The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the leading organization responsible for conducting a variety of exams each year to fill administrative positions in India’s All India and Central services. Known for offering some of the most prestigious government jobs in the country, UPSC plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of public service. In this article, we will explore the full form and functions of UPSC. Recognized as a key institution in the nation, it is often referred to as the guardian of merit. Let’s delve into the details of this esteemed organization.
What is the Full form of UPSC?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is an autonomous body responsible for recruiting Level A and Level B employees in India. Established on October 1, 1926, UPSC is headquartered in New Delhi. The official website for UPSC . Each year, UPSC administers the Civil Services Examination across the country. This article aims to provide the full forms of various posts under UPSC and relevant details. UPSC organizes a national-level examination for 24 different services under the Central and State Governments.
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Functions of UPSC:-
Article 320 of the Constitution outlines the functions of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which include various responsibilities associated with the recruitment for civil services and positions. The duties of the UPSC under Article 320 are as follows:
- Conducting examinations for appointments to Union services.
- Direct recruitment through interviews and selection processes.
- Appointing officers via promotion, deputation, or absorption.
- Formulating and amending recruitment rules for various government services and posts.
- Handling disciplinary issues related to civil services.
- Providing advice to the Government on matters referred by the President of India.
Post under UPSC Exams:-
| Post | Full Form |
| IAS | Indian Administrative Service |
| IPS | Indian Police Service |
| IFS | Indian Foreign Service |
| IRS | Indian Revenue Service |
There are nearly 100 positions for which the UPSC conducts examinations. Among these, the four most well-known posts are listed above.
Other Exams Conducted by UPSC:-
Apart from the renowned Civil Services Examination, the UPSC also administers various other exams to appoint candidates for administrative and leadership roles in the government.
Indian Forest Service Examination: The UPSC conducts an annual exam to select forest officers. While the prelims for the Indian Forest Service Examination are held together with the Civil Services Examination, the main exam and interview process differ for each.
Combined Defence Services Examination: To fill leadership positions in the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, the UPSC conducts the CDS exam twice a year. This exam is open to graduates and final-year students. Candidates who clear the written exam must then pass the SSB interview to receive a final recommendation for service.
Engineering Services Examination: To select engineers for central government roles, the UPSC conducts the IES (Indian Engineering Services) exam. This is a Group A gazetted post, and candidates must undergo a rigorous selection process.
National Defence Academy / Naval Academy Examination: For those aspiring to a career in the armed forces, the UPSC conducts the NDA/NA exam twice a year for students who have completed 10+2. Candidates who clear the written exam must pass the SSB interview before undergoing three years of graduation at the National Defence Academy, followed by one year of training with the Indian Army, Air Force, or Navy.
Combined Medical Services Examination: To appoint administrative officers in the medical wing of the Union Government, the UPSC conducts the CMSE exam annually. This is a highly competitive examination.
Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination: Through this exam, the UPSC recruits officers for the NSSO, Finance Department, and various other ministries. Despite the limited vacancies, these positions are prestigious and well-paying.
Combined Geoscientist and Geologist Examination: This exam is conducted by the UPSC to recruit scientists for the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant): The UPSC conducts this exam annually to fill administrative officer vacancies in CISF, SSB, BSF, CRPF, and ITBP. This prestigious job attracts lakhs of candidates every year.
Every year, millions of candidates appear for UPSC exams. The exams are highly popular among students due to their attractive salary benefits and respectable posts.
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UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern:-
| Exam Component | Details |
| Compulsory Papers | – General Studies Paper 1 (Merit) |
| – CSAT (Qualification) | |
| Total Questions | – GS Paper 1: 100 Questions |
| – CSAT: 80 Questions | |
| Total Marks | – GS Paper 1: 200 Marks |
| – CSAT: 200 Marks | |
| – Overall Total: 400 Marks | |
| Negative Marking | – Deduction: 1/3rd of the marks for incorrect answers |
| Time Duration | – GS Paper 1: 2 Hours |
| – CSAT: 2 Hours |
The Preliminary examination serves as a qualifying phase, with the scores from this stage not included in the final merit calculation. The Prelims consist of two objective-type papers. The General Studies II (CSAT) paper is also qualifying, requiring a minimum of 33% to pass. Additionally, there is a penalty for incorrect answers in the Prelims; for every wrong response, 1/3 of the marks will be subtracted from the total score.
UPSC Exam Pattern for Mains:-
| Qualifying Paper | Paper A | Choose one Indian language from the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. | 300 |
| – Understanding | |||
| – Abstract writing | |||
| – Use of vocabulary | |||
| – Short essay | |||
| Qualifying Paper | Paper B | English | 300 |
| – Short Essay (100 Marks) | |||
| – Comprehension of the given passage (60 marks) | |||
| – Accurate Writing (60 Marks) | |||
| – Grammar and Language Use (40 marks) | |||
| – Translation: English to Compulsory Language (20 marks) | |||
| – English as Compulsory Language (20 marks) | |||
| Paper 1 | Essay | Candidates can choose their own topic. | 250 |
| Paper 2 | General Studies 1 | – Art And Culture | 250 |
| – History | |||
| – Geography | |||
| – Society | |||
| Paper 3 | General Studies 2 | – Government | 250 |
| – Constitution | |||
| – Arrangement of governance | |||
| – Social Justice | |||
| – International Relation | |||
| Paper 4 | General Studies 3 | – Science and Technology | 250 |
| – Economics | |||
| – Environmental Biodiversity | |||
| – Intrinsic Safety | |||
| – Disaster management | |||
| Paper 5 | General Studies 4 | – Ethics | 250 |
| – Integrity | |||
| – Skill | |||
| Paper 6 | Optional Subject-1 | Refer to the official notification for the detailed syllabus. | 250 |
| Paper 7 | Optional Subject-2 | – | 250 |
| Total | – | – | 1750 |
The UPSC Mains exam comprises nine papers, and candidates who pass the Prelims exam can participate in the Mains. All Mains papers require descriptive answers. The two language papers are for qualification purposes only. The Mains exam spans 5-7 days, with Papers A and B being qualifying papers. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 25% in each of Papers I to VII.
UPSC Interview:-
The interview is the final stage of the UPSC exam, with the merit list based on the Interview/Personality Test and Mains Examination. The interview stage carries a maximum of 275 marks, contributing to the total merit list of 2025 marks. During the interview, candidates are evaluated on various qualities, including mental alertness, critical thinking, clear and logical communication, sound judgement, broad interests, leadership potential, and moral integrity.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) stands as one of India’s premier government bodies, ensuring the excellence of the country’s bureaucracy.