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About UPSC Civil Services Exam

Mastering the UPSC Civil Services Exam: A Simplified Guide to Cracking the Pattern

How To Read This Article

Step 1

Read the page carefully to understand the structure and the process of the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Step 2

Prioritize the exam papers in each phase, focus on the papers which are there in each phase of the exam.

Step 3

Be ready to memorize key points from each phase, including important dates, events, and concepts.

Eligibility Criteria for uPSC civil services exam

The UPSC civil services exam has specific eligibility criteria that candidates must meet to be eligible to apply. These criteria include:

  1. Age Limit: The minimum age limit is 21 years, and the maximum age limit varies based on the category. For General candidates, it is 32 years, for OBC it is 35 years, and for SC/ST it is 37 years.
  2. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognized university to be eligible.
  3. Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens.
  4. Number of Attempts: The number of attempts allowed varies based on the category. General candidates can attempt up to 6 times, while OBC/PwBD candidates can attempt up to 9 times, and SC/ST candidates can attempt an unlimited number of times.

Exam Structure

The UPSC exam consists of three stages which are :

Prelims - MCQ

General Studies - Paper I ( 200 Marks )

Civil Service Aptitude Test ( CSAT ) - Paper II ( 200 Marks )

Mains - Written Exam

Qualifying Paper - Paper A ( 300 Marks )

Qualifying Paper - Paper B ( 300 Marks )

Paper I - Essay ( 250 Marks )

Paper II - General Studies - I ( 250 Marks )

Paper III - General Studies - II ( 250 Marks )

Paper IV - General Studies - III ( 250 Marks )

Paper V - General Studies - IV ( 250 Marks )

Paper VI - Optional Subject - Paper 1 ( 250 Marks )

Paper VII - Optional Subject - Paper 2 ( 250 Marks )

Interview

Personality Test ( 275 Marks )

UPSC Civil Services exam posts

The UPSC civil services exam posts are categorized into two categories: Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’. There are two more sub-categories in this which are called All India Services and Central Services. The services are as mentioned below:

Diagram illustrating the different categories of services under the UPSC Civil Services Exam: All India Services, Group A Services, and Group B Services.

All India Services :

  1. Indian Administrative Service ( IAS )
  2. Indian Police Service ( IPS )
  3. Indian Forest Service ( IFoS )

Group A Services :

  1. Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
  2. Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service
  3. Indian Audit and Accounts Service
  4. Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise)
  5. Indian Defence Accounts Service
  6. Indian Revenue Service (I.T.)
  7. Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Assistant Works Manager, Administration)
  8. Indian Postal Service
  9. Indian Civil Accounts Service
  10. Indian Railway Traffic Service
  11. Indian Railway Accounts Service
  12. Indian Railway Personnel Service
  13. Post of Assistant Security Commissioner in Railway Protection Force
  14. Indian Defence Estates Service
  15. Indian Information Service (Junior Grade)
  16. Indian Trade Service
  17. Indian Corporate Law Service
  18. Indian Revenue Service (CBEC)

Group B Services :

  1. Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (Section Officer’s Grade)
  2. Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service
  3. Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service
  4. Pondicherry Civil Service
  5. Pondicherry Police Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common queries. Click on the “Read More” if mentioned.

How many times upsc civil services exam is conducted in a year?

Ans: The UPSC exam is administered once a year, typically in June. The first phase of the exam which is the preliminary stage is conducted first followed by Mains and Interview

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The answer alone is enough to address the question.


How many attempts for UPSC civil services exam?

Ans: The number of attempts for UPSC civil services exam varies depending on the category which the candidate has opted for. For detailed answers click read more.

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Category 

Age Limit

Number of Attempts

General 

32

6

OBC

35

9

SC/ST

37

Unlimited 

PwBD

42

9 for General and OBC

Unlimited for SC/ST

EWS

32

6

The upper age limit for the UPSC civil services exam is calculated on August 1, 2024. This means that the candidate must be below the mentioned maximum age of 32 years (general category), 35 years (OBC), 37 years (SC/ST), 35 years (defence personnel), 37 years (ex-servicemen), or 42 years (blind, deaf-mute, and orthopedically handicapped persons) on August 1, 2024.

In special cases, OBC/SC/ST candidates may get additional age relaxation. For example, an OBC ex-serviceman will get an age relaxation of 3 + 5 = 8 years, so their upper age limit will be 40 years.

 

How to apply upsc civil services exam?

Ans: The Union Public Service Commission will release the IAS notification. The candidates will be required to apply online for the UPSC civil services exam because no other application format is available. 

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The candidates can see here the steps to register for IAS exam.

  • Visit the official website of UPSC- upsconline.nic.in
  • Click on the Exam Notifications tab.
  • Click on Apply Online link.
  • Click on the link available for Civil Services Part-I registration.
  • Read the application form instructions carefully and click on Yes.

Fill in all basic information in the UPSC registration form:

NameDate of birth
CategoryGender
Email IDContact number
Permanent addressMarital status
Parents' namesCommunity
Educational Qualification-

Once all the details are filled in, click on Continue. Check all details in the online form carefully and click on Submit.

How to clear UPSC civil services exam?

Ans: The very first step is the understand the exam. After that prepare for the exam from the right sources and materials. Reading is important but so is giving the mock exams. 

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  • Understand the Exam Pattern: Know the structure of the UPSC exam including Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages.

  • Create a Study Plan: Develop a detailed timetable covering all subjects and include time for revisions and mock tests.

  • Choose Study Materials Wisely: Use recommended books, NCERTs, and previous years’ papers.

  • Focus on Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers and current affairs magazines.

  • Practice Answer Writing: Develop writing skills for the Mains exam by practicing answers regularly.

  • Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions to assess your preparation and improve time management.

  • Revise Regularly: Schedule frequent revisions to reinforce your learning.

  • Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise, and get enough sleep to stay mentally and physically fit.

  • Stay Motivated: Keep a positive mindset and stay focused on your goal throughout the preparation.

  • Seek Guidance: Join coaching classes or study groups if needed for additional support and feedback.

How to clear UPSC in the first attempt?

Ans: Clearing the UPSC Exam in one go is tough, but many have done it. You can too with determination, focus, and a smart approach. The ones who have done it are …

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The list of toppers who have done it in the first go is the following :

Name
Rank
Year
Divya Tanwar
438
2022
Siddharth Singh
432
2022
Satyam Gandhi
10
2021
Adarsh Kant
149
2021
Mamta Yadav
556
2020
Ananya Singh
51
2019
Neha Banerjee
20
2019
Kanishak Kataria
1
2018
Shreyans Kumat
4
2018
Srushti Jayant Deshmukh
5
2018
Koya Sree Harsha
6
2017
Saumya Sharma
9
2017
Dr. Neha Jain
12
2017
Anmol Sher Singh Bedi
2
2016
Saumya Pandey
4
2016
Kothamasu Dinesh Kumar
6
2016
Tina Dabi
1
2015
Artika Shukla
4
2015

What Makes Them Different from Other Applicants

  • Clear career goals and a strong desire to serve the nation
  • Diligent and focused preparation
  • Effective study strategies and time management
  • Consistency and persistence in preparation
  • Adaptability to changing exam patterns
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Effective time management during the exam
  • Confidence and a positive attitude

Can Anyone Clear UPSC Exam in First Attempt?

  • Yes, with dedication, persistence, and discipline
  • Requires a combination of factors, including preparation, strategy, and aptitude
  • Right guidance is crucial for success

Remember

  • Don't lose hope if you don't clear the exam in the first attempt
  • Keep working towards your goal with a focused approach

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