UPSC 2024 invites a diverse array of aspirants battling for coveted civil service positions. As the exam date nears, familiarising yourself with crucial details, prep strategies, and exam patterns is paramount for maximizing success.
Join us as we delve into UPSC CSE 2024, equipping you with insights and resources essential for excelling in this prestigious examination. Covering vital aspects like vacancies, exam structure, eligibility criteria, number of attempts, syllabus breakdown, application form, admit card details, and preparation tips.
Some of the important dates that you should know about before applying for the UPSC CSE 2024:
UPSC Notification 2024:
- Released on February 14, 2024.
- Application period: February 14 - March 5, 2024.
UPSC Exam Dates 2024:
- Prelims: May 26, 2024.
- Interview: To be announced.
- Final Results: To be announced.
UPSC CSE Vacancies and Posts:
- The total number of vacancies : 1056
- Official notification of UPSC CSE 2024 : Click here
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS): Oversees government policies and holds leadership roles in district administrations.
- Indian Police Service (IPS): Ensures law enforcement and public safety.
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS): Represents India internationally and manages foreign policy.
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS): Manages tax collection and administration.
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS): Ensures financial accountability in government.
- Indian Information Service (IIS): Manages government communication and media relations.
- Indian Trade Service (ITS): Handles international trade policies.
- Indian Postal Service (IPoS): Manages postal services and finances.
- Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS): Oversees transportation logistics for Indian Railways.
These roles are assigned based on rank, preference, and vacancies after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
UPSC 2024 Eligibility Criteria:
Knowing the eligibility criteria for the UPSC 2024 exam is important before you start preparing with civil service coaching. Coaching institutes will guide you in meeting key criteria to qualify for this exam that is a gateway to becoming an administrator and serving the nation. Some key eligibility factors are:
- Nationality: Candidates must be:
- Indian citizens,
- Nepalese or Bhutanese subjects,
- Tibetan refugees settling in India before January 1, 1962
- People of Indian origin migrating from specific countries with the intention of settling permanently in India.
- Educational qualifications: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Those in their final year of graduation can apply provisionally but must provide evidence of degree completion before the specified date.
- Number of attempts allowed: The number of permissible attempts varies by candidate category:
- General Category: Limited to six attempts.
- OBC Category: Permitted up to nine attempts.
- SC/ST Category: No limit on attempts until the upper age limit is reached, excluding relaxation categories.
UPSC Exam Pattern 2024:
Prelims:
- Paper 1- General studies(200 marks)
- Paper 2- CSAT(200 marks- qualifying in nature)
- Both papers are administered on the same day, each lasting two hours.
- The General Studies (GS) paper encompasses subjects such as History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs.
- (CSAT) evaluates candidates’ comprehension, analytical prowess, and fundamental aptitude skills.
- Mains: Candidates who successfully pass the Prelims proceed to the UPSC Mains, which is a written examination.
The Mains examination consists of nine papers, comprising two qualifying and seven merit-based papers:
- Paper-A: One Indian language (Qualifying) - 300 marks
- Paper-B: English (Qualifying) - 300 marks
- Paper-I: Essay - 250 marks
- Paper-II: General Studies I (Indian Heritage, Culture, History, and Geography) - 250 marks
- Paper-III: General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations) - 250 marks
- Paper-IV: General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management) - 250 marks
- Paper-V: General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude) - 250 marks
- Paper-VI: Optional Subject - Paper 1 - 250 marks
- Paper-VII: Optional Subject - Paper 2 - 250 marks
Each paper has a duration of 3 hours.
- Interview: If you get through the mains, the last milestone to cross is an interview that assesses your personality and suitability for civil services. Conducted by a panel of experts, this Personality Test carries 275 marks.
The final selection hinges on the combined scores from the Mains and Interview, with Prelims serving as a screening test without impact on the final merit list.
UPSC Application Process 2024:
- Application form will be available from February 14 to March 5, 2024.
- Be mindful of the last date to apply: 5th March 2024
Documents required:
For UPSC IAS Prelims application online, you only need to upload:
- Scanned photograph of yourself
- Scanned signature of yourself
- Government-issued Photo ID card (e.g., Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or any other State/Central Government Photo ID Card)
UPSC Syllabus 2024:
- You need to have comprehensive knowledge of polity, economics, geography, social science, international and current affairs.
- Although the prelims is considered as unpredictable, its demand is that aspirants should have thorough understanding of each and every aspect of life.
UPSC Admit Card 2024:
It is released separately for Prelims and Mains.
- To obtain the UPSC admit card:
- Visit www.upsc.gov.in.
- Find the "Admit Card" or "e-Admit Card" section.
- Choose the UPSC Civil Services Examination admit card link.
- Enter Registration ID/Roll Number and Date of Birth.
- Download the admit card after verification.
- Print and carry it to the center.
Preparation tips:
- Start early for ample preparation time.
- Follow a structured study timetable.
- Stay updated on current affairs.
- Practise mock tests regularly.
- Enhance writing skills through essay practice.
- Revise consistently for better retention.
- Master your optional subject.
- Refer to NCERT books for foundational knowledge.
- Maintain a positive mindset.
- Analyse and learn from mistakes.
