Introduction To UPSC Exam
Many of us keep the desire of working in government bodies with respectful authority. Becoming a government officer is a way to fulfill this dream. Passing UPSC exams assist you to attain this dream. The Union Public Service Commission conducts various government officials’ exams in India that includes various public sectors like administration, foreign service, Indian Police service. The candidates who conquer the mission of the UPSC exam are qualified as Class-1 officer in the Indian government.
General Exam Pattern Of UPSC
UPSC exams are conducted to test the academic skills and presentation skills of the candidates. The conducting body has designed the exam pattern such that it will help to understand the intellectual level of the candidates.
The UPSC exam is divided into the following phases:
- Preliminary
- Mains
- Interview
1. Preliminary Exam
- It carries 400 marks and is called the CSAT exam.
- Structure of the exam is MCQ.
- Each paper has 2 hours’ time limit and the weightage is 200 marks for each paper.
- First paper carries 100 questions whereas the second carries 80 number of questions.
- Candidates should carefully mark the answer as there is a negative marking of one-third for prelims.
- Question papers are produced in both Hindi and English language. But questions that are related to English language comprehension are in English only.
- Visually disabled candidates are allowed 20 minutes grace period for each paper.
2. Main Exam
The marks acquired in prelims decide the applicability for the main exam. The candidates who qualify the main are called for the interview.
- Total marks allotted for this stage is 2025.
- The main exam contains written exams followed by the interview. It consists of a total of 9 papers out of which 2 are of qualifying nature. Total marks acquired in 7 papers and in interviews are considered as the candidate’s score for final merit.
- Each paper is of 3 hours duration.
| Name of the Paper | Total Marks |
| Paper A- Mandatory Indian Language Paper | 300 |
| Paper B- English Language | 300 |
| Paper I- Essay | 250 |
| Paper II- General Studies (I) (Indian Culture, history, the geography of world and society | 250 |
| Paper III- General Studies (II) (Constitution, Social Justice, International relations, Governance) | 250 |
| Paper IV- General Studies (III) (Technology, Security and disaster management, Economic Development, Agriculture, Biodiversity) | 250 |
| Paper V- General Studies (IV) (Integrity, Ethics, and aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper VI- Optional Subject I | 250 |
| Paper VII- Optional subject II | 250 |
| Total Marks | 1750 |
| Interview Test | 275 |
| Grand Total | 2025 |
Optional subjects can be of any of these:
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce and Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geography, Geology, Zoology, Medical Science, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Philosophy, Psychology, Physics, Political Science and International Relations, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics.
How To Start UPSC Exam Preparation?
UPSC exam preparation takes a lot of hard work. A dedication, focus, strategic management of studies can yield success.
Here are some handy tips for UPSC exam preparation:
- Prepare yourself mentally and physically.
- Proper scheduling will help you to focus.
- Know the syllabus and exam structure.
- Update yourself with current affairs.
- Select your optional subjects wisely.
- Make a habit of making notes.
- Writing practice.
- NCERT notes.
- Solve exam papers of the last few years and also practice the MCQs.
- Revise yourself periodically.
- Prepare yourself for UPSC interview.
- Be motivated and positive.
How To Apply For The UPSC Exam?
UPSC exam application process is online.
Follow the steps given below:
- Go to the official website of UPSC- upsc.gov.in and click ‘apply online’.
- Click the link ‘Online application for various examinations’, Click ‘Part-I Registration’.
- Generate registration number.
- Fill in the registration details.
- Part-II Registration – upload required documents like photographs and signature.
- Pay the specified application fee either online or offline.
- Submit the form.
Age Limit For UPSC Exam
- The candidates applying for the exam must be the age of 21 and must not exceed 30 on 1st January of the exam year.
- The upper limit can be extendable up to 35 for government servants if they fall in certain criteria.
Educational Qualification For UPSC
- A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is that basic educational criteria for the UPSC exam.
- Candidates who have written the final year exams of the bachelor’s degree and awaiting the result can apply for the prelims.
- For mains, they have to produce proof of passing the qualifying exam.
Conclusion
Cracking UPSC exams is not an easy-going task. It requires dedication, hard work along with the passion to chase the dreams.
Recommended Articles
This is a guide to UPSC Exam. Here we discuss the introduction, general exam pattern, how to start, apply and educational qualification for UPSC exam. You can also go through our other suggested articles to learn more –
Are you preparing for the entrance exam ?
Join our Exam Preparations test series to get more practice in your preparation
View More