UPSC 2024: Exam Date, Notification, Vacancy

UPSC Prelims 2024 exam date has been postponed from 26 May to 16 June 2024 due to the clash with Lok Sabha elections, as notified by the Commission on 19 March 2024. Earlier, the notification was released on 14th February 2024, on the official website. Aspirants filled out the application form from 14th February to 5th March 2024.

UPSC 2024 is expected to draw a multitude of aspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds, each seeking to secure their place in the esteemed civil services. As the UPSC exam date 2024 approaches, it becomes crucial for candidates to acquaint themselves with the essential details, preparation strategies, and exam patterns to optimise their chances of success.

UPSC Notification 2024

UPSC Notification 2024 is released on 14 February 2024. It is an important document that consists of all the important dates, the number of vacancies, the syllabus and all the criteria one needs to follow to appear for the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Download: UPSC 2024 Notification PDF

UPSC 2024 Exam Date

The UPSC Calendar 2024 was released on 10 May 2023. Here are some important dates that you need to know about before applying for UPSC 2024:

UPSC CSE 2024 Vacancies and Posts

The approximate number of vacancies for UPSC CSE 2024 is 1056 which includes 40 vacancies reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disability Category. UPSC Civil Services Examination has two categories for the division of posts- Group A and Group B.

• Group A - All India Services
• Group B - Central Services

Some of the key posts under the UPSC CSE 2024 are as follows:

• Indian Administrative Service (IAS): IAS officers are responsible for the administration and implementation of government policies at various levels. They hold leadership positions in district administrations and head various government departments.
• Indian Police Service (IPS): IPS officers are responsible for law enforcement, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS): IFS officers represent India in diplomatic missions and international organisations. They handle foreign policy matters and promote India's interests globally.
• Indian Revenue Service (IRS): IRS officers are responsible for the collection and administration of direct and indirect taxes, including income tax and customs duties.
• Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS): IAAS officers work in the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, ensuring financial accountability and auditing government expenditures.
• Indian Information Service (IIS): IIS officers are responsible for managing government communication, media, and public relations.
• Indian Trade Service (ITS): ITS officers handle India's international trade policies and promote exports and imports.
• Indian Postal Service (IPoS): IPoS officers manage postal services, including mail delivery, postal finances, and administrative functions.
• Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS): IRTS officers manage the transportation and logistics aspects of the Indian Railways.
• Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS): IRAS officers handle the financial management of the Indian Railways.
• Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS): IRPS officers manage human resources and personnel matters in the Indian Railways.
• Indian Railway Protection Force (IRPF): IRPF officers are responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers and railway property.

These are just a few examples of the civil service posts that candidates can be allocated to after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The allocation of services is based on the candidate's rank and preference, as well as the availability of vacancies in each service for a particular year.

UPSC 2024 Eligibility Criteria

Before embarking on the UPSC 2024 Civil Services preparation journey, understanding the UPSC eligibility criteria is paramount, as it sets the foundation for aspirants seeking to participate in the esteemed Civil Services Examination and serve the nation as administrators.

The eligibility criteria for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 are as follows:

Nationality: The candidate must be either:

1. A citizen of India, or
2. A subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or
3. A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
4. 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, or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. Candidates in their final year of graduation can also apply provisionally, but they must submit proof of passing the degree examination before the specified date.

Number of Attempts: The number of attempts allowed varies based on the candidate's category:

• General Category: Six attempts
• OBC Category: Nine attempts
• SC/ST Category: No restriction on the number of attempts until the upper age limit is reached. (excludes the relaxation categories)

Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet specific physical and medical standards to be eligible for certain services like the Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS).

UPSC Age Limit 2024

The candidate's age must be between 21 and 32 years as of August 1 of the examination year. Certain age relaxations apply to candidates belonging to reserved categories and other specified categories.

It is essential for candidates to thoroughly read the official UPSC 2024 notification to ensure they meet all the eligibility requirements. The eligibility criteria may be subject to change, so candidates should refer to the latest UPSC notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

UPSC 2024 Exam Pattern

The UPSC Civil Services Examination consists of three stages, each serving a different purpose in the selection process. The three stages of the UPSC CSE exam pattern are as follows:

UPSC Prelims 2024 Exam Pattern

The Prelims is the first stage of the UPSC CSE and is objective in nature (Multiple Choice Questions).

It comprises two papers: 

• Paper-I: General Studies (GS) - 200 marks
• Paper-II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) - 200 marks

Both papers are conducted on the same day with a duration of two hours each.

The GS paper covers topics like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, and Current Affairs.

The CSAT paper assesses the candidate's comprehension, analytical ability, and basic aptitude skills.

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern 2024

Candidates who qualify the Prelims move on to the UPSC Mains, which is a written examination.

It comprises nine papers (two qualifying papers and seven merit-based papers):

• Paper-A: One of the Indian languages (Qualifying) - 300 marks
• Paper-B: English (Qualifying) - 300 marks
• Paper-I: Essay - 250 marks
• Paper-II: General Studies I (Indian Heritage and 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 is of 3 hours in duration.

UPSC Interview

Candidates who qualify the UPSC 2024 Mains will be called for the Personal Interview round. It assesses the candidate's personality, communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for a career in civil services.

The Personality Test is conducted by a panel of experts and carries 275 marks.

The final selection of candidates is based on the total marks obtained in the Mains examination (written) and the Personal Interview. The Preliminary examination is considered a screening test, and its marks are not counted in the final merit list.

