The number of IAS test tries: General Category: 6 attempts till the age of 32.
The number of tries for the IAS exam: OBC: 9 attempts till the age of 35.
The number of IAS exam tries is unrestricted for SC/ST candidates till the age of 37.
A candidate's effort is only counted if he or she has appeared in at least one paper of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination.
The majority of aspirants believe that passing the IAS Prelims on the first try is almost impossible.
However, according to a reputable source, 42 percent of the Top 200 IAS test students in 2014 passed the exam on their first try.
Rumours circulate from time to time about the UPSC lowering the maximum age restriction and the number of tries permitted.
These tales frighten students and hopefuls alike.