UPSC Indian Economic Service & Indian Statistical Service Examination
Complete guide to cracking the prestigious IES/ISS examinations conducted by UPSC. Everything from eligibility criteria to preparation strategy and expert form filling assistance.
Master’s Degree
Minimum educational qualification required
2 Stage Exam
Written test and personality interview
3-6 Months
Recommended preparation timeframe
Group A
Prestigious government service
Exam Overview
The Indian Economic Service (IES) and Indian Statistical Service (ISS) examinations are conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit economists and statisticians for various government departments and ministries.
Key Information
The IES/ISS exam is typically conducted once a year. The selection process consists of a written examination followed by a personality test (interview). Successful candidates are appointed to various economic and statistical positions in different ministries and departments of the Government of India.
Why Choose IES/ISS?
IES/ISS officers play a crucial role in policy formulation, economic planning, and data analysis for the government. It offers a prestigious career with opportunities to contribute to national development, attractive remuneration, job security, and diverse work profiles.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality Requirements
Citizen of India
Candidate must be a citizen of India.
Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
A subject of Nepal or Bhutan may also apply.
Tibetan Refugee
A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Person of Indian Origin
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Age Limit Requirements
Minimum Age
Candidate must have attained the age of 21 years on the specified date.
Maximum Age
Candidate must not have attained the age of 30 years on the specified date.
Age Relaxation
Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government rules:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC: 3 years
- PwBD: 10 years
- Ex-servicemen: 5 years
Educational Qualifications
For Indian Economic Service
A candidate must have obtained a Postgraduate Degree in Economics/Applied Economics/Business Economics/Econometrics from a recognized university.
For Indian Statistical Service
A candidate must have obtained a Postgraduate Degree in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics from a recognized university.
Appearing Candidates
Candidates appearing in the qualifying examination are also eligible to apply, but they must submit proof of passing along with the detailed application form.
Physical Standards
Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by UPSC will be required to undergo a medical examination to assess their physical fitness for the service.
PwBD Candidates
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) will be considered for appointment to the service if the post is identified suitable for such disability.
Exam Pattern
The IES/ISS examination consists of a written test followed by a personality test (interview). The written examination has different patterns for Economic Service and Statistical Service.
The IES written examination consists of 6 papers, all of which are descriptive in nature:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | General Studies | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper III | General Economics-I | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper IV | General Economics-II | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper V | General Economics-III | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper VI | Indian Economics | 200 | 3 hours |
| Total | 1000 | ||
The ISS written examination consists of 6 papers, all of which are descriptive in nature:
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General English | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper II | General Studies | 100 | 3 hours |
| Paper III | Statistics-I (Probability) | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper IV | Statistics-II (Statistical Inference) | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper V | Statistics-III (Applied Statistics) | 200 | 3 hours |
| Paper VI | Statistics-IV (Economics & Computer Application) | 200 | 3 hours |
| Total | 1000 | ||
Candidates who qualify the written examination are called for the personality test (interview):
- Marks: 200 marks
- Purpose: To assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in public service
- Evaluation: Mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity
- Final Selection: Based on the total marks obtained in the written examination and personality test
Detailed Syllabus
The syllabus for IES and ISS examinations is comprehensive and requires thorough preparation. Below is the detailed syllabus for both services.
Indian Economic Service Syllabus
This paper is designed to test the candidate’s ability to understand and use English effectively:
- Comprehension of given passages
- Precis Writing
- Usage and Vocabulary
- Short Essay
- Grammar and language usage
This paper includes current events and matters of everyday observation and experience:
- Current national issues and topics of social relevance
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Indian Economy and Sustainable Development
- Mental Ability and Logical Reasoning
- Environmental Ecology
- General Science
This paper covers the following topics:
- Theory of Consumer Demand
- Theory of Production
- Theory of Value
- Theory of Distribution
- Welfare Economics
- Mathematical Methods in Economics
- Statistical and Econometric Methods
Indian Statistical Service Syllabus
This paper is designed to test the candidate’s ability to understand and use English effectively:
- Comprehension of given passages
- Precis Writing
- Usage and Vocabulary
- Short Essay
- Grammar and language usage
This paper includes current events and matters of everyday observation and experience:
- Current national issues and topics of social relevance
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Indian Economy and Sustainable Development
- Mental Ability and Logical Reasoning
- Environmental Ecology
- General Science
This paper covers the following topics:
- Probability
- Random Variable and Distribution Functions
- Standard Distributions
- Multiple and Partial Correlation
- Theory of Attributes
Common Syllabus for Both Services
General English
Both IES and ISS have the same syllabus for General English paper which includes comprehension, precis writing, usage and vocabulary, short essays, and grammar.
General Studies
The General Studies paper is also common for both services and covers current events, Indian polity, Indian economy, mental ability, environmental ecology, and general science.
Exam Pattern
Both examinations follow the same pattern with 6 papers of 3 hours each, totaling 1000 marks, followed by a personality test of 200 marks.
Preparation Strategy & Tips
Effective preparation is key to success in the IES/ISS examinations. Here are some proven strategies and tips.
General Preparation Tips
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly
- Create a realistic study plan and stick to it
- Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning
- Practice answer writing regularly
- Solve previous years’ question papers
- Take mock tests to improve time management
- Stay updated with current economic developments
- Revise regularly to retain information
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
For Economics Subjects:
- Focus on both micro and macroeconomics concepts
- Understand economic theories and their applications
- Study Indian economy in depth – policies, programs, and challenges
- Practice mathematical and statistical applications in economics
For Statistics Subjects:
- Master probability theory and statistical inference
- Practice applied statistics problems regularly
- Understand computer applications in statistics
- Focus on economic statistics and its applications
Time Management Strategy
- Allocate time based on weightage of topics
- Divide your day into study slots with breaks
- Set weekly targets and evaluate your progress
- Dedicate time for revision and practice tests
- Balance between static subjects and current affairs
Pro Tip: Join a test series program to get accustomed to the exam pattern and improve your answer writing skills. Regular evaluation and feedback are crucial for improvement.
