UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) stands as a beacon of excellence in India’s civil services landscape, conducting the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE) to select individuals for some of the nation’s most coveted roles. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of the UPSC and its rigorous selection process, empowering aspiring civil servants to navigate the path to success.
Histroy of UPSC :
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was established on 1 October 1926 under the Government of India Act, 1919. It is India’s premier central recruiting agency for civil services. UPSC conducts a variety of civil services examinations, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) Civil Services Examination, the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Civil Services Examination, and the Indian Police Service (IPS) Civil Services Examination. The UPSC is also responsible for recruiting officers for various other government ministries and departments.
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) India
The UPSC was established in response to the growing demand for Indian participation in the administration of British India. In 1919, the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms recommended the establishment of a Public Service Commission to ensure that recruitment to the civil service was based on merit and not on favoritism. The Lee Commission, which was appointed in 1923 to review the civil services, made further recommendations for the establishment of a Public Service Commission.
The UPSC was initially known as the Public Service Commission (PSC). In 1935, it was renamed the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). After India’s independence in 1947, the FPSC was renamed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The Chairman is assisted by 10 members, who are also appointed by the President. The members of the UPSC are drawn from various fields, including law, administration, education, and social Services.
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Understanding the UPSC Exam Structure:
The UPSC examination comprises three stages: the Preliminary examination, the Main examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). Each stage poses unique challenges and requires distinct preparation strategies.
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims): This stage includes two objective-type papers – General Studies Paper-I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). It tests a candidate’s knowledge on diverse subjects, ranging from history, geography, economics, and current affairs to decision-making abilities.
- Main Examination: Comprising nine descriptive papers, this stage evaluates a candidate’s depth of understanding and analytical skills. These papers cover subjects like Essay, General Studies, Optional Subjects, and Indian Language Qualifying Paper.
- Personality Test (Interview): Candidates who clear the Main examination move to the final stage, which involves a personal interview aimed at assessing their personality traits, communication skills, and overall suitability for administrative roles.
UPSC 2024 Exam Dates
| Event | Date |
| UPSC Exam Calendar 2024 | May 10, 2023 |
| UPSC 2024 exam notification | 14 February 2024 |
| UPSC 2024 exam application form | 14 February 2024 to 5 March 2024 |
| UPSC 2024 admit card | To be released |
| UPSC 2024 Civil Services Prelims exam | 26 May 2024 |
| UPSC 2024 Civil Services Mains exam | 20 September 2024 |
UPSC 2024 Number of Attempts for the UPSC Exam
| Category | Number of Attempts | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General | 6 | 32 years |
| OBC | 9 | 35 years |
| SC/ST | Unlimited | 37 years |
| Physically Disabled (General/OBC/Person with Benchmark Disability(EWS category)) | 9 | 42 years |
| Physically Disabled (SC/ST) | Unlimited | 42 years |
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UPSC 2024 Exam Pattern
| Exam Stage | Exam Pattern | Duration | Marks | Number of Questions | Negative Marking | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Exam | General Studies Paper 1 (Objective Type) | 2 hours | 200 | 100 | ⅓ | Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and India, Indian Constitution, Polity, International Relations, General Awareness, and Aptitude for Civils Services Examination |
| Preliminary Exam | Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (Objective Type) | 2 hours | 200 | 80 | ⅓ | English Language Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills, Decision Making and Problem Solving, Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability, Basic Numeracy, and English Language Usage |
| Mains Exam | Paper-A (Indian Language) (Qualifying) | 3 hours | 300 | – | – | Based on the candidate’s choice of language |
| Mains Exam | Paper-B (English) (Qualifying) | 3 hours | 300 | – | – | Based on English language comprehension, grammar, and composition |
| Mains Exam | Paper-I (Essay) | 3 hours | 250 | – | – | Ability to write clear, concise, and grammatically correct essays on a variety of topics |
| Mains Exam | Paper-II (General Studies-I) | 3 hours | 250 | – | – | Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and India, Indian Constitution, Polity, International Relations, General Awareness, and Aptitude for Civils Services Examination |
| Mains Exam | Paper-III (General Studies-II) | 3 hours | 250 | – | – | Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations |
| Mains Exam | Paper-IV (General Studies-III) | 3 hours | 250 | – | – | Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management |
| Mains Exam | Paper-V (General Studies-IV) | 3 hours | 250 | – | – | Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude |
| Mains Exam | Paper-VI (Optional Subject-I) | 3 hours | 250 | – | – | Based on the candidate’s choice of optional subject |
| Mains Exam | Paper-VII (Optional Subject-II) | 3 hours | 250 | – | – | Based on the candidate’s choice of optional subject |
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Topic-Wise UPSC Prelims Ques/Ans
Updated IAS Exam Syllabus 2023 PDF
UPSC 2024 Syllabus
- General Studies Paper 1 (Objective Type)
- Indian Heritage and Culture:
- History of Art and Culture
- Indian Architecture
- Indian Music and Dance
- Indian Literature
- Indian Religions and Philosophy
- History and Geography of the World and India:
- History of the World
- Geography of the World
- History of India
- Geography of India
- Indian Constitution, Polity, International Relations:
- Indian Constitution
- Indian Polity
- International Relations
- General Awareness:
- Current events of national and international importance
- Important scientific and technological developments
- Environmental issues
- Social issues
- Aptitude for Civils Services Examination:
- Comprehension
- Decision Making and Problem Solving
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
- General Mental Ability
- Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation
- Indian Heritage and Culture:
- Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (Objective Type)
- English Language Comprehension:
- Comprehension of passages
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Interpersonal Skills:
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal relationships
- Decision Making and Problem Solving:
- Problem identification and analysis
- Decision making under pressure
- Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability:
- Critical thinking
- Reasoning and analysis
- Basic Numeracy:
- Numbers and their relations
- Orders of magnitude
- English Language Usage:
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Expression
- English Language Comprehension:
UPSC Preparation: Strategies for Success
1. Comprehensive Study Material Selection
Choosing the right study material is crucial. Opt for authoritative books and resources recommended by seasoned mentors or successful candidates.
2. Thorough Understanding of Syllabus
Break down the UPSC syllabus meticulously. Analyze each topic, understand its weightage, and prioritize based on personal strengths and weaknesses.
3. Effective Time Management
Craft a well-structured timetable allocating sufficient time to cover each subject comprehensively. Regular revisions and mock tests aid in better time management during the actual examination.
4. Current Affairs and Newspaper Reading
Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and online resources. Understanding contemporary issues is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.
5. Writing Practice for Mains
Developing the skill to articulate thoughts concisely and coherently is essential. Regular writing practice of essays, answer writing for GS papers, and optional subjects is pivotal.
