UPSC ISS Exam (Indian Statistical Service) 2023-2024

Everything About UPSC ISS 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.

UPSC ISS Exam (Indian Statistical Service) Overview

Name of Examination	UPSC ISS
Full-Form of ISS	Indian Statistical Service
Exam Organised Body	Union Public Service Commission
Salary	₹56,100 – ₹2,05,400 per month
Vacancy Notification	Every Year
Notification release month	March – April
Application Mode	Online
Qualification	Bachelor/Master degree
Age Limite	21 Years – 30 Years
Application Fee	₹200/-
Selection Process	Written Exam and Personality Test
Official Website	https://www.upsconline.nic.in

Details of UPSC ISS Syllabus

About UPSC ISS Exam

The UPSC ISS (Indian Statistical Service) exam is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for statistical positions in various departments of the Indian government. The exam is conducted in two stages: a written exam and an interview. The written exam covers various topics in statistics such as probability, statistical methods, numerical analysis, computer programming, linear models, statistical inference, sampling techniques, econometrics, and multivariate analysis. Candidates who qualify in both the written exam and the interview are recommended for appointment to various posts in the Indian Statistical Service. The UPSC ISS exam is a highly competitive exam and requires thorough preparation.

Vacancy Notification

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) usually releases the notification for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) examination once a year. The notification is usually released in the month of March or April, and the exam is typically held in June or July.

However, it’s important to note that the release date of the notification and the exam dates may vary from year to year. It’s recommended to regularly check the official website of the UPSC (https://www.upsc.gov.in/) for the latest updates and notifications regarding the ISS examination.

Number of Vacancies

The number of vacancies announced for the UPSC Indian Statistical Service (ISS) exam also varies from year to year and is dependent on various factors such as the requirement of the government and the number of candidates who have qualified the exam.

For example, in 2023, the UPSC announced a total of 33 vacancies for the ISS exam, while in 2022, the total number of vacancies announced was 47. However, these numbers may not be representative of future years as they can vary widely based on the factors mentioned earlier.

It’s always best to keep an eye on the UPSC’s official website for the latest updates on the number of vacancies announced for the UPSC ISS exam.

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Job Profile after Selection in UPSC ISS Exam

After selection in the UPSC Indian Statistical Service (ISS) exam, candidates are appointed to different government departments as Statistical Officers. The job profile of a Statistical Officer involves collecting and analyzing data related to various sectors of the economy such as agriculture, industry, trade, and finance.

Statistical Officers are responsible for designing and implementing statistical surveys, compiling and analyzing data, and presenting the findings in the form of reports, charts, and tables. They are also responsible for providing statistical advice to government agencies and policymakers, as well as collaborating with other departments and organizations on research projects.

Overall, the job profile of a Statistical Officer in the Indian Statistical Service is challenging and rewarding, with opportunities for career growth and development.

Post after selection

The Indian Statistical Service (ISS) is a Group A Central Service in the government of India. The UPSC ISS exam provides entry to the following posts:

1. Junior Time Scale:

• Statistical Officer
• Assistant Director (Statistics)
• Assistant Director (Industrial Statistics)

2. Senior Time Scale:

• Deputy Director (Statistics)
• Deputy Director (Planning)

3. Junior Administrative Grade:

• Director (Statistics)
• Director (Economic and Statistical Analysis)

4. Selection Grade I:

• Senior Deputy Director (Statistics)
• Chief Statistical Officer

5. Higher Administrative Grade:

• Additional Director General (Statistics)
• Economic Adviser

6. Higher Administrative Grade+

• Principal Director (Statistics)

The above list indicates the hierarchy of posts that can be achieved by an Indian Statistical Service officer over time, based on experience and promotion.

