Prospective UPSC 2024 exam takers are recommended to initiate their preparations early. The Union Public Service Commission is set to release the official notification for the UPSC 2024 exam on February 14, 2024.
Aspiring candidates for success in the UPSC 2024 exam should demonstrate steadfast determination, patience, and a profound commitment. Additionally, they need to formulate and implement strategic plans with efficiency.
It is important for the candidates to have complete knowledge about the UPSC 2024 exam highlights. All the important details related to the exam are presented in the table provided.
Particulars | Details |
Exam Name | UPSC 2024 |
Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
Exam Level | National |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
Stages | UPSC Recruitment includes three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Interview |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university |
Mode of Exam | Offline |
UPSC 2024 Application | Online |
Exam Duration | Preliminary – 2 hours per paper Main – 3 hours per paper |
Type of Questions | Preliminary – Objective Main – Descriptive |
Total Marks | Preliminary – 400 (200 per paper) Main – 1750 |
Negative Marking | Yes |
Language | English and Hindi (except for language papers) |
Exam Frequency | Once a year |
UPSC 2024 Official website | upsc.gov.in |
The UPSC 2024 notification is yet to be released by the UPSC on the official website. The notification is scheduled to be released on 14 February 2024, as per the official exam calendar. UPSC 2024 notification PDF will contain all the essential information related to the exam, including the application process, eligibility criteria, exam dates, and the selection process. Candidates can download the previous year’s notification PDF in English and Hindi language to get a detailed idea of the IAS exam below.
Candidates are advised to read the notification carefully before filling out the application form to ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria and have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. UPSC 2024 notification is an important document that aspiring candidates must carefully read and understand to ensure that they are well-prepared for the exam.
Every year the commission releases the UPSC calendar on the official website, which has been released for the 2024 recruitment cycle. It provides candidates with information regarding the UPSC 2024 exam dates and other relevant details. Check the important dates about the exam in the table below;
Events | Dates |
UPSC 2024 notification release | 14 February 2024 |
Application form starts | 14 February 2024 |
Application form ends | 05 March 2024 |
Admit card release date | to be announced |
UPSC Prelim 2024 Exam Date | 26 May 2024 |
Preliminary Result date | to be announced |
Main Admit card release date | to be announced |
UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Date | 20 September 2024 onwards |
Main Result date | to be announced |
Interview date | to be announced |
Final result | to be announced |
The UPSC 2024 eligibility criteria refer to the set of requirements that candidates must fulfill to be eligible to apply for various exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The eligibility criteria include nationality, age limit, educational qualification, and the number of attempts. Candidates must ensure that they fulfill all the requirements before applying for the exam. Candidates can check the detailed eligibility criteria below.
UPSC 2024 Age Limit
The age limit for UPSC exam is an essential eligibility criterion that candidates need to fulfill to apply for UPSC 2024. To be eligible, the candidate must have completed the age of 21 years on 1st August 2024. The upper age limit for general category candidates is 32 years. However, there is a relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories, such as OBC, SC, ST, and others. Candidates can check the minimum and maximum age limit for UPSC 2024 in the table below.
Category | Minimum Age Limit | Maximum Age Limit |
General | 21 years | 32 years |
OBC | 21 years | 35 years |
SC/ST | 21 years | 37 years |
Physically Disabled | 21 years | 42 years |
UPSC Age Relaxation
The age relaxation is given in the upper age limit and varies depending on the category to which the candidate belongs. Those who are applying for UPSC 2024 can refer to the table below to check the age relaxation applicable for candidates belonging to different categories.
Category | Age Relaxation |
OBC | 3 years |
SC/ST | 5 years |
Physically Disabled | 10 years |
Defense Services personnel | 3 years |
Ex-servicemen | 5 years |
UPSC 2024 Qualification
Candidates applying for the UPSC 2024 are required to hold a graduation degree from a government-recognized university. The educational qualification for UPSC 2024 exams depends on the specific exam and post, but generally, a candidate must have:
Nationality for UPSC 2024
Below are the nationality criteria for candidates who wish to appear in the UPSC 2024 examination.
The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC 2024 varies depending on the category of the candidate. The UPSC attempts for each category are as follows:
Category | Number of Attempts |
OBC | 9 |
General Category | 6 |
SC | No Limit |
ST | No Limit |
UPSC is a central government agency responsible for conducting recruitment exams for various positions in Indian administrative services. It is important for candidates to fill out the UPSC application form to apply for various exams. The application process will start soon after the notification is released. Before the last date of submission, those who intend to take the UPSC 2024 examination must verify their eligibility and complete the application form.
