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November 17, 2024 06:22
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Know how many UPSC Exams attempts in are there for each category. Check out the category-wise number of attempts and age limit here.
UPSC Exam Attempts: How many UPSC Exam Attempts are there is a common question asked by the candidates preparing for IAS. Cracking the UPSC exam and becoming a civil servant is a dream for many youngsters. Many such aspirants successfully crack the exam in the first attempt, while others make multiple attempts to qualify for the exam.
There is a limit on the number of attempts in UPSC a candidate can make in the UPSC exam, but this limit varies across categories. Candidates need to understand their allowed attempts to plan their preparation effectively. Read on to learn more about the number of attempts allowed for different categories to qualify for the exam.
The UPSC sets a limit on the number of attempts in UPSC a candidate can appear for the IAS Examination, which varies depending on the category. Candidates must also ensure they stay within the age limit, calculated as of 1st August of the examination year. A number of UPSC Attempts category-wise is provided here:
If you are wondering how many attempts in the UPSC exam are there for candidates belonging to the General category, then they have a maximum of 6 attempts. In rare cases, UPSC may provide additional attempts or age exemptions based on specific circumstances, but typically the limit remains at 6 attempts.
| Category | Maximum Attempts | Maximum Age Limit |
| General | 6 | 32 years |
For candidates in the OBC category, the number of allowed attempts is 9. However, they must not exceed the upper age limit of 35 years. If a candidate also falls under the PwBD category, they can receive a cumulative age relaxation.
| Category | Maximum Attempts | Maximum Age Limit |
| OBC | 9 | 35 years |
SC/ST candidates are allowed an unlimited number of attempts as long as they remain within the upper age limit of 37 years. If they also fall under the PwBD category, they are eligible for cumulative age relaxation under both categories. Here are the UPSC Attempt limits for SC/ST:
| Category | Maximum Attempts | Maximum Age Limit |
| SC/ST | Unlimited | 37 years |
Candidates in the PwBD category are allowed a maximum of 9 attempts. With an age relaxation of 10 years, they can take the exam until the age of 42 years. However, SC/ST PwBD candidates can make unlimited attempts until they reach 42 years.
| Category | Maximum Attempts | Maximum Age Limit |
| PwBD (General/OBC) | 9 | 42 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | Unlimited | 42 years |
Ex-servicemen candidates are allowed a maximum of 9 attempts in the UPSC exam. The upper age limit for the General and OBC categories is 37 years, while candidates belonging to the SC/ST category can make unlimited attempts until they reach the age of 37 years.
| Category | Maximum Attempts | Maximum Age Limit |
| General/OBC | 9 | 37 years |
| SC/ST | Unlimited | 37 years |
Candidates in the category of Defence Services Personnel disabled in operations are also allowed 9 attempts. For those in the General and OBC categories, the upper age limit is 35 years, whereas SC/ST candidates can make unlimited attempts until they turn 37 years.
| Category | Maximum Attempts | Maximum Age Limit |
| General/OBC | 9 | 35 years |
| SC/ST | Unlimited | 37 years |
To be eligible for the UPSC examination, candidates must be at least 21 years old and not more than 32 years old as of August 1st of the examination year. However, there are age relaxations for candidates belonging to different categories, as mentioned below:
The prescribed upper age limit of an examination (wherever applicable) is relaxable up to a maximum of 10 years in the case of candidates belonging to PwBD categories as below (a) low vision and blindness; (b) deaf and hard of hearing; (c) Locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy; (d) Autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability and mental illness; (e) Multiple disabilities from amongst persons under clauses (a) to (e) including deafness, and blindness. PwBD candidates, who also belong to either SC or ST or OBC or Ex-servicemen, are eligible for a grant of cumulative age-relaxation under both categories.
Category
Number of Attempts
Maximum Age (Years)
General and EWS
6
32
OBC
9
35
PwBD
9
42
SC and ST
Unlimited
37
Ex-Servicemen
9
37
Disabled Defence Services Personnel
9
35
General/OBC/EWS PwBD candidates
9
See below
SC/ST categories PwBD candidates
Unlimited
See below
Age Relaxation for PWD Candidates
UPSC is a very competitive exam, which requires exhaustive preparation and dedication. Despite fulfilling much of the criteria, candidates are unable to crack the exam in the first attempt. However, there are many examples of candidates who have not just cracked the exam on their very first attempt but also have topped the exams.
The chances of cracking the exam on the very first attempt look very bleak, but following the below procedure can help you achieve your dream:
The UPSC exam is indeed a formidable challenge for any student. All those who prepare may not succeed in their very first attempt. Hence, every attempt is important. No attempt must be taken lightly.
At the end of the day, a candidate who has the right approach, and is ready to put in the hard yards, is likely to succeed. Aspirants must not lose hope if they do not clear the exam in their initial attempts. They must decode their failure and look to improve themselves before attempting the exam again.
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