The UPSC exam is one of the toughest exams in the country. The UPSC full form in english is Union Public Service Commission, a prestigious and major exam-conducting authority, that organizes various examinations to recruit eligible candidates for the Indian Government. One of the key exams conducted by UPSC is the Civil Services Examination (CSE), also known as the IAS examination. This exam is conducted in two phases: the UPSC prelims and the mains. The preliminary examination is objective-based, while the main exam is descriptive and includes essay writing. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is also responsible for conducting various examinations for posts such as IAS, IFS, IPS, and more.
| UPSC CSE (IAS) Basic Information | |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | IAS Exam (UPSC CSE) |
| Post | Indian Administrative Services (IAS) |
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Organisation Name | Government of India (GOI) |
| Exam Types | Offline Examination |
| Application Fees | General Male Candidates – Rs 100/- Everyone Else – Rs. 0/- (free) |
| Selection Process | Phase 1: Prelims Phase 2: Mains Phase 3: Interview |
| Job Location | India |
| Category | Government Job |
| UPSC Website | www.upsc.gov. in |
UPSC Full Form
The UPSC Full Form is Union Public Service Commission. It conducts a national-level exam known as the Civil Service Examination (CSE). This exam is held to recruit candidates for various civil service and government posts, such as the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
UPSC Functions
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is endowed with numerous roles and responsibilities. According to Article 320 of the Indian Constitution, the UPSC is mandated to conduct examinations for appointments to various Union-level posts and services.
Other key functions of the UPSC include consultation on the following matters:
- Methods of recruiting candidates for various civil services posts
- Appointments for civil services and other posts
- Promotion and transfer of officers from one service to another
- Assessing the suitability of candidates for appointments, promotions, or transfers
- Taking disciplinary actions against civil servants serving in a civil capacity, including handling petitions or memorials in such matters
- Additionally, if requested, the UPSC can assist two or more states in framing and executing schemes for joint recruitment for any services.
UPSC IAS Exam 2024 Overview
The UPSC exam is conducted annually to recruit candidates for various civil services of the Indian central government. Known as the IAS exam, the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) takes place following the official release of the UPSC vacancy notification.
The UPSC CSE consists of three stages that candidates must clear to be selected as an IAS officer:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Main Examination (Mains)
- Personal Interview (Interview)
At every level of your posting, you will have the opportunity to make a significant socio-economic impact in your designated domain of work.
IAS Officer Salary & Job Profile 2024
The salary of an IAS officer comprises basic monthly pay along with various perks and allowances provided by the Government of India.
- The basic monthly salary for an IAS officer, according to the 7th Pay Commission, is Rs. 56,100.
- Depending on the allowances, the gross monthly salary can reach up to Rs. 1,50,000.
- After serving 4 years as an undersecretary, a deputy secretary’s basic monthly salary is Rs. 67,700.
- The basic monthly salary of an IAS officer with over 37 years of service, who has become the Cabinet Secretary of India, is approximately Rs. 2,50,000.
Job Profile of an IAS Officer
An IAS officer’s responsibilities include:
Monitoring the implementation of government schemes and policies.
Managing emergencies such as natural disasters, riots, or major accidents within their jurisdiction.
UPSC CSE Notification 2024
Latest Update: The Prelims result for the UPSC CSE 2024 exam was announced on 1st July 2024.
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Admit Card Release: The UPSC Prelims 2024 admit card was released on 7th June 2024 for the exam conducted on 16th June 2024.
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Notification Release: The notification for the UPSC exam 2024 was released on 14th February 2024. The application process started on the same day and continued until 5th March 2024.
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Vacancies: A total of 1,056 vacancies were announced in the notification.
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Official Calendar: The official UPSC calendar for 2024 was announced on 10th May 2023.
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Exam Schedule: According to the notification, the UPSC Prelims was initially scheduled for 26th May 2024 but was postponed to 16th June 2024. The Mains exam will commence on 20th September 2024 and will span five days.
