The UPSC Civil Services Examination is the exam used to recruit top government officers in India, including Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). It is conducted every year by the Union Public Service Commission.
1. What is IAS?
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is one of the highest civil services in India. IAS officers work in administration, policy making, and implementation of government programs at the district, state, and central levels.
2. Stages of the UPSC Exam
The UPSC Civil Services Examination has 3 stages:
a. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
Objective type (MCQ)
Two papers:
General Studies Paper-I
CSAT (Paper-II)
b. Main Examination (Mains)
Descriptive (written exam)
9 papers including:
Essay
General Studies (4 papers)
Optional subject (2 papers)
Language papers
c. Personality Test (Interview)
Conducted at the Union Public Service Commission office in New Delhi.
3. Eligibility for UPSC (IAS)
Education
Any Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
Age Limit
General: 21 – 32 years
Number of Attempts
General: 6 attempts
OBC: 9 attempts
SC/ST: Unlimited (till age limit)
4. Subjects in UPSC
Common subjects include:
History
Geography
Polity
Economy
Environment
Science & Technology
Current Affairs
Optional subjects can be:
Public Administration
Sociology
Political Science
Geography
Anthropology
Literature subjects
5. Duration of Preparation
Most candidates prepare 1–2 years to clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination.