UPSC Exam 2024 Dates, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility

The UPSC 2024 Exam New Date has been released by UPSC. The UPSC 2024 Prelims Date is June 16, 2024, and UPSC Mains 2024 is scheduled to take place on 20th September. Check all the information related to the  UPSC Exam 2024 in the given article.

IAS is one of the most sought-after careers currently in India. Candidates are selected for serving as an IAS or other officer based on their score in the Civil Service Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

An Overview of UPSC Exam 2024

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Service Examination (CSE) to recruit candidates for central service. This exam is popularly known as the IAS exam and is attempted by lakhs of students every year. 

The UPSC exam is conducted in three stages: prelims, mains and interview. Prelims is basically to filter out the majority of candidates, while the marks of Mains, along with that of Personality Interview is considered for calculating final rankings. The details about the stages of examination, syllabus, books, strategy etc can be found here.

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UPSC Exam 2024 Prelims Pattern

The UPSC Prelims is the first stage of the IAS Exam and consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies I and General Studies II (or CSAT). These papers are conducted on the same day in two sessions in offline mode (pen-paper).

The preliminary round is a screening test and only serves as a qualifying round. The marks obtained in this stage are not included in the final merit calculation. The score in General Studies Paper-I is crucial in determining the cut-off for the UPSC Prelims Exam. CSAT serves as a qualifying component, necessitating candidates to achieve a minimum score of 33%, equivalent to 66 marks, to be considered for merit in the UPSC Prelims result.  It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the papers examinations for the purpose of evaluation. The candidate will be disqualified if he/she does not appear in both papers of the preliminary examination. 

IAS aspirants can check the UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern in the given below table:

UPSC Exam 2024 Mains Pattern

• Descriptive: The UPSC Mains exam pattern includes nine theory-based papers, all of which are descriptive in nature. 
• Among these nine papers, seven will be considered for creating the merit list. 
• Optional Subject: As part of the UPSC Mains, candidates will need to choose one optional subject for the examination. 
• Evaluation: Essay,’General Studies and Optional Subject’ of all the candidates would be done simultaneously along with evaluation of their qualifying papers on ‘Indian Languages’ and ‘English.
• Minimum Qualifying Standards of 25%: However,  the papers on ‘Essay’, General Studies and Optional Subject of only such candidates will be taken cognizance who attain 25% marks in ‘Indian Language’ and 25% in English as minimum qualifying standards in these qualifying papers. 

UPSC Exam 2024 Personality Interview

Candidates who successfully clear the Mains stage of the IAS exam with the required cut-off marks move on to the final stage, which is the Personality Test or Interview round conducted by the UPSC Board Members.

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Those who qualify for this stage will receive an e-summon from the Commission for a face-to-face discussion with the board members. During the interview, the board evaluates the candidates’ personality traits and asks questions related to their hobbies, current affairs, general knowledge, and situational questions.

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Exam 2024

The IAS Exam has kept very low eligibility criteria for candidates to appear. This is the reason why lakhs of candidates apply for the exam, compared to specific services such as Engineering Service. For a candidate to appear for the IAS Exam, he/she has to majorly fulfil two types of criteria: age criteria and educational criteria. In addition, there are limits imposed on the number of attempts a candidate can give, the physical qualifications and citizenship criteria. The minimum qualification for IAS is as follows:

Age Criteria for UPSC Exam 2024

The UPSC age limit for the candidates belonging to the General category is 21 to 32 years. 

For being eligible for UPSC examination 2024, candidates must be at least 21 years old and not more than 32 years old as of August 1, 2024.

However, there are age limit relaxation for candidates belonging to certain categories:

Nationality Criteria for UPSC Exam 2024

There is a citizenship qualification for Grade-A Services such as IAS, IPS and IFS.

Candidates who are citizens of Nepal, citizens of Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee or a Person of Indian origin (PIO) who has migrated from Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Ethiopia, Zaire, and Vietnam, for permanently settling in India, must furnish a certificate of eligibility issued by the Government of India for getting appointed, even though they are eligible to write exam without it.

