Union Public Service Commission issued an official UPSC IAS exam notification 2023 on February 1st, 2023. Candidates who are interested and qualified could apply for this exam on the website of the Union Public Service Commission till 21st February 2023.
If you’re planning to take part in an exam like the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 Then you’re at the right spot as we provide all the information related to the exam that you need to know prior to applying for the exam. Take the time to read this article thoroughly to fully understand the exam’s pattern as well as eligibility requirements, application procedure, syllabus as well as other details related to the exam.
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UPSC IAS Exam 2023-24
Important Dates For UPSC Civil Service Examination 2023
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification release date | 01-02-2023 |
| Application starts on | 01-02-2023 |
| Last date to apply | 21-02-2023 |
| Preliminary examination | 28-05-2023 |
| Mains examination | 15-09-2023 |
UPSC Civil Service Examination Updates 2023
| Exam name | Civil Services Examination |
| Exam conducting body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Application dates | 1st February to 21st February 2023 |
| Vacancy details | 1105 |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application Fee | INR 100/- [SC/ST/ Female/Persons with Benchmark Disability candidates are exempted from payment of fee] |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Official Notice | Click Here |
| Apply Link | Click Here |
UPSC CSE Eligibility Criteria 2023
Nationality
| Post | Nationality |
|---|---|
| Indian Administrative Service/ Indian Foreign Service/ Indian Police Service | A candidate must be a citizen of India. |
| For other services | a candidate must be: (a) a citizen of India, or (b) a subject of Nepal, or (c) a subject of Bhutan, or (d) a Tibetan refugee who came to India prior to the 1st of January 1962, with the aim of permanently settling in India or (e) 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. |
Competitive and Government Exams
Notes, Syllabus & Important Topics
Age Limit for UPSC IAS Exam
The candidate must have reached an age limit of 21 and not be over an age beyond 32. Age relaxation is also in effect for certain categories in accordance with the regulations of the government that are listed below:
| Category | Relaxation in Upper Age |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe | 5 years |
| Other Backward Classes | 3 years |
| Defence Services Personnel, disabled in operations during hostilities with any foreign country or in a disturbed area and released as a consequence | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 5 years |
| ECOs/SSCOs | 5 years |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories | 10 years |
Educational Qualification for UPSC IAS Exam
A candidate must be a graduate 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 under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956 or possess an equivalent qualification.
Note: Candidates who have technical and professional qualifications recognized in the eyes of government officials as being equivalent to an academic or technical qualification are also eligible to be admitted into Civil Service Examination.
Application Process of UPSC Civil Services Exam 2023
- Visit the official website by clicking here.
- On the homepage, you will get an Apply Link
- Now, apply for the new registration after clicking on that link.
- A new page will appear in front of you, read the information carefully and click to proceed further.
- Afterward, Click on the new registration.
- Now, log in with your registration ID and Password to fill out the application form.
- Carefully fill in all the required details such as your name, contact details, parental details, etc.
- Now, upload your required documents in the needed format and size.
- Pay your application fee and print your final submission.
Application Fee
The category wise application fee is given below:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| GEN/OBC/EWS | INR 100/- |
| SC/ST/PH | Exempted |
| Female of all category | Nil |
UPSC Civil Services Examination Number of Attempts
Anyone who shows up for this test, and has been competent is granted six (6) chances to take the CSE. But, those who are in those categories of SC/ST/OBC as well as PwBD categories and are qualified will receive an exemption from the number of times they can attempt. In accordance with the relaxation, these applicants can take attempt in the number following:
| Category | No of attempts |
|---|---|
| SC /ST | Unlimited |
| OBC | 09 |
| PwBD | 09 for GL/EWS/OBC Unlimited for SC/ST |
Selection Process For UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023
The Selection process of Civil Services consists of the following two stages:
- 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.
For a clear understanding read the below-mentioned points:
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.
Interview
Candidates will be questioned by an interview Board who 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 calibre 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.
