Union Public Service Commission

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations conducted in India. It is held annually to recruit candidates for various civil services positions within the Indian government, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and others. Here are the full details regarding the UPSC exam, including eligibility criteria and the approach candidates should adopt:

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Nationality: The candidate must be either:

??- A citizen of India, or

??- A subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or

??- A Tibetan refugee who migrated to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of settling permanently in India, 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.

2. Age Limit:

??- For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the Indian Police Service (IPS), the candidate's age must be between 21 and 32 years as of August 1 of the examination year. There are certain age relaxations for candidates from reserved categories.

??- For other services, the age limits vary, but generally fall within the range of 21 to 32 years with applicable relaxations.

3. Educational Qualification:

??- The candidate must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution.

??- Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply, provided they can present the required proof of passing the examination at the time of the personality test.

Examination Process:

The UPSC examination consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type):

??- It is the first stage of the UPSC exam and consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT).

??- The General Studies Paper-I covers subjects such as history, geography, polity, economics, science, etc., while General Studies Paper-II focuses on comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical ability.

??- The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not considered for the final selection but are used to shortlist candidates for the next stage.

2. Main Examination (Descriptive Type):

??- Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the Main Examination.

??- The Main Examination consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature (one regional language paper and English paper).

??- The other seven papers include subjects like essay writing, general studies, and optional subjects chosen by the candidates.

??- The marks obtained in the Main Examination, along with the marks of the Personality Test, are considered for the final selection.

3. Personality Test (Interview):

??- Candidates who clear the Main Examination are called for the Personality Test (Interview).

??- The interview is conducted to assess the candidate's overall personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in civil services.

Approach for Candidates:

1. Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance to have sufficient time to cover the vast syllabus and revise adequately.

2. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus of all the subjects to plan your preparation accordingly.

3. Create a Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all the subjects and allocate sufficient time for each topic. Include regular revisions and mock tests in your plan.

4. Read Newspapers and Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and reliable online sources. This will help you in both the Preliminary and Main Examinations.

5. Refer to Standard Books and Study Material: Choose the right books and study materials recommended by experts and seniors. Focus on building conceptual clarity and understanding of the subjects.

6. Practice Answer Writing: Enhance your writing skills by practicing answer writing for the Main Examination. Pay attention to structuring your answers, presenting arguments logically, and expressing your thoughts concisely.

7. Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests and previous year question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, improve time management skills, and identify areas that need improvement.

8. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset throughout your preparation journey. Ups and downs are common, but perseverance and self-belief are key.

9. Physical and Mental Well-being: Take care of your health by following a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, and engaging in regular exercise or physical activities. Also, practice relaxation techniques to manage stress effectively.

https://www.upsc.gov.in/

10. Stay Updated with UPSC Notifications: Keep a check on the official UPSC website and notifications for any updates regarding the exam dates, changes in the syllabus, or other important information.

Remember, the UPSC exam demands consistent effort, dedication, and a holistic approach. Stay focused, maintain discipline, and have a well-rounded preparation strategy to increase your chances of success. Good luck!