Everything You Need to Know About the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024

  •  Content Creator : Prabhjot
  • 04-11-2024

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Exam 2024 is one of the most prestigious examinations in India. It is a gateway for aspirants seeking to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other civil services. The exam's rigorous selection process ensures that only the most competent candidates are chosen to serve the nation. With the 2024 examination cycle held in 2024, it is essential for aspirants to be well-informed about the exam's structure, eligibility criteria, syllabus, preparation strategies, for the upcoming year.

Latest Updates on Civil Services Exam 2024

The UPSC recently released its notification for the Civil Services Exam 2024 on February 14, 2024, creating a wave of excitement among prospective candidates. Here are the crucial dates and updates regarding the 2024 exam:

  • Preliminary Examination: Initially scheduled for May 26, 2024, the prelims had been postponed to June 16, 2024.
  • Mains Examination: The Mains commenced on September 20, 2024.
  • Number of Vacancies: For the 2023 cycle, the total number of vacancies is 1,105.

These updates are crucial for aspirants as they set the timeline for their preparation and application processes.

Eligibility Criteria for Civil Services Exam 2024

Before getting on the preparation journey, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by the UPSC. The following are the key requirements:

  1. Age Limit:
    • Candidates must be between 21 and 32 years as of August 1, 2024.
    • Age relaxations are applicable:
      • OBC candidates: 3 years
      • SC/ST candidates: 5 years
      • PWD candidates: 10 years
  2. Educational Qualification:
    • A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in any discipline is required.
    • Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they can produce proof of passing their degree during the Mains exam.
  3. Number of Attempts:
    • General Category: 6 attempts
    • OBC Candidates: 9 attempts
    • SC/ST Candidates: Unlimited attempts until the upper age limit is reached

It is essential for candidates to verify their eligibility before applying, as failing to meet these criteria could disqualify them from the exam.

Exam Pattern and Structure

The Indian civil service exam 2024 consists of three stages:

Stage

Exam Type

Papers

Marks

Duration

Qualifying

Preliminary Examination

Objective Type (MCQs)

General Studies Paper I

200

2 hours

No

General Studies Paper II (CSAT)

200

2 hours

No

Mains Examination

Descriptive Type

Paper A (Indian Language)

Qualifying

3 hours

Yes

Paper B (English)

Qualifying

3 hours

Yes

Paper I (Essay)

250

3 hours

No

Paper II (General Studies I)

250

3 hours

No

Paper III (General Studies II)

250

3 hours

No

Paper IV (General Studies III)

250

3 hours

No

Paper V (General Studies IV)

250

3 hours

No

Paper VI (Optional Subject I)

250

3 hours

No

Paper VII (Optional Subject II)

250

3 hours

No

Interview

Personality Test

-

275

Varies

No

  • Preliminary Examination: The marks obtained in the Preliminary examination are not counted for the final merit but are essential for qualifying for the Mains examination.
  • Mains Examination: Each paper, except the qualifying papers, carries equal marks. The total marks of the Mains examination (excluding the qualifying papers) is 1750.
  • Interview: The final stage involves a personality test, contributing to the overall assessment of the candidate's suitability for civil services.

Syllabus

The syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 is extensive, covering a broad range of subjects. Familiarizing oneself with the syllabus is vital for effective preparation. Here’s a breakdown of the syllabus:

Exam Stage

Paper

Content Description

Preliminary Examination

General Studies Paper I

- Current events of national and international importance

- History of India and Indian National Movement

- Indian and World Geography

- Indian Polity and Governance

- Economic and Social Development

- Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity, and Climate Change

- General Science

General Studies Paper II (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.)

- Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, etc.)

Mains Examination

Paper A

- Indian Language (Qualifying)

Paper B

- English (Qualifying)

Paper I

- Essay writing on various topics

Paper II

- General Studies I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society

- Indian Culture, History, and Geography

Paper III

- General Studies II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

Paper IV

- General Studies III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management

Paper V

- General Studies IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

Papers VI & VII

- Optional Subject Papers (Candidates choose one subject from a list of optional subjects, which includes various disciplines such as Literature, Science, Social Sciences, etc.)

Notes:

  • General Studies Papers: The General Studies papers in the Mains examination cover a wide range of topics that are crucial for the understanding of civil services.
  • Optional Subjects: Candidates can select from a variety of optional subjects depending on their background and interests. It’s essential to choose a subject that aligns with their strengths and preferences.
  • Qualifying Papers: The Indian Language and English papers are qualifying in nature, meaning the scores in these papers are not counted towards the final merit but are necessary to qualify for further assessment.

Exam Schedule for UPSC 2025

The UPSC announced the exam dates for the UPSC 2025 on its official website on April 25, 2024.

Event

Date

UPSC Exam Calendar 2025

April 25, 2024

UPSC 2025 exam notification

22 January 2025

UPSC 2025 exam application form (Acceptance dates)

22 January 2025 to 11 February 2025

UPSC 2025 admit card

To be released

UPSC 2025 Civil Services Prelims exam

25 May 2025

UPSC 2025 Civil Services Mains exam

From 22 August 2025 (Five days)

The UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024 is a gateway to prestigious government positions in India, attracting thousands of aspirants every year. Candidates should stay informed about the eligibility requirements, exam structure, and preparation strategies. By adhering to the guidelines and staying dedicated, aspirants can work towards realizing their dreams of serving the nation through civil services.