UPSC New Attempt Limit 2026: Latest Rules for Reappearing Candidates

The UPSC New Attempt Limit 2026 defines the maximum number of times a candidate can appear for the Civil Services Examination based on their category and service status. As per the latest UPSC CSE 2026 notification, these rules are crucial for determining eligibility, counting valid attempts, and understanding restrictions for candidates already appointed to IAS, IFS, IPS, or other Group A services. A proper understanding of the attempt limit helps aspirants plan their preparation and examination strategy effectively.

UPSC New Attempt Limit 2026

The number of attempts in UPSC exam varies by candidate category. An attempt at the Preliminary Examination is considered an attempt at the entire CSE.

UPSC Attempts for General Category

Candidates belonging to the General category are allowed 6 attempts at the Civil Services Examination. The upper age limit is 32 years, counted as on 1st August of the exam year.

UPSC Attempts for OBC Candidates

Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer) candidates can avail 9 attempts. The upper age limit is 35 years, with age relaxation applicable as per rules.

UPSC Attempts for SC/ST Candidates

Candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories are granted unlimited attempts, subject to the maximum age limit of 37 years.

UPSC Attempts for EWS Category

Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates are permitted 6 attempts, the same as the General category. The upper age limit is 32 years, with no additional age relaxation.

UPSC Attempts for PwBD Candidates

Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) are allowed up to 9 attempts if they belong to General or EWS categories. PwBD candidates from SC/ST categories have unlimited attempts, subject to the prescribed age limits.

UPSC New Attempt Limit 2026 (Category-wise)

Relaxations in the number of attempts are available for reserved categories. The table below outlines the UPSC maximum attempts 2026 for various groups:

Note: GL for General, EWS for Economically Weaker Sections, SC for Scheduled Castes, ST for Scheduled Tribes, OBC for Other Backwards Classes, and PwBD for Persons with Benchmark Disability.

UPSC Attempt Count Rules

An attempt at the Preliminary Examination counts as an attempt at the Civil Services Examination. If a candidate actually appears in one paper of the Preliminary Examination, it registers as an attempt. This is true even with subsequent disqualification or cancellation of candidature.

Restrictions for Appointed Candidates

The UPSC new attempt limit 2026 also includes specific restrictions for candidates already in service.

Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

A candidate already appointed to the IAS or IFS and continuing in service is not eligible to appear in CSE 2026. If appointed to IAS or IFS after the CSE 2026 Preliminary Exam but before Mains, the candidate cannot appear in Mains. If appointed after Mains begins but before results, the candidate will not be considered for any service based on CSE 2026.

Indian Police Service (IPS) and Other Group A Services

A candidate selected or appointed to IPS from a previous exam cannot opt for or be allocated IPS again in CSE 2026. Candidates allocated to IPS or Central Service Group 'A' through CSE 2026 may appear in CSE 2027. This requires a one-time exemption from training by the concerned authority, solely for the Foundation Course.

Failure to join training or get exemption cancels their CSE 2026 service allocation. If recommended in CSE 2027, they choose between the CSE 2026 or CSE 2027 allocation. The unchosen service allocation is cancelled. They cannot appear in CSE 2028 or later unless they resign from the allocated service. Seniority will align with the service actually joined.

One-time Opportunity for CSE 2025 or Earlier Allocations

Candidates allocated to any service from CSE 2025 or earlier can use remaining attempts in CSE 2026 or CSE 2027 without resigning. For CSE 2028 or beyond, resignation from allocated service becomes mandatory.

UPSC New Attempt Rules

Understanding these core rules is vital for aspirants to ensure whether they fulfill UPSC eligibility criteria 2026. These UPSC new attempt rules guide candidate participation.

Appearing in Preliminary Examination

Any appearance in at least one paper of the Preliminary Examination signifies one attempt. This is a fundamental rule for UPSC CSE attempt count rules.

Appointment to IAS/IFS

Candidates already holding IAS or IFS positions are generally ineligible for further CSE attempts. This reflects their existing service commitment and reinforces upsc attempt limit restrictions.

IPS Allocation and Re-Attempts

Specific conditions apply for IPS and Group A service appointees seeking re-attempts. A one-time training exemption allows participation in the immediate next CSE. Future attempts beyond CSE 2027, however, require resignation from the allocated service.