UPSC Exam Date 2024, Eligibility, Exam Pattern And Syllabus

Hello, aspiring individuals! Welcome back to ybstudy. Today, our focus is on UPSC Exam Date. The full form of UPSC is Union Public Service Commission. But before delving into UPSC, let’s acquaint ourselves with PSC (Public Service Commission), a governmental organization entrusted with the pivotal responsibility of selecting officers for Group A and Group B, corresponding to the first and second class.

PSC was established in the year 1926, during the pre-independence era, PSC has played a crucial role in shaping the administrative framework. Now, turning our attention to UPSC, we’ll explore comprehensive details, including UPSC exam date, eligibility criteria, exam patterns, syllabus, and updates for the UPSC exam in 2024. Stay tuned for a thorough understanding of what is UPSC, its Eligibility, and the essential information you need for your UPSC journey.

UPSC Exam Calendar

UPSC Exam Date 2024:

Civil Services Examination (CSE):

Indian Forest Service (IFS) Examination:

Engineering Services Examination (ESE):

NDA/NA/CDS Examination:

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination

Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE):

Note: These tables provide a structured format for you to organize UPSC event and exam date information. Always verify the dates from the official UPSC notifications for the most accurate details.

UPSC Exam Date

Below are the details of the UPSC exam dates. All the dates are tentative and are subject to change:

• UPSC Application Form 2024: The application forms for UPSC were released on 14th February 2024. The application form was shorter than a month, which is unlike previous years. The UPSC 2024 application process started on 14 February and the last date of application was 5th Mach.
• UPSC admit card 2024: The hall ticket for UPSC was released by UPSC in May 2024. Candidates were able to download it after logging into their accounts.
• UPSC exam date: UPSC was held on 26 May 2024 (Prelims Exam) and on 20th September 2022 to Onwards (Mains Exam).
• UPSC answer key 2024: A provisional answer key of UPSC 2024 has been released by UPSC on its official website. This will be followed by the release of the final answer key, which is generally released along with the result.
• UPSC result 2024: UPSC is sending the UPSC result/scorecard on the official website. The scorecards are being sent to the candidates via their email and the UPSC result 2024 is also released on the official website soon. UPSC 2024 results will be accompanied by the cut-off for this year.
• UPSC 2024 Personality/Interview Date: UPSC will conduct Interviews for Selected Candidates at the end of 2024.

What is UPSC

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the central institution of India. This institution (UPSC) conducts examinations for about 24 posts like Civil Examination IAS, IFS, NDA, CDS, and SCRA. Or to say that it is the responsible agency for examination of the employees of Group A and B of Indian and Central Services.

After independence, it was renamed as Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 1950 by making some changes in the Public Service Commission (PSC) and expanding its rights. Its main function is to select first and second-class officers or civil servants. Apart from IAS / IPS, many other Grade A and Grade B officers are recruited through UPSC itself.

Here below are the list of exams conducted by the UPSC

History of UPSC

The beginning of the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) traces back to the Indian Government Legislation of 1919, where considerations for its establishment were initially proposed. However, due to various impediments, the commission did not materialize at that time. In 1923, Lord Lee, the English ruler, convened a Royal Commission to deliberate on the establishment of UPSC, underscoring the urgency of its formation.

Following the recommendations of the Royal Commission, the UPSC was officially established in October 1926. The primary objective behind its creation was to facilitate the recruitment of officers for significant government positions. Sir Ross Barker assumed the role of the first president of the commission, marking the beginning of its crucial role in overseeing the selection and appointment of qualified individuals to key governmental posts.

The UPSC continues to play a pivotal role in India’s governance by conducting various examinations to select candidates for prestigious positions in the civil services and other administrative branches.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC

UPSC Eligibility Criteria include age criteria, citizenship, and Educational Qualification. The minimum and Maximum age required to apply for UPSC The minimum age limit is 21 years and the maximum age limit is according to the category. The candidates applying for the exam must check the Eligibility criteria before they start the preparations. Candidates can appear for the aptitude test if they meet the given UPSC eligibility criteria. Before filling UPSC Application Form, candidates should meet the given UPSC eligibility criteria.

