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By clearing the UPSC exam, candidates secure these prestigious roles, where they directly contribute to the nation’s development and well-being.
| Subjects | Indian History, Geography, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Polity, Current Affairs. |
| Example Question | “Which of the following is the largest river basin in India?” |
| Strategy | Focus on current affairs, static topics like Indian History and Geography, and understand key events that shaped the nation’s political landscape. |
| Subjects | Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Analytical Ability, Decision Making, General Mental Ability. |
| Example Question | “If A is twice as old as B, and B is 5 years younger than C, what is C’s age?” |
| Strategy | Regular practice of data interpretation, logical reasoning puzzles, and mental ability exercises can improve speed and accuracy. |
| History | Ancient, Medieval, Modern India. |
| Polity | Constitution, Governance, Federalism, etc. |
| Geography | Physical and Human Geography. |
| Economy | Indian Economy, Economic Planning, Economic Reforms. |
| Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity, Climate Change, Environmental Policies. |
| Science & Technology | Developments in IT, Space, Nuclear Energy. |
Choose one subject from a list of 27 options, such as Geography, Anthropology, Public Administration, Political Science, Geology, Sociology, etc.
Example: In Geography, a question might ask you to analyse the effects of global warming on Himalayan ecosystems.
Objective: This tests your ability to express complex ideas clearly and logically in writing.
Example: Topics like “Globalization and its impact on Indian society” or “Sustainable development in the 21st century” require you to write 1000 words on each topic.
| Paper A | Paper B |
| Indian Language (your choice). | English. |
These test your proficiency in your chosen language and English.
What to Expect: The interview panel is composed of senior bureaucrats and experts. They ask questions on ethics, current affairs, and your background.
Example: “What would you do if you were tasked with tackling corruption in the education sector?”
Tip: Be honest, stay calm, and be prepared to back up your answers with examples and data. Your understanding of public administration, governance, and moral decision-making is assessed.
Comprehensive Resources: Prashikshan IAS provides a complete study package that includes NCERT books, optional subject materials, current affairs compilations, and monthly bulletins to keep you up-todate.
Example: If you are preparing for Geography, you’ll have access to study material that is not only aligned with the syllabus but also enriched with updated case studies, charts, and maps for better clarity.
| One-on-One Guidance |
| Prashikshan IAS offers personalized mentorship to students. This ensures that your doubts are cleared on the spot, and you receive individualized attention for your weaknesses. |
Example: If you’re struggling with Indian Polity, your mentor will explain complex concepts like fundamental rights in simple, easy-to-understand terms, followed by real-life examples of their application.
| Daily News Analysis |
| Prashikshan IAS provides daily news analysis that breaks down important news and events, helping you connect them with the UPSC syllabus. |
| Monthly Compilations |
| In addition to daily updates, they offer monthly current affairs compilations, which save time for aspirants and provide an organized study plan. |
Prashikshan IAS conducts special classes on ethics, focusing on moral decision-making and values. These classes help you tackle the ethics paper in Mains and prepare you for the interview stage.
Example: They provide case studies, such as handling corruption in the workplace, which helps students develop a practical and ethical mindset.
Example: After completing a mock test, you’ll receive a personalized feedback report that will guide you on areas to focus on, whether it’s time management, writing skills, or accuracy.
| Frequent Mock Exams |
| Prashikshan IAS conducts regular mock tests for both Prelims and Mains, followed by detailed feedback sessions that highlight areas of improvement. |
| Paper I | Paper II | Paper III | Paper IV |
| History and Geography of India and the World | Indian Polity, Economy, and Governance. | General Science and Technology, Environment, and Ecology | Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude |
Example: Paper II will include questions on “The role of the Governor in Indian federalism” or “The effects of demonetization on the Indian economy.”
| Optional Subject Papers |
| Candidates are required to choose an optional subject from a wide range of options, including subjects like Anthropology, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, and many others. The candidate will have to answer two papers on this subject. |
Example: A candidate choosing Geography as an optional subject will have to appear for questions on topics like “The impact of climate change on agriculture in Uttar Pradesh.”
| Hindi Language Paper |
| A paper on Hindi Language is mandatory, assessing the candidate’s proficiency in writing and reading the language. It is primarily focused on testing basic grammar, writing essays, and understanding literature. |
| Key Points for Mains: |
| • Subjective-type questions. • Covers General Studies, Optional Subjects, and a Hindi Language paper. • Focus on both national and state-specific issues. • Detailed essays and long answers. |
Example: The Hindi paper may require candidates to write essays on topics like “The impact of social media on youth” or translate passages from English to Hindi.
