Everything About UPSC CSE Exam from Basics – exam pattern, syllabus, job profile, career growth, number of vacancies out, starting salary, preparation strategy, best books, courses and test series, admit card, result, previous year cut-off analysis and duration of preparation.

Civil Service Exam

UPSC Civil Service Exam is India’s most trusted and trending exam among those who are preparing for government exams. Every year, lakhs of students prepare for this exam all over the country but only a few in a hundred get selected to serve India as Civil Servants. In this post, we will cover all the important details of a civil service examination that will help aspirants in their preparation.

UPSC CSE (Civil Service Examination) Exam Overview

Name of Examination	UPSC CSE
Full-Form of CSE	Civil Service Exam
Exam Organised Body	Union Public Service Commision
Salary	₹56,100-₹2,50,000
Vacancy Notification	every year
Notification release month	February-March
Application mode	Online
Qualification	graduation (Minimum Qualification)
Age Limit	21 years-32 years
Application Fee	₹100/- for GEN/OBC/EWS Exempted for SC/ST/PH/Female
Selection Process	Prelims, Mains & Interview
Official Website	upsc.gov.in

About UPSC CSE Exam

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE Exam) is a competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission of India to select candidates for India’s one of the most reputed and powerful government jobs i.e. civil services positions in the Indian government. UPSC CSE Exam full form is Union Public Service Commission Civil Service Exam. Candidates who clear the exam are offered prestigious positions in the Indian civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, and other Group A and Group B services. The exam is considered to be one of the most challenging and prestigious exams in India, with a tough selection process and a vast syllabus. This exam is also known as IAS Exam, UPSC CSE Exam, and UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Vacancy Notification for IAS Exam

UPSC CSE exam notification comes out every year in the month of February/March. This Notification announces by the UPSC on its official website – upsc.gov.in. The application window opens for around 1 month in which aspirants can apply for the Civil Service Examination, Correction in their application forms or cancel their candidature.

Number of Vacancies in UPSC CSE 2024

The number of vacancies announced for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) varies from year to year and depends on the number of posts available in the various services for which the exam is conducted.

In general, the number of vacancies for the UPSC CSE is announced after the final result of the previous year’s exam is declared. The number of vacancies can also change during the course of the recruitment process due to various factors such as resignations, retirements, and other factors.

For example, in 2022, the total number of vacancies for the UPSC CSE was 1105. However, the number of vacancies can vary from year to year and it’s best to check the official notification for the current year’s vacancies.

Job Profile after Selection in UPSC CSE Exam

After being selected in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE), candidates are appointed to various services, depending on their rank, preference, and the number of vacancies available in each service. The job profile and roles and responsibilities vary depending on the service and department to which a candidate is appointed.

The various services in which candidates can be appointed after clearing the UPSC CSE include Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Postal Service, Indian Information Service, and many others.

In general, civil servants are responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the government and implementing policies and programs for the welfare of the people. They are involved in policy formulation and implementation, public administration, and other critical functions of the government. They may be involved in various activities such as policy formulation, planning and execution of development programs, law enforcement, revenue administration, and so on.

The specific roles and responsibilities of civil servants depend on the service and department to which they are appointed, as well as the level of seniority. However, civil servants are expected to be impartial, honest, and committed to serving the people of India. They are required to work long hours and be prepared to serve in any part of the country, including remote and challenging areas.

UPSC CSE Post after Selection

There are 24 posts recruited under the Civil Service Exam. These posts are divided into 3 categories – All India Civil Services, Group A Civil Services and Group B Civil Services.

All India Civil Service Posts

1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
2. Indian Police Service (IPS)
3. Indian Forest Service (IFoS)

Group A Civil Service Posts

1. Indian Foreign Service
2. Indian Audit and accountant service
3. Indian Civil Accounts Service
4. Indian corporate law service
5. Indian Defence Accounts Service 
6. Indian Defence Estates Service
7. Indian Information Service
8. Indian ordnance factories services
9. Indian Communication Finance service
10. Indian postal service
11. Indian railway accounts service
12. Indian railway personnel service
13. Indian Railway traffic service
14. Indian revenue service
15. Indian trade service
16. Railway Protection force

Group B Civil Service Posts

1. Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service
2. DANICS
3. DANIPS
4. Pondicherry Civil Service
5. Pondicherry Police Service

Starting salary for the IAS

The starting salary of different posts under the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) as per the 7th Pay Commission varies depending on the service and level of appointment.

