Understanding How Attempts Are Counted in UPSC Civil Services Examination
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) regulations are clear about how examination attempts are counted in the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This guide will help you understand when an attempt is considered, and the number of attempts allowed based on different categories of candidates.
How Attempts Are Counted
Each stage of the CSE—preliminary, mains, and interview—counts as a separate attempt. This means that even if a candidate sits for just one paper during the preliminary exam, it will be considered a complete attempt. There are no partial attempts; once a stage is engaged, it is counted in full. For example, if a candidate fails to qualify the preliminary exam, it still counts as one attempt. Similarly, clearing the preliminary but failing the mains would also count as one attempt.
Criteria for Counting an Attempt
According to the UPSC guidelines, the number of attempts must be based on the candidate's appearance in the preliminary exam. If a candidate does not appear for the preliminary exam, no attempt is recorded. The crucial point is the candidate's presence in the preliminary exam paper hall, as this is the threshold for counting an attempt:
“If a candidate actually appears in any one paper in the Preliminary Examination, it shall be taken as an attempt at the Examination.”
This means that if a candidate fills the application form but does not show up on the examination day, their attempt is not counted. However, even if they attempt to sit the exam but do not write a single word, it still counts as an attempt.
Category-wise Attempt Limits
The number of attempts a candidate can make varies based on their category. For the General Category, the maximum number of attempts is six. This can be increased to nine for candidates from the OBC (Other Backward Classes) category, and other categories may have their limits as well. To ensure clarity, it's important to refer to the official UPSC guidelines regarding the specific attempt limit applicable to each candidate category:
For General Category: 6 attempts
For OBC Category: 9 attempts
These limits apply to the preliminary and mains exams, including the interview stage. Once you have exhausted your allowed attempts, you will need to wait for the next cycle to reapply.
Final Considerations
The CSE is a competitive examination, and it's crucial to make an informed decision about your application. Filling the application form alone does not count as an attempt until the candidate appears for the preliminary exam. Therefore, if you are considering the CSE seriously but have second thoughts after filling the application form, it may be wise to assess your readiness and commitment before committing to the process.
We wish all candidates the best of luck as they prepare for this prestigious examination. For any further details or assistance, please refer to the official UPSC website or consult with your mentor or guide.
Good luck!
Team KSG