How Many Attempts For UPSC?

Number of attempts for UPSC is not the same for everyone and it depends on the category selected

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a tough nut to crack. It is considered one of the most difficult competitive exams in the world. Candidates who are selected in UPSC are often considered as the steel frame of the country. Every year, lakhs of candidates take the UPSC exam. Quite naturally, many candidates have various types of queries. One such question that is often asked is how many attempts for UPSC. To answer this, here are some important things to understand.

How many attempts for UPSC?

Since UPSC is tough to crack, many candidates are not sure if they can clear the exam in the first attempt. There are many candidates who pass in second, third or even later attempts. It is a common worry for UPSC aspirants to think about the number of attempts remaining for them. In this context, we need to understand that the number of available attempts varies based on the category selected by the candidate. Moreover, there is an age limit applicable as well.

For example, the number of attempts available to General category candidates is six. The age limit for General category candidates is 32 years. The same rules are applicable for EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category. But the rules are different for other categories such as OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), SC / ST, PwBD (General / EWS / OBC) and PwBD (SC / ST).

In the case of OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), the number of attempts for UPSC is nine. The age limit is 35 years. A similar number of attempts are available to PwBD (General / EWS / OBC). However, this group has a higher age limit of 42 years. For candidates applying in SC / ST category, the number of attempts is unlimited. However, the age limit is set at 37 years. For PwBD (SC / ST) also, the number of attempts is unlimited. But there is an age limit of 42 years.

As is evident, an age limit is applicable for all UPSC aspirants even though the number of attempts vary. The age limit ensures that candidates can offer their services for a meaningful time frame before they reach retirement age. So, even when the number of attempts may be unlimited for certain candidates, the age limit restriction applies to all.

What counts as an attempt in UPSC?

Another doubt that candidates have is what counts as an attempt in UPSC. This is also quite important to understand. It is worth mentioning that just filling the form and downloading the Admit Card will not be counted as an attempt. An attempt will be counted only when the candidate appears in at least one paper in the Preliminary Examination. So, even partial attendance in at least one paper is counted as an attempt. If for some reason, your candidacy is cancelled during or after the exam, it will still be counted as an attempt.

Exemptions for number of UPSC attempts

Over and above the categories discussed above, there are special relaxations for specific groups. For example, ex-servicemen get a relaxation of 5 years. Similarly, disabled defense personnel can get a relaxation of 3 years. For J&K candidates who historically resided in the region from 1980-1989 get a 5-year relaxation.