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March 23, 2024 01:45
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Check the age restriction and the maximum number of attempts in UPSC exams based on the categories.
Cracking the UPSC exam and becoming a civil servant is a dream for many youngsters. Many such aspirants are successful in cracking the exam in the very first attempt, while others take multiple attempts to qualify the exam.
However, there is a limit on the number of attempts in the UPSC exam that a candidate can give. This limit is not uniform across categories and hence it becomes important for candidates to know their attempt numbers to successfully plan for their exams.
In the below article, we will look at the number of attempts a candidate is allowed to take for qualifying the exam.
The UPSC imposes a limit on the number of times a candidate can appear for the IAS Examination. The number of attempts varies according to the category of the candidate. Even though attempts are available, a candidate must not cross the age limit. Age limit of the candidate will be calculated based on their age on 1st August of the examination year.
A candidate belonging to the general category has a maximum number of 6 attempts. Sometimes, UPSC may give an additional attempt or an age exemption, depending on the situation. But generally, the number of attempts is 6.
A candidate belonging to the OBC category is eligible for 9 attempts. Candidates need to understand that their attempts must not exceed beyond the age of 35 years. If the candidate belongs to additional categories, say PwBD, they will be eligible for cumulative age-relaxation under both categories.
The candidates belonging to the SC/ST category are eligible for unlimited number of attempts, provided they do not cross the upper age limit of 37 years. If they are also eligible under the PwBD category, will be eligible for cumulative age-relaxation under both categories.
The candidates belonging to PwBD category have a maximum of 9 attempts. With an age relaxation of 10 years, they can appear for the exam until the age of 42 years. PwBD candidates belonging to the SC/ST category can give unlimited attempts up to the age of 42 years.
The candidates belonging to the category of Ex-Servicemen have a maximum of 9 attempts. They have a maximum age limit of 37 years, if they belong to General or OBC categories. If they belong to SC/ST, they can give unlimited attempts till the age of 37 years.
The candidates belonging to the category of defence services personnel disabled in operation have a maximum of 9 attempts. If they belong to general or OBC categories, their upper age limit will be 35 years. In case they belong to SC/ST categories, they have unlimited attempts till the age of 37 years.
For being eligible for 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:
| 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 Candidate
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 cured, 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 deaf, blindness. PwBD candidates, who also belong to either SC or ST or OBC or Ex-servicemen, are eligible for grant of cumulative age-relaxation under both categories. |
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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 in their very first attempt, but also have topped the exams.
The chances of cracking the exam of the very first attempt looks 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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