For detailed information about the 2024 UPSC CSE Notification and Exam Dates, please check the linked blog.
Below is a table summarizing the key dates for the UPSC CSE 2024:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 14th February 2024 |
| Application Start Date | 14th February 2024 |
| Application End Date | 5th March 2024 |
| Admit Card Release | 7th June 2024 |
| Prelims Exam | 16th June 2024 |
| Prelims Result Announcement | 1st July 2024 |
| Mains Exam Start Date | 20th September 2024 |
UPSC Recruitment 2024
Each year, several UPSC recruitments take place across various streams. For recruitment to various civil services, here are some key points to consider:
Examination Stages:
The UPSC examination consists of three stages – Prelims, Mains, and the Interview.
Common Recruitment Process:
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) serves as a common recruitment process for filling annual vacancies for officer posts such as IPS, IFS, and IRS officers.
Duration:
The entire recruitment process typically lasts between 9 months to a year.
Competition:
Many students apply for the UPSC CSE each year, but only a few manage to secure the various vacant positions.
UPSC IAS Exam Vacancy 2024
The details for the UPSC IAS Exam Vacancy 2024 have been announced along with the release of the notification. The UPSC has announced a total of 1056 vacancies, which include 40 vacancies reserved for the Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) category. The breakdown is as follows:
- 09 vacancies are reserved for candidates with locomotor disability, including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims, and muscular dystrophy.
- 13 vacancies are reserved for candidates with multiple disabilities.
- 06 vacancies are reserved for candidates with low vision and blindness.
- 12 vacancies are reserved for candidates with deafness and hard of hearing.
UPSC IAS Exam Eligibility Criteria 2024
Understanding the UPSC eligibility criteria is crucial as it determines your eligibility to sit for the exam. Ensure you thoroughly review these criteria before applying for the UPSC exam 2024.
Nationality
For the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), candidates must be citizens of India.
For other services, the nationality criteria may vary. Detailed information can be found on my blog (link provided at the end of the section).
Age Limit
General Category: Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old as of August 1, 2024.
SC/ST Category: The upper age limit is 37 years (age relaxation up to 5 years).
OBC Category: The upper age limit is 35 years (age relaxation up to 3 years).
PwBD Category: The upper age limit is 42 years (age relaxation up to 10 years).
Summary of Age Limits:
- General: 32 years
- OBC: 35 years
- SC/ST: 37 years
- PwBD: 42 years
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification.
The degree must be from a state or centrally recognized university, or an institution established by an Act of Parliament or State Legislature, or a deemed university recognized under Section 3 of the UGC Act of 1956.
Number of Attempts
| Category | No. of Attempts |
|---|---|
| General | 6 |
| OBC | 9 |
| SC/ST | Unlimited (Up to age limit) |
| PwBD | 9 for GL/EWS/OBC Unlimited for SC/ST |
To explore detailed information on various aspects of the UPSC Eligibility Criteria, such as age limits and physical standards, check out my blog.
UPSC IAS Exam Pattern 2024
As previously mentioned, the UPSC IAS exam in 2024 consists of three stages that must be completed to be selected as an IAS officer:
- IAS Prelims – The initial screening phase.
- IAS Mains – The second stage of the examination.
- Personal Interview – The final stage of the selection process.
UPSC Exam Pattern for IAS Prelims
The IAS Prelims exam comprises two papers: GS Paper 1 and CSAT. Here’s a breakdown of the exam pattern:
- Both papers feature objective-type questions, with each paper carrying a weightage of 200 marks.
- The exam is conducted offline, and both papers are held on the same day.
- GS Paper 1 includes 100 questions, while CSAT consists of 80 questions.
- Each paper is allotted a duration of 2 hours.
There is a provision for negative marking in both papers of the exam: Paper 1 has a penalty of 0.66 marks for incorrect answers, while Paper 2 has a penalty of 0.83 marks.
The Prelims exam serves primarily as a qualifying round, aimed at screening out unsuitable candidates from the recruitment process. Those who pass the Prelims are eligible to proceed to the Mains exam.
