Union Public Service Commission stands for UPSC, which is the central agency responsible for conducting civil service examinations in India. It is an autonomous body that conducts various exams, including the Civil Services Examination, Indian Forest Service Examination, Engineering Services Examination, Combined Defense Services Examination, National Defense Academy Examination, Naval Academy Examination, etc.
UPSC Exam
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year to select candidates for various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The CSE comprises three stages – Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test (Interview).
1. Preliminary Exam:
The first stage of the CSE is the Preliminary Exam, which is conducted in June every year. The exam consists of two objective-type papers – General Studies Paper-I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper II. The duration of each paper is 2 hours, and each paper carries 200 marks. The Preliminary Exam is a screening test, and only those who clear this stage are eligible to appear for the Mains Exam.
2. Mains Exam:
The second stage of the CSE is the Mains Exam, which is conducted in September/October every year. The exam consists of nine papers – two qualifying papers and seven merit-based papers. The qualifying papers are English Language and Indian Language, and the merit-based papers include four General Studies papers, one Optional subject paper, and one Essay paper. The Mains Exam is a descriptive type exam, and each paper carries a maximum of 250 marks.
3. Personality Test (Interview):
The final stage of the CSE is the Personality Test (Interview), which is conducted by the UPSC. The Personality Test is conducted to assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in civil services. The test is conducted by a panel of UPSC members and other experts, and it carries a maximum of 275 marks.
The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the Mains Exam and the Personality Test. The Preliminary Exam is a screening test and is not counted in the final selection process.
It is important to note that the syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Exam is vast and covers a wide range of topics from various disciplines, including history, geography, economics, polity, science, and technology. Candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC website and the syllabus for detailed information on the exam.
UPSC Overview
The Civil Services Examination is considered one of the toughest competitive exams in India and is conducted in three stages – Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test (Interview). The exam is conducted to recruit candidates for various prestigious services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), etc.
To appear for the UPSC exams, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria, such as age, education qualification, nationality, etc. The syllabus for the exam is vast and covers a wide range of topics, including Indian Polity, Economy, History, Geography, Science and Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs.
The UPSC exam is highly competitive, and lakhs of aspirants appear for the exam every year. To crack the exam, aspirants need to have a comprehensive understanding of the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy. Time management, consistent practice, and regular revision are crucial for success in the UPSC exam.
UPSC is known for its impartial and transparent selection process and is highly respected among the Indian civil services. Many successful and accomplished individuals, including top bureaucrats, politicians, and diplomats, have cleared the UPSC exam and have contributed significantly to the development and progress of the country.
UPSC Exam History
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was established in India in 1926 as a constitutional body under the Government of India Act, of 1919. Its primary role was to oversee the recruitment and selection of candidates for the All India Services, including the Indian Civil Service (ICS), which was the premier civil service of India during the British colonial era.
After India gained independence in 1947, the UPSC became responsible for conducting exams for various civil services under the Government of India. Over the years, the UPSC has undergone several changes and reforms, including the introduction of a new syllabus, changes in the exam pattern, and increased transparency in the selection process.
The Civil Services Examination was introduced in 1951 to select candidates for various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The exam comprises three stages – Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test (Interview), and is considered one of the toughest competitive exams in India. In 1976, the UPSC was designated as the nodal agency for conducting the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, which is conducted twice a year to recruit candidates for the Indian Armed Forces.
The UPSC has also played a crucial role in promoting gender equality in civil services. In 1978, the UPSC introduced a reservation policy for women candidates, which helped increase the representation of women in the civil services.
Over the years, the UPSC has contributed significantly to the development and progress of India by selecting the best and brightest candidates for civil services. Many successful and accomplished individuals, including top bureaucrats, politicians, and diplomats, have cleared the UPSC exam and have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the country.
