• Overview
The examination system of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is updated from time to time to keep it in harmony with the changing environment. The two compulsory papers comprise (1) Civil Services Preliminary Exam Paper I and (2) Civil Services Exam Paper II. Both papers carry 200 marks each. Paper two of the Civil Services PT Exam is popularly known as the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). In the official notice, the name of the Civil Services Preliminary Examination has not been changed while changing the pattern of the Civil Services Preliminary Exam Syllabus pattern.
• Eligibility
1. Nationality
o For Indian Administrative Service, a candidate should be a citizen of India.
o For Indian Foreign Service and other services, a candidate should be one of the following:
- A citizen of India
- A subject of Nepal or Bhutan
- A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 01/01/1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India
- A person of Indian origin who has migrated from other countries with the intention of permanently settling in India (detailed list of countries available on official website) provided that a candidate belonging to categories above shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Indian government.
2. Age Limit
o A candidate must be at least 21 years of age and less than 31 years of age as on 01-08-2014 for the 2014 exam.
o The upper age limit is relaxed up to a maximum of:
|
Category
|
Age Relaxation (years)
|
|
SC / ST
|
5
|
|
OBC
|
3
|
|
Defense Services personnel
|
3
|
|
Domiciled in J&K during the period
01/01/1980 - 31/12/1989
|
5
|
For more categories, visit the http://www.upsc.gov.in/
3. Educational Qualification
o A candidate must be a graduate from a recognized university or a deemed university.
o A candidate who has appeared for the final year of bachelor's degree and awaiting result, along with candidates who intend to appear at such qualifying examinations can also apply, provided that they submit their proof of qualification along with the application for the Mains exam.
o A candidate who possesses professional and technical qualification recognised by Government equivalent to the professional and technical degree can also apply.
o A candidate who has passed the final professional M.B.B.S. or any other Medical Examination but has not completed internship by the time of submission of application for the Civil Services (Main) Examination can also apply.
• Paper pattern
The Civil Services Exam is a paper based test and consists of two successive stages:
(i) Preliminary Examination (Objective type) comprising 2 exams: General Studies and CSAT
(ii) Civil Services Main Examination (Written and Interview)
Paper I: General Studies (GS) - 200 marks - 2 hours
Paper II: Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT) - 200 marks - 2 hours
• How to apply?
1. Register on http://www.upsconline.nic.in (Detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the above mentioned website)
2. The application charges for male candidates are Rs. 100/- only. There is no application charge for female and SC / ST / Physically Handicapped candidates.
3. All candidates, whether already in government service, government owned industrial undertakings or other similar organizations or in private employment should submit their applications directly to the Commission.
4. Official Website
5. http://www.upsc.gov.in
