Yes, candidates with a degree in economics can apply for the UPPSC exam. The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) conducts various examinations to recruit candidates for different government positions in the state of Uttar Pradesh. One such exam is the UPPSC Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Examination, also known as the UPPSC PCS exam.

Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the UPPSC exam, candidates must fulfill certain criteria, including educational qualifications. The eligibility criteria for the UPPSC PCS exam are as follows:

1. Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university. The UPPSC does not specify any particular discipline or subject requirement for the degree. Therefore, candidates with a degree in economics are eligible to apply for the exam.

2. Age Limit: The age limit for the UPPSC exam varies depending on the category of the candidate. Generally, the minimum age required is 21 years, and the maximum age is 40 years. However, age relaxations are provided for certain categories as per the government rules.

3. Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of India, subjects of Nepal, or Tibetan refugees settled in India. Certain other categories such as PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) are also eligible.

Exam Pattern:
The UPPSC PCS exam consists of three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Interview. The Preliminary Examination is an objective type test, while the Main Examination is a descriptive type test. The details of the exam pattern are as follows:

1. Preliminary Examination:
- It consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT).
- Both papers are of 200 marks each.
- The duration of each paper is two hours.
- The questions are multiple-choice based, and there is a negative marking for incorrect answers.

2. Main Examination:
- It consists of eight papers, including an Essay paper.
- Each paper is of 200 marks, except for the Language papers which are of 300 marks each.
- The duration of each paper is three hours.

3. Interview:
- The Interview is the final stage of the selection process and carries 100 marks.
- It assesses the candidate's personality, communication skills, and knowledge in the field.

Conclusion:
Candidates with a degree in economics can definitely apply for the UPPSC exam. They must meet the eligibility criteria and prepare thoroughly for the different stages of the exam. It is important to note that the UPPSC exam is highly competitive, so candidates should plan their preparation strategy well in advance and make use of reliable study materials and resources.