UPSC Attempts for General, OBC, SC/ST Categories

How Many UPSC Attempts for 2025?

Below are the details for the number of attempts allowed for the UPSC Exam 2025. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. The number of attempts a candidate can make for the UPSC CSE varies based on their category.

UPSC Attempts for General

• Counting of Attempts: An attempt is counted when a candidate shows up for any part of the Preliminary Examination. If someone applies but doesn’t take any papers, it doesn’t count as an attempt.
• Age Relaxation: Candidates in the General category do not get extra age relaxation or more attempts.
• Rules and Updates: The rules about attempts and age limits can change, so it’s important for candidates to check the latest UPSC notifications or visit the official UPSC website for the most current information.

These restrictions ensure that candidates have a fair and equitable opportunity to compete while maintaining the standards and integrity of the selection process for India’s civil services.

UPSC Attempts for OBC

The UPSC allows a maximum of 6 attempts for general-category candidates. OBC candidates get a 3-year age relaxation, so they can attempt the exam up to 9 times and can appear until age 35, compared to 32 for general candidates. However, the educational qualifications are the same for both categories.

UPSC Attempts for SC/ST

For candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), there is no limit on the number of attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) until they reach the age limit of 37 years. This provision gives SC/ST candidates plenty of opportunities to prepare and succeed in the exam.

UPSC Attempts for PwBD

For candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwBD), the number of attempts allowed for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) varies based on their category:

General and EWS PwBD Candidates:

• Union Public Service Commission offers 9 Attempts for EWS PwBD Categories UPSC Exam Aspirants.
• The Age criteria are 21 minimum and maximum of 35 years to become eligible for the last attempt

OBC PwBD Candidates:

• For candidates in the PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) category, a maximum of 9 attempts is currently allowed.
• An age limit of 21 to 38 years for appearing in the UPSC IAS Examination.

SC/ST PwBD Candidates:

• For SC/ST PwBD candidates, there’s no limit on the number of attempts until they reach the age of 40.
• The age limit for this category is 21 to 40 years for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

These provisions ensure that PwBD candidates receive adequate opportunities and age relaxations to compete in the examination, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Baswan Committee Recommendation

Over the years, the maximum age limit for general category candidates in competitive exams has increased significantly from 24 in the 1960s to 32 today. However, the Baswan Committee has pointed out that the current age limit is quite high. They recommend lowering it to 27 and also reducing the number of attempts allowed.

Lowering the age limit would greatly affect students who completed their graduation later, especially those from rural areas, by reducing their number of attempts.

The recommendation from the Baswan Committee is currently under review, with feedback from students, LBSNAA, and other stakeholders being carefully considered before any implementation.

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