Educational Qualifications for UPSC

• The candidate should have a degree from a government-recognized university.
• If you are in your final year or are waiting for the result, you can also apply for the preliminary examination.
• All such candidates who are eligible to appear for the IAS examination will have to provide proof of their examination passing along with the application for the Main Examination.
• Candidates possessing professional and technical qualifications are recognized by the government as equivalent to technical and professional degrees.
• Medical students who have passed their MBBS final exam but have not yet had an internship can also apply for IS. However, the Main Examination Application Course Completion Certificate from where they have done their course will have to be submitted.
• Students who have completed their graduation.
• Students who are studying in the final year of their graduation or in the last semester.

Age limit for UPSC

• The minimum age for general category candidates to give UPSC is 21 years and the maximum of 32 years (maximum 6 times)
• ST-SC candidates are given 5 years of relaxation within the age limit. (Unlimited till age 37)
• OBC students are given relaxation in the age limit of 3 years. (Maximum 9 times or up to the age of 35)

Important Note:

1. The upper age limit is calculated as of the 1st of August of the exam year.
2. The number of attempts is counted until the candidate reaches the upper age limit or exhausts the maximum number of attempts, whichever comes first.
3. Relaxation in the upper age limit is applicable for certain categories, such as government servants, defense personnel, etc. Check the official UPSC notifications for detailed information.

Number of Attempts

• Normal class students can attempt up to 6 times.
• OBC The attempt limit is 9 times for the students of the class.
• There is no limit to the attempt for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, they can attempt this exam any time they want.
• Physically disabled general and OBC The limit of attempt is 9 times for the students of the class, while there is no limit to the efforts for physically challenged students of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

Important Note:

1. The number of attempts is counted until the candidate reaches the upper age limit or exhausts the maximum number of attempts, whichever comes first.
2. Attempted the Preliminary Examination but not appeared in any paper or even if qualified, the attempt will be counted.
3. The relaxation in the number of attempts for the Physically Disabled (PwBD) category is based on the respective category’s upper age limit.

UPSC Exam Pattern

This exam is done in 3 parts which are.

1. Preliminary examination
2. Main exam
3. Interview

Phase 1: UPSC Preliminary Examination

In this phase of the examination, we have to give two papers, the first is General Studies which comes as the first question paper and the second paper is the Civil Services Aptitude Test. Each paper is 200 marks and all the questions are Objective Type, which gives you four hours to solve, that is, two hours for each question paper.

Note:

• Negative Marking: There is a penalty for incorrect answers. For each wrong answer, one-third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.

• Qualifying Nature: The marks obtained in Paper-II (CSAT) are of qualifying nature (33% qualifying marks required).

• Cut-off Marks: The cut-off for Paper-I is considered for shortlisting candidates for the Main Examination.

• Language: Both papers are available in English and Hindi. Candidates can choose their preferred language for answering the papers.

• Duration: The duration of each paper is 2 hours.

There are two components in UPSC Prelims (Phase 1):

1. General Studies:
General Studies Examination is the first paper of the Preliminary Examination. From this test, the general awareness of the candidate is found, under which the subjects are as follows. Indian Polity, Geography, History, Indian Economy, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, International relations, and associated UPSC current affairs.

2. Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT):
The purpose of keeping the CSAT test under UPSC is to check the Aptitude Ability Reasoning and Analytical of the candidate. Through Comprehension, the redding of the candidate is checked, as well as his decision-making ability is also checked through Decision-Making Questions. The preliminary examination is for screening the candidate for the further status of the exam. The marks obtained in the prelims will not be added to the final rank list.

Phase 2: UPSC Mains Exam

The UPSC Main Examination is a second phase in the selection process for candidates aspiring to join the prestigious civil services in India. After successfully clearing the UPSC Preliminary Examination, candidates who qualify advance to the Main Examination, a more in-depth evaluation of their knowledge, analytical abilities, and communication skills.

The Main Examination is designed to comprehensively assess the candidates’ understanding of diverse subjects, ranging from history and geography to governance and ethics. It consists of a written examination with nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature, and the marks obtained in the remaining seven papers are considered for the final merit.

After successfully navigating the Main Examination, candidates proceed to the final stage, which is the Personality Test (Interview). Marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Personality Test collectively determine the candidate’s rank and, consequently, their placement in the civil services.

Note:

• Language: All papers are answered in either English or Hindi. The optional subject papers can be answered in English, Hindi, or any of the listed regional languages.

• Negative Marking: There is a negative marking for incorrect answers in the objective-type questions of the Preliminary Examination but not in the Main Examination.

• Qualifying Papers: Papers A and B (Indian Languages and English) are qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in these papers are not counted for the final ranking, but candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks.