UPSC Exam Highlights
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a significant institution in India, and some of its key highlights are:
1. Conducting Civil Services Examination:
The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination, which is one of the toughest and most prestigious competitive exams in India. The exam is conducted to select candidates for various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
2. Recruitment for All India Services:
The UPSC is responsible for recruiting candidates for the All India Services, including the IAS, IPS, and IFS. These services are the backbone of the Indian civil services and play a crucial role in the administration and governance of the country.
3. Transparency in the Selection Process:
The UPSC has a transparent selection process, and its exams are known for their fairness and impartiality. The commission ensures that the exams are conducted in a transparent and objective manner, and candidates are selected solely based on their merit.
4. Contribution to Nation Building:
The UPSC has contributed significantly to the development and progress of India by selecting the best and brightest candidates for civil services. Many successful and accomplished individuals, including top bureaucrats, politicians, and diplomats, have cleared the UPSC exam and have contributed significantly to the growth and development of the country.
5. Reforms and Changes:
The UPSC has undergone several changes and reforms over the years, including the introduction of a new syllabus, changes in the exam pattern, and increased transparency in the selection process. These changes have helped make the selection process more efficient and effective.
In summary, the UPSC plays a crucial role in the selection of candidates for civil services, and its transparent and objective selection process ensures that the best and brightest individuals are selected to serve the country.
UPSC Exam Eligibility
To be eligible for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a candidate must fulfill certain eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for the UPSC Civil Services Examination are as follows:
Nationality
The candidate must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit:
The candidate must be at least 21 years of age on 1st of August of the year in which they are appearing for the exam. The upper age limit varies for different categories and ranges from 32 years for General category candidates to 37 years for SC/ST candidates.
Educational Qualification:
The candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualification. Final-year students can also apply for the exam, provided they submit proof of passing the bachelor’s degree examination.
Number of Attempts:
The number of attempts for the UPSC Civil Services Exam varies for different categories. General category candidates can attempt the exam six times, while OBC candidates can attempt the exam nine times. There is no limit for SC/ST candidates.
Physical Fitness:
The candidate must be physically fit as per the prescribed standards.
Note:-It is important to note that these eligibility criteria are subject to change, and candidates must refer to the official notification released by the UPSC every year.
UPSC Exam Applications Process
The application process for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam is conducted online, and candidates can apply by following the below-mentioned steps:
1.Visit the official UPSC website: Candidates should visit the official UPSC website at www.upsc.gov.in and click on the ‘Apply Online’ link.
2.Register: Candidates need to register themselves by providing their basic details, such as name, date of birth, email id, and mobile number.
3.Fill the application form: Once registered, candidates need to fill the application form by providing their personal details, educational qualifications, and other required information.
4.Upload documents: Candidates need to upload scanned copies of their photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
5.Pay application fee: Candidates need to pay the application fee online through net banking or debit/credit card. The application fee for General and OBC category candidates is Rs. 100, while SC/ST/PwD and female candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
6.Submit application: After completing the application form and payment of the fee, candidates need to submit the application form online.
7.Take a printout: Candidates should take a printout of the application form for future reference.
It is important to note that the application process for the UPSC Civil Services Exam usually starts in February/March every year, and the last date for submission of the application form is usually in March/April. Candidates must refer to the official UPSC website for the latest information on the application process and the exam.
UPSC Exam Date
The dates for UPSC exams vary depending on the exam. Here are the tentative dates for some of the UPSC exams in 2023:
Civil Services Preliminary Examination: Every year in June
Indian Forest Service Preliminary Examination: Every year in June
NDA & NA Examination (I): : Every year in April
Combined Medical Services Examination: Every year in July
Engineering Services Examination: Every year in July
Please note that these are tentative dates and are subject to change. It is recommended that candidates regularly check the official UPSC website for the latest updates and notifications regarding exam dates.
UPSC Exam Patterns
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam consists of three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Personality Test (Interview). The exam pattern for each stage is as follows:
Preliminary Exam:
The Preliminary Exam is an objective type exam consisting of two papers – General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper II.