Here is an approximate range of starting salaries for some of the common services in the UPSC CSE as per the 7th Pay Commission:

1. Indian Administrative Service (IAS): Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 2,50,000 per month (depending on the level of appointment)
2. Indian Police Service (IPS): Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 2,25,000 per month (depending on the level of appointment)
3. Indian Foreign Service (IFS): Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 2,50,000 per month (depending on the level of appointment)
4. Indian Revenue Service (IRS): Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 2,25,000 per month (depending on the level of appointment)
5. Indian Postal Service: Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 per month (depending on the level of appointment)

Post	Pay Scale	Salary
Sub-divisional magistrate in District Administration	10	Rs. 56,100
Undersecretary in State Secretariat	10	Rs. 56,100
Assistant Secretary in Central Secretariat	10	Rs. 56,100
Additional district magistrate in District Administration	11	Rs. 67,700
Deputy Secretary in State Secretariat	11	Rs. 67,700
Under-Secretary in Central Secretariat	11	Rs. 67,700
District magistrate in District Administration	12	Rs. 78,800
Joint Secretary in State Secretariat	12	Rs. 78,800
Deputy Secretary in Central Secretariat	12	Rs. 78,800
District Magistrate in District Administration	13	Rs. 1,18,500
Special secretary-cum-director in State Secretariat	13	Rs. 1,18,500
Director in Central Secretariat	13	Rs. 1,18,500
Divisional commissioner in District Administration	14	Rs. 1,44,200
Secretary-cum-commissioner in State Secretariat	14	Rs. 1,44,200
Joint Secretary in Central Secretariat	14	Rs. 1,44,200
Divisional commissioner in District Administration	15	Rs. 1,82,200
Principal Secretary in State Secretariat	15	Rs. 1,82,200
Additional Secretary in State Secretariat	15	Rs. 1,82,200
Chief Secretary in State Secretariat	17	Rs. 2,25,000
Secretary in Central Secretariat	17	Rs. 2,25,000
Cabinet Secretary of India	18	Rs. 2,50,000

It’s important to note that the above-mentioned salaries are just a rough estimate and can vary depending on various factors such as level of appointment, location, allowances, and so on. Also, the salary structure may change over time due to revisions in the pay scale or other factors.

Career growth in UPSC Civil Services exam

The career growth of selected candidates in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is generally quite good and depends on their performance, seniority, and the number of vacancies available in higher positions. Here is a general outline of the career growth path for civil servants in India:

1. Probationary period: After clearing the UPSC CSE, candidates are appointed as probationary officers and undergo training before being posted to their respective services. The duration of the probationary period varies from service to service.
2. Junior-level appointments: After the probationary period, civil servants are appointed to junior-level positions such as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Assistant Commissioner, or Assistant Superintendent of Police.
3. Mid-level appointments: After gaining experience in junior-level positions, civil servants can be promoted to mid-level positions such as District Magistrate, Deputy Commissioner, or Superintendent of Police.
4. Senior-level appointments: After gaining experience in mid-level positions, civil servants can be promoted to senior-level positions such as Divisional Commissioner, Inspector General of Police, or Secretary to the Government of India.
5. Higher positions: The most senior positions in civil services are Secretary to the Government of India, Chief Secretary of the State, Director-General of Police, and so on.

In addition to these general career progression paths, civil servants can also be posted to different departments and ministries, depending on their interests and skills. The career growth of civil servants in India is based on a merit-based system and can be influenced by factors such as performance, experience, and seniority.

Selection Process For UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024

Civil Services (Main) Examination (Written and Interview/ Personality Test) for the selection of candidates for the various Services and posts.

• Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective Type) for the selection of candidates for Civil Services (Main) Examination; and
• Civil Services (Main) Examination (Written and Interview/ Personality Test) for the selection of candidates for the various Services and posts.

