and Government of India sources listed below. Candidates should always refer to the examination notification and rules applicable to the year in which they intend to appear.

1. UPSC – Examination Division: Number of Attempts and Rules for Counting an Attempt
2. UPSC – Frequently Asked Questions with Respect to Attempts in the Civil Services Examination
3. UPSC – FAQs for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD Candidates
4. UPSC – Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2026: Official Notification and Examination Documents

Note: The attempt limits stated above are based on the Civil Services Examination 2026 rules. Any changes introduced in a subsequent year’s notification will apply according to the rules for that examination.