The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam, often regarded as one of the toughest examinations in India, is the gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Civil Services. Aspiring candidates often have numerous questions about the eligibility criteria, especially regarding the age limit and the number of attempts allowed. In this blog post, we will delve into these critical aspects to help you better understand the requirements for the UPSC exam.
UPSC Age Limit
The age limit for UPSC exam candidates varies based on their category. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
General Category
Candidates belonging to the General Category must be at least 21 years old and not older than 32 years as of August 1st of the year of the examination. This means that if you are applying for the 2023 UPSC exam, your date of birth must be between August 2, 1991, and August 1, 2002.
Other Backward Classes (OBC)
For OBC candidates, the upper age limit is relaxed by 3 years, making the age range 21 to 35 years.
Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST)
SC and ST candidates enjoy an age relaxation of 5 years, which sets their age limit from 21 to 37 years.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
PwBD candidates have different age limits based on their category:
- General: 21 to 42 years
- OBC: 21 to 45 years
- SC/ST: 21 to 47 years
Ex-servicemen
Ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers and ECOs/SSCOs who have rendered at least 5 years of Military Service can avail a relaxation of up to 5 years over the upper age limit.
UPSC Attempt Limit
Similar to age limits, the number of attempts a candidate can make also varies based on their category:
General Category
Candidates in the General Category are allowed a maximum of 6 attempts.
OBC Category
OBC candidates can attempt the UPSC exam up to 9 times.
SC/ST Category
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for candidates belonging to SC/ST categories. They can appear for the exam until they reach the upper age limit.
PwBD Category
PwBD candidates from the General and OBC categories have the same number of attempts as their respective categories, i.e., 6 for General and 9 for OBC. However, PwBD candidates belonging to SC/ST categories have unlimited attempts until they reach their respective age limits.
Important Points to Note
- Each year’s Prelims exam is counted as an attempt, even if the candidate does not qualify for the Mains exam.
- The age limit and number of attempts are subject to changes based on the UPSC’s latest notifications. Candidates should regularly check the official UPSC website for the most current information.
- Certain services and posts under UPSC may have specific physical and medical standards which candidates must meet.
In conclusion, understanding the age and attempt limits for UPSC exams is crucial for any aspirant. It helps in planning and strategizing the preparation timeline effectively. Always stay updated with the latest