UPSC Full Form – Union Public Service Commission

Madhavi Gaur May 20, 2024 05:40 7804 0

Learn about the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and its history, functions, and examination details. Discover eligibility criteria, exam patterns, notable officers, and tips for clearing the UPSC Civil Services Exam.

UPSC Full Form – Union Public Service Commission

What is UPSC Full Form?

UPSC Full Form is Union Public Service Commission and It is a constitutional body which conducts direct recruitment of officers to the All India Services and the Central Civil Services by conducting examinations and appoints officers in various Services and Group A post under the Government of India.

UPSC Full Form: History

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was created on October 1, 1926, under the Government of India Act, 1919, and the strong recommendations made by the Lee Commission in 1924. However, its powers were limited as it only possessed advisory functions.

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UPSC Full Form: History and Evolution

Although UPSC was created in Colonial Era but it has evolved from there to present times where it serves at top Bureaucratic level. Let us see the various phases of evolution of UPSC:

Pre-Independence:

1919: The seeds of the UPSC were sown in 1919 with the Government of India Act 1919 which acknowledged the need for a body to regulate service matters.

In 1924: Recommendation of Lee Commission to establish a Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure fair and impartial recruitment.

1926: Backing Lee Commission Public Service Commission (PSC) was established on October 1, 1926.

- - 1935: The Government of India Act, 1935, established the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) with wider powers compared to the PSC. The role of FPSC was only to recommend candidates.

Post Independence Era:

Renaming and Constitutional Status (1950)- After India’s independence in 1947, the FPSC was renamed the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on January 26, 1950.

Constitutional Status to UPSC- UPSC is a Constitutional Body under Article 315-323 Part XIV Chapter II of the Constitution of India to discharge their duties, functions and obligations assigned under Article 320.

Assigning Constitutional Status to UPSC solidifies its constitutional independence and autonomy in conducting recruitment for various government services.

Continual Evolution:

The UPSC has undergone various changes over the years which include adjustments to its composition, selection processes, and exam conducting capacity.
It has transformed itself to the evolving needs of the Indian government and the changing landscape of the civil services.

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UPSC Full Form: Understanding Each Letter

Union Public Service Commission conducts various exams at Group A level to various government departments at central level and at state level. Let use see what each letter signifies of UPSC.

UPSC Full Form: Understanding Each Letter

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Exams Conducted by UPSC

Union Public Service Commission conducts various exams which includes exams for recruitment of Officers at National Defence Academy and Officers at Indian Armed Forces. List of various exams conducted by UPSC are:

- Civil Services Examination (CSE):
  - Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
  - Indian Police Service (IPS)
  - Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
  - Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
  - Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS)
  - Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)
  - Indian Trade Service (ITS)
  - Indian Defense Accounts Service (IDAS)
  - Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)
  - Indian Postal Service (IPoS)
  - and various other Group A and Group B services.

Indian Forest Service Examination (IFoS)- This exam is conducted in conjunction with the Civil Services Examination. It’s for recruitment to the Indian Forest Service.

- Engineering Services Examination (ESE):
  - Civil Engineering
  - Mechanical Engineering
  - Electrical Engineering
  - Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
- Combined Medical Services Examination (CMS):
  - Medical Officer positions in various government organizations like the Indian Railways, Indian Ordnance Factories, Indian Armed Forces, etc.

Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS):

- - Indian Military Academy (IMA)
  - Indian Naval Academy (INA)
  - Air Force Academy (AFA)
  - Officers’ Training Academy (OTA)

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA):

- - Army, Navy, and Air Force wings of the National Defence Academy
  - 10+2 Cadet Entry Scheme at the Indian Naval Academy
- Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Examination:
  - Border Security Force (BSF)
  - Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
  - Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
  - Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
  - Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Combined Geo-Scientist Examination

- Geological Survey of India (GSI)
- Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)

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UPSC Full Form: Functions of UPSC

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) works as a recruiting agency for Group A Officers for the Government of India. UPSC has given the authority to conduct examinations for various civil services posts under the Government of India. In this context let us see the main functions of UPSC:

Conducting Recruitment Examinations: The UPSC is the main body which conducts various examinations to select officers for different All India Services and various Group A services of Central Services posts. For these posts the UPSC conducts Civil Services exam, due to its nature of service it attracts a large number of candidates every year.

Preparing and publishing results: The Exams which UPSC conducts UPSC prepares and publishes the results of all the examinations conducted by it. The results of each stage involved in these exams are declared within a month and the final result of the exam can take up to 45 days.

Procedure and Pattern of examinations: The UPSC provides structure and procedure for examinations which it conducts. It also mentions the syllabus, pattern and selection process of the exam.

