What is UPSC? All About UPSC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is an independent constitutional body in India that is responsible for recruiting candidates for various positions in the government, including the prestigious civil services. It was established in 1926 and is headquartered in New Delhi.

The full form of UPSC is Union Public Service Commission. It is considered one of the toughest exams in India, and every year, thousands of candidates appear for it to fulfill their dream of becoming civil servants.

UPSC conducts various exams, including the Civil Services Examination, Indian Forest Service Examination, Engineering Services Examination, National Defence Academy Examination, Combined Defence Services Examination, and many more. The Civil Services Examination is the most popular exam conducted by UPSC, and it is known for its rigorous selection process and high competition.

Candidates must meet certain age, educational, and nationality requirements to be eligible for the UPSC exams. The exams have multiple stages, including preliminary, main, and personality tests. The exam syllabus includes topics related to general studies, current affairs, and specific subjects related to the particular exam.

UPSC is responsible for maintaining the highest standards in the selection process for civil services and other government positions. Its role is crucial in ensuring that the best and brightest candidates are selected for these positions, who can work towards the development and progress of the nation.

History

The history of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) dates back to the British era in India. The Public Service Commission was established in 1926 under the Government of India Act 1919. Its mandate was to conduct exams for recruiting candidates for the Indian Civil Service (ICS), which was the premier administrative service of that time.

After India gained independence in 1947, the functions of the Public Service Commission were expanded to include recruiting candidates to other administrative services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS). The commission was renamed as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 1950.

Over the years, the UPSC has been crucial in selecting candidates for various government positions. Its role has become even more important recently, as the government has been focusing on improving governance and ensuring transparency in the selection process.

Today, the UPSC is a highly respected constitutional body responsible for recruiting candidates to various government positions based on merit and through a rigorous selection process. It has contributed significantly to the development and progress of India by selecting the best candidates who can serve the nation with integrity and commitment.

Syllabus

The syllabus for UPSC exams is vast and covers a wide range of topics. The UPSC syllabus is divided into three stages:

Preliminary Exam: This is the first stage of the UPSC exam and consists of two papers - General Studies Paper I and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Paper II.

General Studies Paper I covers the following topics:

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and the Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography
• Indian Polity and Governance
• Economic and Social Development
• Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
• General Science

CSAT Paper II tests the candidates' aptitude and analytical skills. It covers topics such as comprehension, decision-making, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, communication skills, and basic numeracy.

Mains Exam: This is the second stage of the UPSC exam and consists of nine papers. The papers are as follows:

• Paper A: Indian Language (Qualifying Paper)
• Paper B: English (Qualifying Paper)
• Essay
• General Studies I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
• General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations
• General Studies III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
• General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
• Optional Subject Paper I
• Optional Subject Paper II

Interview: This is the final stage of the UPSC exam, where candidates who have cleared the Mains exam are called for a personal interview. The interview panel assesses the candidate's overall personality, suitability for the civil services, and intellectual abilities.

The syllabus for optional subjects in the Mains exam varies depending on the subject chosen by the candidate. The UPSC syllabus is vast and requires a thorough understanding of the subjects and topics covered. Preparing well and covering all the topics in the syllabus is essential to crack the UPSC exam.

How to prepare for UPSC 

Preparing for the UPSC exam can be daunting, but it can be manageable with the right approach and strategy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for the UPSC exam:

1. Understand the Exam: The first step in preparing for the UPSC exam is understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and selection process. You need to review the previous year's question papers to get an idea of the type of questions asked, the topics' weightage, and the difficulty level.
2. Make a Study Plan: Once you understand the exam well, the next step is to create a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus. Divide your time equally between all the subjects, and allocate more time to the topics that you find challenging.
3. Study Material: Collect all the necessary study materials, including books, notes, and online resources. Ensure that you have the latest edition of the recommended books.
4. Start with Basic Concepts: Start with each subject's basic concepts, then move on to advanced topics. It is essential to have a strong foundation in each subject to understand the advanced topics.
5. Practice Previous Year's Question Papers: Solving previous year's question papers will help you understand the exam pattern, identify the important topics, and assess your preparation level.
6. Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to gauge your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Analyze your performance and work on improving your weak areas.
7. Revision: Revision is critical for retaining what you have learned. Set aside time for revision and revise all the important topics regularly.
8. Current Affairs: Stay updated with the latest news and current affairs. Read newspapers, watch news channels, and follow online resources to stay up-to-date.
9. Time Management: Time management is essential for success in the UPSC exam. Allocate time between all the subjects and topics, and ensure you complete the syllabus on time.
10. Stay Motivated: Finally, stay motivated and focused on your goal. The UPSC exam is challenging and requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Stay positive, and do not let setbacks demotivate you.