Candidates are urged to carefully read the guidelines before completing the application. They must also make sure that all the information provided in the application form is accurate and complete. Any incorrect or incomplete information can lead to the rejection of the application. Candidates can check the steps to fill out the application form below;
Candidates must follow the steps mentioned below to complete the UPSC 2024 application form.
Candidates should ensure that they are eligible to apply for the exam before making the payment. The application fees for UPSC Exam 2024 are as follows:
Category | Application Fees |
General/OBC | Rs. 100 |
SC/ST/PwD/Female | Exempted from paying the application fee |
UPSC conducts the Civil Services examination for recruitment to various Group A and B posts in the All India Service and Central Civil Service. Group A posts are considered higher in hierarchy and responsibility as compared to Group B posts. Candidates who clear the Civil Services examination are allocated to different services and cadres based on their rank and preference. UPSC rank wise posts are determined by the candidate’s rank in the Civil Services examination. The higher the rank, the better the chance of getting a Group A post.
The UPSC 2024 selection process for the Civil Services Examination is a three-stage process i.e. Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Interview. UPSC selection process is a highly competitive and rigorous process that requires months of dedicated preparation and hard work. Candidates can check the detailed selection process for the upcoming UPSC 2024 below.
The UPSC exam pattern is a three-stage process that includes the Prelim exam, Mains exam, and Interview. The Mains paper is subjective in nature, whereas the Prelims paper is objective in nature. Here is a detailed description of the UPSC exam pattern 2024:
UPSC Prelim exam pattern consists of two papers, General Studies Paper 1 and CSAT. Both papers are objective-type and are conducted in multiple shifts at various centers across the country.
Paper | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
GS Paper 1 | 100 | 200 | 2 hours | Yes |
CSAT | 80 | 200 | 2 hours | Yes |
The UPSC Mains exam pattern consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature, and seven are counted towards the candidate’s final selection. The seven papers include Essay, General Studies I, II, III, and IV, and two UPSC optional subjects chosen by the candidate. Each paper is of 250 marks, and candidates have three hours to complete each paper.
Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
Paper A | Compulsory Indian Language | 300 | 3 hours |
Paper B | English | 300 | 3 hours |
Paper I | Essay | 250 | 3 hours |
Paper II | General Studies I | 250 | 3 hours |
Paper III | General Studies II | 250 | 3 hours |
Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 | 3 hours |
Paper V | General Studies IV | 250 | 3 hours |
Paper VI | Optional Paper I | 250 | 3 hours |
Paper VII | Optional Paper II | 250 | 3 hours |
The UPSC interview, also known as the personality test, is the final stage of the selection process for civil services. An expert panel conducts the interview round. The Interview is designed to assess the candidate’s personality, suitability for civil services, and ability to handle pressure and challenging situations.
The UPSC 2024 syllabus is the list of subjects and topics that candidates need to study to prepare for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates must check the UPSC 2024 syllabus of the Prelims and Mains exam thoroughly and plan their preparation accordingly for UPSC 2024 exam.
UPSC Prelims syllabus comprises two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and CSAT. It is important for candidates to note that CSAT is a qualifying paper and candidates need to score a minimum of 33% marks to qualify for the next stage. Candidates can download the UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF in Hindi & English below.
The UPSC CSAT syllabus is designed to test the analytical and reasoning abilities of candidates. The syllabus for CSAT includes the following topics:
UPSC Main syllabus consists of nine papers, of which two are qualifying papers and seven are merit-based papers. The syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, including language proficiency, general knowledge, ethics, and aptitude. Candidates can check the UPSC optional syllabus here and can download the UPSC 2024 syllabus for Mains PDF in English and Hindi from the direct link below.
UPSC 2024 mains will have two optional subject papers, Paper VI and Paper VII, where candidates have to choose one subject from the list of subjects provided by UPSC. The optional subject carries 500 marks in total, with each paper carrying 250 marks. The optional subject list offers a total of 48 subjects to choose from, with 25 subjects related to various fields and 23 subjects related to literature.
The following table lists all the optional subjects offered by the UPSC for the Civil Services Main Examination:
Optional Subjects for UPSC 2024 | |
Agriculture | Management |
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science | Mathematics |
Anthropology | Mechanical Engineering |
Botany | Medical Science |
Chemistry | Philosophy |
Civil Engineering | Physics |
Commerce & Accountancy | Political Science & International Relations |
Economics | Psychology |
Electrical Engineering | Public Administration |
Geography | Sociology |
Geology | Statistics |
History | Zoology |
Candidates can check the list of literature optional subjects for UPSC 2024 in the table below.
