UPSC Attempts Limit for SC/ST, Age Limit, Age Relaxation, Eligibility Criteria
The UPSC attempt limit for SC/ST is limitless till they reach the maximum age. Understand the qualifying conditions for taking advantage of the UPSC attempt limit for SC/ST groups.
Deeksha Dixit15 Sept, 2025
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UPSC Attempts Limit for SC/ST: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) provides reservations for certain categories to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates. UPSC age for SC and Scheduled Tribes (ST) candidates benefit from several relaxations, including UPSC age limit sc, Unlimited SC Attempt in UPSC, which allow them to take the exam as many times as needed.
To be eligible for these benefits, candidates must possess a valid SC/ST certificate issued by the competent authority, proving their status within these categories. Read on to find out the benefits for SC/ST categories, eligibility criteria, and documents required to avail of these.SC/ST Reservation in UPSC 2025
In the UPSC 2025 exam, there is a special reservation system for SC and ST candidates. This system helps ensure that candidates from these groups have fair access to opportunities in the civil services. The UPSC reservation means that a certain percentage of seats are set aside for SC/ST candidates.| SC/ST Reservation in UPSC 2025 | |
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
UPSC Attempts Limit for SC/ST Categories
One of the biggest advantages of the UPSC age for sc category is the unlimited number of attempts allowed. This means they can appear for the UPSC exam as many times as needed to succeed. UPSC attempts limit for SC/ST ensures that candidates have more opportunities to clear the exam, which is especially useful for preparing or facing any challenges during the preparation. Here are UPSC SC Candidate Age Limit/ST candidates:| Number of UPSC Attempts for SC/ST | ||
| Category | Number of Attempts | Age Limit |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | Unlimited | 37 years |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | Unlimited | 37 years |
UPSC Age Limit for SC/ST
SC/ST candidates also benefit from an extended age limit for the UPSC exam. While general category candidates must apply before turning 32, SC/ST candidates have a 5 years relaxation in UPSC eligibility criteria . This extended SC Candidate UPSC Age Limit /ST candidates five additional years. Further, if you belong to the SC/ST category and also fall under Persons with Benchmark Disabilities(PwBD) or Ex-servicemen categories, you can receive additional age relaxation based on both categories.| UPSC Age Limit for SC/ST | |
| Minimum Age Limit | 21 years |
| Upper Age Relaxation | 5 years |
| Maximum Age Limit | 37 years (47 for PwBD+SC/ST) |
| Number of Attempts till Maximum Age | Unlimited |
Fee Relaxation in UPSC for SC/ST Categories
In addition to these relaxations, SC/ST candidates are exempt from the application fee , which helps reduce financial barriers to entry. They receive this exemption according to government guidelines. This fee exemption rule applies to the UPSC Prelims application as well as the UPSC Mains DAF 1 application. By not charging them the fee, the government helps make these opportunities more accessible.Eligibility for SC/ST Reservation
To qualify for SC/ST reservation in the UPSC exam, you need to provide a valid SC/ST certificate. This certificate must confirm that you belong to an SC/ST category as listed by the government. Here are the STC/ST eligibility criteria:- Caste Inclusion: The caste must be listed as SC/ST in the Central List.
- Valid SC/ST Certificate: Ensure the certificate is issued by the proper authority and is up-to-date.
SC/ST Certificate for UPSC
The SC/ST certificate is essential for claiming the benefits available for these categories in the UPSC exam. It acts as proof of caste status and allows candidates to take advantage of reserved seats and other benefits. The prescribed format for the SC/ST certificate will be available in the UPSC notification. Without a valid certificate, they can only compete for unreserved seats.Who is Competent to Issue SC/ST Certificate?
Candidates seeking SC/ST reservation benefits for the UPSC examination must obtain an SC/ST certificate from a competent authority. This certificate must clearly indicate that the candidate is from the SC or ST categories. The competent authority to issue the certificate are:- District Magistrate/Additional District Magistrate/ Collector/Deputy Commissioner/Additional Deputy Commissioner/ 1st Class Stipendiary Magistrate/Sub-Divisional Magistrate/ Taluka Magistrate/Executive Magistrate/ Extra Assistant Commissioner
- Chief Presidency Magistrate/Additional Chief Presidency Magistrate/ Presidency Magistrate
- Revenue Officer not below the rank of Tehsildar and
- Sub-Divisional Officer of the area where the candidate and/or his family normally resides
- Administrator/Secretary to the Administrator/Development Officer (Lakshadweep).
UPSC Attempts Limit for SC/ST FAQs
Does UPSC have an SC/ST quota?
Yes, UPSC reserves 15% of seats for SC candidates and 7.5% for ST candidates.
What is the UPSC attempts limit for SC/ST candidates?
SC/ST candidates do not have a limit on the number of attempts for the UPSC exam. They can appear for the exam as many times as they wish, provided they meet the age and educational qualification criteria.
What is the age limit for SC/ST?
According to the UPSC age limit, SC/ST candidates can apply up to 37 years of age.
Do SC/ST candidates need to submit any specific documents during the UPSC application process?
Yes, SC/ST candidates must submit a valid caste certificate issued by a competent authority during the application process.
How many ST seats are there in UPSC?
UPSC reserves 7.5% of seats for ST candidates in total vacancies.
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