UPSC IAS 2024: Guidelines and FAQs for Candidates with Disabilities in Civil Services Examination

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) annually, including recruitment for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other central civil services. Here's a comprehensive guide on reservation guidelines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) for Persons with Disabilities (PwBD) applying for UPSC IAS 2024:

UPSC CSE Selection Process Overview

The selection process for UPSC CSE includes three stages: prelims, mains, and interviews. Successful candidates are required to undergo document verification.

FAQs For Persons With Disabilities (PwBD) for UPSC CSE

Q: Which PwBD category persons are eligible to apply for UPSC IAS?

Answer: PwBD categories eligible for UPSC IAS include:

• Blindness and low vision
• Deaf and hard of hearing
• Locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy
• Autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability, and mental illness
• Multiple disabilities from among persons under clauses (i) to (iv) including deaf-blindness

Q: What are the permissible number of attempts available to a PwBD candidate in the Civil Services Examination?

Answer: PwBD candidates of General/OBC/EWS categories can attempt the exam up to 9 times, while SC/ST PwBD candidates have unlimited attempts if they meet other eligibility criteria.

Q: What are reservation provisions available for the candidates of the PwBD categories?

Answer: Reservations are provided based on government vacancies under "The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016." Candidates with Multiple Disabilities fall under a specific reservation category and do not qualify under other disability categories even if their disability percentage is 40% or more.

Q: How much age relaxation is allowed for candidates of PwBD categories?

Answer: PwBD candidates can get up to 10 years of age relaxation where applicable. Those belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen categories are eligible for cumulative age relaxation.

Q: What are the provisions for possessing a PwBD certificate and Medical Examination by the Government?

Answer: Candidates should possess a valid PwBD certificate issued by a competent authority. The prescribed Medical Examination is mandatory to assess eligibility based on disability.

Q: Are PwBD candidates eligible to apply for all Posts/Services under any Exam/selection?

Answer: PwBD candidates can apply only for Posts/Services identified as suitable for their category. The Cadre Controlling Authorities recommend suitable vacancies to UPSC.

Q: Can a PwBD candidate be considered without a valid disability certificate from the competent authority?

Answer: No, a valid disability certificate from the competent authority is mandatory for availing reservations, concessions, or relaxations during UPSC exam selections.