The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central agency responsible for conducting civil services exams. Established under the Constitution, it recruits candidates for various civil services, including IAS, IPS, and IFS. The rigorous exam process involves three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview, testing candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and personality. UPSC ensures a transparent and merit-based selection, playing a crucial role in shaping India’s administrative framework. The commission’s objective is to ensure efficient public administration by selecting competent and dedicated individuals for civil services.

UPSC Full Form 

The full form of UPSC is the Union Public Service Commission. It is India’s premier central recruiting agency, responsible for conducting examinations and appointments to various civil services of the government. Established in 1926, the UPSC plays a pivotal role in selecting candidates for top bureaucratic positions, ensuring a merit-based and transparent selection process.

Aspiring candidates across the nation prepare rigorously to clear the prestigious UPSC exams, aiming to secure positions that contribute significantly to the governance and administration of the country. 

Functions of UPSC 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a central agency in India responsible for conducting examinations and appointments for various civil services and posts. Established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, the UPSC plays a crucial role in ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process for the nation’s civil services. Here are the primary functions of the UPSC:

  • Conducting examinations for appointments to the services of the Union.
  • Direct recruitment by selection through interviews.
  • Advising on the suitability of officers for appointment on promotion.
  • Advising the government on all matters relating to methods of recruitment to various services and posts.
  • Disciplinary cases relating to different civil services.
  • Handling matters related to the grant of pensions and awards to officers.
  • Advising the government on any matter referred to the Commission by the President of India.

UPSC Civil Services Exam Overview

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is a highly competitive examination in India, primarily aimed at recruiting candidates for various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). The exam is conducted annually and comprises three stages:

  • Preliminary Examination: This stage consists of two objective-type papers—General Studies and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). It serves as a screening test for the main examination.
  • Main Examination: This stage includes nine descriptive papers, covering a wide range of subjects. Candidates must qualify in each paper to advance. The subjects include essay writing, general studies, and optional subjects chosen by the candidates.
  • Interview/Personality Test: Candidates who clear the main examination are called for an interview. This stage assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for a career in civil services.

UPSC Job Profiles & Salary 2024

UPSC Job Profiles and Salary encompasses a variety of prestigious roles within the Indian civil services, each offering distinct responsibilities and compensation. Job profiles of UPSC Civil Servant include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central services. These positions are highly sought after due to their influence, authority, and the opportunity to contribute significantly to the nation’s governance.

IAS Officer Job Profile

IAS officers play a pivotal role in the administration of the country. They are involved in policy formulation, implementation, and public administration at various levels. Their duties include supervising government activities, managing resources, and ensuring law and order. They may serve in various capacities, such as District Collector, Secretary of a government department, or head of a public sector unit.

IAS Officer Salary

The IAS officer’s salary per month is structured according to the 7th Pay Commission. An entry-level IAS officer starts at the pay scale of Rs. 56,100 per month, excluding allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Travel Allowance (TA). With experience and promotions, the salary increases significantly.

  • The gross monthly salary of an IAS officer can go up to Rs. 1,50,000, depending on the allowances.
  • The monthly basic salary of a deputy secretary will be Rs. 67,700 after working for 4 years as an undersecretary.
  • The basic monthly salary of an IAS officer who has spent 37+ years in service and is now the Cabinet Secretary of India is approximately Rs. 2,50,000.

UPSC 2024 Notification

Latest Update: The UPSC Prelims 2024 admit card was announced on June 7, 2024, for the test, which will be held on June 16, 2024.   

  • The UPSC exam 2024 notice was released on February 14, 2024. The application procedure began on the same day the announcement was released and continued till March 5, 2024.  
  • The announcement lists a total of 1056 openings.  
  • The official UPSC calendar 2024 was declared on May 10, 2023.     
  • According to the notice, the UPSC Prelims were slated to take place on May 26, 2024. However, the exam date has been pushed out, and the preliminary exam will now take place on June 16, 2024.  
  • The Mains exam will begin on September 20th, 2024, and will last five days.  
EventsImportant Dates
Date of Notification14th February 2024
Online Application Window14th February – 05th March 2024 (till 6:00 PM)
Date of Commencement of Prelims16th June 2024
Duration of Prelims Exam One Day 
Result Date of Prelims Exam01 st July 2024
Date of Commencement of Mains Exam20th September 2024
Duration of Mains Exam Five Days

UPSC Recruitment 2024

Every year, multiple UPSC recruitments take place for various streams. When it comes to recruiting for various public service positions, you should consider the following points: 

  • The UPSC examination consists of three stages: preliminary, main, and interview.  
  • The UPSC CSE is a typical recruitment method used to fill yearly UPSC vacant listings for various officer positions such as IPS, IFS, and IRS officers. 
  • The yearly UPSC recruitment procedure lasts between 9 months and a year. 
  • Many students apply for the UPSC CSE exam each year, however, only a few numbers are selected to fill the different UPSC empty jobs. 

