The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts a range of civil services examinations in India to recruit candidates for various administrative positions in the government. These examinations are highly competitive and attract candidates from diverse educational backgrounds.
1. Civil Services Examination (CSE)
- CSE is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India.
- It recruits candidates for:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
- Several other central and state government services
2. Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS)
- Conducted alongside the Civil Services Examination (CSE).
- Recruits officers for the Indian Forest Service.
- Comprises three stages.
3. Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
- Conducted to recruit engineers for various services in the central government.
- Includes multiple stages of examination.
4. Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE)
- Conducted to recruit medical officers in various government departments and organizations.
- Comprises a written test followed by an interview.
5. Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
- Conducted to recruit candidates for various defense services:
- Indian Military Academy (IMA)
- Indian Naval Academy (INA)
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
- Includes a written test and an interview.
6. National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA)
- For admission to:
- Indian Army
- Indian Navy
- Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy
- Indian Naval Academy
- Consists of a written test followed by an interview.
7. Central Armed Police Forces Examination (CAPF)
- Recruits Assistant Commandants in:
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Other Central Armed Police Forces
- Includes a written test, physical standards/physical efficiency tests, and an interview.
8. Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service Examination (IES/ISS)
- Recruits officers for:
- Indian Economic Service
- Indian Statistical Service
- Consists of written tests and interviews.
UPSC Exam Patterns
1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type)
- Consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Serves as a screening test for the main examination.
- Example: Civil Services Preliminary Examination includes:
- General Studies Paper I
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT)
- Each paper is usually of two hours duration.
- Negative marking applies for incorrect answers.
2. Main Examination
- Assesses in-depth knowledge and analytical abilities.
- Includes conventional essay-type questions and optional papers specific to the candidate choice.
3. Interview/Personality Test (Viva-Voce)
- Candidates who qualify for the main examination are called for an interview.
- This stage evaluates:
- Personality
- Communication skills
- Leadership qualities
- Overall suitability for the service
4. Additional Tests
- Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests: Conducted for exams like CAPF.
- Medical Examination: Required for exams like CMSE.
These UPSC examinations are highly competitive and require thorough preparation. Aspirants often spend several months or even years preparing for these exams through self-study, coaching institutes, and extensive reading. Success in UPSC exams opens doors to diverse and prestigious career opportunities in the Indian government and civil services.
For more information, visit the official UPSC Website.