Cut-off Trends
Understanding previous years’ cut-off trends helps in setting realistic targets and gauging the competition level.
Factors Affecting Cut-off
The cut-off marks for IES/ISS examinations vary each year based on several factors:
- Difficulty level of the examination
- Number of vacancies
- Number of applicants
- Performance of candidates
- Reservation policies
Recent Trends
While specific cut-off marks vary each year, here are some general observations:
- The cut-off for the general category is typically higher than reserved categories
- Cut-off marks for the written examination usually range between 50% to 60% for general category
- The final cut-off (including interview) is generally higher
- Cut-off marks for IES and ISS may differ slightly
Note: For the most accurate and updated information on cut-off trends, candidates should refer to the official UPSC website or previous years’ final results.
Recommended Books & Resources
Selecting the right study material is crucial for effective preparation. Here are some highly recommended books for IES/ISS preparation.
Recommended Books for Indian Economic Service
General Economics
- Intermediate Microeconomics by Hal R. Varian
- Macroeconomics by Olivier Blanchard
- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
- International Economics by Dominick Salvatore
- Public Finance by H.L. Bhatia
Quantitative Methods
- Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics by Alpha Chiang
- Statistics for Economics by Gupta and Kapoor
- Econometrics by Damodar Gujarati
Recommended Books for Indian Statistical Service
Statistics
- An Introduction to Probability and Statistics by Rohatgi and Saleh
- Statistical Inference by George Casella and Roger L. Berger
- Linear Models by Searle
- Sampling Techniques by William Cochran
Computer Applications
- Introduction to Algorithms by Cormen, Leiserson, Rivest, and Stein
- Database System Concepts by Abraham Silberschatz
- R for Data Science by Hadley Wickham
Common Resources for Both Services
Current Affairs
- The Hindu or Indian Express newspaper
- Economic and Political Weekly
- Yojana and Kurukshetra magazines
- Economic Survey of India
- Union Budget documents
General Studies
- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong
- Environment by Shankar IAS
Note: While these books are highly recommended, candidates should also refer to standard textbooks they studied during their graduation and post-graduation, as familiarity with the content aids in better understanding and retention.
Online Platforms & Resources
In the digital age, online resources play a crucial role in examination preparation. Here are some useful platforms for IES/ISS aspirants.
Official Websites
- UPSC Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in – For notifications, syllabus, previous papers, and results
- Government Portals: www.india.gov.in, www.pib.gov.in – For official government updates and press releases
- Ministry Websites: For department-specific information and policies
Learning Platforms
- SWAYAM: Free online courses from top institutions
- NPTEL: Engineering and science courses
- Khan Academy: For basic concepts in economics and mathematics
- Coursera/edX: For advanced courses in economics and statistics
Community Forums
- ForumIAS: For civil services aspirants
- Quora: For specific queries and discussions
- Telegram Groups: For study material and updates
- YouTube Channels: For video lectures and current affairs analysis
Caution: While online resources are helpful, candidates should verify the authenticity of the information and avoid getting overwhelmed by too many resources. Stick to a few reliable sources for consistent preparation.
Study Plan & Strategy
A well-structured study plan is essential for comprehensive preparation. Here’s a suggested study plan for IES/ISS aspirants.
6-Month Intensive Study Plan
Month 1-2: Foundation Building
- Understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern
- Study basic concepts of all subjects
- Focus on strengthening weak areas
- Start reading newspapers regularly
Month 3-4: In-depth Study
- Cover the entire syllabus systematically
- Make subject-wise notes
- Solve previous years’ question papers
- Start answer writing practice
Month 5: Revision and Testing
- Revise the entire syllabus
- Take full-length mock tests
- Analyze performance and work on improvements
- Focus on time management
Month 6: Final Preparation
- Quick revision of important topics
- Practice more mock tests
- Update current affairs knowledge
- Stay calm and confident
Daily Study Schedule
A sample daily schedule for serious aspirants:
- Morning (3 hours): Study new topics or difficult subjects
- Afternoon (2 hours): Revision and note-making
- Evening (2 hours): Practice questions and answer writing
- Night (1 hour): Current affairs and newspaper reading
Adjust this schedule based on your comfort and efficiency levels. Take regular breaks to avoid burnout.
Pro Tip: Consistency is more important than long study hours. Even 5-6 hours of focused study daily can yield excellent results if maintained consistently over months.
Expert Form Filling Assistance
Applying for competitive exams can be confusing. Let our experts handle your application to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Why Use Our Form Filling Service?
- Error-Free Submission: Avoid common mistakes that lead to rejection
- Time-Saving: Save valuable time for your preparation
- Expert Assistance: Experienced professionals handle your application
- Document Verification: Ensure all documents are correctly uploaded
- Payment Assistance: Help with fee payment process
- Application Tracking: Regular updates on your application status
Request Form Filling Assistance
Note: After submitting your request, our team will contact you within 24 hours to proceed with the form filling process. Please keep your documents ready and phone accessible.
Our experts typically complete the form filling process within 1 hour, but we recommend applying at least 48 hours before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Important Notes
- Our service charges are nominal and transparent
- We require accurate information and documents from you
- Keep your phone accessible for verification calls
- Double-check all details before final submission
- Save your application number for future reference
Begin Your Journey to IES/ISS Today!
With proper guidance, preparation, and assistance, you can crack these prestigious examinations and embark on a rewarding career in government service.