Advisory Role- UPSC advises the Government of India on all matters relating to the civil services, including service rules, recruitment, and promotions. It also timely informed the government about the annual exams conducted by it by sending an annual report to the President of India’s Office.

Fair and Fair Recruitment- As UPSC is the central agency to conduct exams like civil services and various other exams. It also ensures that the recruitment process for all civil services posts is fair and impartial.

Other functions: The UPSC also performs other functions such as:

- Advising the Government on the methods of filing civil service posts other than by examination
- Reviewing the work done by the Central Staffing Scheme
- Assisting the State Public Service Commissions on request

UPSC Full Form: Recruitment for Civil Services

As mentioned above UPSC conducts Civil Services Exam which involves multiple stages. Let us see an overview of the Civil Services exam pattern of civil services exam and criteria for Civil Services.

The UPSC exam also known as Civil Services Examination (CSE) is also known as the is a highly prestigious and competitively tough exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. Officers recruited through this exam get selected for various All India Services (AIS) and Central Services Group A & B posts in the government.

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UPSC Full Form: Civil Services Exam Eligibility

UPSC specified the eligibility criteria for the Civil Services Exam along with citizenship/nationality criteria, eligibility to appear, and eligible age criteria for candidates. For example:

Candidates who are willing to get selected in Indian Administrative Service, the Indian Foreign Service and the Indian Police Service should be citizens of India.
Candidates who want to choose other Group A services for that a candidate must be either:
- a Citizen of India
- a Subject of Nepal
- a Subject of Bhutan
- a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1st January, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India
- a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

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UPSC Full Form: Age Criteria and Attempts

UPSC has clearly mentioned the age criteria and number of attempts for the candidates who are going to appear in the Civil Services Examination. There is a provision of age relaxation for reserved categories and there is relaxation in the number of attempts for UPSC for various categories. Let us see the age relaxation for each reserved category.

The minimum age limit to appear for the IAS exam is 21 years and the maximum age to appear in IAS Exam is 32. There is Upper Age relaxation for various categories.

Age relaxation for various categories- The upper age relaxation that is assigned to each category can be listed as follows:

OBC	3 years
Defence Service Personnel	3 years
SC/ST	5 years
Ex-Servicemen	5 years
Deaf/Mute/Blind/Orthopedically Handicapped	10 years

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UPSC Full Form: Educational Qualification

The aspiring candidate should graduate from a university registered under or recognised by the Government. Candidates who are in their final year of their graduation can also apply for the examination.

UPSC Full Form: Number of Attempts

There is a distinct number of attempts that are assigned to the following categories of candidates.

General	6 Attempts
OBC	9 Attempts
SC/ST	No fixed limit, Any number of attempts can be made by the SC/ST candidates until the candidate reaches the maximum age limit for the examination, i.e, 32 years.
Economically Weaker Section	6 Attempts
Person With Benchmark Disability	9 Attempts
Defence Service Personnel	9 Attempts

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UPSC Full Form: Civil Services Exam Pattern

The Civil Services Examination (CSE) examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The pattern of UPSC exam is three stages based or we can say it is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Personality Test.

Civil Services Exam Pattern

Stage of Exam	Specification	Total Marks Allotted
Prelims	Prelims stage has two papers: General Studies CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test) Both papers are objective in nature and carry a total of 400 marks. CSAT is qualifying in Nature, in which marks obtained are not considered for final evaluation.	400 marks
Mains	It is the second stage of the IAS exam. It consists of nine papers, including one essay paper, four General Studies papers, two Optional papers, and two language papers (Qualifying). Main exam comprises 7 exams that are descriptive in nature. Marks obtained in mains examination are considered for final evaluation and decides the rank of candidate.	1750 marks
Personality Test	It is the last stage of the UPSC selection process for the IAS exam. Interview round is conducted by the UPSC board members to assess the personality traits for administration of the candidates. This round also evaluates the candidate’s mental alertness, decision making power, balance of judgment, intellectual and moral integrity of the candidates. Marks obtained in this level are considered for final evaluation.	275 marks

Civil Services Exam Pattern

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UPSC Full Form: Analysis of Each Stage of Examination

The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) tests a range of skills of candidates at various stages of the UPSC CSE Exam which are Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages. Each stage of this exam requires different skills while building upon the foundation laid in previous stages. Here’s a breakdown:

Prelims- It is the initial stage of UPSC Civil Services Exam which requires knowledge base and time management. This stage requires a strong understanding of the vast syllabus, particularly NCERT books and current affairs.

This stage requires the ability to grasp information quickly and accurately from passages and questions especially in the CSAT exam.