The UPSC CSE exam pattern is rigorous and demanding, requiring candidates to understand various subjects and possess the necessary analytical and communication skills. It's crucial for aspirants to prepare thoroughly and stay updated with current affairs for success in this prestigious examination.

UPSC 2024 Application Form

UPSC Application Form 2024 is also released on 14 February 2024 along with the notification, and the last date for filling is 5th March 2024 till 6 PM. Guidelines to fill out the online application form are as follows:

• Application correction window will open for 7 days from 6th March to 12th March 2024.
• No candidate can withdraw their application form after submission.
• Applicants are required to possess a valid Photo ID Card such as Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or any other Photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government. The candidate must have the details of this Photo ID Card during the online application process. This Photo ID Card will serve as the primary reference for all future purposes, and candidates are strongly advised to carry it during all stages of the exam.

UPSC Admit Card 2024

UPSC 2024 admit card will be released on the official website of the Union Public Service Commission. The admit card is an essential document that allows candidates to appear for the UPSC CSE Preliminary and Main examinations.

To download the UPSC admit card, candidates need to follow these steps:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: Go to the official website of the Union Public Service Commission, which is www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the Admit Card section: Look for the "Admit Card" or "e-Admit Card" link on the website's home page.
3. Select the CSE examination: Click on the link for the UPSC Civil Services Examination admit card.
4. Enter the required details: Candidates will be required to enter their Registration ID/Roll Number and Date of Birth to access the admit card.
5. Download the admit card: Once the details are submitted, the UPSC CSE admit card will be displayed on the screen. Candidates should carefully check the details mentioned on the admit card, such as the examination venue, date, and time.
6. Print the admit card: After verifying all the details, candidates should download and take a printout of the admit card. It is mandatory to carry a printed copy of the admit card to the examination centre.

Please note that the admit card for the Preliminary and Main examinations is released separately. Candidates are advised to keep their admit card safe until the completion of the entire selection process.

UPSC CSE 2024 Syllabus

The UPSC 2024 syllabus is vast and comprehensive, covering a wide range of subjects and areas, designed to assess the candidate's knowledge, analytical skills, and understanding of various issues related to governance, society, economy, and international affairs.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024

Paper-I: General Studies (GS)

• Current events of national and international importance
• History of India and the Indian National Movement
• Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, and Economic Geography of India and the World
• Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
• Economic and Social Development - Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
• General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialisation.
• General Science.

Paper-II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills, including communication skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision-making and problem-solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency, etc. - Class X level).

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024

The optional subjects for Paper-VI and Paper-VII include subjects like History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science and International Relations, Economics, etc. Candidates need to choose one optional subject from the list provided by the UPSC.

UPSC 2024 Personality Test

The UPSC interview is the final stage of the selection process and holds significant weight in determining a candidate's final rank and service allocation. The interview aims to assess the candidate's personality, communication skills, intellectual depth, analytical ability, and overall suitability for a career in civil services.

Unlike the Preliminary and Mains exams, the UPSC CSE interview does not have a specific syllabus in terms of defined topics or subjects. The interview panel can ask questions on a wide range of topics to gauge the candidate's understanding, perspective, and general awareness.

How to Prepare for UPSC 2024?

Preparing for the UPSC 2024 examination requires dedication, discipline, and a strategic approach. As one of the most competitive and challenging exams in India, it demands thorough preparation and a well-rounded understanding of diverse subjects.

1. Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance to allow sufficient time for comprehensive study.
2. Follow a Timetable: Create a structured study plan to cover all subjects and topics systematically.
3. Focus on Current Affairs: Stay updated with current events and issues for both Prelims and Mains.
4. Practise Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests and previous year papers for self-assessment.
5. Strengthen Writing Skills: Practice essay writing and answer-writing for Mains to improve expression and coherence.
6. Revise Regularly: Regular revision helps in retaining information effectively.
7. Optimise Optional Subject: Choose an optional subject you are comfortable with and master it thoroughly.
8. Read NCERTs: Refer to NCERT books to build a strong foundation for various subjects.
9. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout the journey.
10. Analyse Mistakes: Learn from your mistakes in mock tests and work on areas that need improvement.

FAQs on UPSC 2024

Is UPSC CSE 2024 Notification out?

Yes, the UPSC CSE Notification has been released on 14th February 2024 on the official website. Aspirants can download the PDF from the link provided here.

What is the minimum education qualification for UPSC CSE 2024?

An aspirant needs to have a bachelor’s degree in any subject from a recognised university. That means that the bachelor’s degree certificate should be from any university incorporated by an Act of the State and Central Legislature of India. If you are in your final year of college and have appeared for or intend to appear for the final examination of your bachelor’s degree course or are awaiting the results of the same, you are eligible to apply for the prelims examination of the CSE.

I am 20 years old. I will turn 21 in April next year. Can I still apply for the UPSC 2024 exam?

Yes, UPSC 2024 Age Limit is 21- 32 years of age under the General category. There are age relaxations for reserved categories. You need to be 21 years old while sitting for the examination. Since the examination process starts by the end of May, you can apply for the UPSC 2024 exam.

What is the UPSC Exam Date 2024?

UPSC 2024 Examination dates are mentioned in the UPSC Calendar 2024. The UPSC 2024 Prelims will be held on 16 June 2024 and UPSC Mains 2024 will be conducted on 20 September 2024 (7 days).

When will UPSC Mains 2024 be conducted?

 UPSC Mains 2024 will be conducted on 20 September 2024.