Educational Criteria for UPSC Exam 2024

• Minimum Qualification for IAS: As a minimum qualification for IAS, a candidate must have graduated from a recognized university or have an equivalent qualification.
• Eligibility Criteria for Final Year Graduates: Candidates who are in their final year of graduation or awaiting results can also appear for the UPSC Prelims Examination. However, they are required to have passed their final year examination while applying for the UPSC Mains Examination.
• Eligibility of Professional and Technical Qualifications: Candidates who possess professional and technical qualifications recognised by the Government as equivalent to professional and technical degrees are also eligible for IAS Exam.
• Eligibility for Medical Students: Medical students, who have not completed their internship, despite passing the final year of MBBS, can also apply for IAS Exam. However, they are required to submit a course completion certificate from the concerned authority along with their Mains Exam application.

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Attempts and Age Limit for UPSC Exam 2024

The UPSC imposes a limit on the number of times a candidate can appear for the IAS Examination. This number varies according to the category of the candidate.

Medical Criteria for UPSC Exam 2024

Candidates aspiring to become IAS Officers have to maintain certain physical fitness and capabilities. Without minimum standards, they may not be considered for the service.

Candidates are required to pass a medical fitness examination to assess their physical capabilities to become civil servants. 

For being appointed as IPS officers for districts, Indian Railway services and the police services of Pondicherry, candidates need to have necessary weight, height, and chest measurements.

The medical test for assessing the physical fitness will be conducted at the following hospital in Delhi:

• Safdarjung Hospital
• Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital
• Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital
• BR Ambedkar Hospital
• Sucheta Kriplani Hospital
• Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
• Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital

UPSC Exam 2024 Posts and Vacancies

UPSC conducts exams for two types of posts: Group A and Group B. The list of some important Group A & Group B posts is given below:

The service-wise and state-wise vacancies for UPSC 2024.

UPSC Exam 2024 Calendar Out

The Union Public Service Commission has recently published the UPSC Calendar 2024 on its official website @upsc.gov.in. The UPSC Exam Calendar 2024 contains important dates for notifications, online registration, and the exam itself.

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According to the official UPSC Calendar 2024 released on 10th May 2023, the UPSC Exam Date 2024 is scheduled for 16th June 2024, and the UPSC Mains 2024 will commence on 20 September 2024.

If you’re planning to prepare for UPSC Exams in 2024, this calendar will be a valuable resource.  The UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year in three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. It’s a highly competitive exam that requires rigorous preparation to crack the examination.

UPSC Exam 2024 Notification

According to the official UPSC Calendar 2024 released on May 10, 2023, the UPSC Exam Date 2024 was scheduled for May 26, 2024, and the UPSC Mains 2024 will commence on September 20, 2024.

However, due to the schedule of the impending general election, the UPSC has decided to postpone the UPSC Preliminary Examination 2024, which also serves as a screening test for the Indian Forest Service Examination 2024, from May 26, 2024, to June 16, 2024. No notification has been given for the CSE main examination. Therefore, it has to be conducted on the scheduled date, i.e., September 20, 2024. 

UPSC Exam 2024 Online Application

The procedure for filing UPSC Civil Services Exam has undergone change in recent times. It is now a requirement to register oneself on the OTR application before proceeding with filling the form.

Filling the OTR

• Step 1: Candidate has to visit UPSC’s official website for filling OTR.
• Step 2: A new candidate has to click on the “New Registration” tab to register oneself on the portal.
• Step 3: A candidate will be required to fill personal details such as name, parent’s name, address etc.
• Step 4: Upon successful registration, a candidate will receive a notification of his/her successful registration.
• Step 5: To apply for any exam of the UPSC, the candidate can directly apply from the OTR portal.

Part 1 of UPSC Application Form: 

The Candidate has to fill the Part-1 of the application form before proceeding to the Part-2. Steps involved in filling the Part-1 of the application form is as follows:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of UPSC and click on the UPSC Civil Services notification.
• Step 2: The candidate will be redirected to the OTR portal of the UPSC.
• Step 3: The candidate has to log in into his/her account using the data previously provided (email id, mobile number or OTR id).
• Step 4: Visit the Latest Notification tab on the OTR application.
• Step: Under Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, you will find Part 1 and Part 2. Click on the Part 1 link.
• Step 5: Upon clicking Part 1, the candidate will see important instructions to fill the online application form. 
• Step 6: Upon clicking the Yes button, the Part 1 application appears on screen.
• Step 7: Some part of the application form will be pre-filled based on the personal data provided in the OTR. The candidate has to fill in the remaining personal information.
• Step 8: In the next step, the candidate has to fill up the educational qualification and contact details. 
• Step 9: The candidate has to select the category in which they are applying. If they are applying under reserved category, they have to fill in the relevant details and also must possess the documents for the same.
• Step 10: The next information needed is photo identity details of the candidate, the number of attempts made, marks obtained in graduation degree, centre for prelims and mains exam, optional subject, language paper etc.
• Step 10: UPSC allows the candidate to edit the information until the form is submitted finally. So, candidates are advised to scrutinise the information carefully.
• Step 11: After ensuring all the information provided is valid, click the submit button. Part 1 of the form will be submitted and the candidate will be provided a registration id, which has to be noted down to fill Part 2 of the application form.