- - Second thing, this prelims phase of UPSC CSE requires speed and accuracy to Completing the exam within the time limit with minimal errors.
  - To become expert at this stage requires understanding question patterns, identifying keywords, and using intelligent guesswork (elimination method).
- Mains- This is the second stage of the Civil Services Exam which tests the analytical thinking, problem-solving, and writing ability of the candidates who successfully cleared the prelims stage.
  - In this stage candidates should develop the ability to analyze issues and identify causes and effects, and present well-structured arguments to support his/her answer.
  - Application of problem solving approach and knowledge to solve real-world problems and suggest solutions.
  - Most crucial aspect of this stage is to display good writing skills to become proficient in this skill. Candidates have to focus on clear, concise, and well-organized writing, adhering to the word limit and question format.

Critical thinking for assessing information objectively and evaluating different viewpoints, and forming independent opinions.

Time management which is the key player in this stage of the exam completing all essays and answers within the allotted time.

Interview- This is the final stage of the UPSC CSE examination process. The qualities which are being tested in this round are personality, communication skills, and leadership quality. Candidates are advised to interact with the panel in a clear, confident way and articulate expression of thoughts and ideas. Candidates should develop the following qualities to master the interview round of UPSC Civil services exam.

Developing qualities like integrity, empathy, and decision-making abilities.

Ability to inspire and motivate others, and demonstrate confidence in handling challenging situations.

- Thoughtful response and spontaneously answer questions.
- Updated knowledge on current affairs and a well-rounded perspective on various issues.

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UPSC Full Form: Contribution of IAS Officer to Governance

Officers selected by UPSC either get into All India Services or various other Group A services. These newly recruited officers are trained to play a crucial role in the governance of India. Their contributions are multifaceted and can be attributed to various aspects of administration, policy, and development, making them a pillar for the better functioning of the bureaucratic system and implement good governance at the gorund level. Let us see the contribution of IAS Officer in Governance:

Policy Framing and its implementation- IAS officers, with their diverse educational backgrounds and field experience, provide valuable insights and data analysis to policymakers. This helps in shaping effective policies that address the needs and challenges of the country.

Execution of Policy- Once policies are framed, IAS officers empower themselves with the crucial task of implementing them on the ground. They inspect the day-to-day operations, manage resources, and ensure successful execution across various government departments and districts.

Administrative Leadership- IAS officers hold various positions in district administration, such as District Magistrates (DM), Sub-divisional Magistrates (SDM), and Additional District Magistrates (ADM). In these roles, they are responsible for maintaining law and order, supervising public services, and ensuring the smooth functioning of government initiatives at the grass-roots level.

Public Service Delivery: They play a key role in overseeing the delivery of essential public services like healthcare, education, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs. This involves efficient resource allocation, monitoring service delivery, and addressing public grievances.

Bridge Between Government and Public- IAS officers act as a crucial link between the government and the public. They address public concerns, grievances, and issues, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

Community Development: They actively participate in community development initiatives, working with local communities to understand their needs and implement programs that address them. This fosters trust and collaboration between the government and the people.

Policy Advocacy and Innovation- Through their field experience, IAS officers are often the first to identify emerging issues and societal needs at the ground level. They can then advocate for policy changes or innovative solutions to address these challenges.

Pilot Projects and Experimentation: IAS officers play a crucial role in piloting innovative projects and initiatives in their respective districts or departments. This allows for testing new approaches and scaling up successful ones for wider impact.

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UPSC Full Form: Notable Individuals who Cleared UPSC

The UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE) is considered one of the toughest exams in the world, attracting some of the brightest minds in India. Here are a few notable individuals who have cleared the UPSC CSE and made significant contributions to public service:

Dr. Kiran Bedi (IPS 1972 Batch)- The first woman to become an Inspector General of Police (IGP) in India, Dr. Bedi is known for her dedication to prison reform and her efforts to improve police-public relations.

Kiran Bedi

E. Sreedharan (IRS 1960 Batch): Often referred to as the “Metro Man” of India, He claread Indian Railway Service Engineering. Sreedharan is credited with revolutionizing urban transportation in India by spearheading the development of the Delhi Metro and Kochi Metro projects.

E. Sreedharan (IRS 1960 Batch)

T. N. Seshan (IAS 1955 Batch): A former Chief Election Commissioner of India, Seshan is known for his strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during elections, which helped to curb corruption and improve the fairness of elections in India.

T. N. Seshan (IAS 1955 Batch)

IAS officer Arvind Saxena (IAS 1988 Batch): Known for his people-centric approach to governance, Saxena implemented several successful initiatives, including the “Bhilwara Model” for water conservation and the “Chambal River rejuvenation project”.

IAS officer Arvind Saxena (IAS 1988 Batch)

These are just a few examples of the many individuals who have cleared the UPSC CSE and made a positive impact on India. Their stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring civil servants across the country.

