Here you will find essential updates and valuable insights on how to prepare for the UPSC exam.
What is UPSC Exam ?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was founded in 1926 under the Government of India Act 1919 to oversee examinations for the recruitment of the Indian Civil Service (ICS). The main function is to appoint the most qualified individuals for propelling the nation’s growth and advancement.
The civil services have three categories: All India Services, Group ‘A’ Services, and Group ‘B’ Services. All India Services include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS). Group ‘A’ Services encompass the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), the Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service and more. Within Group ‘B’ Services, the Delhi and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Civil Service, the Delhi and Andaman & Nicobar Islands Police Service, etc are included.
Apart from civil services, UPSC also conducts other exams like the Engineering Services Exam, Combined Medical Services Exam, Combined Defence Services Exam, Indian Statistical Service and more. Since UPSC exams are highly competitive, thorough preparation is crucial, making Bookscape the ideal solution.
When it comes to choosing a course, there isn’t the best course for UPSC exams, but a bachelor’s degree is generally considered a good foundation because it overlaps significantly with the UPSC syllabus.
Apply online link
- Link: Click here for UPSC Apply Online 2024
- Last Date for Receipt of Application: 06/03/2024 – 6:00pm
- Download Notification: here
- Application fee:
General / OBC / EWS- Rs. 100/-
Female / SC / ST / PwBD– Fee exempted
UPSC Mains and Prelims Exam Dates
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is held once a year to recruit candidates for various civil services in India. The entire selection process consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Prelims exam is usually held in May or June and Mains exam is conducted in September or October.
UPSC Mains and Prelims exam dates 2024
| Date of Notification | 14/02/2024 |
| Date of Commencement of Examination | 26/05/2024 |
| Duration of Examination | One Day |
| Preliminary Examination | 26 May 2024 |
| Main Examination | 20 September 2024 (The exam will be held for 7 days) |
Eligibility for UPSC Exam
After passing the prelims, candidates can appear in the Mains exam. Once shortlisted after the Mains exam there will be an Interview round. After adding scores of Mains and Interviews, UPSC prepares the final list, and eligible candidates get appointed to IAS, IPS, IRS, IFS, and other reputed posts.
Education:
- A candidate must hold a degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
- Even final-year students awaiting results can appear for the prelims but must produce proof of passing the degree for the Mains application.
- Professional and technical qualifications equivalent to a degree are also accepted.
Compulsory Subjects (For Prelims only):
- There are two papers in the prelims: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT).
- CSAT tests aptitude in comprehension, reasoning, decision-making and basic numeracy.
Age Limit:
- Minimum age: 21 years
- Maximum age: 32 years (General and EWS category)
- Age relaxation is available for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwBD (10 years) categories.
Exam Pattern for UPSC Exam
UPSC follows a comprehensive pattern designed to assess candidates for various administrative positions.
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern (Objective Type)
Two Papers: Both papers are qualifying in nature (marks not counted for final ranking). Minimum qualifying marks are required to proceed to Mains.
- Paper I (General Studies): 100 Questions, 200 Marks. Covers topics like Current affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Science & Technology and Socio-economic issues.
- Paper II (CSAT): 80 Questions, 200 Marks. Tests analytical abilities, reasoning, logical deduction, decision-making and English comprehension.
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern (Written Exam)
Seven Papers: Essay, General Studies (4 papers), and one Optional Subject (2 papers).
- Focus: In-depth analysis, critical thinking, and essay writing skills.
- Optional Subject: Choose a subject you’re comfortable with and aligns with your interests.
Interview:
- Personality Test: : Assesses leadership qualities, analytical abilities, knowledge of current affairs, and suitability for the chosen service (IAS/IPS).
UPSC Exam Syllabus: Prelims & Mains
UPSC Prelims Exam Syllabus
The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers, both of which are objective type (multiple choice questions). These papers are meant to screen candidates for the Main Examination.