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 Exam Pattern
Preliminary
| Paper | No of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies – I | 100 | 200 | 2 Hours |
| General Studies – II (CSAT) | 80 | 200 | 2 Hours |
- Both the question papers will be of the objective type (multiple choice questions) and each will be of two hours duration.
- 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%.
- The question papers will be set both in Hindi and English.
- 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.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Syllabus 2023
Preliminary Syllabus
| Paper | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 | ● 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 – that do not require subject specialization. ● General Science. |
| Paper 2 | 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); |
Mains Syllabus
| Paper | Subject | Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | Essay | Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression |
| Paper-II | General Studies-I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society. | ● Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. ● Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues. ● The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/ contributions from different parts of the country. ● Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. ● History of the world will include events from the 18th century such as the industrial revolution, world wars, redrawing of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.— their forms and effect on society. ● Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies. ● Effects of globalization on Indian society. ● Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. ● Salient features of the world’s physical geography. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India). ● Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. |
| Paper-III | General Studies – II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations. | ● Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. ● Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. ● Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. ● Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. ● Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. ● Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. ● Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. ● Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. ● Development processes and the development industry —the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. ● Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. ● Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Issues relating to poverty and hunger. ● Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. ● Role of civil services in a democracy. ● India and its neighborhood- relations. ● Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. ● Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. ● Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. |
| Paper-IV | General Studies – III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management | ● Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment. ● Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Government Budgeting. ● Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers. ● Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; ● Food processing and related industries in India- scope’ and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management. Land reforms in India. ● Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. ● Investment models. ● Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. ● Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. ● Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Disaster and disaster management. ● Linkages between development and spread of extremism. ● Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. ● Challenges to internal security through communication networks, the role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention. ● Security challenges and their management in border areas – linkages of organized crime with terrorism. Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate. |
| Paper-V | General Studies – IV: Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude | This paper will include questions to test the candidates’ attitudes and approaches to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life, and problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered: ● Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics – in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values. ● Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections. ● Emotional intelligence concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. ● Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the world. ● Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. ● Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. ● Case Studies on above issues |
| PAPER-VI & PAPER-VII | Optional Subject Papers I & II | Candidate may choose any optional subject from amongst the List of Optional Subjects. (For the syllabus refer to the official notice) |
List of Optional Subjects
| Agriculture | Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science |
| Anthropology | Botany |
| Chemistry | Civil Engineering |
| Commerce and Accountancy | Economics |
| Electrical Engineering | Geography |
| Geology | History |
| Law | Management |
| Mathematics | Mechanical Engineering |
| Medical Science | Philosophy |
| Physics | Political Science and International Relations |
| Psychology | Public Administration |
| Sociology | Statistics |
| Zoology | Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English. |
UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 Salary
| 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 |
Vacancy Details of UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023
The number of vacancies to be filled through the examination is expected to be approximately 1105. Post-wise vacancies will be announced shortly by the Commission.
Post Name | Vacancy |
Group ‘A’ Posts | |
Indian Administrative Service | To be announced |
Indian Foreign Service | To be announced |
Indian Police Service | To be announced |
Indian Audit and Accounts Service | To be announced |
Indian Civil Accounts Service | To be announced |
Indian Corporate Law Service | To be announced |
Indian Defence Accounts Service | To be announced |
Indian Defence Estates Service | To be announced |
Indian Information Service, Junior Grade | To be announced |
Indian Postal Service | To be announced |
Indian P&T Accounts and Finance Service | To be announced |
Indian Railway Protection Force Service | To be announced |
Indian Revenue Service (Customs & Indirect Taxes) | To be announced |
Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) | To be announced |
Indian Trade Service, (Grade III) | To be announced |
Group ‘B’ Posts | |
Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, (Section Officer’s Grade) | To be announced |
Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service (DANICS), | To be announced |
Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service (DANIPS), Group ‘B’ | To be announced |
Pondicherry Civil Service (PONDICS), Group ‘B’ | To be announced |
Note: 37 vacancies are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability Category.