Complete UPSC Civil Services Examination Guide
Your comprehensive resource for mastering India’s most prestigious examination. Learn about eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategies, and get expert assistance for form filling.
10+ Lakh
Aspirants apply each year
1000+
Positions available annually
3 Stages
Prelims, Mains, and Interview
25+
Subjects to master
Eligibility Criteria
The UPSC Civil Services Examination has specific eligibility requirements that candidates must fulfill:
Nationality Requirements
For IAS and IPS
A candidate must be a citizen of India to apply for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).
For Other Services
For other services, a candidate must be either:
– A citizen of India, or
– A subject of Nepal, or
– A subject of Bhutan, or
– A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, or
– A person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries
Age Limit Requirements
General Category
Minimum age: 21 years
Maximum age: 32 years
The age is calculated as of August 1 of the examination year.
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories:
– OBC: Up to 3 years
– SC/ST: Up to 5 years
– Defense Services personnel: Up to 5 years
– Ex-servicemen: Up to 5 years
– Persons with Benchmark Disability: Up to 10 years
Educational Qualification
Minimum Qualification
A candidate must hold a degree from any of the universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a university.
Final Year Students
Candidates who have appeared in the final year of a degree examination can also apply. They must submit proof of passing along with the application for the Main Examination.
Professional and Technical Qualifications
Medical and engineering degree holders are eligible, but the degree must be from a recognized university. There is no requirement for a specific percentage or CGPA.
Number of Attempts
General Category
Maximum of 6 attempts until the age of 32 years.
SC/ST Category
Unlimited attempts until the age of 37 years.
OBC Category
Maximum of 9 attempts until the age of 35 years.
Persons with Benchmark Disability
General and OBC PwBD candidates get additional attempts as per their category. SC/ST PwBD candidates have unlimited attempts.
Exam Pattern
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in three successive stages:
Preliminary Examination
Consists of two papers of 200 marks each. Both papers are objective type (multiple choice questions).
- Paper I: General Studies (200 marks)
- Paper II: CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) (200 marks)
Duration: 2 hours each (20 minutes extra for blind candidates)
Main Examination
Consists of 9 papers of conventional essay type:
- Two qualifying papers of 300 marks each
- Seven papers to be counted for merit
Total marks: 1750
Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates who qualify the Main examination are called for the personality test.
The interview panel consists of competent and unbiased observers who assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in public service.
Note: The Preliminary Examination is only a screening test. The marks obtained in this stage are not counted for determining the final order of merit.
Detailed Syllabus
The UPSC syllabus is extensive and requires systematic preparation. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
Preliminary Examination Syllabus
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World
- Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change
- General Science
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level)
- Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level)
Note: Paper II is qualifying in nature with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.
Main Examination Syllabus
Paper-A: Indian Language (300 marks)
Candidates need to choose one Indian language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The aim is to test the candidate’s ability to read and understand serious discursive prose and express ideas clearly and correctly.
Paper-B: English (300 marks)
The aim is to test the candidate’s ability to read and understand serious discursive prose and express ideas clearly and correctly in English.
Note: These papers are qualifying in nature. The marks obtained are not counted for ranking.
Paper-I: Essay (250 marks)
Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion and to write concisely.
Paper-II: General Studies-I (250 marks)
Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
Paper-III: General Studies-II (250 marks)
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
Paper-IV: General Studies-III (250 marks)
Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
Paper-V: General Studies-IV (250 marks)
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.
Paper-VI & VII: Optional Subject Papers (250 marks each)
Two papers on the optional subject chosen by the candidate.
Optional Subjects
Candidates can choose one optional subject from the following list:
Agriculture
Covers topics like ecology, crop production, genetics, economics, and agricultural extension.
History
Covers ancient, medieval, and modern Indian history along with world history.
Public Administration
Focuses on theories of administration, organizational behavior, and public policy.
Popular Choices: History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, and Political Science are among the most popular optional subjects due to scoring potential and overlap with General Studies syllabus.
Preparation Strategy
A well-planned strategy is crucial for success in the UPSC examination. Here’s a comprehensive approach:
Preliminary Examination Preparation Strategy
NCERT Foundation
Start with NCERT books from classes 6-12 for building fundamental knowledge in History, Geography, Polity, Economics, and Science.
Current Affairs
Read one national newspaper daily (The Hindu or Indian Express) and follow monthly current affairs magazines.
Practice MCQs
Solve previous years’ question papers and take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Revision
Regular revision is crucial. Create short notes for quick revision of important facts and figures.
CSAT Preparation
Don’t neglect CSAT. Practice comprehension, reasoning, and basic numeracy regularly.
Main Examination Preparation Strategy
Answer Writing Practice
Develop the skill of writing structured, concise, and relevant answers. Practice writing answers within word and time limits.
Standard Reference Books
Study from standard books recommended by experts and toppers. Focus on conceptual clarity.
Interlink Topics
Connect static knowledge with current affairs. UPSC often asks questions that require both.
Optional Subject Mastery
Choose your optional subject wisely and master it thoroughly as it can be a game-changer.
Essay Practice
Develop a balanced perspective on various issues. Practice writing essays on diverse topics.
Personality Test (Interview) Preparation Strategy
Know Your DAF
Thoroughly review your Detailed Application Form (DAF). Expect questions on your education, hobbies, job experience, etc.
Current Affairs Update
Stay updated with national and international events, especially those from the last 3-6 months.
Communication Skills
Develop clear and confident communication. Practice speaking in English or Hindi, whichever you’re comfortable with.
Critical Thinking
Develop a balanced perspective on various issues. Avoid extreme views.
Mock Interviews
Participate in mock interviews to get feedback on your personality, communication, and knowledge.
