The UPSC attempt limit candidates from different categories, including General, OBC, SC/ST, Physically Handicapped, and Disabled Servicemen, which are covered in detail on this page. To increase your chances of passing the UPSC test, it emphasises the modifications to the attempt limitations as well as the value of thorough planning and preparation.
The UPSC allows a total of six attempts for candidates belonging to the general category to appear in the UPSC Exam. The Union Public Service Commission has officially started the UPSC attempt limits for all categories, which include General, SC/ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD. Initially, candidates from the general category were allowed four attempts, but this was later revised to provide them with six attempts until they reach 32 years of age. It is crucial for aspiring candidates to take note of the UPSC attempt limit before applying for the Civil Services Examination and aim to clear the exam on their first attempt. By understanding the attempt limits based on their category, candidates can plan their preparation effectively to maximise their chances of success in the UPSC exam.
How Many Attempts for UPSC?
It is essential for candidates to be aware of the UPSC attempt limit as per the eligibility criteria. Each candidate must plan strategically to succeed within the limited number of attempts allowed. Making the most out of each attempt becomes crucial, and candidates should aim to minimize the number of UPSC attempts required to crack the Civil Services Examination.
Among the different categories, candidates from the general category have the lowest number of UPSC attempts, which is six. On the other hand, candidates belonging to the SC/ST categories enjoy the highest number of UPSC attempts.
While considering the attempt limit, candidates should also pay attention to the age limit. It is important to utilize the attempts before reaching the upper age limit.
Candidates should note that the number of attempts remains the same for all the services, including IPS, IRS, IFS, and others. This uniformity in attempt limits across various services should be kept in mind while planning and preparing for the UPSC examination.
UPSC Attempts for General Category
Six total UPSC tries are given to candidates in the general category. They must, however, make efficient use of these efforts within the allotted period. Candidates in the general category are not allowed to be older than 32. Candidates from the general category must therefore use all six of their chances before advancing to the 32-year maximum age limit. Candidates can maximise their chances of success in the UPSC test by strategically arranging their attempts.
| UPSC Attempts for General Category | |
| Number of Attempts | 6 |
| Upper Age Limit | 32 |
IAS Attempts for OBC Category
Candidates from the OBC group benefit from some relaxation in both the maximum age and the maximum number of UPSC attempts. The UPSC attempt limit has been increased to nine attempts for those who fall under the OBC category. Additionally, the OBC applicants’ maximum age for the IAS Exam is 35 years old. This gives OBC applicants greater chances to sit for the UPSC exam and pursue their desire to work in the federal service. OBC candidates can strategically organize their tries and aim for success in the UPSC examination by taking advantage of the longer attempt limit and the lowered age limit.
| UPSC Attempts for OBC Category | |
| Number of Attempts | 9 |
| Upper Age Limit | 35 |
UPSC Attempt Limit for SC/ST
SC/ST candidates enjoy the benefit of making as many IAS test attempts as they want until they reach the maximum age. For SC/ST candidates, the upper age restriction has been raised to 37 years. As a result, SC/ST applicants may submit as many applications as they would like throughout the allotted 37-year window for UPSC examinations. The lowered attempt cap enables SC/ST applicants to take the IAS exam more than once, increasing their chances of success. Candidates from SC/ST might take advantage of this chance to keep working hard towards their ambition of joining the public service.
| UPSC Attempts for SC/ST Category | |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited till the upper age limit is reached |
| Upper Age Limit | 37 |
UPSC Attempts for Physically Handicapped (PwD)
Physically handicapped candidates, including both general and OBC categories, receive relaxation in both the upper age limit and the number of attempts for the UPSC examination. Physically handicapped candidates from the general and OBC categories are eligible for a total of nine UPSC attempts. On the other hand, physically handicapped candidates from SC/ST categories have the advantage of unlimited attempts until they reach their upper age limit.
For candidates who are physically disabled, the age restriction has been raised to 42. This gives candidates with physical disabilities more time to prepare and show up for the UPSC exam. Physically disabled applicants can approach the UPSC test with commitment and work towards their goal of serving in the civil services by taking advantage of the lowered attempt limit and age limit.
| IAS Attempts for Physically Handicapped | |||||
| Number of Attempts | 9 attempts for Gen and OBC; Unlimited attempts for SC/ST till the prescribed age limit. | ||||
| Upper Age Limit | 42 | ||||
IAS Attempts for Disabled Servicemen
Disabled servicemen, belonging to different categories, benefit from relaxations in both the UPSC attempt limit and the upper age limit. For disabled servicemen in the SC/ST category, there is no specific attempt limit imposed, allowing them to apply for the UPSC exam an unlimited number of times until they reach their upper age limit.
Disabled servicemen from the general category receive an age relaxation of up to 37 years, which extends their eligibility. Similarly, disabled servicemen from the OBC category are granted an age relaxation of up to 38 years, while those from the SC/ST category receive an extended upper age limit of 40 years.
These age relaxations provide disabled servicemen with additional opportunities and time to prepare for and appear in the UPSC examination. By taking advantage of the unlimited attempt limit and the age relaxations, disabled servicemen can work towards their aspirations of joining the civil services and contribute to the nation’s development.
| UPSC Attempts for Disabled Servicemen | |
| Number of Attempts | 9 attempts for Gen and OBC; Unlimited attempts for SC/ST till the prescribed age limit. |
| Upper Age Limit | 37 (Gen), 38 (OBC), 40 (SC/ST) |
1. How many attempts for the General category are there in UPSC?
General Category: 6 attempts until 32 years of age is the maximum number of attempts for the IAS test. OBC candidates have nine chances to take the IAS test up until the age of 35.
2. What is the UPSC Attempt Limit of OBC category candidates?
Maximum of 9 attempts are allowed for OBC applicants, while there is no limit on the number of attempts for ST/SC candidates.
3. How many attempts for UPSC are allowed?
- General Category:
6 attempts until 32 years of age is the maximum number of attempts for the IAS test.
OBC candidates have nine chances to take the IAS test up until the age of 35.
SC/ST candidates may take the IAS test an unlimited number of times up until the age of 37.
Also Read:- https://www.borthakursiasacademy.com/blog/upsc-obc-attempt-limit-and-relaxation/