Every candidate appearing at the Civil Services Examination, who is otherwise eligible, shall be permitted four attempts at the examination.

Provided that this restriction on the number of attempts will not apply in the case of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates who are otherwise eligible.

Provided further that the number of attempts permissible to candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes, who are otherwise eligible, shall be seven.

Note: 1. An attempt at a Preliminary Examination shall be deemed to be an attempt at the examination.
2. If a candidate actually appears in any one paper in the Preliminary examination, he shall be deemed to have made an attempt at the examination.
3. Notwithstanding the disqualification/cancellation of candidature the fact of appearance of the candidate at the examination will count as an attempt.