Starting Salary

The 7th Pay Commission had revised the pay scales for various posts in the Indian Statistical Service (ISS). The starting salary of different posts under the UPSC ISS exam as per 7th Commission is as follows:

1. Junior Time Scale:

• Statistical Officer – Rs. 56,100 per month
• Assistant Director (Statistics) – Rs. 56,100 per month
• Assistant Director (Industrial Statistics) – Rs. 56,100 per month

2. Senior Time Scale:

• Deputy Director (Statistics) – Rs. 67,700 per month
• Deputy Director (Planning) – Rs. 67,700 per month

3. Junior Administrative Grade:

• Director (Statistics) – Rs. 78,800 per month
• Director (Economic and Statistical Analysis) – Rs. 78,800 per month

4. Selection Grade I:

• Senior Deputy Director (Statistics) – Rs. 1,18,500 per month
• Chief Statistical Officer – Rs. 1,18,500 per month

5. Higher Administrative Grade:

• Additional Director General (Statistics) – Rs. 1,44,200 per month
• Economic Adviser – Rs. 1,44,200 per month

6. Higher Administrative Grade+:

• Principal Director (Statistics) – Rs. 2,05,400 per month

Note: The above-mentioned salaries are basic pay only and do not include allowances and other benefits. The salary structure is subject to periodic revision by the government.

Career growth

The Indian Statistical Service (ISS) offers various opportunities for career growth and progression, with promotions and corresponding increases in responsibilities and salary. The career growth in UPSC ISS for all posts is as follows:

1. Junior Time Scale:
   The Junior Time Scale officers are the entry-level officers in the Indian Statistical Service. After completion of probation, they are eligible for promotion to the Senior Time Scale.
2. Senior Time Scale:
   The Senior Time Scale officers are eligible for promotion to the Junior Administrative Grade after fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
3. Junior Administrative Grade:
   The Junior Administrative Grade officers are eligible for promotion to the Selection Grade I after fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
4. Selection Grade I:
   The Selection Grade I officers are eligible for promotion to the Higher Administrative Grade after fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
5. Higher Administrative Grade:
   The Higher Administrative Grade officers are eligible for promotion to the Higher Administrative Grade+ after fulfilling the eligibility criteria.
6. Higher Administrative Grade+:
   The Higher Administrative Grade+ officers are eligible for promotion to the post of Chief Statistician of India.

The promotion to higher posts is based on the officer’s experience, performance, and seniority. The government may also conduct departmental exams and interviews to evaluate the officer’s suitability for promotion.

The career growth in UPSC ISS also offers opportunities for lateral movement across various departments and ministries of the government of India. Additionally, officers may also undertake various training programs, both domestic and international, to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Selection Process For UPSC Indian Statistical Services (ISS)

The selection process for the UPSC Indian Statistical Services (ISS) exam consists of two stages:

1. Written Examination:
   The first stage of the selection process is a written examination, which consists of two papers.

• Paper-I is of 200 marks and is of objective type. It covers topics like Probability, Statistical Inference, Linear Models, and Multivariate Analysis.
• Paper-II is of 200 marks and is of conventional type. It covers topics like Sampling Techniques, Design and Analysis of Experiments, Statistical Quality Control, and Operations Research.

2. Personality Test:
Candidates who qualify the written examination are shortlisted for the second stage of the selection process, which is the Personality Test. The Personality Test is of 200 marks and is conducted by a board constituted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The board evaluates the candidate’s suitability for the job by assessing their personality, communication skills, knowledge, and understanding of statistical concepts.

The final selection of candidates is based on the total marks obtained by the candidates in the written examination and the Personality Test. The UPSC prepares a merit list of the candidates based on their performance in both stages of the selection process. The candidates are then allocated various posts based on their ranks in the merit list, availability of vacancies, and their preference for posts.

The selection process for UPSC ISS is highly competitive, and candidates need to have a strong command of statistical concepts and excellent analytical skills to crack the exam.