• Personality Test (Interview): Candidates who qualify for the Main Examination are called for a Personality Test (Interview) carrying 275 marks.

• Overall Marks: The final ranking is based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination (1750) and the Personality Test (275). The total marks for the UPSC Civil Services Examination are 2025.

UPSC Application Form 2024:

UPSC Application Form will be made available through online mode. UPSC will release the application form specifically for eligible candidates, as only eligible candidates will be allowed to apply for the UPSC Examination. Candidates will be able to fill out the UPSC Application Form from the 14 February 2024.

The details filled by applicants in the UPSC application form must have valid documentation proof, as any incorrect detail can cause rejection of the application form. Authority will release the UPSC application form with correction facility as well though correction facility will be applicable on selected details only.

Candidates must submit their application form before 5th March 2024, as no application form will be accepted after the prescribed schedule. Candidates are advised to seek the printout of the filled UPSC Application Form and fee receipt for future reference.

Documents/details required for UPSC 2024 Exam application form

• Identity card: IDs such as Aadhaar cards, ration cards, bank account passbooks, passports, or any other government photo ID cards are required to fill out the online application form.
• Personal details: Personal and communication details such as the candidate and parents’ name, date of birth, permanent and corresponding address, active email ID, and mobile number.
• Images: Scanned images of recent passport-size photograph, postcard-size photograph, signature, and left thumb impression.

How to fill UPSC Application Form 2024

• First Step Log in to the official website of UPSC and search a link for “Application Form”.
• Once you get the link then click on it and the application form window will be opened consisting of 2 stages of registration- part I & Part II.
• click on Part I registration & fill in all the details as required in the application form.
• Once all the details are entered, you have to click on submit. On submission, a registration ID will be generated.
• Now the applicants will have to proceed with Part II registration by using the registration ID generated during Part I registration.
• Here you have to choose the examination you want to appear for.
• The next step is to upload the scanned images of your photograph & signature in the specified format.
• Now pay the application fee as mentioned on the website.
• On successful completion of the application fee, the registration process will be completed.
• The applicants can take down the printout of their online submitted application forms for future reference.
• Here you are online form filling complete.

How to Prepare for UPSC Exam:

This is a very high-level exam, so do not consider it easy. There is a lot of tough competition in this exam. Many people do not succeed in this examination even after years of hard work. If you really want to succeed in this UPSC, then you have to take special care of these things.

• Join Any Coaching Institute: There are many coaching in the country for the preparation of IAS / IPS which you can join. There you will be kept updated with every new information/news etc. and you will also get a reading environment. Along with this, many years of paper and study material, etc. will be made available to you through coaching.

• Take help from the Internet: Today every person has access to the Internet, so it is better that you use it properly to increase your knowledge and keep reading previous years’ papers, general knowledge, news, etc.

• Read Newspaper: This is the best way to increase your knowledge, you should make a habit of reading many newspapers in Hindi and English every day. If possible, join a library where you will get to read all the newspapers together.

• Choose the optional subject wisely: In UPSC, every student has to choose his / her subject, friends, you should always be cautious while choosing the optional subject. The subject that you are interested in reading should be chosen as an optional subject. You always like to read the subject, the subject about which you have all the information, if you choose the options subject of UPSC, then you can easily succeed. In politics, the optional subject is very important, so choose the optional subject wisely.

• Read NCERT Books: Students when you start studying UPSC, first of all, you should read NCERT. By reading NCERT books, the foundation of your studies is fully formed. Once you understand NCERT, then you are ready to study UPSC Mains. By reading NCERT, you get the basic information of every subject completely, that is why it is said that it is very important to read NCERT. You should study NCERT thrice before starting UPSC studies. If you do not study NCERT, you will not get basic information on any subject, so you cannot study well in the days ahead. Therefore it is very important to read NCERT.

• The proper place for UPSC Exam preparation: If you have less time and want to study more, then make sure to place it properly. A place where you can study alone for a long time. If you are sitting with family members and talking with your friends, then you will remember very little. So it is important to choose a good place so that you can sit alone and study for a long time.

• You all will know that to crack any exam, the most important thing is to work hard. At the same time, you will need a timetable, often many students commit mistakes because they do not study on time. Due to this, they are unable to pass the exam quickly. That is why the timetable is very important. If you work on time, then your chances of success will increase.

