UPSC Prelims: How many times can one appear in UPSC Prelims exam? Who gets relaxation in age?

UPSC Prelims Eligibility The Union Public Service Commission conducts the UPSC Civil Services Examination every year in May/June. This three-stage exam is ranked third in the list of the toughest exams in the world. Every year around 10 lakh candidates appear for the UPSC CSE prelims exam. A few thousand of them successfully appear for the UPSC Mains and those who pass it also reach the interview round. UPSC has set tough eligibility for the Civil Services Examination.

The UPSC prelims exam was held on 25 May 2025. The youth preparing for government jobs are waiting for the UPSC Prelims Result 2025 to be released these days. All the latest updates related to UPSC Sarkari Result 2025 can be checked on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission upsc.gov.in. If you are going to take this exam in 2026, then know, the number of attempts and age limit for the UPSC Civil Services Examination depends on the category of the candidate.

UPSC Prelims Attempts Limit: How many times can I appear for the UPSC exam?

Union Public Service Commission has set the attempt limit for the UPSC exam. This eligibility is determined according to different categories.

Number of Attempts

General and EWS: 6 Attempts

OBC: 9 Attempts

SC/ST: Unlimited Attempts (Up to age limit)

PwBD:
General and OBC PwBD: 9 Attempts

SC/ST PwBD: Unlimited Attempts (Up to age limit)

Note:
An attempt is counted when a candidate appears in at least one paper in the prelim exam. Just filling out the application does not count as an attempt.

If you appear in the prelims, even if you are unable to qualify for UPSC Mains, it will be considered an attempt.

UPSC Prelims Age Limit: UPSC Prelims Age Limit
The age calculation for the UPSC exam can be understood as per 2025 like this- The age limit is calculated based on 1st August 2025. You must be within the following age limit as of 1st August 2025:

Minimum Age: 21 years (for all categories)

Maximum Age:

General & EWS: 32 years

OBC: 35 years (3 years relaxation)

SC/ST: 37 years (5 years relaxation)

PwBD:
General & OBC PwBD: 42 years (10 years relaxation)

SC/ST PwBD: 42 years (unlimited attempts, but age limit 42 years)

Ex-Servicemen: 37 years (5 years relaxation for General)

Domicile of Jammu & Kashmir (resident between 1980-1989): 37 years (5 years relaxation)

Cumulative Relaxation:
In some cases (like OBC+Ex-Servicemen) candidate relaxation can be added. Example: OBC ex-servicemen can get relaxation of 3 (OBC) + 5 (ex-servicemen) = 8 years i.e. maximum age 40 years.

UPSC Prelims Eligibility Criteria: Eligibility for UPSC exam

Educational Qualification: Must have a graduation degree from a recognized university. Final year students can also apply but have to provide proof of passing the degree while applying for Mains.

Nationality: For a job on an IAS/IPS post, the candidate must be an Indian citizen. For other services, Nepal, Bhutan or Tibetan refugees can also apply with some conditions.

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