UPSC 2024 Vacancy

The details for the UPSC IAS Exam Vacancy 2024 are announced along with the release of the notification. 

The UPSC declared a total of 1056 jobs, including 40 vacancies earmarked for Persons with Benchmark Disability Category, out of which the following : 

  • There are 9 vacancies reserved for candidates with locomotor disabilities, including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy. 
  • There are also 13 vacancies for candidates with multiple disabilities.
  • 6 for candidates with low vision and blindness, 
  • 12 for candidates with deafness and low hearing.  

UPSC Eligibility Criteria 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) sets specific eligibility criteria for candidates aspiring to appear for the Civil Services Examination (CSE). These criteria ensure that only qualified candidates enter the examination process. The primary aspects of the eligibility criteria include nationality, educational qualifications, and age limits.

Nationality

  • Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS): Candidates must be citizens of India.
  • Other Services: Candidates must be either:
    • A citizen of India,
    • A subject of Nepal or Bhutan,
    • A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently in India, or
    • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, or Vietnam intends to settle permanently in India.

Educational Qualifications

  • Candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university or possess an equivalent qualification.
  • Final-year students awaiting results are also eligible to apply, provided they can produce proof of passing the examination along with the application for the Main Examination.

UPSC Age Limit & Number of Attempts

CategoryAge Limit (Years)No. of Attempts 
General21 – 326
Other Backward Cast (OBC)21 – 359
Scheduled Cast (SC)21 – 37Unlimited until age limit
Scheduled Tribes (ST)21 – 37Unlimited until age limit
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)21 – 429 (General and OBC), Unlimited (SC/ST)
Defence Services Personnel21 – 35As per category-specific relaxation
Ex-servicemen (including Commissioned Officers and ECOs/SSCOs)21 – 37As per category-specific relaxation

UPSC Exam Pattern

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a highly competitive exam that consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview/Personality Test. Each stage assesses the candidates’ knowledge, aptitude, and suitability for a career in civil services. Here are the details of the UPSC exam pattern:

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern

The UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern includes two objective-type papers designed to test a candidate’s general awareness and aptitude.

General Studies Paper I:

  • Total Marks: 200
  • Number of Questions: 100
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Syllabus: Current events of national and international importance, History of India, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology, and General Science.

General Studies Paper II (CSAT):

  • Total Marks: 200
  • Number of Questions: 80
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Syllabus: Comprehension, Interpersonal skills, Logical reasoning and analytical ability, Decision-making and problem-solving, General mental ability, Basic numeracy, and Data interpretation.
  • Note: This paper is qualifying in nature; candidates must score at least 33%.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern

The UPSC Mains Exam Pattern is descriptive and consists of nine papers, including qualifying and merit-ranking papers.

Qualifying Papers:

  • Paper A: Indian Language (300 marks)
  • Paper B: English (300 marks)
  • Note: Candidates must secure at least 25% in each paper to qualify.

Papers Counted for Merit:

  • Essay (Paper I): 250 marks
  • General Studies I (Paper II): 250 marks (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)
  • General Studies II (Paper III): 250 marks (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations)
  • General Studies III (Paper IV): 250 marks (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)
  • General Studies IV (Paper V): 250 marks (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)
  • Optional Subject Paper I (Paper VI): 250 marks
  • Optional Subject Paper II (Paper VII): 250 marks
  • Total Marks for Mains: 1750

UPSC Interview Exam Pattern

The final stage, the UPSC Interview Exam Pattern, is a personality test aimed at assessing the candidate’s suitability for a career in civil services.

Interview/Personality Test:

  • Total Marks: 275
  • The interview panel evaluates the candidate’s mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety, and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.

UPSC Apply Online 2024

The UPSC Mains DAF -I procedure will be available on the official website from July 3rd to July 12th, 2024 (6:00 PM). The UPSC online application process for 2024 start on the same day as the notice was released. It began on February 14, 2024, and continued until March 5, 2024. The rectification window for making modifications to the UPSC application form opened on March 6, 2024, and will stay open until March 12, 2024.  

