How Many Attempts for UPSC: The number of attempts allowed for candidates in the General Category to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is 6 attempts, up to the age of 32 years. This limit was increased from 4 attempts in 2014, when the maximum age limit was also raised to 32 years.
Each reservation category has specific criteria regarding the number of attempts, which are detailed in the official UPSC notification released annually in February.
How Many Attempts for UPSC?
Here is an overview of the number of attempts and upper age limits for various categories in the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024:
General Category
- Age Limit: 32 years
- Number of Attempts: 6 attempts
OBC (Other Backward Classes)
- Age Limit: 35 years
- Number of Attempts: 9 attempts
SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes)
- Age Limit: 37 years
- Number of Attempts: Unlimited attempts
PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability)
- Age Limit: Varies; generally up to 42 years
- Number of Attempts:
- General and OBC: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts
EWS (Economically Weaker Section)
- Age Limit: 32 years
- Number of Attempts: 6 attempts
Additional Considerations:
- Age Calculation: The upper age limit for each category is determined as of August 1 of the examination year.
- Special Cases: Candidates from OBC, SC, or ST backgrounds may receive additional age relaxations based on specific criteria, such as being an ex-serviceman or having disabilities.
Understanding Attempts and Age Criteria
- General Category: Candidates from the general category can make up to 6 attempts at the UPSC Civil Services Examination, provided they do so within the maximum age limit of 32 years as calculated on August 1 of the examination year.
- OBC Category: Aspiring candidates belonging to OBCs have a relaxation in both age and number of attempts. They can attempt the exam up to 9 times, with the upper age limit set at 35 years.
- SC/ST Category: SC and ST candidates enjoy the most relaxed eligibility criteria. They have unlimited attempts to clear the UPSC CSE, with the maximum age limit extended up to 37 years.
- PwBD Category: Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are provided with additional relaxations. Depending on the disability category and severity, they can attempt the exam up to 9 times if they belong to the General or OBC category, while SC/ST candidates in this category have unlimited attempts.
- EWS Category: Introduced recently, candidates from the Economically Weaker Sections have similar eligibility criteria to the General category, with a maximum age limit of 32 years and 6 attempts.
Special Considerations
- Age Relaxation: In certain circumstances, candidates may receive additional age relaxations. For instance, ex-servicemen and individuals affected by specific disabilities may have extended upper age limits.
- Calculation of Age: The upper age limit is calculated based on the candidate’s age as of August 1 of the examination year. It is important for aspirants to calculate their age correctly to determine their eligibility.
Conclusion
Understanding the number of attempts and the maximum age limit for the UPSC Civil Services Examination is important for aspirants planning their preparation strategy. It’s essential to align one’s study plan with these eligibility criteria to make the best use of available attempts. Candidates should also stay updated with any changes or notifications regarding these criteria from the UPSC to ensure compliance.
While the UPSC CSE presents a challenging opportunity, clarity on the number of attempts and age limits ensures that candidates can strategize effectively and maximize their chances of success in this prestigious examination.