Every year, eligible candidates are shortlisted for various Central Government positions through the UPSC Civil Services Examination. In addition to these, several other Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ services are also part of the examination. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly review the details of the UPSC CSE 2026.
In this article, we will look into the UPSC examination. Moreover, we will also understand the UPSC career scope, stages and eligibility.
What is the UPSC Civil Service Examination?
The UPSC CSE (Union Public Service Commission Civil Services Examination) is India’s prestigious annual exam for recruiting top officers (such as IAS and IPS) into government service. The three UPSC exam stages are:
1. Prelims (Objective)
2. Mains (Written)
3. Interview (Personality Test)
These three stages cover General Studies, Aptitude, Ethics, and Optional Subjects, and require a graduate degree and extensive knowledge.
To get selected for these coveted services, candidates must appear in the Civil Services Exam (CSE). This exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Furthermore, candidates need to pass a three UPSC exam stages selection process. Each phase is important for determining their eligibility and readiness for the services.
1. The First Stage: Preliminary
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (Preliminary) has two papers, each worth 200 marks: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II. GS Paper II, also known as the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT), is a qualifying exam where candidates need only 33% to pass.
The format consists of objective-type questions (Multiple-Choice). The marks from this stage determine merit for the prelims but do not contribute to final selection. Hence, passing the Prelims makes candidates eligible for the next stage of the exam.
Below are the Marks distribution counted for the final merit:
| Paper | Subject | Marks |
| Paper-1 | Essay | 250 |
| Paper-2 | General Studies–I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 |
| Paper-3 | General Studies–II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations) | 250 |
| Paper-4 | General Studies–III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 |
| Paper-5 | General Studies–IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | 250 |
| Paper-6 | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 |
| Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 | |
| Sub Total (Written test) | 1750 | |
| Personality Test | 275 | |
| Grand Total | 2025 | |
2. The Second Stage: Mains
The UPSC Civil Services Examination (Main) is known as the ‘written stage’. It consists of nine papers. However, marks from only seven of these papers are counted when determining the final merit list. In addition, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in the remaining two papers, which are decided by UPSC each year. Furthermore, the question papers for the Mains examination are of a conventional (essay) type.
Aspirants clearing Prelims can strengthen answer writing through the UPSC Mains Guidance program with expert mentorship and evaluation.
3. The Third Stage: Interview or Personality Test
The UPSC Civil Services examination (Personality Test) involves a panel of assessors who evaluate the candidate’s personality. During this test, a candidate is asked questions on general-interest topics. The objective of the interview is to evaluate the candidate’s personal suitability for a career in public service. A board of competent and unbiased observers conducts this evaluation.
Ultimately, the test aims to assess the candidate’s mental caliber. Therefore, the final rank of a candidate in the merit list depends on the marks scored in both the written examination and the interview, which constitute the second stage of the selection process.
UPSC Eligibility Criteria
Along with the official UPSC CSE notification, the Union Public Service Commission has also released the UPSC Eligibility Criteria. All candidates must meet these eligibility requirements. This ensures that they are shortlisted for the various posts under the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Therefore, the eligibility criteria for the UPSC Civil Services exam are as follows.
1. In terms of education, candidates must hold a degree from a recognized university or its equivalent. The minimum age to appear for the exam is 21 years, while the maximum age is 32 years as on August 1 of the year of examination.
2. Age relaxations are provided to candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, and OBC.
3. Candidates must be citizens of India, subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees, or persons of Indian origin migrated from certain African countries.
4. The number of attempts allowed for general candidates is 6, for OBC candidates is 9, and for SC/ST candidates is unlimited till the prescribed age limit.
Aspiring candidates must ensure they meet these eligibility norms before applying. Additionally, they help maintain the standards of this prestigious civil service examination. Therefore, it is important to review them thoroughly before submitting your application.
UPSC Career Scope
The UPSC Civil Services examination offers unparalleled prestige and job security. Moreover, it provides the opportunity to directly impact public policy and administration across more than 24 services in India. Key roles include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), and the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Additionally, career growth involves taking on leadership roles. For instance, individuals may progress from district administration positions, such as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or District Magistrate (DM), to influential policymaking roles, such as Secretaries.
1. Core Career Opportunities
a. All India Services: IAS (Administration), IPS (Law & Order), and Indian Forest Service.
b. Central Services (Group A & B): Includes IFS (Diplomacy), IRS (Income Tax/Customs), Audit & Accounts (IA&AS), Postal Service, Railway Services (IRMS), and Information Service.
c. Specialized Services: Indian Corporate Law Service, Defence Accounts/Estates, and Trade Service.
2. Career Path and Scope
a. Entry Level: Candidates usually start as Assistant Collectors, Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM), or Assistant Superintendents of Police.
b. Mid-Career: Roles transition to District Magistrates, District Superintendents, or Deputy Secretaries, involving policy formulation and regulatory work.
c. Senior Level: Positions include Divisional Commissioners, Secretaries to the State/Union Government, and, ultimately, the Cabinet Secretary.
d. Impact: Officers directly manage district/state administration, maintain public order, manage national finances, and represent India on international platforms.
3. Why Choose UPSC as a Career?
a. Authority & Impact: Direct involvement in policymaking and grassroots development.
b. Stability: Secure government employment with pensions and benefits.
c. Prestige: High social standing and respect.
For those who do not qualify the UPSC Civil Services examination, the preparation is still beneficial. Additionally, it helps in related sectors. For example, it can be valuable for state civil services. Furthermore, it aids in banking positions, such as those at RBI and SEBI. Lastly, it is useful for regulatory bodies such as the EPFO.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a gateway to prestigious government positions. Understanding the exam’s structure and stages is important for success. To summarize, candidates must be aware of the eligibility criteria and prepare thoroughly for each phase.
Additionally, the career scope post-selection is vast and fulfilling. Ultimately, dedication and hard work can lead to achieving your goals in civil services. Therefore, aspiring candidates should start their preparation early and stay committed to their journey.
Serious aspirants seeking structured preparation can explore the Best UPSC & APSC Coaching in Guwahati for complete exam guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UPSC Civil Services Examination is a national-level competitive exam conducted by UPSC to recruit officers for services like IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A services in India.
The basic eligibility requirements for the UPSC examination include Indian nationality (with exceptions), a graduate degree from a recognized university, and an age limit of 21–32 years for the General category (age relaxations apply).
The UPSC examination has three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Successful candidates get top administrative roles with high responsibility, job security, career growth, and opportunities to influence policy and governance.
