The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has recently revealed the much-awaited UPSC Exam 2024 schedule, setting the stage for a selection process to fill various prestigious civil service positions.
Let’s look at some of the most important aspects of UPSC 2024, from exam dates to preparation strategies.
What is UPSC?
The full form of UPSC is the Union Public Service Commission. It is an important institution in India that is responsible for conducting various examinations to recruit candidates for some of the most prestigious government positions. It serves as the recruiting agency for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other Group A and B services.
Essentially, UPSC plays a key role in selecting candidates for civil services, ensuring that individuals with the right qualifications and skills serve the nation in administrative and leadership roles. Aspirants prepare for UPSC examinations to pursue careers in public service and contribute to the nation’s development.
UPSC Exam Eligibility Criteria Simplified:
To appear for the UPSC Exam, candidates need to meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a simplified breakdown to help you understand the essentials:
1. Nationality:
Indian citizen, a person of Indian origin, or a subject of Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibet who settled in India before January 1, 1962.
2. Education Qualification:
Candidates must have a Graduate Degree from a recognized University.
3. Age Limit:
Minimum age: 21 years
Maximum age: 32 years
4. Category Wise Age Limit, Relaxations, and Attempts:
Understanding these criteria is crucial for aspiring candidates to ensure they meet the requirements before embarking on their UPSC Exam journey.
| Category | Age Limit | Attempts |
| General Category & EWS | 32 years | 6 |
| OBC | 32 years + 3 years | 9 |
| SC/ST | 32 years + 5 years | Unlimited |
| Physically Disabled: | 32 years + 10 years | 9 (Gen/OBC/EWS), SC/ST: Unlimited attempts |
| Jammu & Kashmir Domicile | 32 years + 5 years + (3 years, if OBC OR 5 years, if SC/ST) | |
| Disabled and discharged Defence service personnel | 32 years + 3 years (+3 years, for Gen/OBC OR 5 years, for SC/ST) | |
| ExServicemen Commission Officer | 32 years + 5 years (+3 years, for OBC OR 5 Years, for SC/ST) |
UPSC Exam Date 2024– Mark Your Calendar
The UPSC Exam 2024 Prelims is set to happen on May 26, 2024, while the Mains exam is scheduled on September 20, 2024. For UPSC 2024, the application process kicks off on February 14, 2024. Aspiring candidates have until March 5, 2024, to fill out the UPSC IAS application form on the official website, upsc.gov.in. These dates in the UPSC Exam Calendar 2024, sparks hope and motivation in the aspirants across the nation.
| Exam Conducting Body | UPSC |
| Mode of IAS exam | Offline |
| Examination Frequency | Once every year |
| Specified age limit | 21 – 32 years (upper age ease for reserved candidates) |
| IAS Exam – Prelims 2024 | Sunday – 26th May 2024 |
| IAS Exam – Mains 2024 | 20th September 2024 onwards |
| UPSC Application Window: | Mid February, 2024, to March 5, 2024 |
UPSC Application Fee
General/OBC: Rs. 100
SC/ST/PwD/Female: Exempt
UPSC Exam Pattern 2024 – Cracking the Code
The UPSC exam includes three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for devising a winning strategy.
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern:
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern:
Papers: General Studies I and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II
Duration: 4 hours (2 hours each for both papers)
Language: English and Hindi
Questions: GS Paper 1 (100 questions), GS Paper 2 (80 questions)
Marks: 400 (200 each)
Qualifying Marks: 33%
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern:
Papers: 9 descriptive papers (7 considered for merit)
Duration: 3 hours each
Language: English, Hindi, and optional language papers
Marks: 1750
Interview:
Evaluates personality traits and suitability for civil services
Face to face interview with UPSC board members
UPSC Admit Card 2024 – Your Entry Ticket to Success
The UPSC Exam 2024 admit card is a crucial document for exam day. It is released a few weeks before the exam stating the center, date, and timing along with the registration ID and password. Keep an eye on the official website for updates on the admit card release. It’s your entry ticket to the examination hall, so ensure you download it well in advance.
When can I download the UPSC Admit Card for 2024?
You can download the UPSC Admit Card in just a few simple steps:
- Visit the official website of UPSC
- Go to “Forms and Download”
- Click on the Admit Card 2024
- Fill in your registration ID and Password
- Click ‘Submit’
- Finally, download and print your admit card
How to Start UPSC Preparation From Zero Level?
Preparing for the UPSC Exam demands a strategic approach and consistent effort. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you chart your success:
1. Understand the UPSC Syllabus: Thoroughly comprehend the UPSC syllabus (UPSC prelims syllabus and UPSC mains syllabus) and focus your preparation on relevant topics. Prepare a UPSC book list with the help of your mentor or free sources available on Google and get started.
2. Create a Timetable: Develop a realistic timetable, considering your strengths and weaknesses, to cover the syllabus systematically.
3. Practice Regularly: Solve UPSC previous years papers and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and improve time management.
4. Stay Updated: Read newspapers and journals regularly to stay abreast of current affairs, a vital component of the UPSC exams.
5. Seek Guidance: Consider seeking guidance from mentors or coaching centers for a structured preparation strategy. Several online platforms offer free upsc materials, use these sites to grab knowledge and upskill yourself.
6. Stay Motivated: Set realistic goals, track your progress, and stay motivated throughout the preparation period.
Wrapping Up
The UPSC Exam journey is indeed a challenging one that asks for commitment, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication but it’s worth it. The right strategy, guidance, and passion can help you claim your success toward your dream of serving the nation by getting selected in the civil service exam. We advise you to keep yourself updated by checking the official site of UPSC and don’t miss any important notifications about your dream.
Stay confident and motivated as there are “miles to go before we sleep”!
Also Check Out: UP Board Exam Date Sheet 2024