Number of Attempts Increases in Civil Services Exam

The government has decided to add two additional attempts for all candidates with effect from the current year in the civil services exam. The move is in line to provide more time to adapt to the changes effected in the Civil Services examination pattern in March 2013.

Previously, a candidate in general category is allowed a maximum of four attempts, if they are between the age of 21 and 30. Candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories have no limit on the number of attempts and are eligible to appear for the exam till the age of 35. Candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBC) get seven attempts.

Recently, Civil Service aspirants had demanded three extra attempts and a relaxation of three years in the age limit. Civil services candidates who get just four attempts to write the prestigious exam now will get six attempts. OBC category candidates, who are allowed seven attempts as per the rules, can now take the exam nine times. There is no cap anyway on attempts by a candidate of the SC/ST category.

Thus, the total number of attempts permitted for the exam has been increased from 4 to 6 and the maximum age limit has also been increased from 30 to 32.