Time Management Strategy
Long-term Planning
Create a realistic study plan covering the entire syllabus. Divide your time between prelims and mains preparation.
Daily Schedule
Allocate specific time slots for different subjects. Include time for revision and current affairs daily.
Balance
Maintain a balance between static subjects and current affairs. Don’t neglect any part of the syllabus.
Revision Cycle
Plan multiple revisions of the entire syllabus. Each revision should be quicker than the previous one.
Health Management
Include time for physical exercise, meditation, and hobbies to avoid burnout.
Recommended Books & Resources
Choosing the right study material is crucial for effective preparation. Here are the most recommended resources:
Preliminary Examination Books
| Subject | Recommended Books | Authors/Publications |
|---|---|---|
| History | India’s Struggle for Independence, History of Modern India | Bipan Chandra, Spectrum |
| Geography | Certificate Physical and Human Geography, Geography of India | Goh Cheng Leong, Majid Husain |
| Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth |
| Economy | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh |
| Environment | Environment for Civil Services | Shankar IAS |
| Science & Technology | Science & Technology | Ravi P Agrahari |
| Art & Culture | Indian Art and Culture | Nitin Singhania |
Main Examination Books
| Paper | Recommended Books | Authors/Publications |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | Essays for Civil Services | Pulkit Khare |
| GS Paper I | India’s Ancient Past, History of Medieval India, History of Modern India | R.S. Sharma, Satish Chandra, Bipan Chandra |
| GS Paper II | Indian Polity, Governance in India | M. Laxmikanth, M. Karthikeyan |
| GS Paper III | Indian Economy, Internal Security | Ramesh Singh, Ashok Kumar |
| GS Paper IV | Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude | Subba Rao & P.N. Roy Chowdhury |
Current Affairs Resources
Online Resources
Government Portals
– UPSC Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
– Press Information Bureau: pib.gov.in
– PRS Legislative Research: www.prsindia.org
– India Year Book: publicationsdivision.nic.in
Learning Platforms
– Unacademy: Comprehensive courses and free content
– BYJU’S: Structured learning programs
– Vision IAS: Quality study material and test series
– INSIGHTS IAS: Daily current affairs and answer writing practice
YouTube Channels
– Unacademy UPSC: Live classes and strategy sessions
– Vision IAS: Current affairs discussions
– Study IQ IAS: Comprehensive topic coverage
– Mrunal Patel: Economics and current affairs
Cut-off Trends
Understanding previous years’ cut-off trends helps aspirants set realistic targets and gauge the competition level.
Preliminary Examination Cut-off Trends
The cut-off for the Preliminary Examination varies each year based on difficulty level, number of vacancies, and average performance.
Note: The cut-off marks are determined by the UPSC based on various factors and are released after the final result declaration.
Final Examination Cut-off Trends
The final cut-off marks for the Civil Services Examination have shown a gradual increase over the years, reflecting rising competition levels.
Category-wise Variation: Cut-off marks vary significantly across different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.).
Strategy Based on Cut-off Analysis
– Aim for scores higher than previous years’ cut-offs to account for increasing competition
– Focus on consistent performance across all papers
– Don’t neglect the essay and ethics papers as they can significantly improve your score
– Optional subject preparation should aim for 300+ marks to create a safety margin
Study Plan & Schedule
A well-structured study plan is essential for comprehensive coverage of the vast UPSC syllabus. Here’s a suggested approach:
One-Year Intensive Preparation Plan
Months 1-3: Foundation Building
– Complete NCERT books for basic concepts
– Start with core subjects: History, Geography, Polity, Economy
– Begin newspaper reading habit
– Start making preliminary notes
Months 4-6: Standard Books & Optional
– Move to standard reference books
– Start optional subject preparation
– Join test series for prelims
– Focus on current affairs compilation
Months 7-9: Revision & Answer Writing
– First revision of all subjects
– Start answer writing practice for mains
– Focus on interlinking concepts
– Join mains test series
Months 10-12: Intensive Revision & Tests
– Multiple revisions of entire syllabus
– Focus on weak areas
– Full-length mock tests
– Current affairs revision
Two-Year Comprehensive Preparation Plan
First Year: Foundation & Optional
– Thorough reading of NCERT books
– Complete standard books for core subjects
– Master optional subject
– Develop newspaper reading habit
– Build preliminary notes
Second Year: Advanced Preparation
– Join test series for prelims and mains
– Focus on answer writing practice
– Current affairs integration
– Multiple revisions
– Mock interviews
Advantage: A two-year plan allows for deeper understanding, better concept integration, and reduces stress compared to a one-year plan.
Study Plan for Working Professionals
Time Management
– Utilize early morning hours (4 AM – 7 AM)
– Use commute time for audio content/revision
– Dedicate weekends for longer study sessions
– Use lunch breaks for current affairs
Focused Approach
– Prioritize high-yield topics
– Use quality over quantity approach
– Focus on revision rather than first-time reading
– Join weekend test series
Smart Strategies
– Use digital notes for easy access
– Listen to podcasts during commute
– Form study groups with fellow working aspirants
– Take short leaves before exams for intensive revision
Success Tip: Many working professionals have cleared UPSC. The key is consistency, smart work, and effective time management rather than long hours.
Need Expert Help with UPSC Form Filling?
Our experienced professionals can help you complete your UPSC application accurately to avoid rejection. We ensure error-free form submission with proper documentation.
Contact on WhatsAppOur team will guide you through the entire process and ensure your application is submitted correctly.
Note: We recommend applying through our expert services at least 48 hours before the last date to avoid any last-minute technical issues.
For more details about our services, please visit: UPSC Form Filling Service
Terms and Conditions: ApplyAnywhere Terms & Conditions