The final stage of the UP-PCS examination is the Personality Test (Interview). This stage is conducted for candidates who qualify the Mains Examination. The purpose of the interview is to assess the candidate’s personality, decision-making skills, communication ability, and overall suitability for a career in public administration.
| Assessment Criteria |
| The interview panel evaluates candidates on their general awareness, logical thinking, leadership potential, and suitability for administrative roles. Questions may cover diverse topics such as their academic background, career goals, and current affairs. The interview is intended to test a candidate’s mental acuity, presence of mind, and communication skills. |
Example: An interview question could be, “How would you handle a situation where there is a public outcry regarding a policy decision you made?”
| Weightage in Final Selection |
| The interview carries a significant weight in the final merit list. It contributes a certain percentage to the overall score, alongside the marks obtained in the Mains Examination. |
| Key Points for Interview: |
| • Focuses on personality, communication, and leadership. • Candidates are tested on their decision-making abilities and ethical perspectives. • Crucial in determining the final ranking of candidates. |
| UP-PCS Exam Final Selection |
| After the Personality Test, candidates are ranked based on their overall performance in the Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages. The final merit list is prepared, and the top-ranking candidates are selected for various administrative posts, such as SDM, DSP, and other state government positions. |
Example: A candidate who scores high in General Studies and the Interview may secure a top position in the final merit list, even if their optional subject marks are not as high.
The age limit for the UP-PCS exam is an essential criterion. Candidates must fall within a specified age range at the time of application.
| Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| 21 years. | 40 years for general category candidates. However, the age limit may vary depending on the candidate’s category and the number of attempts. |
| SC/ST/OBC Candidates | Disabled Candidates | Ex-Servicemen |
| Age relaxation is typically provided, usually up to 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates. | An additional 10 years of relaxation is provided. | Age relaxation is also provided based on military service. |
Candidates must have the following educational qualifications to be eligible for the UP-PCS exam:
| Bachelor’s Degree |
| The candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution |
Example: A candidate with a degree in Engineering, Arts, Science, or Commerce is eligible to apply, as long as the degree is awarded by a recognized university.
| Final-Year Students |
| Candidates who are in the final year of their degree can also apply, but they must have completed their degree before the Mains examination. |
Example: A final-year student in a Bachelor’s program can apply for the Prelims but must submit proof of graduation before sitting for the Mains exam.
To be eligible for the UP-PCS exam, candidates must fulfill the nationality requirement. The candidates must be:
| Indian Citizens |
| Indian nationals are eligible to apply for the exam. |
Example: A person born and raised in India is automatically considered eligible for the exam.
| Other Categories |
| Citizens of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibet and refugees may also apply under specific conditions set by UPPSC. |
Example: A candidate with a foreign background but legally settled in India, meeting all necessary conditions, can also apply for the exam.
Certain administrative posts, such as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), require candidates to meet specific physical fitness standards. These standards are designed to ensure that candidates are physically capable of performing the demanding tasks associated with these positions.
| Height and Chest Requirements | Eye Vision |
| Male candidates: Minimum height of 163 cm and chest size of 84 cm (expansion 5 cm). Female candidates: Minimum height of 150 cm. | Candidates must have normal vision (without glasses), though minor defects may be allowed for certain posts. |
Example: A candidate applying for the DSP post will have to undergo a physical test to ensure they meet the minimum height and chest requirements.
Candidates are allowed a limited number of attempts to appear for the UP-PCS exam.
| General Category | OBC Category | SC/ST Category |
| The maximum number of attempts is usually 4. | The maximum number of attempts is 7. | Candidates can appear as many times as they wish until the maximum age limit is reached. |
Example: A candidate who is 30 years old and belongs to the OBC category can appear for the exam 7 times.
| Key Points for Eligibility: |
| • Candidates must be Indian citizens. • A minimum age of 21 and maximum of 40 years (relaxations apply). • A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. • Certain posts require meeting physical fitness standards. |
Example: A 25-year-old candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Science and belonging to the SC category is eligible for the exam, as long as they meet the physical requirements for the desired post.
| Key Points for Interview: |
| • Focuses on personality, communication, and leadership. • Candidates are tested on their decision-making abilities and ethical perspectives. • Crucial in determining the final ranking of candidates. |
The UP-PCS exam consists of three main stages:
| 1.Preliminary Examination | 2. Main Examination | 3. Interview |
Each stage has its own set of requirements and components. Let’s break down each stage in detail.
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