The number of permitted attempts depends on category. Appearing in Prelims counts as one attempt; applying without appearing does not.
General & EWS: 6 attempts. OBC: 9 attempts. SC/ST: unlimited attempts up to the upper age limit. PwBD: 9 attempts for General/OBC/EWS and unlimited for SC/ST.
An attempt is counted only when a candidate actually appears in at least one paper of the Preliminary examination.
Six attempts up to the age of 32 years.
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