Preparation Strategy

Preparing for the UPSC Indian Statistical Services (ISS) exam requires a structured and disciplined approach. Here is a complete strategy to help you prepare for the exam:

1. Know the Exam Syllabus:
   The first step is to understand the exam syllabus thoroughly. You should have a clear understanding of the topics covered in the syllabus and their weightage in the exam.
2. Develop a Study Plan:
   Based on the syllabus, create a study plan that covers all the topics. Allocate sufficient time for each topic, depending on the difficulty level and the weightage in the exam.
3. Study Material:
   Gather study material from reliable sources. You can refer to textbooks, previous year papers, and study material provided by coaching institutes.
4. Practice Previous Year Papers:
   Solve previous year’s papers to get a better understanding of the exam pattern, difficulty level, and the type of questions asked in the exam.
5. Take Mock Tests:
   Mock tests help you simulate the actual exam environment and gauge your preparation level. Take mock tests regularly to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
6. Time Management:
   Effective time management is critical to succeed in the exam. Allocate sufficient time for each section of the exam and practice time management techniques.
7. Analyze your Performance:
   Analyze your performance in mock tests and previous year’s papers to identify areas that need improvement. Focus on weak areas and work on improving them.
8. Revision:
   Revision is essential to retain the knowledge gained during the preparation. Revise regularly to reinforce the concepts and ensure that you are well-prepared for the exam.
9. Stay Updated:
   Stay updated with current events and developments in the field of statistics. Read newspapers and magazines to stay abreast of the latest happenings.
10. Be Confident:
    Believe in yourself and your abilities. Stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude towards the exam.

In conclusion, following a structured approach and disciplined preparation is the key to cracking the UPSC ISS exam. With hard work, dedication, and persistence, you can ace the exam and realize your dream of becoming an Indian Statistical Service officer.

Best Book For Preparation

Here are some of the best books for preparation for the UPSC Indian Statistical Service (ISS) exam:

1. An Introduction to Probability Theory and Mathematical Statistics by V.K. Rohtagi and S.C. Gupta
2. Mathematical Statistics with Applications by Kandethody M. Ramachandran and Chris P. Tsokos
3. Mathematical Statistics by S.C. Gupta and V.K. Kapoor
4. Statistical Methods by S.P. Gupta
5. Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics by S.C. Gupta and V.K. Kapoor
6. Sampling Techniques by William G. Cochran
7. Statistical Inference by George Casella and Roger L. Berger
8. Introduction to Econometrics by Christopher Dougherty
9. Econometric Analysis by William H. Greene
10. Statistical Mechanics by R.K. Pathria

These books cover all the topics in the UPSC ISS exam syllabus and provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts. However, it’s important to note that simply reading books is not enough to crack the exam. You also need to practice solving problems and taking mock tests to improve your problem-solving skills and time management.

Test Series

Nishant eAcademy Test Series is a highly recommended resource for anyone preparing for the UPSC Indian Statistical Services (ISS) exam. Their test series is designed to provide an exam-like experience to the candidates, with a wide range of questions covering all the topics of the syllabus. The test series is based on the latest exam pattern and is updated regularly to keep up with any changes in the exam pattern or the syllabus. Moreover, the detailed analysis and feedback provided by Nishant eAcademy after each test can help candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses and work on improving their performance. So, if you want to give your preparation an extra edge and increase your chances of success in the UPSC ISS exam, it is highly recommended to refer to the Nishant eAcademy Test Series.

Duration of Preparation

The preparation duration for the UPSC Indian Statistical Service (ISS) exam can vary depending on your existing knowledge, study habits, and availability of time. However, on average, candidates need at least 6-8 months of dedicated preparation to cover the entire syllabus and practice enough to crack the exam.
During this period, you should create a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus and allocate sufficient time for each topic based on the difficulty level and weightage in the exam. It is essential to cover all the topics thoroughly and revise them regularly to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the concepts.

Apart from covering the syllabus, it is also essential to solve previous year papers and take mock tests regularly to identify your strengths and weaknesses and to get a better understanding of the exam pattern. You can also join coaching institutes or online courses to get additional guidance and support.
Overall, the preparation duration for the UPSC ISS exam requires consistent and disciplined efforts over a period of several months. With the right study plan and preparation strategy, you can achieve your goal of cracking the exam and becoming an Indian Statistical Service officer.

FAQ – UPSC ISS Exam