UPSC CSE Exam 2025: How Many Attempts Allowed; Check Eligibility, Age Limit & More Details Here

The Union Public Service Commission's (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is one of India's most prominent and demanding tests. It is held to select applicants for senior administrative jobs such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central services. Every year, millions of candidates train meticulously for this test.  To guide the aspirants better, here is a complete overview of the UPSC Preliminary Exam 2025 including eligibility criteria, age limit, number of attempts, and other essential details.

Overview of UPSC CSE Preliminary Exam

The Civil Services Examination is held in three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective-type)

2. Mains Examination (Written)

3. Personality Test (Interview)

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Prelims 2025

To appear for the UPSC Preliminary Examination, candidates must meet certain educational and nationality qualifications.

1. Nationality: For IAS, IPS, and IFS: Only Indian citizens are eligible.

2. For other services: Citizens of India, Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibetan refugees who came to India before January 1, 1962, are eligible.

Persons of Indian Origin who have migrated from specified countries with the intention of settling in India permanently can also apply.

Educational Qualification

1. The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent.

2. Final year students who are awaiting results can also apply, but they must produce proof of passing the exam before the Mains.

Age Limit for UPSC CSE 2025

The age of the candidate is calculated as of August 1, 2025.

1. Minimum Age: 21 years

2. Maximum Age:

3. General category: 32 years

4. OBC: 35 years

5. SC/ST: 37 years

6. Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): Up to 42 years depending on category

Important Notes:

1. The upper age limit is relaxed for various categories as per government rules.

2. Age relaxation is cumulative across different categories, where applicable.

The number of times a candidate can appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination depends on their category.

1. General Category: 6 attempts

2. OBC Category: 9 attempts

3. SC/ST Category: Unlimited attempts until age limit is reached

4. PwBD Candidates:

5. General & OBC: 9 attempts

6. SC/ST: Unlimited

Note: Appearing for even one paper of the Preliminary Examination is counted as an attempt.

Structure of UPSC Preliminary Exam

The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers:

General Studies Paper I

• Total Questions: 100

• Maximum Marks: 200

• Duration: 2 hours

Includes questions from History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Current Affairs.

CSAT (General Studies Paper II)

• Total Questions: 80

• Maximum Marks: 200

• Duration: 2 hours

• Includes comprehension, logical reasoning, basic numeracy.

• Qualifying in nature: Candidates must score a minimum of 33%.

Important: Both papers are objective type with negative marking (1/3rd for each wrong answer).

Important Guidelines for Candidates

• Admit Card: Issued approximately 3 weeks before the exam. Candidates must download and carry a printout.

• Identity Proof: Must carry a valid photo ID proof to the exam center.

• Exam Centres: Allotted on a first-apply-first-allot basis. Candidates are advised to apply early to get their preferred city.

• Photo Specifications: The uploaded photograph must be recent and clearly identifiable.

• Prohibited Items: Calculators, mobile phones, smart watches, and any electronic devices are not allowed in the examination hall.

Tips for Aspirants

1. Start preparation early with a clear understanding of the syllabus.

2. Regularly practice mock tests for Prelims.

3. Stay updated with current affairs from reliable sources.

4. Focus on time management during the exam.

5. Make sure to revise all NCERT textbooks and standard reference books.

Application Process

1. The application for the Prelims is done online through the official UPSC website.

2. It involves two stages: Part I (basic registration) and Part II (payment, center selection, document upload).

Fees

1. General/OBC male candidates: Rs 100

2. Female and SC/ST/PwBD candidates: Exempted

The UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Exam is not just a test of knowledge but also of clarity, consistency, and strategic preparation. Understanding the eligibility criteria, age limits, and number of attempts beforehand helps aspirants plan their journey effectively. Staying focused, following a disciplined study routine, and practicing past year papers can significantly improve the chances of clearing the exam.