Eligibility for Appearing in ESE (Earlier IES) Exam: Maximum Attempts and Age Criteria

Introduction

The Engineering Services Examination (ESE), formerly known as the Indian Engineering Services (IES) exam, allows candidates to appear for the examination multiple times based on their category. This article outlines the maximum number of attempts and age criteria for the ESE exam, as detailed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Maximum Number of Attempts

The number of attempts allowed for the ESE varies based on the candidate's category:

General Category

General category candidates are limited to 6 attempts.

OBC (Other Backward Classes) Category

Candidates from the OBC category are allowed up to 9 attempts.

SC/ST (Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes) Category

There is no limit for the SC/ST category until the upper age limit is reached.

Age Criteria

Candidates must meet certain age criteria to be eligible for the ESE exam:

Minimum Age

The minimum age requirement is 21 years.

Upper Age Limit

The upper age limit is 30 years for general category candidates, with relaxations for reserved categories:

Reservation Categories: The upper age limit can be extended up to a maximum of: Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST): 5 years Other Backward Classes (OBC) excluding the creamy layer: 3 years (eligible for the reservation) Ordinarily domiciled in the State of Jammu and Kashmir between 1980 to 1989: 5 years Defence Services personnel disabled in operations during hostilities or in a disturbed area: 3 years Ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers and ECOs/SSCOs with at least 5 years of military service: 5 years

Reservation for Excluded (Creamy Layer) Candidates

Candidates who belong to the cream layer of OBC cannot avail any age extension relaxations.

Official Information and Further Details

For detailed information and to know the exact deadline for submissions, candidates should refer to the official UPSC ESE Notification and visit the UPSC website for advertisements.

Note: The maximum number of attempts and age criteria can change from year to year, so it is advisable to check the latest official notifications.

Conclusion

Aspiring candidates are advised to carefully review the eligibility criteria and attempt the ESE exam as many times as allowed based on their category, provided they meet the age and other prescribed conditions. For any updates or changes to these rules, always refer to the official UPSC website.