UPSC OBC Attempt Limit 2026, Age Limit, Eligibility & Relaxations
UPSC Attempt Limit for OBC 2026 is 9, with an age limit of up to 35 years. Know eligibility, documents, relaxations, and reservation rules for OBC NCL candidates.
Deeksha Dixit15 Sept, 2025
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UPSC Attempt Limit for OBC in 2026 is defined by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) under the 27% reservation policy for Other Backward Classes (OBC). Candidates belonging to the OBC Non-Creamy Layer (OBC NCL) category enjoy relaxations in eligibility, including the UPSC OBC age limit and number of attempts. As per the latest notification, the UPSC attempt limit for OBC is nine, compared to six attempts for general category candidates. The age limit for OBC in UPSC is 21 to 35 years, offering 3 years of relaxation. The UPSC age limit for OBC female candidates is also the same as males. These relaxations ensure fairness in this competitive exam.
UPSC Attempt Limit for OBC Category 2026
The number of UPSC attempts for OBC candidates is set at 9 as per the IAS Prelims notification, which is 3 more than the 6 attempts allowed for the general category. This benefit is available exclusively to candidates from the non-creamy layer, whose income is below ₹8 lakhs per annum (based on the last three consecutive financial years). Candidates from the OBC creamy layer are treated similarly to general category candidates in UPSC and are entitled to just 6 attempts. The OBC UPSC attempts for male and female candidates remain equal, with no additional attempts beyond the general OBC NCL provision.| UPSC Attempts for OBC Category | ||
| Category | Number of Attempts | Age Limit |
| OBC Creamy Layer/General (Male/Female) | 6 | 32 years |
| OBC Non-Creamy Layer (Male/Female) | 9 | 35 years |
UPSC Age Limit for OBC
The UPSC age limit OBC candidates is higher than that for the general category. The UPSC age limit for OBC Non-Creamy Layer candidates is 21–35 years, while the general category limit is 21–32 years. The OBC age limit applies equally to male and female aspirants.| UPSC Age Limit for OBC (NCL) | |
| Minimum Age Limit | 21 years |
| Upper Age Relaxation | 3 years |
| Maximum Age Limit | 35 years |
| Number of Attempts till Maximum Age | 09 |
Eligibility for OBC Reservation in UPSC
To qualify for a 27 percent Reservation in UPSC for OBC, candidates must belong to the non-creamy layer category as specified by the competent authority. Here are the criteria for OBC reservation in UPSC:- Caste Inclusion: Must belong to a caste listed as OBC by the Central Government.
- Non-Creamy Layer Certificate: Required to prove the candidate is not part of the OBC creamy layer, defined as those with a family income exceeding ₹8 lakhs per annum or parents in Group A services.
- Income Criteria: Family income should not exceed ₹8 lakhs per annum in the last three consecutive financial years to qualify as a non-creamy layer.
- Documentation: Must present a valid OBC certificate for UPSC to substantiate the reservation claim.
Document Required for OBC Reservation
OBC candidates must submit several key documents when applying for the UPSC CSE exam to prove their UPSC Eligibility. Here is the list of documents that are required in the specified format and date for claiming the relaxation in UPSC attempts for OBC and other reservation benefits.OBC Certificate
OBC certificate must be issued by the competent authority, confirming non-creamy layer status as per UPSC format. It should be dated prior to the closing date of the application or as prescribed in the UPSC notification. Candidates will be required to produce family income proof to get the certificate.Valid Identity Proof
The certificate must include the candidate’s personal details as per their matriculation or school-leaving certificate and the exact name of the caste as listed in the Central List of OBCs for that state. Candidates will be required to submit an Aadhar card, passport, or other government-issued ID along with the OBC certificate. These documents must be in the correct format and submitted on time to ensure candidates receive the benefit of additional UPSC attempts for OBC and the age relaxation.Competent Authority to Issue OBC Certificate
The OBC certificate must be issued by authorized officers such as District Magistrate, Tehsildar, or Sub-Divisional Magistrate. It should clearly state that the candidate belongs to the OBC Non-Creamy Layer to claim the benefits of UPSC attempt limit for OBC and UPSC age limit for OBC female/male candidates. Competent authorities for issuing the OBC certificate include:- District Magistrate/Additional District Magistrate/ Collector/Deputy Commissioner/Additional Deputy Commissioner/ 1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate/ Sub-Divisional Magistrate/ Taluka Magistrate/Executive Magistrate/ Extra Assistant Commissioner
- Chief Presidency Magistrate/Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/ Presidency Magistrate
- Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar and
- Sub-Divisional Officer of the area where the candidate and/or his family normally resides
- Administrator/Secretary to the Administrator/Development Officer (Lakshadweep)
UPSC Attempt Limit for OBC Category 2025 FAQs
Is there any benefit for OBC in UPSC CSE?
Yes, OBC candidates receive a reservation of 27% in UPSC CSE, along with benefits such as additional attempts and age relaxation.
How many attempts are there for OBC in UPSC?
The number of UPSC attempts for OBC candidates is 9, which is three more than the 6 attempts allowed for the general category.
What is the age limit for OBC in UPSC?
The UPSC age limit for OBC candidates is 35 years, providing a 3-year relaxation over the general category’s limit of 32 years.
How many attempts for the OBC creamy layer in UPSC?
OBC creamy layer candidates, like general category candidates, are allowed 6 attempts in the UPSC exam.
How many times can OBC NCL candidates appear in UPSC?
OBC NCL (non-creamy layer) candidates can appear up to 9 times in the UPSC exam.
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