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Part 2 of UPSC Application Form: 

Without filling the Part 2 of the exam, a candidature is invalid. It is therefore advised to fill Part 2 immediately after completing Part 1.

• Step 1: To continue filling Part 2, use Registration id and Date of Birth to log in.
• Step 2: Candidates who are not exempted are required to pay examination fees using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Internet Banking or UPI.
• Step 3: Once examination fees are paid, a candidate has to select the centre for UPSC prelims exam.
• Step 4: The candidate has to upload three types of documents: a photograph (JPG format), scanned signature (JPG format) and photo id (PDF format).
  • The photo can be in colour or black & white and the quality must be good.
  • The signature must be made on a white paper with a black ink.
  • Size and Dimension: The scanned images of the photo and the signature should be between 300 KB and 20 KB and in .jpg format.
  • Resolution: minimum of 350 pixels X 350 pixels, maximum of 1000 pixels X 1000 pixels (for both photo and signature)
  • Free image editing software such as MS Paint can be used to convert the images into desired format. 
  • The images must not be illegible.
  • The photo should only contain your photograph along with the name and the date on which the photograph was clicked. The photo of the candidate must be uploaded within 10 days of clicking the photograph.(Recent changes)
  • The face of the candidate in the photograph must occupy 3/4th the space in the photograph.
  • The signature must not contain things such as the date, time etc.
• Step 5: A declaration appears on the screen, which the candidate has to read thoroughly. Check the box and submit the application finally.
• Step 6: Wait for a text message and email confirming successful filling of the UPSC application. Keep the details secure for future references.

UPSC Exam 2024 Syllabus

The UPSC Syllabus is an essential aspect that aspirants need to understand thoroughly when preparing for UPSC exams. The syllabus is comprehensive and includes subjects like General Studies, Essay Writing, Indian History, Indian Polity, Economy, Geography, Environment, Science & Technology, Current Affairs, and more.

Moreover, the UPSC Syllabus also includes optional subjects that candidates can choose based on their interests and expertise. Understanding the UPSC Syllabus is crucial for effective preparation and focusing on the relevant topics for success in the UPSC exams.

UPSC Syllabus PDF is released with the official notification. Aspirants preparing for UPSC CSE must go through the IAS Syllabus given below to understand the topics that will be asked in the exam.

UPSC 2024 Prelims Syllabus

UPSC 2024 Mains Syllabus

UPSC 2024 Optional Syllabus

UPSC Exam 2024 Booklist

The IAS exam requires extensive knowledge and clarity of concepts. This is the reason why candidates have doubts when it comes to selecting the books for preparation. Following are some of the core books that are vital for IAS Preparation, both prelims and mains.

UPSC Exam 2024 Test Series

Test series are of utmost importance for any candidate preparing seriously for the exam. Attempting test series will help them get used to the rigorous challenge they are likely to encounter during the actual exam. Test series will also help in managing time effectively and address any weakness in their preparation. 

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UPSC Exam 2024 New Date

UPSC 2024 exam date for prelims was initially announced as May 26 2024. However, the date was postponed to 16th June owing to the General Elections taking place in the country.

Candidates are requested to make a note of the changes in date for UPSC prelims 2024. The UPSC Mains 2024 will be held on the predetermined dates, beginning from 20th September 2024.

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UPSC Exam 2024 Admit card

An admit card is an official document that contains the name of the candidate, their photograph and signature, roll number, parents’ details, location of the exam centre and examination session, etc. 

A candidate has to carry the admit card in order to attend the examination. UPSC releases admit cards for each stage of the examination – prelims, mains and interview. Without an admit card, a candidate is not allowed to attend the examination.

