How Many Attempts for UPSC in General, OBC, SC/ST

As per the official UPSC 2024 notification, the UPSC Mains Exam 2024 will be conducted on 20 September 2024. The number of attempts allowed for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) varies by category. This article provides details on the number of attempts for different categories in the IAS Exam. The number of attempts in the UPSC examination is different for the General, OBC, SC/ST categories. The Civil Services Examination’s other requirements are clearly defined for various categories.

How many Attempts For UPSC?

Below are the details for the number of attempts allowed for the UPSC Exam 2024. 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.

Also read: UPSC Calendar

UPSC Attempts for General Category

Candidates belonging to the General category are allowed a maximum of 6 attempts for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE). These attempts can be made between the ages of 21 and 32 years, providing candidates with multiple opportunities to succeed within this age bracket.

Important Considerations:

• Counting of Attempts: An attempt is counted when a candidate appears for any paper of the Preliminary Examination. If a candidate applies for the exam but does not appear in any of the papers, it is not considered an attempt.
• Age Relaxation: No additional age relaxation or increase in the number of attempts is provided to candidates from the general category.
• Rules and Updates: The regulations regarding the number of attempts and age limits are subject to change. Candidates should always check the latest UPSC notifications or visit the official UPSC website for 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 Category

For a candidate who belongs to the (OBC) Other Backward Classes Category, the Union Public Service Commission allows them a maximum of 09 UPPSC Attempts for the Civil Service Exam. 21 to 35 is the Age Limit to apply for OBC Category Candidates.

This extended number of attempts and age relaxation provides OBC candidates additional opportunities to prepare for and succeed in the UPSC examination. These measures aim to promote inclusivity and ensure fair competition among diverse candidates.

UPSC Attempts for SC/ST Category

For candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) groups, there is no limit on the number of attempts they may make to pass the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) before they reach the maximum age limit. The age limit for SC/ST candidates is 37 years. This provision allows SC/ST candidates ample opportunities to prepare for and succeed in the examination.

UPSC Attempts for PwBD Category

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:

• For the PwBD category, there’s a maximum of 9 attempts allowed with an age limit of 21 to 35 years for appearing in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

OBC PwBD Candidates:

• For the PwBD category, there’s a maximum of 9 attempts allowed with 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.