How Many Attempts for UPSC: Check UPSC Attempt Limit Category-wise

How Many Attempts for UPSC: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts one of the prestigious examinations, the Civil Service Examination (CSE). Candidates often wonder about the number of attempts allowed to them for this highly competitive examination. The number of attempts allowed to general category candidates is 6 up to the age of 32 years. 

In the article below, we will discuss the number of attempts allowed to each category candidate. Aspiring candidates should check the category-wise attempts allowed and plan accordingly. 

How Many Attempts for UPSC?

The number of candidates that will be allowed depends on the category of the candidates. As per the guidelines of the UPSC, each category student has a different number of attempts. Check the table for the upper age limit and number of attempts.

UPSC Attempts for General Category

Candidates belonging to the general category are allowed a maximum of 6 attempts for the UPSC exam. However, the number of attempts is interlinked with the age of the candidates, i.e., the candidates should have a maximum of 32 years. Once a candidate crosses the age of 32, they will be no longer eligible to appear for the UPSC CSE examination, regardless of the number of attempts left. 

• Maximum Attempts: 6
• Age Limit: 21 to 32 years

UPSC Attempts for EWS Category

Candidates belonging to the EWS category are subject to the same number of attempts as general category candidates, which is 6 attempts. The upper age limit for these candidates is also 32 years.

• Maximum Attempts: 6
• Age Limit: 21 to 32 years

UPSC Attempts for OBC Category

Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category provide a relaxation in the number of attempts. The OBC candidates are allowed 9 attempts with the upper age limit of 35 years.

• Maximum Attempts: 6
• Age Limit: 21 to 35 years

UPSC Attempts for SC/ST Category

Candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories can attempt the paper unlimited times until they attain the age of 37 years. 

• Maximum Attempts: Unlimited (Until reaching age limit)
• Age Limit: 21 to 37 years

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UPSC IAS Syllabus and Exam Pattern

UPSC Attempts for PwBD Candidates

Candidates who fall under the PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) category have been given additional benefits. The number of attempts varies as per their primary category. 

• General PwBD Candidates: 9 attempts, with an upper age limit of 42 years
• OBC PwBD Candidates: 9 attempts, with an upper age limit of 45 years
• SC/ST PwBD Candidates: Unlimited attempts, with an upper age limit of 47 years

UPSC Attempts for Ex-Servicemen and Armed Forces Personnel

Candidates who served the Armed Forces will receive the relation in the number of attempts and age limit depending upon the services they have given earlier. The benefits will be aligned with the Ex-Servicemen rules.

Important Schemes for UPSC IAS Prelims Exam,

How is the Number of Attempts for UPSC Counted?

One of the most frequently asked questions by aspirants is what exactly counts as an attempt. UPSC considers a candidate to have made an attempt if they appear for the Preliminary examination. Simply filling out the application form does not count as an attempt. If you submit the application but do not attend the exam, it will not be counted against your total number of attempts.

UPSC IAS Mains Syllabus

The most frequently asked question from students is when an attempt will be counted for UPSC. When the candidate appears in any of the papers of prelims then one attempt will be counted; if the candidate fails to attempt both papers, then an attempt will not be counted. 

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