For a detailed understanding of the exam pattern, you can refer to the UPSC Prelims exam pattern that I have explained.
UPSC Exam Pattern for IAS Mains
The Mains exam comprises 9 subjective (descriptive) papers, including 1 essay paper, 2 language papers, 2 optional papers, and 4 General Studies (GS) papers. The UPSC CSE Mains are conducted over 5 to 7 days.
The exam pattern is as follows:
- The 2 Language Papers (Paper A and Paper B) are qualifying in nature and each carries 300 marks.
- The 4 GS Papers, 2 Optional Papers, and 1 Essay Paper each carry 250 marks.
UPSC Mains Exam Overview:
The total marks for all papers in the Mains exam amount to 1750. Each paper is allotted 3 hours for completion. For a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern by paper, click on the UPSC Mains exam pattern link.
UPSC IAS Interview Round:
The interview round involves a personal interview conducted by a panel of impartial and highly skilled experts who specialize in assessing candidates’ personalities. This round evaluates your mental and social traits against the standards expected of an ideal IAS officer.
Key qualities sought by the UPSC interview panel include:
- Clear thinking
- Ethical integrity
- Balanced mindset
- Depth of knowledge
The interview round carries a maximum of 275 marks, contributing to a total maximum score of 2025 (275 for the interview + 1750 for the Mains).
For insight into the types of questions asked, refer to the UPSC Exam Pattern for Interview.
UPSC Apply Online 2024:
- Latest Update: The UPSC Mains DAF-I procedure is available on the official website from 3rd July 2024 to 12th July 2024 (6:00 PM).
- The UPSC online application process for 2024 commenced on 14th February 2024 and closed on 5th March 2024.
- A correction window for making changes to the UPSC application form was open from 6th March 2024 to 12th March 2024.
For a detailed timeline of the 2024 UPSC IAS application process, refer to the table below:
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| UPSC CSE Notification 2024 | 14th February 2024 |
| Last Date for Application | 5th March 2024 |
| UPSC Prelims 2024 | 16th June 2024 |
| UPSC Mains 2024 | 20th September (5 days) |
When applying online, it’s crucial to avoid making simple mistakes. I can’t emphasize this enough.
To ensure your UPSC CSE registration form is successfully submitted, check the UPSC application fees and the steps for applying online.
UPSC IAS Syllabus 2024
The UPSC CSE (IAS) syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, so it’s essential to be familiar with all the topics and sub-topics included.
If you aim to succeed in the IAS exam 2024, your first step should be to thoroughly understand the UPSC syllabus.
As you know, the exam consists of three phases: the Prelims, the Mains, and the Interview. I’ve detailed these phases in the exam pattern section above.
UPSC Prelims:
This stage consists of two papers: GS Paper 1 and CSAT. GS Paper 1 covers a broad array of subjects, including Polity, History, Geography, Economy, Science & Technology, and more.
The CSAT paper includes questions on English Comprehension, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Below, you’ll find the key topics for the UPSC Prelims:
The UPSC Mains exam consists of nine papers: Language Paper A, Language Paper B, Essay Paper, GS Paper 1, GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3, GS Paper 4, Optional Subject Paper 1, and Optional Subject Paper 2.
The General Studies (GS) Papers cover subjects such as Indian Polity, Governance, Indian and World History, and Indian Geography, among others. The Language Papers evaluate grammar, reading skills, writing proficiency, translation abilities, and basic language usage.
The Essay Paper does not have a specific syllabus. Candidates must select one optional subject from a list of 26 subjects provided by the UPSC.
The major highlights of the Mains syllabus, including key topics
Language Papers Overview:
The two language papers assess your proficiency in grammar, reading, writing, translation, and basic language usage. For the Essay paper, there is no set topic; its purpose is to evaluate your ability to express your thoughts clearly, coherently, and concisely.
Syllabus Overview:
This brief overview introduces the entire UPSC exam for 2024. For a detailed breakdown of the UPSC CSE Prelims and Mains syllabus, please refer to the linked blog.
