• September-10-2023

UPSC EXAMS

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. Here are some key UPSC examinations:

Civil Services Examination (CSE):

CSE is one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India. It recruits candidates for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and several other central and state government services. The examination consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type), Main Examination (Written), and Interview (Personality Test).

Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS):

IFoS is conducted alongside the Civil Services Examination (CSE) and recruits officers for the Indian Forest Service. The IFoS exam also consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview.

Engineering Services Examination (ESE):

ESE is conducted to recruit engineers for various engineering services in the central government, such as the Indian Railway Service of Engineers, Indian Defense Service of Engineers, and more. The exam consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Personality Test.

Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE):

CMSE is conducted to recruit medical officers in various government departments and organizations. The examination comprises a written test followed by an interview.

Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE):

CDSE is conducted to recruit candidates for various defense services, including the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Air Force Academy (AFA). The examination includes a written test and an interview.

National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA):

NDA & NA examination is for admission to the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Naval Academy. The examination consists of a written test followed by an interview.

Central Armed Police Forces Examination (CAPF):

CAPF exam recruits Assistant Commandants in various Central Armed Police Forces, such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and others. The exam includes a written test, physical standards/physical efficiency tests, and interview.

Indian Economic Service and Indian Statistical Service Examination (IES/ISS):

IES/ISS examination recruits officers for the Indian Economic Service and the Indian Statistical Service. The examination consists of written tests and interviews.

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.

UPSC exam patterns:

1. Preliminary Examination (Objective Type):

The preliminary examination is the first stage of UPSC exams. It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and aims to screen candidates for the main examination. The number of questions and subjects covered can vary depending on the exam. For example, the Civil Services Preliminary Examination has two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT). Each paper is usually of two hours duration. There is negative marking for incorrect answers.

2. Main Examination (Written):

The main examination is the second stage and is designed to assess the candidate in-depth knowledge and analytical abilities. It consists of conventional essay-type questions and may include optional papers based on the candidate choice. The main examination syllabus is specific to the particular exam, and it is quite extensive. The number of papers, their weightage, and the nature of questions vary from one exam to another.

3. Interview/Personality Test (Viva-Voce):

Candidates who qualify the main examination are called for an interview or personality test. This stage evaluates a candidate personality, communication skills, leadership qualities, and other factors. The interview panel assesses the candidate suitability for the desired service.

4. Physical Standards/Physical Efficiency Tests (for certain exams):

Some UPSC exams, such as the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Examination, have physical standards and physical efficiency tests as part of their selection process. These tests assess the candidate physical fitness and ability to meet the physical standards required for the position.

5. Medical Examination (for certain exams):

Candidates who qualify for certain exams, like the Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE), are required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the medical standards for the position.

It is important to note that the specific exam pattern can vary widely based on the UPSC examination you are preparing for. Each examination has its own syllabus, eligibility criteria, and selection process. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the official UPSC notification and syllabus for the specific exam you plan to appear for to get detailed and up-to-date information on the exam pattern. Additionally, candidates often opt for coaching or self-study with the help of standard reference books to prepare effectively for UPSC exams.