How Many Times Can You Give UPSC Exam?

 UPSC conducts one of the most competitive exams in India, the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This is the gateway to all civil services including IAS, IPS and IFS. One of the most common questions asked by aspirants is: How many times can I give the UPSC exam?

Knowing the attempt limits is important for a candidate who is planning his strategy. The number of attempts allowed varies with the category of the candidate and it is important to know these limits to increase your chances of success.

UPSC Attempts Eligibility

The UPSC attempts eligibility is decided by two factors: age limit and category. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Category

Maximum Age Limit

Number of Attempts

General

32 years

6 attempts

Other Backward Classes (OBC)

35 years

9 attempts

Scheduled Castes (SC)

37 years

Unlimited attempts

Scheduled Tribes (ST)

37 years

Unlimited attempts

Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)

32 years

6 attempts

Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)

42 years

9 attempts (General/OBC), Unlimited (SC/ST)

General Category

General category candidates can attempt UPSC CSE maximum 6 times until they reach the age limit of 32 years. So if you are born on or after August 2, 1993, you can attempt the exam until you turn 32 as on August 1, 2025.

OBC Category

OBC candidates can attempt a maximum of 9 times until they reach the age limit of 35 years. OBC candidates have a slightly more time compared to General category candidates.

SC/ST Category

SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts until they reach the age limit of 37 years. This is to provide more chances to these categories to clear the exam.

PwBD Candidates

For PwBD candidates the rules are as follows:

  • General/OBC: 9 attempts till the age of 42 years.

  • SC/ST: No limit till the age of 37 years.

Points to be noted

  1. Non-Attendance: If a candidate fills up the UPSC exam form but does not attend the Preliminary exam, it will not be counted as an attempt. So candidates should ensure that they appear at least once in the exam within their allowed attempts.

  2. Age Calculation: Candidates should calculate their age as on August 1st of the exam year to be eligible. For example if you are 32 years old on August 2nd you will not be eligible for that year’s exam.

  3. Preparation Strategy: Given these limits aspirants should make a comprehensive preparation strategy to maximize their chances within their allowed attempts. This includes understanding the syllabus, practicing previous years papers and taking mock tests.

  4. Changes in Rules: UPSC revises the eligibility criteria and attempt limits sometimes. So candidates should keep themselves updated with the official notifications released by UPSC every year.

Conclusion

In short, how many times you can give the UPSC exam depends on your category and age. General category has 6 attempts till 32, OBC has 9 attempts till 35 and SC/ST has unlimited attempts till 37. Knowing these limits is key to planning and preparation of one of the toughest exams in India.

So utilize every opportunity and prepare with diligence and strategy to succeed in this competitive field.
Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

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