🔍 What is the UPSC CSE?
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is conducted every year by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit candidates for prestigious All India Services like:
- IAS – Indian Administrative Service
- IPS – Indian Police Service
- IFS – Indian Foreign Service
- IRS – Indian Revenue Service
- and many more Group A & B central services
🎓 Step 1: Check Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian (for IAS/IPS), Some relaxations for other services |
| Age Limit | 21 to 32 years (General category)OBC: +3 yrs |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate from a recognized university (final year students can apply) |
| Number of Attempts | General: 6 |
📅 Step 2: Know the Exam Process
| Stage | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Prelims | Objective-type test (GS + CSAT) |
| Stage 2 | Mains | 9 Descriptive papers (GS, Essay, Optional) |
| Stage 3 | Interview | Personality Test (275 marks) |
🖥️ Step 3: Registration & Application
✅ Application is done only on the UPSC Official Website
🧾 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Visit the Official Portal
2. Click on “Online Application for Various Examinations”
You’ll see a link like:
🟢 “Click Here for PART-I / PART-II Registration of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination”
3. Complete Part-I Registration
Fill out:
- Name
- DOB
- Email ID and Mobile Number
- Educational details
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
✅ You’ll receive a Registration ID via email/SMS.
4. Proceed to Part-II Registration
Upload:
- Scanned Photograph (20–300 KB, JPG format)
- Scanned Signature (20–300 KB, JPG format)
- Choose exam center
- Submit declaration
5. Pay the Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC (Male) | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Women | Exempted (₹0) |
✅ Payment Modes:
- Debit/Credit Card
- Net Banking
- SBI Bank Challan (Offline)
📸 Documents Required
| Document | Format | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Photo | JPG | 20–300 KB |
| Signature | JPG | 20–300 KB |
| Photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.) | ≤ 300 KB |
🧾 Step 4: Save & Track Your Application
- Download and save the final submitted form (PDF)
- Note your Registration ID & Roll Number
- Monitor your email/mobile for updates and admit card download
🎟️ Step 5: Admit Card Download
Released about 2–3 weeks before the Prelims/Mains.
🔗 Download from: https://upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/index.php
📈 Step 6: Appear in the Exam
| Stage | Mode | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Offline (MCQ) | 400 (Qualifying only) |
| Mains | Offline (Descriptive) | 1750 |
| Interview | Face-to-face | 275 |
✅ Final Merit: Mains (1750) + Interview (275) = Total 2025 Marks
🗃️ Step 7: Document Verification & Service Allotment
After clearing the interview:
- You’ll upload documents online (DOV process)
- Services are allotted based on:
- Rank
- Preference
- Category
- Medical fitness
📎 Important UPSC Resources & Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| UPSC Official Website | https://upsc.gov.in |
| Online Application Portal | https://upsconline.nic.in |
| Syllabus & Pattern | UPSC Syllabus PDF |
| Notification & Updates | UPSC Exam Notices |
| Previous Year Papers | UPSC Question Papers |
| Admit Card Portal | https://upsconline.nic.in/eadmitcard/index.php |
📚 Free UPSC Prep Resources
| Resource | Content | Link |
|---|---|---|
| ClearIAS | Free notes, test series | clearias.com |
| Vision IAS | Daily current affairs, PDFs | visionias.in |
| ForumIAS | PYQs, discussions | forumias.com |
| InsightsIAS | Free mains answer writing | insightsonindia.com |
| BYJU’S IAS | Free prep app, videos | byjus.com |
🎯 Pro Tips
- Apply early to avoid last-day server errors
- Always double-check your photo/signature size and format
- Save your login credentials safely
- Check spam folder for UPSC email notifications
- Print at least 2 copies of your application form for future use