The Central Government (UPA) gave relaxations in the number of attempts permitted in the UPSC Civil Services Examination for all candidates.
After the introduction of new rules, the General Category candidates can attempt the exam 6 times and the OBC candidates can attempt the exam 9 times.
Here is the Central Government Announcement (February 2014) in brief:
two additional attempts to all categories of candidates w.e.f. Civil Services Examination 2014, with consequential age relaxation of maximum age for all categories of candidates, if required.
More details in the link: https://persmin.gov.in/AIS1/Docs/MoreAttempts.pdf.
Relaxation of number of attempts: A demand since the mains pattern change in 2013
The long-running pattern of Civil Services Mains exam was changed in 2013, just a few months before Civil Services Prelims. There were demands from the aggrieved candidates for age relaxation as well as relaxation of the number of attempts.
Initially, UPSC, as well as the central government, was not favouring any changes in the number of attempts or age limit, citing the reason that even in the revised scheme the overall number of papers to be taken by a candidate remains the same.
However, candidates started staging protests in front of UPSC. As per news reports, the UPSC aspirants met Rahul Gandhi, MP requesting him to intervene. They also campaigned for their cause through social media.
Finally, Personal Ministry gave a positive nod. The new notification will surely give a big relief to all those candidates who finished all their attempts, but still unsuccessful.
Also read: ClearIAS Introduces an Age Calculator for UPSC Aspirants
Official clarification from UPSC yet to be published
The single line notification in the Personal Ministry website is not clear in all aspects. Candidates should have to wait till the official notification or clarification from UPSC is out.
Considering the present age limits, the consequential age limit may turn out as below :
General = 32, OBC = 35, SC/ST=37. (Case by case basis).
Though, it is always better to wait till official communication from UPSC is out, somewhat logical explanation of the one-line statement from persmin can be as below (Please note that this is not official and the official communication may differ.)
The notification implies that all candidates irrespective of the category will have two additional attempts over and above the existing attempt. This may mean that even if you finished all your 4 chances (if general) and your age limit comes anywhere less than 30, you get 2 more chances. This may make you upper age limit 32 too.
While the notification almost gives a hint of two extra chances for all those who have taken the exam before 2014, what is not clear from the notification is whether freshers who apply first in 2014 get the benefit of this two extra chances to make 6 chances in total.
But just going by what is mentioned in this notification, it seems that all candidates irrespective of fresher or experienced will get 2 more additional chances with effect from 2014.
Also, it seems like the Ministry is not interested to increase the upper age limit. The “if required” clause inconsequential age relaxation of maximum age for all categories of candidates points out that only on specific cases, the upper age will be relaxed.
There might be two additional attempts for all since 2014, but a fresher from general category aged 21 may not be allowed to make 6 attempts taking breaks in between to make the last attempt done at age 31. The age upper age limit for him in the most probable case will remain as 30 itself.
Also read: ClearIAS Introduces an Age Calculator for UPSC Aspirants
Update :
- PIB notification regarding extra number of attempts.
- DoPT clarification with more details on age relaxation and number of attempts.
Sir,I have not attempted civil services exam till now .Does the document “https://persmin.gov.in/AIS1/Docs/MoreAttempts.pdf” reveal that I will be able to give my four attempts till 32 years of age ? Or Does it mean If i am at 30 years of my age,I will get to extra attempt .
Does this document reveal that upper age limit of civil services is 32 years from now onwards ? Please clarify .
Thanks
Sanjeet .
sir pls explain the difference between contingency fund and consolidated fund of india?
My 1st attempt was in 2012 and 2nd in 2013. I took an academic break of 2 years and am planning to give UPSC for the 3rd time in 2016. My query is whether this will count as my 3rd attempt or other.
Also, How many attempts am I eligible for – Four or Six, considering that I took a break in between?
3rd attempt. As of now there are 6 attempts for a general category candidate.
Ya this will be u r 3rd attempt n u r attempting eligibility will depend on u r caste
i born on 14.06.1984 with general community. shall i eligible for 2016 ias prelims exam
does the number of attempt for ias examination will reduce if i attend the ies exam?pls reply
Sir I gave 2011 attempt. So I got another extra attempt in 2015. As I am from obc community, so how many attempts are available to me. Is it 7+2 or 7+2+1 attempts.
I m completed my diploma and taking admission for degree, i am able to give the upsc prelimary exam ….
If yes then when and if no then when i will able to give the prelims
Sir i m riya. My date of birth is 17 march 1982. Category – Sc. I appeared first time in 2011 upsc prelim. For those who appeared 2011 prelim one extra attemp was given. Now how many attempts there for me? I would be eligible for extra attempt after my age baar…
Please answer my question.
Sir i hv no degree and no diploma…i m +2 pass..my birth date is 18-11-1980..can i apply for ips exam..plz suggest me the right way
Sir, My DOB is Jan1st,1982. OBC category. Telangana state govt employee. Do I have any more chance for appearing CSE -2017 ???
Creamy layer -No.
Hi my dob 18.8.85 am i eligible for 2018 general category….pls hellllllp….pls…..
As per the current eligibility criteria – NO. The Age is calculated as on August 1. A general category candidate should not cross 32 years of age as on August 1.
Sir I belongs to open category so what if my all chances are over .
sir ,i born in 26.05.1987 so i belong to general catagory .sir any possibilities for attending 2018 year preliminary exams or my chances are over..
reply
yes for sure…till 32 u can
Sir, my DOB is 22/01/1987 belonging to general category. Now I am 30 years old, Am I eligible for UPSC exam? This is my first attempt for the exam, Do I have age limit upto 32 years to take the exam?
Sir I am 32 years old, I am a teacher in Kendrick vidyalaya, am I eligible for upsc exam, I have already give 4 attempts.
Sir , l gave upsc 1st attempt in graduation 2nd year 2015 . Then 2 and 3 attempt also give . Are 2nd year attempt also counte . I am sc category candidate . 2018 which my attempt???
what is claiming for age relaxation? should i put yes or no ,im 22 year old and im obc catogory
please help me
Sir I’m Shikha my DOB is 27 may 2001 I want to give IAS upsc exam is I’m eligible for this exam or not plzzzzz sir reply me fast .
Sir my do is 8 .10. 1988 can I appear in 2020 ias prelims .I am from Jammu and kashmir
Sir my date of birth 13 3 1990 can I appear upsc exam in 2021 I belong general category
Sir,
What is the cumulative age relaxation for OBC -PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED persons in CSE(Upper age limit)?
I was born on 9-12-1986, OBC category.. Am I eligible for attempting upsc 2021?? Though considering it as last…
sir,
I am a state govt.employee my dob is 01.09.1977 may i can apply IAS exam 2020 .please reply .
My date of birth is 26/09/1991 so, am I eligible for upsc exam in 2023 ?
Sir my date of birth is 24 Apr 1991 and I am belong to general category how many attempts can give
Sir my DOB is 2-9-1990 general caste candidate. Can I avail UPSC chance of Indian forest service exam in 2022 and 2023 prelims
Good Evening Sir/Mam..
UPSC will increase number of attempts For Candidates regarding OBC.