• Do not take stress while studying: It is the mistake of most students that they start taking more stress on anything, so if you have any problem, then talk to your parents for a solution, because if you do not stress-free. Then you will not be able to read well. That is why do not take stress, so if you take stress, you may suffer a lot. This can cause you a health problem.

• Practice test Papers: If you study hard, then one thing you should know is that whatever you study, you keep practicing for it, this will allow you to guess what you have studied, do you remember it? You will be able to forget things you have always remembered.

FAQs about UPSC Exam Date 2024

1. What is the Full form of UPSC?
Answer: The full form of UPSC is Union Public Service Commission and Union Public Service Commission in Hindi. It is a national-level institution. This institution conducts many big exams at the national level and it is an organization run by the Government of India. You also know how big the duty is to get many types of big exams done every year.

2. What types of exams are conducted by UPSC?
Answer: UPSC offers many exams up to the national level. Following are the names of some exams

• Civil service exam
• Engineering Services Examination
• Nine military academy exam
• Indian Forest Service Examination
• Joint Medical Services Examination
• Combined Defense Services Examination
• Central Armed Police Force Examination
• CISF related exam

3. Where do you get a job after clearing the UPSC?
Answer: As above UPSC conducts different exams, so it depends on which exam you are conducting by UPSC. If you clear the CSE Civil Service exam conducted by UPSC, then you can go to the posts of Group A officers like Collector, Additional Collector, Secretary, etc. Apart from CSE, many other exams like ESE, CDS, NDA, etc. are conducted by UPSC. You will have the same selection as the exam you give.

4. How many posts are there in UPSC
Answer: UPSC conducts examinations for recruitment in many types of posts and services. Common UPSC exams include the Engineering services exam, NDA exam, civil service exam, and Indian statistical services exam. These exams are for Group A and Group B level central government jobs. If you pass the exam, you can get an officer-level job. You get reputed jobs through this exam. There are many options available for those who want to become officers.

5. What are Jobs after clearing the UPSC exam?
Answer:

• Indian Police Service
• NDA
• Assistant provident fund commissioner
• CDS exam for defenses
• Civil Services
• Indian Postal Service
• Central Armed Police Forces (AC),
• Medical examination
• Indian Foreign Service
• Indian Revenue Service
• Indian Ordnance Factories Service
• Indian Railway Traffic Service, Group ‘A’
• Indian Defense Accounts Service

6. Is UPSC 2024 Result Date Announced?
Answer: UPSC has yet not released the official UPSC 2024 result release date. However, it is expected that the notification on NEET result 2024 dates will be released after the UPSC 2024 official answer key by UPSC. Any confirmation regarding the UPSC result is still awaited. Aspirants have been advised the track the upsc.gov.in results, for any latest update on the declaration of UPSC results.

7. When UPSC Exam Dates will be Released?
Answer: The UPSC exam date 2024 was announced at upsc.gov.in. The UPSC exam date is 26 May 2023. UPSC exam is to be held only once in an offline mode across the country. The notification of UPSC is usually released in January – February. But due to COVID, the academic session has been delayed, resulting in the postponement of the UPSC exam date. Aspirants are advised to track UPSC’s official website – upsc.gov.in regularly for any updates on UPSC Exam Date.

8. Can I prepare for the civil services exam even during graduation
Answer: Civil Services has always been popular as one of the most lucrative careers, but most students prepare for it after getting their bachelor’s degree. A major reason for this has been that a bachelor’s degree in itself is complex and labor-intensive. However, those who are already aiming to join the Civil Services can increase their chances through better strategic management during their graduation. For this read the books of NCERT for understanding the basic concepts during graduation. Emphasis on personality development i.e. putting your ideas in front of others, managing time, developing leadership ability, etc. For graduation, you can choose and study such subjects, which will later be helpful for you in the civil services examination.

9. What is the educational qualification needed to appear in the IAS exam?
Answer: For IAS aspirants must have  Any degree (graduation) from any stream. It may be regular or distant. The candidate must hold a degree from any of the Universities included 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. For details refer to Educational Qualification Requirement for UPSC IAS Exam.

10. What are the functions of UPSC, other than exams?
Answer: Apart from getting exams up to the national level, this commission performs many duties, which you should know. This commission works from time to time to make rules for recruits and make changes to them. This commission also undertakes the task of forming several types of committees for the promotion of the department. If a case has been given by the President, then work to resolve it. Not only this, but this commission also does the work of controlling the big exams and getting them done with complete safety and care.