Civil Services (Main) Examination (Written and Interview/ Personality Test) for the selection of candidates for the various Services and posts.

1. Preliminary Examination

The Exam will consist of two mandatory papers of 200 marks each. Candidates who are qualified in Prelims round will be invited to the Mains round.

2. Mains Examination and Interview

The mains round will consist of a written exam and an interview/personality test. It is expected that the Written Examination will consist of nine standard essay papers Two of them will be of a qualifying sense that they are qualifying in. Marks obtained for all compulsory papers (Paper-I to Paper-VII) as well as marks obtained in the Interview/Personality Test will be used to determine the ranking of the candidate.

3. Interview

Candidates will be questioned by an interview Board which will present to them a history of the candidate’s work. The candidate is asked questions regarding questions that are of general interest. The object of the Interview/Personality Test is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The Interview/Personality Test is intended to judge the mental caliber of a candidate. In general terms, it is a test that evaluates not just intellectual abilities but also personality traits, social skills, and interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, the balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, the ability for social cohesion and leadership, and intellectual and moral integrity.

Note: The marks obtained in the Civil Services(Preliminary) Examination by candidates who are declared qualified for admission to the Civil Services(Main) Examination will not be counted in determining their final order of merit in this examination.

Exam pattern of UPSC CSE

Preliminary

Paper	No of Questions	Total Marks	Duration
General Studies – I	100	200	2 Hours
General Studies – II (CSAT)	80	200	2 Hours

1. Both the question papers will be of the objective type (multiple choice questions) and each will be of two hours duration.
2. The General Studies Paper-II of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination also known as CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) will be a qualifying paper with minimum qualifying marks fixed at 33%.
3. The question papers will be set both in Hindi and English.
4. One-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to each question for which the candidate provided an incorrect answer will be deducted as a penalty.

Mains

Paper	Subject	Total Marks	Duration
Paper-A	One of the Indian Language	300 Marks	3 Hours
Paper-B	English	300 Marks	3 Hours
Paper-I	Essay	250 Marks	3 Hours
Paper-II	General Studies-I	250 Marks	3 Hours
Paper-III	General Studies -II	250 Marks	3 Hours
Paper-IV	General Studies -III	250 Marks	3 Hours
Paper-V	General Studies -IV	250 Marks	3 Hours
Paper-VI	Optional Subject – Paper 1	250 Marks	3 Hours
Paper-VII	Optional Subject – Paper 2	250 Marks	3 Hours
Total		1750 Marks

Note: Paper A and Paper B of Mains exam are qualifying in nature.

Interview

The Interview for UPSC IAS Exam will be conducted of 275 marks, Test is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.

Detailed Syllabus of UPSC CSE Exam

Preparation strategy for UPSC Civil Services exam

Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. Here are some preparation strategies that beginners can adopt to start their preparation for the UPSC CSE:

1. Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: The first step is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus of the UPSC CSE. The exam has three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economics, Current Affairs, and General Science.
2. Develop a study plan: Develop a comprehensive study plan that covers the entire syllabus and gives enough time for revision. Allocate sufficient time for each subject and topic, and ensure that you have enough time for revision.
3. Study from reliable sources: Choose the right study material and sources to study from. Some of the recommended sources include NCERT textbooks, standard reference books, newspapers, and online resources.
4. Practice writing skills: The UPSC CSE has a significant emphasis on writing skills, and hence, it’s essential to practice writing skills regularly. Start with simple essays and gradually move to answer writing practice for different topics.
5. Take mock tests: Taking mock tests is crucial to evaluate your preparation and identify your strengths and weaknesses. It helps you to manage time and build exam temperament.
6. Stay updated with current affairs: Current Affairs is an essential part of the UPSC CSE, and staying updated with the latest news and events is crucial. Follow reliable news sources and read newspapers daily.
7. Focus on conceptual clarity: Focus on developing a clear understanding of concepts rather than rote learning. This approach will help you to think critically and analyze the information effectively.
8. Join a coaching institute: Joining a coaching institute can provide you with the right guidance and support required to crack the UPSC CSE exam. But it’s not mandatory, and you can also prepare for the exam by self-study.