Literature Optional Subjects for UPSC 2024 | |
Assamese | Marathi |
Bengali | Nepali |
Bodo | Oriya |
Dogri | Punjabi |
Gujarati | Sanskrit |
Hindi | Santhali |
Kannada | Sindhi |
Kashmiri | Tamil |
Konkani | Telugu |
Maithili | Urdu |
Malayalam | English |
The UPSC 2024 admit card is an essential document required to appear in the UPSC examination. The commission will release the admit card a few weeks before the examination date. Candidates can download the admit card in PDF format from the official website by using their registration ID and password. The admit card contains crucial details such as the candidate’s name, photograph, signature, examination centre details, examination date, and time, along with other important instructions. It is mandatory for candidates to carry the admit card with them to the examination center. Without the UPSC 2024 admit card, candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.
It is advisable for candidates to verify all the details mentioned on the admit card, such as their name, roll number, examination center, etc. Any discrepancies or errors in the admit card should be immediately reported to the UPSC authorities. Candidates should keep the admit card safe and in good condition until the completion of the exam. They should also preserve the admit card even after the exam as it may be required during the later stages of the selection process.
Steps to Download the UPSC 2024 Admit Card
Preparing for the UPSC 2024 can be a challenging task, but with the right strategy and approach, candidates can crack the exam easily. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the UPSC 2024:
Books provide aspirants with a strong foundation of knowledge, which is critical for clearing the exam. UPSC books also help aspirants gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance their analytical abilities, all of which are essential for success in the UPSC 2024 exam. Check the best books for preparation of UPSC 2024 in the table below:
Books | Author/Publication |
India’s Struggle for Independence | Bipan Chandra |
A Brief History of Modern India | Rajiv Ahir |
Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth |
Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh |
Indian Art and Culture | Nitin Singhania |
Certificate Physical and Human Geography | Goh Cheng Leong |
Our Parliament | Subash Kashyap |
UPSC Previous Years Question Papers are an essential resource for any aspirant preparing for the Civil Services Examination. They provide a clear insight into the pattern, syllabus, and difficulty level of the exam. By solving these papers, aspirants can get a fair idea about the type of questions asked, the weightage given to various topics, and the time required to solve each question.
Another significant benefit of solving UPSC previous year question papers is that it helps aspirants to manage their time effectively during the exam. Solving these papers within the stipulated time frame enables them to understand the time required for each section, and accordingly plan their exam strategy. It is an invaluable tool for aspirants to achieve success in the Civil Services Examination.
Candidates preparing for UPSC 2024 must check the cut off for better understanding of the exam. UPSC cut off is the minimum marks that candidates need to secure in order to qualify for the next stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The cut off is determined by various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates appearing for the exam, and the total number of vacancies available for various services.
The cut off will be declared separately for each stage of the selection process, and will be released along with the result. UPSC previous year cut off is an important resource for aspirants, as it helps them to get an idea about the cut off trends and prepare accordingly.
UPSC Cut Off 2021
Category | Prelims | Mains | Final |
EWS | 80.14 | 713 | 916 |
OBC | 84.85 | 707 | 910 |
General | 87.54 | 745 | 953 |
SC | 75.41 | 700 | 886 |
ST | 70.71 | 700 | 883 |
PwBD-1 | 68.02 | 668 | 892 |
PwBD-3 | 43.09 | 388 | 689 |
PwBD-2 | 67.33 | 712 | 932 |
PwBD-5 | 45.80 | 560 | 701 |
The official list of Exam centers for UPSC has not been released on the official website. The list of exam centers will be announced by UPSC in the notification for the respective exam. The exam centers play a crucial role in determining the convenience and accessibility for the candidates appearing in the examination.
UPSC 2024 mock tests are an essential tool for aspirants preparing for the UPSC 2024. They provide a simulated environment that helps candidates experience the real exam atmosphere and build their confidence.
Mock tests also help aspirants identify their weaknesses and strengths. Practicing mock tests regularly helps aspirants build their speed, accuracy, and time management skills, which are crucial for clearing the upcoming UPSC 2024 exam.
BYJU’s Exam Prep will offer comprehensive online live classes for UPSC 2024, guided by proficient educators. These UPSC IAS online coaching will be augmented with extensive study materials, PDFs, practice assessments, interactive doubt-clearing sessions, and a plethora of other resources to supplement the learning experience.
UPSC 2024 online coaching is becoming increasingly popular among aspirants due to its convenience and accessibility. Online coaching can be an effective supplement to an aspirant’s exam preparation strategy, providing them with the necessary guidance, resources, and support to crack the exam.
1. What is the exam date for UPSC 2024? |
2. What is the eligibility criteria for UPSC 2024? |
3. How many attempts are allowed for UPSC 2024? |
4. How can I apply for UPSC 2024 online? |
5. What is the syllabus for UPSC 2024? |
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