UPSC CSE age limit and attempts by category
| Category | Age limit (on 1 Aug) | Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| General | 21 to 32 | 6 |
| EWS | 21 to 32 | 6 |
| OBC (non-creamy layer) | 21 to 35 | 9 |
| SC / ST | 21 to 37 | Unlimited |
| PwBD – General / EWS | 21 to 42 | 9 |
| PwBD – OBC | 21 to 45 | 9 |
| PwBD – SC / ST | 21 to 47 | Unlimited |
How the calculator works
- Your age is worked out on 1 August of each exam year, the date UPSC uses.
- For each year from your next planned exam, it checks you are at least 21 and not above your category's upper age limit.
- It counts down your remaining attempts, one per year, until either the attempts or the age limit runs out.
The result often surprises people: a General candidate who starts late may run out of age before running out of attempts. Planning your first serious attempt early matters.
What counts as an attempt
Appearing in any one paper of the Preliminary exam counts as an attempt, even if you leave the second paper. Filling the form and not appearing does not count. Disqualification or cancellation of candidature also counts as an attempt.
Check your age for any other exam's cut-off date with the age calculator, and track your mock scores with the mock test tracker.