Release of Admit Card for UPSC Exam 2024

• The UPSC does not specify the date when the admit card will be released. It advises candidates to keep a watch over its official website to know when the admit card will be released. 
• Generally, the commission releases the admit card 3-4 weeks before the date of the examination. 
• Since UPSC 2024 Prelims have been postponed by 21 days, the release of the UPSC admit card for 2024 has also been postponed.
• If the examination had been held on the specified date of 26ty, the admit card would have been released in the first week of May. Now, it is likely that the admit card may be released in the last week of May.

Downloading Admit Card for UPSC Exam 2024

A candidate has to know certain details before downloading the admit card from the UPSC website. To download an admit card, a candidate must have information about his/her registration id and date of birth they have used while filling the form. The registration id has to be noted down while filling the application for UPSC prelims examination.

Visit the official website of UPSC to download the admit card. It will be an e-admit card, which is a tentative document that allows a candidate to attend the examination. The commission does not issue admit cards through post.

To download UPSC admit card 2024, follow the given procedure below:

• Step 1: Visit the Official website of UPSC (https://upsconline.nic.in/) for regular updates.
• Step 2: Look for the notification displaying e-admit cards for various examinations of UPSC.
• Step 3: Upon reaching the page, look for the link that specifies the examination as UPSC Preliminary Examination 2024.
• Step 4: The screen will show the instructions page. Read the instructions carefully and then lick the checkbox.
• Step 5: Enter the application number and date of birth in the respective sections of the page. Enter the verification code displayed below the section.
• Step 6: Select the “login” button to enter the admit card page.
• Step 7: Click on “download” to save the admit card in e-format. Print out of the admit card has to be taken for carrying to the examination hall.

UPSC Exam 2024 Preparation Tips

Candidates preparing for UPSC 2024 require certain planning to increase their chances of qualification. Through systematic planning, dedication and hard-work, UPSC 2024 preparation can be simplified:

• Optimal Utilization of Resources: IAS Exam preparation requires dedication and hard work. A comprehensive strategy can help you in utilisation of resources in order to maximize your chances of success in the UPSC IAS Exam.
• Understanding of the Syllabus: The first step of the strategy should be to familiarize yourself with the syllabus and format of the exam. Develop a plan to consult exam resources, such as previous papers, in order to gain a basic understanding of the question patterns, topics covered and how marks are allocated.
• Making a Time-table: Make a timeline to cover the syllabus in an organized manner. This should consider your own strengths and weaknesses and involve breaking the syllabus into manageable chunks. Professionals, such as a mentor or coaching centre, can be consulted for advice.
• Practice PYQs: Complete existing question papers and create a bank of mock paper topics. Regularly attempt past exam paper questions and review areas of weakness in order to improve your score.
• Mock Tests: Time management is essential, and developing a personalized time management strategy is key to IAS Exam success. Always practice mock exams on time and analyse the time taken to complete each section.
• Update Current Affairs: Read newspapers and journals regularly in order to keep abreast of current developments, both in India and around the world. Knowledge of current events is important, particularly understanding their relevance to IAS Exam topics.
• Familial Support: Remain motivated during your preparation period by increasing your knowledge of the topics in which you are weak. Set realistic goals, taking into account your time constraints, and actively seek support from family and friends to help you reach them.

UPSC Exam PYQs

Analysis of PYQs gives an idea about the types of questions asked in the exam. A closer look at PYQs will help candidates predict the themes that are most likely to be repeated again in the exam, both prelims as well as mains. Solving PYQs can also help candidates answer the questions correctly in case the themes are repeated. The following table contains links of PYQs for UPSC Exam:

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UPSC 2023 Exam Analysis

UPSC analysis will help candidates to streamline their preparation in the right direction. This will give them a much-needed path to increase their chances of success.

UPSC Prelims 2023

The UPSC conducted preliminary examinations on May 28, 2023, across India. About 5.5 lakh candidates appeared for the exam. The analysis of the question paper indicated an increase in toughness, not only because of the questions asked but also due to the nature of the options. The detailed analysis of prelims 2023 can be viewed by clicking here. 

UPSC Mains 2023

The UPSC mains examination was conducted from September 15th to September 24th across different centres. The papers for the main exam include Essay Paper, General Studies-Paper-I General Studies-I, Paper-III General Studies-II, Paper-IV General Studies-III, Paper-V General Studies-IV, Paper-A Indian Language, Paper-B English, Paper-VI Optional Subject-Paper-1, and Paper-VII Optional Subject-Paper-2.