UPSC Syllabus

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a rigorous process that requires a comprehensive understanding of a vast syllabus. The exam is divided into three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test (Interview). Below are the details of the UPSC Mains Syllabus and UPSC Prelims Exam Syllabus:

UPSC Prelims Exam Syllabus

The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). Both papers are objective and serve as a screening test for the Main Examination.

General Studies Paper-I

  • Current Events: National and international importance.
  • History of India and Indian National Movement: Significant events, dates, and personalities.
  • Indian and World Geography: Physical, social, and economic geography of India and the world.
  • Indian Polity and Governance: Constitution, political system, Panchayati Raj, public policy, and rights issues.
  • Economic and Social Development: Sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, and social sector initiatives.
  • Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change: General issues on environmental ecology and climate change that do not require subject specialization.
  • General Science: Basic concepts and applications of science in daily life.

General Studies Paper-II (CSAT)

  • Comprehension: Reading and understanding passages.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Communication skills and logical reasoning.
  • Analytical Ability: Problem-solving skills.
  • Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Basic principles and application.
  • General Mental Ability: Basic numerical skills.
  • Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation: Numbers, charts, and graphs (Class X level).
  • English Language Comprehension Skills: Class X level comprehension skills.

UPSC Mains Syllabus

The Main Examination consists of nine papers, of which two are qualifying and seven are counted for ranking. The papers include essay writing, general studies, and optional subjects.

Qualifying Papers

  • Paper-A: Indian Language (selected by the candidate from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution).
  • Paper-B: English.

Papers Counted for Merit

  • Paper-I: Essay.
  • Paper II: General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society).
    • Indian culture and heritage.
    • Modern Indian history.
    • World history.
    • Indian society and its diversity.
    • Geography of India and the world.
  • Paper-III: General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations).
    • Indian Constitution and its features.
    • Functions and responsibilities of the Union and States.
    • Important aspects of governance and accountability.
    • Role of civil services in democracy.
    • International relations and significant global events.
  • Paper-IV: General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management).
    • Indian economy and planning.
    • Science and technology developments.
    • Environmental conservation and biodiversity.
    • Internal security challenges.
    • Disaster management strategies.
  • Paper-V: General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude).
    • Ethics and human interface.
    • Attitude, emotional intelligence, and contributions of moral thinkers.
    • Public/Civil Service values and ethics in public administration.
    • Probity in governance and ethical issues in international relations.
  • Papers-VI and VII: Optional Subject Papers I & II.
    • Candidates choose one optional subject from a list of 26 subjects, which includes literature of languages, anthropology, geography, history, political science, public administration, and more.

How To Prepare for UPSC?

Preparing for the UPSC examination requires a well-structured approach, dedication, and consistent effort. Here are some key strategies and tips to help you succeed in your UPSC preparation and IAS preparation:

  • Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus for both the Preliminary and Main examinations. This will help you plan your studies effectively.
  • Create a Study Plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers all subjects and allows ample time for revision. Allocate specific time slots for each topic and stick to your schedule.
  • Read NCERT Books: Start with NCERT books for a strong foundation in subjects like History, Geography, Economics, and Polity. These books provide clear and concise information essential for UPSC preparation.
  • Refer to Standard Textbooks: Use standard reference books for in-depth knowledge of various subjects. Some recommended books include Laxmikant for Polity, Spectrum for Modern History, and GC Leong for Geography.
  • Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express and follow reliable news websites to stay informed about national and international events. Make notes of important news and editorials.
  • Practice Previous Year Papers: Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked questions. This practice will also help in time management.
  • Take Mock Tests: Enroll in a good test series to practice mock tests regularly. This will help you assess your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement.
  • Focus on Writing Skills: For IAS preparation, improving your answer-writing skills is crucial. Practice writing essays and answers to descriptive questions, focusing on clarity, coherence, and presentation.
  • Revise Regularly: Consistent revision is key to retaining information. Make short notes for quick revision and revise them frequently to ensure you remember important facts and concepts.

Books for UPSC

Books play a crucial role in UPSC preparation, providing comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and aiding in conceptual clarity. They offer structured content, detailed explanations, and diverse perspectives on various subjects. Standard textbooks, such as those by renowned authors and NCERT books, are invaluable for building a strong foundation in History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Environment, and Science. Students must read daily current affairs and editorials for being updated about what’s going on in the world.

