"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

A powerful statement, isn't it? You've decided to be an IAS officer. That's a commendable goal. But how many attempts do you get to realize this dream? 

This is a question that pops up in every aspirant's mind: how many attempts in UPSC for general, OBC, SC/ST category candidates? Let's clear the air. The number of attempts you get in the UPSC depends on your category. Just like different players have varying power-ups in a game, the number of attempts allowed for general, OBC, and SC/ST categories differs.

Don't worry, we're not leaving you hanging with just this. In this blog, we'll also spill the beans on age limits and eligibility criteria! We'll break down the exact number of attempts for general, OBC, and SC/ST categories!

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC

Thinking about taking the UPSC Civil Services Exam? First, you need to clear the UPSC eligibility hurdle. It’s not just about intelligence; it’s about fitting the specific mold the UPSC has set.

Let’s break it down:

  • Nationality: This is a key factor. You must be an Indian citizen to appear for the UPSC exam. 
  • Educational Qualification: The basic educational qualification is a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. There are no specific subject requirements; any degree will do.
  • Age Limit: You must have turned 21 but not completed 32 years by August 1st of the exam year. This is the age window.
  • Medical and Physical Standards: Depending on the service you opt for, specific medical and physical standards might exist. For instance, services like the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) or the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) have certain physical fitness requirements.

Got the basics down? Now, let's turn this knowledge into action. Check out our our blog on 1 Year Plan for UPSC Preparation and Study 

Alright, now that we've got the eligibility criteria out of the way, let's talk about how many times you can actually take a shot at this exam.

UPSC Attempts: How Many Tries Do You Get?

Cracking the UPSC Civil Services Exam is a big goal for many, but figuring out the rules can be tricky. One key thing you need to know is the number of attempts allowed in UPSC for general, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, or PwBD. Understanding these limits will help you plan your preparation more effectively.

Here's the UPSC attempts for general, OBC, SC, ST, and other categories.

Category

Number of Attempts

Age Limit

General

6 attempts

    21 to 32 years

OBC

9 attempts

    21 to 35 years

SC/ST

Unlimited attempts

    21 to 37 years

Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)

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

    21 to 42 years

EWS

6 attempts

    21 to 32 years

Remember, these are the maximum number of attempts allowed in UPSC for general, OBC, SC, ST, PwBD, and EWS category candidates. You don’t have to use them all. If you crack the exam earlier, congratulations! But knowing these limits is essential for your UPSC strategy.

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Now that we've got the attempts covered, let's dive into how age relaxation can give you a bit more breathing room.

Special Age Relaxation Cases for UPSC

While we've covered the basic age limits for different categories, there are certain circumstances where you might be eligible for additional age relaxation. This can be a game-changer, so it's worth exploring.

  • OBC, SC, and ST candidates: You may receive additional age relaxation depending on your specific circumstances. For example, how many attempts in UPSC for OBC category candidates can be influenced by a standard age relaxation of 3 years, while SC and ST candidates enjoy a 5-year relaxation.
  • Examples of Combined Relaxation: If you are an OBC ex-serviceman, you could benefit from an extra 8 years of age relaxation. This combined relaxation includes the standard 3 years plus an additional 5 years for ex-servicemen, totaling 8 years.

Please Note: It's crucial to check the official UPSC notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information on age relaxations. These details can vary, and understanding them can significantly improve your chances. 

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So, now that we've covered all the nitty-gritty about UPSC attempts for general category, OBC, SC/ST categories, let’s wrap things up!

Conclusion

So, there you have it. You now know the number of attempts allowed in UPSC for general category candidates, as well as for other categories, and when you can start. Remember, knowing these details is important for planning your study schedule.

Your dream of donning the steel frame is within reach. Keep your preparation focused and strategic. And most importantly, don't give up. The hardest part is starting, but the most rewarding part is the finish line.

Now, it's time to take the next step. Are you ready to get started on this challenging yet rewarding journey? At SuperKalam, we offer a comprehensive learning ecosystem designed to guide you towards your UPSC dream. With expert mentors, structured study plans, and ample practice, we'll be your partner in cracking the UPSC exam.

Let's turn your dream into reality together!

Check out our blog on creating a winning study timetable to start your UPSC journey strong!