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Civil Services Officers and Their Contributions in Public Service

The contributions of Civil Service officers are vast and diverse, spanning various fields of public service. Here are some general categories of their contributions:

Policy Formulation and Implementation: Civil Service officers play a crucial role in formulating and implementing government policies at various levels. They work in diverse areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
Public Administration: Civil Service officers manage the administrative machinery of the government, ensuring efficient delivery of public services to citizens. They oversee various departments and work towards achieving government objectives.
Maintaining Law and Order: IPS officers, selected through UPSC CSE, are responsible for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, and protecting the safety and security of citizens.
Social Development: Many Civil Service officers work at the grassroots level, implementing various social development programs aimed at poverty alleviation, women empowerment, and rural development.

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UPSC Full Form: Tips for Clearing UPSC Exam

Exam Accessibility: Success in the UPSC Civil Services Examination isn’t limited to graduates of prestigious institutions; it welcomes diverse educational backgrounds.
Study Efficiency: Dedicated preparation for the UPSC exam doesn’t require extreme study hours; quality over quantity is paramount for success.
Coaching Flexibility: While coaching can be beneficial, it’s not mandatory for UPSC success; candidates can opt for self-study based on individual preferences.
Comprehensive Understanding: Memorization is important, but the exam focuses on comprehension and application, emphasizing problem-solving skills.
Language Neutrality: No advantage is given to English medium candidates; success is determined by understanding and effective communication in any chosen medium.
Inclusive Selection: The UPSC exam is conducted impartially, ensuring equal opportunities for candidates irrespective of caste, religion, or region.
Age Diversity: The UPSC exam is open to graduates of all ages and backgrounds, dispelling the notion that it’s solely for fresh graduates.
Holistic Evaluation: Success in the UPSC exam isn’t solely dependent on strong academics but also on analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Attainable Challenge: While challenging, the UPSC exam is conquerable with diligent preparation and commitment, contrary to the myth of its impossibility.
Structured Preparation: UPSC aspirants don’t need to know everything; a structured approach focusing on depth over breadth is more effective.
Writing Skill Enhancement: Writing skills can be improved through practice and guidance, crucial for success in the UPSC Mains exam.
Strategic Attempt: Blindly attempting maximum questions in UPSC Prelims is risky due to negative marking; intelligent guesswork is advisable.
Quality Reading: Rather than reading numerous books, focusing on relevant UPSC books and revising them thoroughly is more beneficial.
Selective Note-making: Creating notes for every topic in the syllabus isn’t mandatory; some topics can be studied directly from reliable sources for efficiency.

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Must Read
NCERT Notes For UPSC	UPSC Daily Current Affairs
UPSC Blogs	UPSC Daily Editorials
Daily Current Affairs Quiz	Daily Main Answer Writing
UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers	UPSC Test Series 2024

upsc upsc full form

FAQs On Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) administers a yearly test known as the Civil Services Examination (CSE). This assessment is often referred to as the UPSC Exam or IAS Exam. Candidates must submit their applications for the UPSC Exam online through the website http://www.upsconline.nic.in.

During their training, IAS officers receive a stipend based on the 7th CPC recommendations known as Special Pay Advance. At LBSNAA, an IAS officer is entitled to a monthly stipend of Rs 45,000, out of which Rs 38,500 is the amount they receive directly. Rs 10,000 is deducted to cover expenses such as food, accommodation, and transportation.

The job of an IAS officer can be extremely varied, but as the name suggests, it’s mostly to do with administrative and management-related works, such as advising ministers about issues, policy formulation, maintenance of law and order, implementation, and monitoring of policies, revenue collection, etc.

Absolutely, you can find the Previous year's question papers available for download on official website.

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UPSC Full Form – Union Public Service Commission

What is UPSC Full Form?

UPSC Full Form: History and Evolution

Pre-Independence:

Post Independence Era:

Continual Evolution:

UPSC Full Form: Understanding Each Letter

Exams Conducted by UPSC

UPSC Full Form: Functions of UPSC

UPSC Full Form: Recruitment for Civil Services

UPSC Full Form: Civil Services Exam Eligibility

UPSC Full Form: Age Criteria and Attempts

UPSC Full Form: Educational Qualification

UPSC Full Form: Number of Attempts

UPSC Full Form: Civil Services Exam Pattern

UPSC Full Form: Analysis of Each Stage of Examination

UPSC Full Form: Contribution of IAS Officer to Governance

UPSC Full Form: Notable Individuals who Cleared UPSC

Civil Services Officers and Their Contributions in Public Service

UPSC Full Form: Tips for Clearing UPSC Exam

FAQs On Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

What is meant by the UPSC exam?

Do IAS officers get paid during training?

What is the job profile of an IAS Officer?

Can I get the previous year UPSC question papers online?

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