UPSC Commerce and Management Syllabus 2024:
Commerce and Management are popular optional subjects for the UPSC Mains. These subjects offer a well-structured syllabus designed to provide in-depth knowledge. Whether you’re choosing between optional subjects or have decided on one, carefully review the syllabus. Access the UPSC Commerce & Management Syllabus 2024 on the dedicated page.
UPSC IAS Preparation Tips 2024:
Preparing for the UPSC CSE (IAS) requires dedication and a strategic approach. The exam comprises three stages, and a solid study plan is essential, especially for the Mains, which includes optional subjects in addition to GS papers. Here are some preparation tips to help you cover both GS and
optional subjects:
- Start with the basics.
- Find the right booklist.
- Follow a structured study plan for 5-6 months.
- Begin answer writing practice.
- Regularly take mock tests.
- Focus on constant revision and seek regular feedback.
- For a detailed study plan for optional subjects, refer to the day-wise UPSC Commerce & Management study guide I’ve put together.
UPSC Prelims Books:
Selecting the right books is crucial for cracking the UPSC exam 2024. The Prelims, being objective in nature, require separate booklists for GS Paper 1 and CSAT. Recommended books include:
GS Paper 1:
Indian Art & Culture by Nitin Singhania
A Brief History of Modern India by Spectrum
Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
Environment by Shankar IAS
CSAT Paper:
- General Studies Paper-II for UPSC Preliminary Examination by Tata McGraw Hill
- Cracking the Civil Services Aptitude Test Paper-II by Arihant
- A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- English Grammar & Composition by Wren and Martin
- Start with NCERT books and progress to the standard UPSC book list for 2024. For a complete booklist for Prelims, check the UPSC Prelims books section, which also includes NCERTs.
UPSC Mains Books:
The UPSC Mains, consisting of nine papers, requires a comprehensive booklist. For optional subjects like Commerce & Accountancy and Management, it’s essential to cover both theoretical and numerical aspects.
Recommended books include:
- India’s Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra
- Certificate Physical and Human Geography by GC Leong
- Challenge and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy by Rajiv Sikri
- Introduction to the Constitution of India by DD Basu
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chaudhary
- Indian Financial System by Bharati V. Pathak
- Organization Theory & Behaviour by T. N. Chhabra
- Refer to the complete list of recommended UPSC Mains books, including those for Commerce & Management optional subjects.
UPSC CSE Mock Test Series:
Mock tests are vital for understanding the exam format, reinforcing strengths, and identifying weaknesses. Regularly practicing with high-quality mock IAS test papers is crucial. For more information, I’ve created a detailed blog on this topic. Additionally, explore UPSC free mock tests for Commerce & Management to refine your preparation for these optional subjects.
UPSC Admit Card 2024
Latest Update: The admit card for UPSC Prelims 2024 was released on June 7, 2024, for the exam scheduled on June 16, 2024. Initially, the Prelims exam was set for May 26, 2024.
The Mains exam will start on September 20, 2024, and the admit card for this stage is expected to be released 3-4 weeks prior to the exam.
The UPSC admit card is essential for entry into the exam hall. Without it, you will not be permitted to take the exam. Admit cards for both Prelims and Mains are issued separately, typically about a month before each phase. Therefore, Prelims admit cards are usually released a month before the Prelims exam, and Mains admit cards are available about a month before the first Mains paper.
Once released, candidates should download and print their admit cards, as only hard copies are accepted on exam day.
For instructions on how to download the UPSC admit card and other related details, please refer to the linked page.
UPSC IAS Previous Year Question Papers
Incorporating previous years’ question papers into your study strategy is crucial. Start by solving a sample paper to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on weaker areas while studying the UPSC CSE syllabus. After covering the syllabus, solve another past paper to gauge your progress and address any remaining weak points. Repeat this process until you are confident in all areas of the syllabus.
For previous year question papers for Commerce and Management optional subjects, downloadable PDFs are available.
