UPSC provides relaxations for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in the IAS Exam. The commission sets certain limits and provides relaxation for specific categories of people. It is important for candidates applying for the examination to carefully check and fulfil all the eligibility conditions required for admission. To gain a better understanding of the UPSC OBC Attempt Limit and the details related to relaxation, aspirants can refer to this informative article.
UPSC Attempts for OBC Candidates – An Overview
In the UPSC examination, candidates are generally allowed six attempts to appear for the exam. However, it is important to note that the commission provides certain relaxations and adjustments for candidates belonging to different categories. As a result, the maximum number of attempts allowed for each candidate varies based on their category, including the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.
| maximum Number of OBC Attempts in UPSC | |
| Category to which the candidate belongs to | Number of attempts |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 9 |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disability) + OBC | 9 |
The data presented in the table above regarding UPSC attempts for OBC candidates is sourced directly from the official website of UPSC. It is evident from the information that the number of attempts provided for OBC candidates is distinct and greater compared to the attempts allowed for candidates in the general category.
Eligibility for OBC Relaxation under UPSC
The OBC group is split into the Creamy Layer and Non-creamy Layer categories. Candidates from the Creamy Layer category are not qualified for the UPSC’s OBC relaxations. Only candidates who fall under the OBC Non-Creamy Layer category are eligible for the relaxation advantages.
To benefit from reservation benefits:
- The central government’s list of reserved communities must contain the candidate’s caste.
- Candidates from the OBC who are seeking for the CSE-2022 position must provide an OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate detailing their earnings for the Financial Years 2020–2021, 2019–2020, and 2018–19.
- The deadline for receiving applications for the 2022 Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be used to determine the candidate’s OBC status, including their position as a member of the creamy layer.
- Candidates belonging to the OBC category are entitled to a maximum of 3 years’ relaxation in the upper age limit for the UPSC exams. This means that the maximum age for an OBC candidate to appear in the UPSC exams is 35 years, as opposed to 32 years for the general category.
- OBC candidates are also allowed to take the UPSC exams a maximum of 9 times, as opposed to 6 times for the general category. This means that OBC candidates have a better chance of clearing the UPSC exams, as they have more opportunities to take the exams.
Verification of Eligibility Conditions for Relaxations
The verification of eligibility conditions, including any relaxation, is conducted by the Commission after the candidate has successfully qualified for the Interview/Personality Test. The Commission verifies the original documents submitted by the candidate to ensure that they meet the required eligibility criteria.
As per the official notification of the Commission, the admission of candidates to all stages of the examination is provisional and subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. Merely receiving an e-Admit Card does not indicate final clearance of the candidate’s candidature by the Commission.
If a candidate claims to belong to the OBC category, they are required to submit the necessary documents to the UPSC during the verification process for eligibility criteria. It is essential to provide the required documents within the specified timeframe as determined by the UPSC.
There are a few other eligibility criteria that OBC candidates must meet in order to be eligible for relaxation under UPSC. These criteria include:
- They must be a permanent resident of India.
- They must have a graduation degree from a recognized university.
- They must have a valid PAN card and Aadhaar card.
Also Read : –UPSC Preparation: How Tough Is The IAS Exam? Why Is UPSC Exam Tough?