Books for UPSC Prelims 

GS Paper 1

  • History
    • “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra
    • “A Brief History of Modern India” by Spectrum
    • NCERT History Books (Class 6 to 12)
  • Geography
    • “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by G.C. Leong
    • NCERT Geography Books (Class 6 to 12)
    • “Oxford School Atlas” by Oxford
  • Polity
    • “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth
    • “Introduction to the Constitution of India” by D.D. Basu
  • Economics
    • “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh
    • “Economic Survey” (Latest Edition)
    • “India Year Book” (Latest Edition)
  • Environment and Ecology
    • “Environment by Shankar IAS Academy”
    • NCERT Biology (Relevant Chapters)
  • Science and Technology
  • Current Affairs
    • The Hindu or Indian Express Newspaper
    • Monthly Current Affairs Magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and any good monthly compilation from coaching institutes.

GS Paper-II (CSAT)

  • Comprehension: “General Studies Paper II” by MHE (McGraw Hill Education)
  • Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal
  • Decision Making and Problem Solving: Practice case studies from previous year’s question papers
  • Basic Numeracy and Data Interpretation:“Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal. “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma

Books for UPSC Mains 

General Studies Paper 1:

  • History: “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra
  • Geography: “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by G.C. Leong
  • Society: “Indian Society” by Ram Ahuja

General Studies Paper 2:

  • Polity: “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth
  • Governance: “Governance in India” by M. Laxmikanth
  • International Relations: “India’s Foreign Policy” by Rajiv Sikri

General Studies Paper 3:

  • Economics: “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh
  • Environment: “Environment” by Shankar IAS
  • Science and Technology: “Science and Technology” by Ravi P. Agrahari

General Studies Paper 4:

  • Ethics: “Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude” by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chowdhury
  • Case Studies: “Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude” by Niraj Kumar

Essay:

“151 Essays” by S.C. Gupta

Optional Subjects:

  • Public Administration: “Public Administration” by M. Laxmikanth
  • Administrative Thinkers: “Administrative Thinkers” by Prasad and Prasad.

UPSC Admit Card

Update: The admit card for UPSC Prelims 2024 was announced on June 7, 2024, for the exam that would be held on June 16, 2024. Initially, the preliminary exam was scheduled for May 26th, 2024. 

The Mains exam will begin on September 20th, 2024, and the admit card will most likely be announced three to four weeks before the exam.  The UPSC admit card is one of the most critical pieces of documentation you must have on the day of the exam.   

However, the UPSC admit cards for the Prelims and Mains are released separately, nearly a month before each round.  

UPSC Previous Year Question Paper

UPSC Question PaperDownload PDF 
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024GS Paper- IDownload PDF
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2024GS Paper- II (CSAT)Download PDF
Civil Services (Mains) Examination, 2023GS Paper-I Download PDF
Civil Services (Mains) Examination, 2023GS Paper-IIDownload PDF
Civil Services (Mains) Examination, 2023GS Paper-IIIDownload PDF
Civil Services (Mains) Examination, 2023GS Paper-IVDownload PDF
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2023GS Paper- IDownload PDF
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2023GS Paper- IIDownload PDF
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2022GS Paper- IDownload PDF
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2022GS Paper- IIDownload PDF

UPSC Cut Off 

UPSC Cutoff is one of the most sought-after topics. This is an important aspect of your quest to understand the CSE better.

Note: The UPSC 2023 Cutoff will be declared at the end of the examination process, I.e., after the release of the UPSC CSE 2023 Final Result. The UPSC Cut offs for the UPSC Prelims & Mains, and the Final combined Cut offs of the Mains and Interview rounds are usually released only after the announcement of the Final Results of the UPSC recruitment for that particular year.  

CategoryUPSC 2024 Prelims Cut-Off
General85-90
EWS80-84
OBC85-89
SC72-76
ST67-71
PwBD-147-51
PwBD-255-60
PwBD-338-42
PwBD-539-43

UPSC Result

The UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 exam results were posted on July 1, 2024, on the official website. The official final result for UPSC CSE 2023 was declared on the UPSC website on April 16, 2023.

The UPSC CSE 2023 Mains examination results, which were successfully conducted from December 15th to 24th, 2023, were released on December 12th, 2023. The UPSC CSE 2023 Prelims examination results, which were held on May 28, 2023, were released on June 12, 2023.