UPSC Answer Key 2023
The UPSC CSE answer key provides solutions to all questions from the Prelims exam. Although the official answer key is released at the end of the exam cycle, an unofficial answer key is available shortly after the exam. For immediate access to answer keys from 2021 to 2023, visit the dedicated page linked here.
UPSC Exam Analysis
Merely completing the syllabus and mock tests is not enough; analyzing previous years’ exam papers is crucial. This analysis helps you understand important topics and question difficulty levels. Detailed exam analyses for Commerce and Management from 2020-2023 are available. Analysis for other subjects is still in progress.
UPSC Cut Off 2023
The UPSC Cut Off marks are determined after the final results of the UPSC CSE 2023 are announced. Cutoffs for Prelims, Mains, and the final combined stages are released post-results. The cutoff marks indicate the score of the last candidate who passed each round. For reference, the 2023 final cutoff table is provided below.
Important notes:
Prelims cutoff is based on Paper 1 (GS) only. Paper 2 (CSAT) is not considered for merit ranking.
The cutoff marks are the scores of the last candidate who cleared the respective stage.
UPSC 2023 Final Cut Off
| Category | UPSC Final Cut offs (out of 2025) |
|---|---|
| General | 953 |
| EWS | 923 |
| OBC | 919 |
| SC | 890 |
| ST | 891 |
| PwBD-1 | 894 |
| PwBD-2 | 930 |
| PwBD-3 | 756 |
| PwBD-4 | 589 |
Based on the table above, you should now have an understanding of the UPSC IAS cut-offs.
You can review the cut-offs for the UPSC Prelims, Mains, and Final exams, which have been released.
UPSC Result 2024
- Latest Update: The result for the UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 was released on July 1, 2024, on the official website.
- The official final result for UPSC CSE 2023 was declared on April 16, 2023, on the UPSC website.
- The result for the UPSC CSE 2023 Mains exam, conducted from December 15-24, 2023, was announced on December 12, 2023. You can view the UPSC 2023 Mains Result here.
- The result for the UPSC CSE 2023 Prelims, held on May 28, 2023, was released on June 12, 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UPSC full form stand for?
UPSC full form stands for the Union Public Service Commission. It is the central agency authorized to conduct examinations for various civil services in India.
What is the recruitment process for UPSC?
The upsc full-form recruitment process typically involves several stages, including a preliminary examination, a main examination, and an interview. The specific process may vary depending on the position being recruited for. For example, the Civil Services Examination (CSE) includes a Preliminary Exam, a Main Exam, and a Personality Test (Interview).
What is the history of UPSC?
The upsc full form was established on October 1, 1926, as the Federal Public Service Commission under the Government of India Act, 1935. It was renamed the Union Public Service Commission after India gained independence in 1947. The commission has since been responsible for recruiting for various civil services and posts in the Indian government.
What are the functions of the UPSC?
The UPSC is responsible for conducting examinations and interviews to recruit candidates for various civil services and posts in the central government. It also advises the President of India on matters related to recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary actions for civil servants.
Where can I find detailed information about upsc full form functions and responsibilities?
Detailed information about the UPSC’s functions and responsibilities can be found on the official UPSC website. The site provides comprehensive details on the commission’s roles, examinations, and recruitment processes. Additionally, the UPSC’s annual reports and notifications offer insights into its activities and operations.
Conclusion
The Union Public Service Commission (upsc full form) plays a crucial role in the governance and administration of India. Established on October 1, 1926, the UPSC is responsible for recruiting candidates to various civil service positions through rigorous examinations and interviews. Its primary functions include conducting examinations for central government services, advising on recruitment and promotions, and ensuring the selection of qualified candidates for key administrative roles.
For comprehensive details on the UPSC’s full form, recruitment process, historical background, and functional responsibilities, you can visit the official UPSC website and review its annual reports and notifications. This information provides a deeper understanding of the UPSC’s pivotal role in maintaining the efficiency and integrity of India’s civil services.