- Paper I: General Studies
- Paper-II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test)
UPSC Mains Exam Syllabus
The Main Examination is the most important stage of the Civil Services Examination. It consists of a written examination with 9 papers, out of which 2 are qualifying papers of 300 marks each and the remaining 7 papers are counted for ranking.
| Mains | Subject | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-II | General Studies – I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 |
| Paper-III | General Studies – II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) | 250 |
| Paper–IV | General Studies – III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper–V | General Studies – IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper–VI | Optional Subject – Paper I | 250 |
| Paper–VII | Optional Subject – Paper II | 250 |
| Qualifying Paper A | Indian Language | 300 |
| Qualifying Paper B | English Language | 300 |
Upcoming UPSC Exams 2025
| Exam Name | Notification Date | Last Date to submit Application Forms | UPSC Exam Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | TBA | TBA | January 11, 2025 (Saturday) |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | September 4, 2024 | September 24, 2024 | February 9, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Engineering Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | September 18, 2024 | October 8, 2024 | February 9, 2025 (Sunday) |
| CBI (DSP) LDCE | Novemebr 27, 2024 | December 17, 2024 | March 8, 2025 (Saturday) |
| CISF AC(EXE) LDCE-2025 | December 4, 2024 | December 24, 2024 | March 9, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2025 | January 11, 2025 | February 11, 2025 | May 25, 2025 (Sunday) |
| December 4, 2024 | |||
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | TBA | TBA | June 14, 2025 (Saturday) |
| I.E.S./I.S.S. Examination, 2025 | February 12, 2025 | March 4, 2025 | June 20, 2025 (Friday) |
| Combined Geo-Scientist (Main) Examination, 2025 | TBA | TBA | June 21, 2025 (Saturday) |
| Engineering Services (Main) Examination, 2025 | TBA | TBA | June 22, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | TBA | TBA | July 5, 2025 (Saturday) |
| Combined Medical Services Examination, 2025 | February 19, 2025 | March 11, 2025 | July 20, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Central Armed Police Forces (ACs) Examination, 2025 | March 5, 2025 | March 25, 2025 | August 3, 2025 (Sunday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | TBA | TBA | August 9, 2025 (Saturday) |
| Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2025 | TBA | TBA | August 22, 2025 (Friday) |
| N.D.A. & N.A. Examination (II), 2025 | March 28, 2025 | June 17, 2025 | September 14, 2025 (Sunday) |
| C.D.S. Examination (II), 2025 | |||
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | TBA | TBA | October 4, 2025 (Saturday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | TBA | TBA | November 1, 2025 (Saturday) |
| Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination, 2025 | TBA | TBA | November 16, 2025 (Sunday) |
| S.O./Steno (GD-B/GD-I) LDCE | September 17, 2025 | October 7, 2025 | December 13, 2025 (Saturday) |
| Reserved for UPSC RT/ Examination | TBA | TBA | December 20, 2025 (Saturday) |
With our thorough and regular information, stay ahead of the game when it comes to preparing for government jobs. Be sure to stay up to date on the latest news and prepare strategically for a successful career in public service.
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you have questions about UPSC exams, Bookscape has got your back. With over a million titles from 700+ publishers and an ever-growing catalog, you’re sure to find your top UPSC preparation books here. We can help you navigate through the wide range of academic books, be it UPSC, JEE, NEET and more.
What is the difference between UPSC Prelims and mains?
The Preliminary Examination acts as an entrance exam through its objective-type questions, while the Main Examination is a comprehensive assessment focusing on in-depth understanding and descriptive responses.
Which exam is required for IAS and IPS and what is its eligibility?
The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Exam (CSE) to recruit candidates for services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and more. Candidates can apply for the UPSC exam with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university, even if they are awaiting their final year exam results.
What are the subjects in UPSC?
The test aims to assess a candidate’s broad understanding across various subjects such as Indian Polity, Geography, History, Indian Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, Ecology, International Relations and relevant UPSC current affairs.
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