The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), popularly known as the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) exam, is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various civil services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other allied services.
Overview
The UPSC CSE is a very challenging exam, but it is also a very rewarding one. Successful candidates have the opportunity to serve the nation in various important capacities and make a real difference in the lives of people.
Eligibility Criteria
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India, a person of Indian origin, or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibet settled in India before January 1, 1962.
- Age: The candidate must be at least 21 years of age and not more than 32 years of age on August 1 of the year in which the exam is held. There are age relaxations for certain categories of candidates, such as OBC, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates.
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The degree must be in any discipline, but it is advisable to choose a discipline that is relevant to the UPSC CSE syllabus.
In addition to the above criteria, there are certain other restrictions on applying for the UPSC CSE. For example, a candidate cannot apply for the exam if they are already in the service of the Government of India or a state government.
Exam Pattern
| Stage | Type of exam | Number of papers | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preliminary | Objective-type | 2 | 2 hours each | 400 |
| Main | Written | 9 | 3 hours each | 1750 |
| Personality Test | Interview | 1 | 25 minutes | 275 |
Application Process
To apply for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), you need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the UPSC: upsconline.nic.in
- Click on the “Apply Online” link: This will take you to the UPSC Online Recruitment Application (ORA) page.
- Click on the “Create Account” link: If you are a new user, you need to create an account by providing your basic details, such as your name, email address, and phone number.
- Once you have created an account, log in and click on the “Apply Online” link for the UPSC CSE: This will take you to the UPSC CSE application form.
- Fill in the application form carefully and provide all the required information: You will need to provide your personal details, educational qualifications, and other relevant information.
- Upload the required documents: You need to upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and photo ID card.
- Pay the application fee: The application fee for the UPSC CSE is Rs. 100 for all candidates except female/SC/ST/PwBD candidates, who are exempt from paying the fee. You can pay the fee online through SBI Net Banking/debit card/credit card or offline by cash through SBI bank challan.
- Submit the application form: Once you have completed all the steps above, click on the “Submit” button to submit your application form.
Syllabus
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of subjects. The syllabus is divided into two parts: Preliminary Examination and Main Examination.
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination consists of two objective-type papers:
- General Studies Paper I: This paper covers a wide range of subjects, including current events, history, geography, polity, economics, and social development.
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT): This paper tests the candidate’s aptitude for civil service. It includes questions on comprehension, analytical ability, logical reasoning, and decision-making.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UPSC CSE Prelims Exam | May 28, 2023 |
| UPSC CSE Main Exam | September 15, 2023 onwards |
| UPSC Personality Test | To be notified |
Tips for Exam Preparation
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern: The first step is to understand the syllabus and exam pattern of the UPSC CSE. This will help you to plan your preparation and focus on the important topics.
- Choose the right books and study materials: There are many books and study materials available for the UPSC CSE. However, it is important to choose the right ones. You should consult with experts and toppers to get recommendations for the best books and study materials.
- Make a study plan and stick to it: Once you have chosen the right books and study materials, you should make a study plan. The study plan should be realistic and achievable. You should also allocate enough time for revision.
- Revise regularly: Revision is very important for the UPSC CSE. You should revise all the topics that you have studied regularly. This will help you to remember the important concepts and facts.
- Practice answer writing: Answer writing is a crucial skill for the UPSC Mains Examination. You should practice writing answers in a structured and concise manner. Work on improving your analytical and critical thinking abilities.
- Take mock tests: Mock tests are a great way to assess your preparation and identify your weak areas. You should take mock tests regularly and analyze your performance to identify the areas where you need to improve.
FEES
| Category | Preliminary Examination Fee | Main Examination Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | ₹100 | ₹200 |
| Female | Exempted | Exempted |
| SC/ST/PwBD | Exempted | Exempted |
FAQ?
The UPSC Exam is the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various civil services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other allied services.
To be eligible to take the UPSC Exam, you must:
- Be a citizen of India.
- Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Be between the ages of 21 and 32 years (upper age limit is relaxed for certain categories of candidates).
The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC Exam depends on your category:
- General/EWS: 6 attempts
- OBC/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD-EWS/Disabled Defence Services Personnel: 9 attempts
- SC/ST: Unlimited attempts
60 minutes of Duration
100 Questions
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