Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced a change of policy in the number of attempts for Civil Service Exams. From this year onwards, civil service aspirants will get two more chances to appear for the country's most prestigious exam, thus cumulating into four attempts. However, according to UPSC, there will be no change in the format and syllabi of the exam. While seven attempts are permissible to an aspirant belonging to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), there is no restriction on number of attempts by a candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

The Civil Service Examinations is conducted by the UPSC to select Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers among others. A candidate who has attained the age of 21 years but not attained 30 years may apply for the Civil Services Examination, as per eligibility mentioned in the notification. The upper age limit has a relaxation up to a maximum of five years for candidates belonging to SCs or STs Categories and up to a maximum of three years for candidates of OBC category among others.