The detailed analysis of UPSC Mains 2023 can be viewed by clicking here.

UPSC Exam Answer Keys

Candidates preparing for the exam can use the official answer key to analyse how the examiner frames the options. This will help them tackle tricky questions during the examination. The table below contains links of both GS and CSAT paper:

UPSC Exam Result 2023

UPSC releases exam results after each stage of the exam, i.e after prelims, mains and final result. Candidates appearing for each stage can check their result on the official website of UPSC.

UPSC Prelims 2023 Result

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the UPSC Prelims Result 2023 on 12th June 2023. Aspirants who were eagerly waiting for their UPSC civil services preliminary results can check directly on the official website at www.upsc.gov.in.

The UPSC Prelims 2023 was successfully conducted by UPSC on 28th May 2023 for 1255 posts. The result is available in a PDF format, displaying the roll number-wise and name-wise list for both civil services and Indian Forest Services posts. 

To access your results, Candidates can check the UPSC Prelims Result 2023 PDF. 

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UPSC Mains Result 2023

A total of 2916 candidates are declared successful in UPSC Mains 2023 examination and will be called for Interview by UPSC. While 28 candidates’ result is currently with-held by UPSC due to pending court cases.

The results of UPSC Mains 2023 can be accessed here: UPSC Mains Result 2023.

UPSC Exam 2023 Cut-off

The Union Public Service Commission will publish the UPSC Cutoff marks for the Civil Service Preliminary, Mains, and Final rounds on its official website, upsc.gov.in, along with the UPSC Final Result 2023. 

Candidates who have appeared in the exam and are preparing for upcoming UPSC exams can check the cut off marks from previous years. 

The UPSC Prelims Cut-off marks for 2023 will be determined based on the GS Paper-I only. The IAS Prelims cut-off marks 2023 was announced after the UPSC Final Result 2023 was declared on the official website. These cut-off marks will be categorized according to each stage separately. The following is the cut-off for UPSC 2023:

UPSC Exam 2023 Marksheet

UPSC releases the marksheet of candidates who have appeared for the prelims, mains and interview. The marksheet is released only after the final results are announced. Candidates can check their marks by accessing their marksheet on UPSC’s official website through following steps:

• Step 1: Visit the Official website of UPSC at www.upsc.gov.in
• Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Examination’ and select the ‘Marks Information’.
• Step 3: You will be directed to a website containing links for various examination stages of UPSC CSE.
• Step 4: For students checking prelims marksheet, click on the link given in ‘Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam 2023’. Fill the respective details and obtain the marksheet.
• Step 5: For students viewing the Mains result, they will have to click on the link based on their qualification for interview or non-qualification.
• Step 6: They will be directed to a page where they have to register first. They will receive a temporary password, which they must use to log in and view the marksheet.

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UPSC Exam 2024 DAF

Candidates qualifying Prelims as well as Mains have to fill Detailed Application Form (DAF) before their candidature is accepted in the subsequent stages. Candidates qualifying UPSC Prelims have to fill DAF-1 and those qualifying UPSC Mains have to fill DAF-2. 

DAF-1

DAF-1 will contain details of the candidate such as educational qualification, job experience, address, personal information, reservation details etc. Candidates can check the details of filling DAF-1 below:

DAF-2

Candidates qualifying UPSC Mains are required to fill the DAF-2, which needs details such as hobbies, service preference, cadre preferences, medium of personality interview etc.

The detailed procedure for filling DAF-2 can be viewed by clicking on this link.

UPSC 2023 Final Results

UPSC final results 2023 were announced on 16th April 2024 on UPSC’s official website. Candidates can follow these steps to check final results:

• Step 1: Visit official website of UPSC at www.upsc.gov.in
• Step 2: Look out for any notification of UPSC final result
• Step 3: Click on the link given
• Step 4: A PDF file containing the list of successful candidates will be downloaded.
• Step 5: Check your name and roll number in the PDF to ascertain whether you have qualified or not.

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UPSC Exam 2023 Toppers List

UPSC exam 2023 final result was declared on 16th April 2024. A total of 1016 candidates cleared the exam. Aditya Srivastava from Lucknow topped the exam with a total marks of 1099. The toppers of UPSC 2023 can be found in this image below:

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