Candidates from the general and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories are allowed up to 6 attempts in the UPSC IAS exam. Candidates from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category have 9 attempts. There is no limit on the number of attempts for candidates from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories—they can take the exam until they reach the upper age limit. EWS candidates with benchmark disabilities are allowed 9 attempts, as are general and OBC physically disabled candidates. SC/ST physically disabled candidates have no limit on the number of attempts.