UPSC – Civil Service Examination

About UPSC – Civil Service Examination

Civil service, which is the backbone of Indian governance constitutes all ministries and their departments. The Civil service and Forest service exams are conducted by the UPSC. The prestige, power, charm and responsibility that come along with the top jobs such as the IAS, IFS, IPS, etc., are a definite reason for anyone to choose Civil service and Forest service as a career option.

Eligibility

• Must have attained the age of 21 on 1st August of year of examination.
• Must not have attained 32 years (35/37 years) on 1st August of year of examination.

Education

Any Degree (Recognized by UGC/AICTE).

Age Criteria

Eligibility for Forest Service Examination

• Must have attained the age of 21 before 1st on of year of examination.
• Must not have attained 32 years (35/37 years) on 1st August of year of examination.

Education

Bachelor's Degree with at least one of the subjects namely Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Zoology, Geology, Mathematics and Statistics (or) Bachelor Degree in Agriculture, Forestry (or) Engineering (Recognized by UGC/AICTE).

Stages of the Examination

Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Screening Test

• Purpose: To shortlist candidates for Mains.
• Purpose: To shortlist candidates for Mains.
• Papers:
• Paper I – General Studies (GS) History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science, Current Affairs
• Paper II – CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test):

Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Basic Maths

• Marks:
• GS Paper I – 200 marks (Qualifying for merit)
• CSAT – 200 marks (Qualifying with 33% minimum)
• Nature: Qualifying for Mains, marks not counted in final rank.

Main Examination (Mains) – Written Test

• Purpose: To test deep knowledge, analytical ability & expression.
• Type: Descriptive (written answers).
• Papers (Total 9):

1. 1. Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying – 300 marks)
2. 2. Paper B: English (Qualifying – 300 marks)
3. 3. Paper I: Essay
4. 4. Paper II: General Studies I – Indian Heritage, History, Geography
5. 5. Paper III: General Studies II – Governance, Constitution, Polity, International Relations
6. 6. Paper IV: General Studies III – Economy, Technology, Environment, Disaster Management
7. 7. Paper V: General Studies IV – Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude
8. 8. Paper VI & VII: Optional Subject – Paper I & II (Candidate’s choice)

Personality Test (Interview)

• Purpose: To assess personality, decision-making, balance, and awareness.
• Conducted by: UPSC Board.
• Marks: 275
• Total Marks (Mains + Interview): 2025