How Many Attempts Can one Avail to take the UPSC IAS Exam?

There is limited number of attempts that a candidate can avail while taking the UPSC IAS Exam. Every candidate appearing at the examination who is eligible in all other respects, are permitted four attempts for the examination.

However, this restriction on the number of attempts is not applicable to the candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes who are otherwise eligible for the Exam. The candidates of SC & ST category can take the UPSC IAS Exam for the maximum number ranging from the age of 21 to 35 (factually the number of attempts for SC & ST is 15).

The number of attempts permissible to candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes, who are otherwise eligible, is seven.

One can avail this relaxation only when he/she is applicable for the reservation. A physically handicapped will get as many attempts as are available to other non-physically handicapped candidates of his or her community i.e. SC/ST/OBC.

A physically handicapped candidate belonging to the General Category is eligible for seven attempts.

Conditions under which Attempts made are counted:
•    An attempt taken at a Preliminary Examination is counted to be an attempt at the Examination.
•    If a candidate actually appears in any one paper in the Preliminary Examination, he/she is counted to have made an attempt at the Examination.
•    In case of disqualification/cancellation of candidature is made by the UPSC after taking any of the papers of the Exam is also counted as an attempt.
•    However, if a candidate fills the Exam form and submits it to the UPSC and also receives an Admission Certificate in response, and finally for any reason does not appear in the Exam will not be counted an attempt.