About UPSC CSE Exam
UPSC Civil Services Examination Overview:
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most challenging and prestigious competitive exams in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the CSE is the gateway for recruitment into various civil services and administrative positions within the government. Here’s an overview of the examination:
1.) Conducting Authority: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the central agency responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in India. Established in 1926, UPSC is mandated to recruit personnel for various government services and posts.
2.) Purpose: The primary purpose of the Civil Services Examination is to identify and select candidates for recruitment to various civil services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other central services.
3.) Examination Stages: The UPSC CSE is a three-stage process:
- Preliminary Examination: Objective-type questions to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
- Main Examination: Descriptive papers to assess a candidate’s in-depth knowledge and analytical skills.
- Interview (Personality Test): The final stage involves an interview to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for administrative roles.
4.) Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Indian citizen or as per conditions laid out in the official notification.
- Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
5.) Syllabus: The syllabus is comprehensive and covers a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Ethics, and Optional Subjects. The exam aims to assess the candidates’ understanding of diverse topics and their ability to analyze and interpret information.
- Preliminary Examination:
- General Studies Paper I: Includes subjects like History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs.
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT): Tests analytical and logical reasoning, comprehension, and basic numeracy.
- Main Examination:
- Paper A (Indian Language): Qualifying in nature and requires candidates to choose one of the listed Indian languages.
- Paper B (English): Qualifying in nature and assesses candidates’ proficiency in English.
- Essay Paper: Candidates have to write two essays.
- General Studies Papers I to IV: Cover a wide range of subjects including Indian Heritage and Culture, Governance, International Relations, Ethics, and Social Justice.
- Optional Paper I and II: Candidates choose an optional subject from a list provided by UPSC.
- Interview (Personality Test):
- The interview assesses a candidate’s suitability for public service, leadership qualities, and effective communication skills.
6.) Exam Frequency: The UPSC CSE is conducted annually, usually in three stages – Preliminary Examination in June, Main Examination in September, and Interviews in March-April of the following year.
7.) Exam Difficulty: The UPSC CSE is known for its high level of difficulty, requiring candidates to possess not only a deep knowledge of various subjects but also critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
8.) Selection Process: The selection process is merit-based, and candidates are selected based on their performance in all three stages of the examination. The final merit list determines the allocation of services to successful candidates.
9.) Preparation and Guidance: Many aspirants choose to enroll in coaching institutes, while others opt for self-study, and online resources to prepare for the exam. The vast syllabus requires consistent effort, and candidates often undertake mock tests and solve previous years’ question papers as part of their preparation.
10.) Significance: Clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination is considered a prestigious achievement, and those selected are entrusted with crucial responsibilities in the governance of the country. The examination reflects the commitment to public service and the ability to contribute effectively to the nation’s development.
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a journey that demands dedication, perseverance, and a holistic understanding of the socio-economic and political landscape and commitment to serving the nation through the civil services. It remains a coveted path for those aspiring to make a positive impact on society.
This is all About UPSC CSE Exam, if you have any query or you want to get more information About UPSC CSE Exam or want to know the Syllabus or download the Previous Year Papers, then please visit the official website https://upsc.gov.in.
Some Important Links | |
Official Website | UPSC Official Website |

FAQ – About UPSC CSE Exam |
Q. What is the official Website to know About UPSC CSE Exam in detail? Ans. The official website to know About UPSC CSE Exam in detail is https://upsc.gov.in. Q. Which Department has released the UPSC CSE Examination Form? Ans. The UPSC CSE Examination Form has been released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), a department responsible for conducting various recruitment processes. Q. How to apply for Examinations conducted by the UPSC? Ans. Candidates can apply online for the UPSC Examinations by accessing the online portal hosted on the UPSC’s website https://upsconline.nic.in. Q. What is the structure of the Civil Services Examination? Ans. The Civil Services Examination (CSE) comprises of two successive stages: the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (CSP) and the Civil Services (Main) Examination (Written and Interview). Q. What are the number of attempts available (category-wise) to the candidates of the Civil Services Examination? Ans. Number of attempts available (category-wise): General / EWS: 06 SC / ST: Unlimited OBC: 09 PwBD: 09 for General/EWS/OBC & Unlimited for SC/ST Q. How an ‘attempt’ is counted in the Civil Services Examination? Ans. An attempt at the Preliminary Examination is considered an attempt at the Civil Services Examination: (I) If a candidate actually appears in any one paper in the Preliminary Examination. (II) Notwithstanding the disqualification/cancellation of candidature, the fact of appearance of the candidate at the examination is counted as an attempt. Q. How would an aspirant know the number of attempts already availed by him/her in the Civil Services Examination? Ans. It is the primary responsibility of the candidate to keep a record/track of number of attempts availed by him/her. Q. What is the procedure followed by the Commission in verifying that the candidate has not exceeded the attempts allowed in respective category in the Civil Services Examination? Ans. The number of attempts availed by a candidate in Civil Services Examination is checked/verified from the available data/records with the Commission at appropriate stage of this Examination. Q. What action the Commission takes against a candidate who has exceeded the permissible number of attempts by concealing or furnishing incorrect information in the application form? Ans. In the relevant provisions under Disqualification, Debarment, Disciplinary Action, Criminal Prosecution of the extant Civil Services Examination Rules, it has been provided that “A candidate who is or has been declared by the Commission to be guilty of – (f) making statements which are incorrect or false or suppressing material information; in addition to being liable to criminal prosecution, shall be disqualified by the Commission from the Examination held under these Rules; and/or shall be liable to be debarred either permanently or for a specified period by the Commission, from any examination or selection..” Therefore, in accordance with this Rule, in all such cases of misleading information on number of attempts availed by the candidates, the Commission cancels the candidature of the said erring candidates for that particular Civil Services Examination and also debars them for 10 years in respect of all future Examinations/Selections of the Commission. Q. How could any aspirant or anyone get more information About UPSC CSE Exam? Ans. Any aspirant or anyone could get more information About UPSC CSE Exam from FAQs given on the official website of UPSC or from the link given here https://upsc.gov.in/faqs. Note:- For any other information or query About UPSC CSE Exam, Please visit the Official Website https://upsc.gov.in. |
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