The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE)—often called the IAS exam—is India’s most prestigious competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It recruits officers for All India Services (IAS, IPS, IFoS) and Central Civil Services (e.g., IFS—Foreign Service, IRS, IAAS, IRTS, IDAS). The exam assesses general knowledge, decision-making, ethics, communication, and leadership.
Why is the CSE important?
Civil servants implement laws, deliver public services, manage disasters, regulate markets, and lead administration at district, state, and national levels. Clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam offers rigorous training, nationwide postings, and the chance to shape policy and impact lives.
Who conducts it & what services are covered?
- The UPSC conducts the exam annually.
- Allocation to services depends on rank, preferences, and vacancies.
- All India Services: IAS, IPS, IFoS
- Group ‘A’ Central Services: IFS (Foreign Service), IRS, IAAS, IRTS, IDAS, etc.
- Group ‘B’ Services: As notified each year.
Basic eligibility (at a glance)
- Nationality: Indian for All India Services; specific rules apply for some Central Services.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
- Age & Attempts: As per the latest notification (varies by category).
Exam Stages & Pattern
1) Prelims (objective; screening)
- GS Paper I: Current events; Polity & Governance; Economy; Geography; History; Environment & Ecology; Science & Tech.
- CSAT (GS Paper II): Reading comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, and basic numeracy. It is qualifying.
Consequently, Prelims only shortlists candidates. Its score does not count in the final merit.
2) Mains (descriptive; merit ranking)
Nine papers:
- Two qualifying language papers (one Indian language, one English).
- Seven merit papers: Essay, GS I–IV, Optional Subject (Paper 1 & 2).
General Studies coverage:
- GS I: Indian Heritage & Culture, History, World Geography, Society
- GS II: Polity, Governance, Constitution, Social Justice, International Relations
- GS III: Economy, Agriculture, S&T, Environment, Disaster Management, Internal Security
- GS IV: Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude (case studies + theory)
3) Personality Test (Interview)
Evaluates clarity of thought, ethical outlook, administrative temperament, situational judgment, and current affairs awareness.
Final merit = Mains (merit papers) + Interview.
What does a civil servant’s career look like?
- Training: Foundation course + service-specific training (e.g., LBSNAA for IAS).
- Postings: Field roles (e.g., SDM/DM, ASP), policy roles in Secretariats/Ministries, and deputations (Central/International).
- Growth: To Commissioner, Principal Secretary, Secretary (State/Centre).
How to start preparing (beginner roadmap)
- Understand the syllabus & analyze PYQs to decode the exam’s demand.
- Build concepts with NCERTs and core textbooks.
- Track daily current affairs and align notes with GS topics.
- Start answer writing (Mains) and MCQs (Prelims) early.
- Choose Optional based on interest, resources, and scoring trends.
- Take mock tests, revise cyclically, and track progress.
- Practice Ethics (case studies) and Essay with structured, balanced arguments.
UPSC-CSE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for UPSC CSE?
Graduates from a recognized university who meet nationality, age, and attempt limits as per the current UPSC CSE Notification.
What are the stages and which marks count for final rank?
Three stages—Prelims, Mains, Interview. Prelims is only screening; final rank = Mains (7 merit papers) + Interview. Qualifying papers don’t count.
Is there negative marking in Prelims and is CSAT qualifying?
Yes—1/3rd negative marking per wrong answer. CSAT (GS-II) is qualifying; you must clear the cutoff set by UPSC.
What are the Mains papers?
9 papers: Essay, GS I–IV, Optional Subject (Paper 1 & 2) = merit; plus two qualifying language papers (one Indian language + English).
How are services and cadres allotted?
By final rank, service preferences, vacancies, and medical fitness; cadre allocation follows notified rules.