Who conducts UPSC?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the civil services examination in India. It is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. The commission is responsible for conducting various examinations to recruit candidates into various civil services and other related posts in the Indian government.

India Best Institute for UPSC

Numerous coaching institutes in India provide guidance and coaching for the UPSC examination. Some of the top institutes are:

1. Chanakya IAS Academy: It is one of India's most popular and prestigious coaching institutes for UPSC preparation. It has centers across the country and offers both online and offline classes.
2. Rau's IAS Study Circle: It is one of the oldest and most renowned coaching institutes in India for UPSC preparation. The institute has produced several toppers in the UPSC exam.
3. Vajiram and Ravi: It is another popular coaching institute in India for UPSC preparation. The institute has a highly experienced faculty and offers both classroom and online courses.
4. Drishti IAS: It is a relatively newer coaching institute but has quickly gained popularity due to its highly qualified faculty and effective teaching methods.
5. ALS IAS is a popular coaching institute for UPSC preparation, especially in North India. The institute has centers in several cities and offers both classroom and online courses.

It is important to note that while coaching institutes can provide guidance and support, success in the UPSC examination ultimately depends on an individual's hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Eligibility and Qualification

To be eligible to appear for the UPSC civil services examination, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
2. Age Limit: The candidate must be at least 21 years old and at most 32 years old as of August 1 of the year of examination. However, there are certain relaxations in the age limit for candidates belonging to certain categories.
3. Educational Qualification: The candidate must hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution. Final-year students can also apply.
4. Number of Attempts: The number of attempts for the exam is limited to six for general category candidates, nine for OBC candidates, and unlimited for SC/ST candidates.

Candidates who meet the above eligibility criteria can apply for the UPSC civil services examination.

Exam dates

The UPSC civil services examination is conducted in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. The exam dates for each stage are usually announced in the official notification released by the UPSC.

For the year 2022, the UPSC civil services preliminary examination is scheduled to be held on June 5, 2022. The main examination is scheduled to be held from September 17, 2022, to September 25, 2022. However, these dates are subject to change and candidates are advised to keep checking the official UPSC website for updates.

It is important to note that the UPSC conducts the civil services examination once a year, so candidates need to keep track of the exam schedule and prepare accordingly. The exam schedule is usually announced several months in advance, giving candidates enough time to prepare.

FAQ 

What is the age limit for appearing in the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS: The age limit varies based on the category of the candidate. The upper age limit is 32 years for general category candidates, 35 for OBC candidates, and 37 for SC/ST candidates.

Is there any negative marking in the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS: Yes, there is negative marking in the Preliminary exam. For every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks allotted to that question will be deducted.

How many attempts are allowed for the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS: The number of attempts allowed varies based on the category of the candidate. General category candidates can attempt the exam a maximum of six times, while OBC candidates can attempt it nine times. There is no limit for SC/ST candidates.

Is knowledge of regional language mandatory for UPSC civil services examination?

ANS: Yes, candidates are required to have knowledge of the regional language of the state they are applying for. They will have to clear a language proficiency test conducted by the UPSC.

Can candidates choose their preferred center for the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS: Yes, candidates can choose their preferred center for the exam while filling out the application form. However, the UPSC will make the center's final decision.

What is the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS: The UPSC civil services examination is a nationwide competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various civil services of the Government of India, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

What is the age limit for the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS:The age limit for the exam varies based on the category of the candidate. For general category candidates, the upper age limit is 32 years, for OBC candidates it is 35 years, and for SC/ST candidates it is 37 years.

How many stages are there in the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS:The examination consists of three stages: Preliminary exam, Main exam, and Personality Test (interview).

What is the syllabus for the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS: The syllabus for the exam covers a wide range of topics, including current events of national and international importance, Indian history and culture, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, and environmental ecology and biodiversity.

What is the marking scheme for the UPSC civil services examination? 

ANS: The Preliminary exam is of 400 marks, with each question carrying 2 marks. For every incorrect answer, one-third of the marks allotted to that question will be deducted. The Main exam is of 1750 marks, and the Personality Test is of 275 marks.

Is coaching necessary to crack the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS: No, coaching is not necessary to crack the exam. Many successful candidates have cleared the exam without any coaching. However, coaching can provide valuable guidance and support to candidates.

How to prepare for the UPSC civil services examination?

ANS: Candidates should start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. They should then make a study plan and stick to it. Regular practice, revision, and taking mock tests are also essential for success in the exam.

What is the full form of UPSC?

ANS: The full form of UPSC is the Union Public Service Commission.

Conclusion

In conclusion, preparing for the UPSC exam requires a structured approach, hard work, and dedication. With the right strategy and preparation, you can crack the exam and achieve your dream of becoming a civil servant.

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