Remember, consistency, discipline, and hard work are the keys to success in the UPSC CSE exam. Good luck with your preparation!

Best Books for UPSC CSE

Here is a list of some of the best books that can help you prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination:

1. Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth: This book is a comprehensive guide on Indian Polity and covers all the important topics such as the Constitution, Judiciary, and Parliament.
2. India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra: This book provides an in-depth analysis of the Indian freedom struggle and covers the events leading up to independence.
3. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh: This book covers the basics of the Indian economy and is an excellent resource for beginners.
4. Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong: This book is a must-read for Geography and covers both physical and human geography topics.
5. Modern India by Bipin Chandra: This book provides a detailed account of India’s modern history from 1857 to the present.
6. General Studies Paper 1 Manual by Manohar Pandey: This book is an excellent resource for preparing for General Studies Paper 1.
7. India Year Book: This book provides a comprehensive overview of India and covers various topics such as economy, polity, geography, and culture.
8. Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude by Niraj Kumar: This book covers the ethical and integrity-related topics for Paper 4 of the UPSC CSE.
9. Environment and Ecology by Majid Husain: This book covers environmental and ecological topics and is a must-read for Paper 3 of the UPSC CSE.
10. The Hindu or The Indian Express: These newspapers are highly recommended for keeping up with current affairs and news events.

Note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other books and resources available that you can use to prepare for the UPSC CSE. It’s important to choose the right study material based on your strengths and weaknesses and to focus on developing a clear understanding of concepts.

Test series for IAS exam

Nishant eAcademy offers a comprehensive test series for the UPSC Civil Services Examination that can help you evaluate your preparation and identify your strengths and weaknesses. The test series is designed by experts and covers all the important topics and subjects of the UPSC CSE syllabus. The tests are structured to mimic the actual exam pattern, and taking them can help you build exam temperament and manage time effectively. The test series is available online, and you can take the tests from the comfort of your home. The detailed performance analysis and feedback provided after each test can help you improve your performance and increase your chances of success in the UPSC CSE exam. I highly recommend Nishant eAcademy Test Series for the UPSC CSE exam to all aspirants who are serious about cracking the exam.

Duration of Preparation for UPSC CSE Exam

The duration of preparation for the UPSC Civil Services Examination varies from person to person and depends on several factors, such as the candidate’s educational background, aptitude, and the amount of time they can dedicate to their studies.

For an average student, it is generally recommended to start preparing at least 1-2 years before the exam date, as this gives them enough time to cover the entire syllabus thoroughly and revise multiple times. However, this may vary depending on individual circumstances.

It’s important to note that UPSC CSE exam preparation requires consistent effort, dedication, and hard work. It’s not just about memorizing facts and figures but also developing a deep understanding of the concepts and their interrelations. Consistent practice through solving mock tests and previous year question papers can help improve performance and build exam temperament.

Therefore, it’s essential to make a realistic study plan, stay focused, and work hard towards achieving your goal. Remember, there are no shortcuts to success, and with determination and perseverance, you can clear the UPSC CSE exam.

Result of UPSC CSE

The UPSC CSE is considered one of the most competitive exams in India, with a low success rate. The number of candidates appearing for the exam has been increasing steadily over the years, and the competition is getting tougher.

The result of the UPSC CSE is usually announced in three stages- the preliminary exam, the main exam, and the final result. The preliminary exam is a screening test, and only candidates who clear the cut-off marks are eligible to appear for the main exam. Similarly, only candidates who clear the main exam are called for the final interview, after which the final result is declared.

The success rate of the UPSC CSE is typically low, with only around 0.1% to 0.3% of the candidates who appear for the exam being selected for the various services. However, the success rate may vary from year to year, depending on the difficulty level of the exam and other factors.

It’s important to note that success in the UPSC CSE depends on several factors, such as a clear understanding of concepts, consistent hard work, effective time management, and exam temperament. Therefore, it’s essential to have a strategic and holistic approach to preparation to increase your chances of success in the exam.

Download UPSC CSE Previous Year Solved Question Paper

FAQs – UPSC CSE Exam