Physically challenged persons, who qualify for the civil services as per standards prescribed for non-disabled candidates, will now be counted outside the quota fixed for the category. They will also get seven attempts to make it through the selection process.

The new system of counting them outside the existing three per cent quota will be similar to what is applicable to SC/ST and OBC candidates and is expected to help more physically challenged candidates get into civil services under the Central Government.

In terms of attempts, the physically challenged have been brought at par with SC/ST candidates. The earlier limit was four attempts. While SC/ST candidates get seven chances, OBC candidates get unlimited attempts.

The current relaxation of 10 years in the upper age limit for the physically challenged would continue, the Department of Personnel and Training said today. And to ensure “full utilisation” of the quota for physically challenged persons, it has been decided to treat the backlogs with respect to physically challenged persons as in the case of SC/ST categories, the department said.