UPSC Attempt for OBC: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is highly competitive, and candidates from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category receive specific relaxations to promote equal opportunities and fair representation. For OBC candidates, it’s essential to understand the number of attempts allowed, the age limit, and additional benefits and reservations that apply. These provisions are designed to support OBC candidates in navigating the challenges of the exam and maximizing their chances of success.

Candidates from the OBC category are eligible for a total of 9 attempts in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. It is a significant benefit, considering the general category candidates are allowed only 6 attempts. OBC candidates can avail of these attempts up to the upper age limit, which is relaxed in comparison to the general category.

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The number of attempts includes all three stages of the examination—Preliminary, Mains, and the Interview. If a candidate appears for any stage of the Preliminary exam, it is considered an attempt, regardless of whether they qualify for the subsequent stages or not.

OBC Age Relaxation for UPSC

The age relaxation for OBC candidates is one of the key benefits of the UPSC exam. OBC candidates can appear for the UPSC Civil Services Exam up to the age of 35 years, which is a 3-year relaxation compared to the general category’s upper age limit of 32 years. Candidates must be aware that the minimum age for appearing in the exam remains the same for all categories, which is 21 years. OBC age relaxation applies equally to both male and female candidates. Here are the UPSC attempts for OBC NCL based on age limit:

OBC Benefits for UPSC

OBC candidates enjoy several benefits during the UPSC exam process, including:

1. Increased Number of Attempts: As mentioned earlier, OBC candidates are allowed 9 attempts, which provides additional opportunities to clear the exam.
2. Age Relaxation: OBC candidates can attempt the exam till 35 years of age, giving them more time to prepare and compete.
3. Reservation: 27% reservation ensures that a significant portion of government positions is earmarked for OBC candidates.
4. Fee Reduction: OBC candidates often receive fee concessions during the application process for UPSC exams.
5. Relaxed Cut-Offs: OBC candidates may also have relaxed cut-offs during various stages of the exam, providing them with a competitive advantage.

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Eligibility for OBC Reservation for UPSC

The reservation for OBC candidates is in line with the Indian Government’s policy to provide equitable representation in the civil services. To qualify for the 27% OBC reservation in UPSC, candidates must meet the following criteria:

1. Caste Inclusion: The candidate’s caste must be listed as OBC by the Central Government.
2. Non-Creamy Layer Certificate: Candidates must prove they do not belong to the creamy layer (families earning over ₹8 lakhs annually or parents in Group A services).
3. Income Criteria: The family’s income must be below ₹8 lakhs per annum for the last three consecutive financial years.
4. Documentation: A valid OBC certificate is required to claim the reservation.

Candidates must submit their OBC NCL certificate during the application process, and it should be valid as per the government guidelines.

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