Both papers are conducted on the same day with a duration of two hours each.
The General Studies Paper I is worth 200 marks and tests the candidate’s knowledge in subjects like current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, and environmental ecology.
The CSAT Paper II is also worth 200 marks and tests the candidate’s aptitude in areas like logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision making, and basic numeracy.
Mains Exam:
The Mains Exam is a written exam consisting of nine papers. Out of the nine papers, two papers are qualifying in nature and seven are for merit ranking.
The two qualifying papers are in English and Indian language (candidates can choose any language included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution).
The seven merit-based papers include four General Studies papers, one Essay paper, and two Optional subject papers (candidates can choose any one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC).
Each paper in the Mains Exam is of three hours duration and carries a maximum of 250 marks.
Personality Test (Interview):
Candidates who clear the Mains Exam are called for the Personality Test (Interview).
The Personality Test is conducted by a panel of UPSC members and other experts.
The test is conducted to assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in the civil services and carries a maximum of 275 marks.
The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the Mains Exam and the Personality Test. The Preliminary Exam is a screening test and is not counted in the final selection process.
UPSC Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam is vast and covers a wide range of subjects. The syllabus for the Preliminary and Mains Exam is as follows:
Preliminary Exam Syllabus:
Paper I – General Studies
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
- Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization
- General Science
Paper II – CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) and data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc.)
- English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level)
Mains Exam Syllabus:
Paper A – Indian Language (Qualifying)
Comprehension of given passages
Precis writing
Usage and Vocabulary
Short Essay
Paper B – English (Qualifying)
- Comprehension of given passages
- Precis writing
- Usage and Vocabulary
- Short Essay
Paper I – Essay
Candidates have to write two essays, choosing one topic from each section, each essay of 1000-1200 words.
Paper II – General Studies I
- Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
- Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times
- Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues
- The Freedom Struggle – it’s various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
- Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country
- History of the world will include events from the 18th century such as the industrial revolution, world wars, redraw of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism, etc.- their forms and effect on society.
Paper III – General Studies II
- Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations
- Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions, and basic structure.
- Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues, and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels, and challenges therein.
- Separation of powers, dispute redressal mechanisms, and institutions.
- Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries.
- Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, the conduct of business, powers & privileges, and issues arising out of these.
- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
- Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
- Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
- Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
- Important aspects of governance, transparency, and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes.
UPSC RESULTS
The UPSC Civil Services Exam results are usually announced in three stages:
- Preliminary Exam Result: The result of the Preliminary Exam is usually declared in around 40-50 days from the date of the exam. The result is declared in the form of a PDF file which contains the roll numbers of candidates who have qualified for the Mains Exam.
- Mains Exam Result: The result of the Mains Exam is usually declared in around 70-80 days from the date of the exam. The result is declared in the form of a PDF file which contains the roll numbers of candidates who have qualified for the Personality Test (Interview).
- Final Result: The final result is declared after the Personality Test (Interview) is conducted. The final result is usually declared in around 2-3 months from the date of the Personality Test (Interview). The final result is declared in the form of a PDF file which contains the names and roll numbers of candidates who have been recommended for appointment to various services.
Candidates who clear all the stages of the exam are recommended for appointment to various services including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), etc. The number of vacancies for each service is announced separately by the Government of India
UPSC Exam Admit Card
To download the UPSC exam admit card, follow the below steps:
- Go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) at upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the “Admit Cards” tab on the homepage.
- Select the examination for which you want to download the admit card.
- Enter your registration ID or roll number and date of birth.
- Enter the captcha code displayed on the screen.
- Click on the “Submit” button.
- Your UPSC exam admits card will be displayed on the screen.
- Check all the details mentioned in the admit card like name, photograph, exam center, date, and time.
- Download the admit card and take a printout of it for future reference.
Note: It is mandatory to carry the UPSC exam admit card along with a valid ID proof to the exam center on the day of the examination.
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