UPSC Civil Services and State PSC

यूपीएससी और राज्य लोक सेवा आयोग (आईएएस, पीसीएस) · यूपीएससी व राज्यसेवा (एमपीएससी)

UPSC's Civil Services Exam selects IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other officers. Each state PSC selects state officers like Deputy Collector and DSP. These are top administrative jobs with a long, hard selection.

Study

Any graduate (final-year students can apply for prelims).

Age

UPSC CSE 21-32 with attempt limits (general 6); OBC +3, SC/ST +5. MPSC Rajyaseva 19-38 open, with relaxation for reserved.

Also

No physical test for most posts; IPS/police posts have physical standards.

How selection works

  1. Online application (OTR)
  2. Preliminary exam
  3. Main exam (descriptive)
  4. Interview / personality test
  5. Medical and document verification
  6. Allocation of service and training

Pay

IAS entry at Level 10 (Rs 56,100 basic). State PSC Group A posts at state scales. Check the official notice ↗

How to apply

UPSC: online portal via upsc.gov.in with OTR. MPSC: mpsconline.gov.in profile.

How to prepare

  • Read NCERT class 6-12 books for history, geography, polity and economy before any coaching notes.
  • Start writing short answers early; mains is descriptive and speed of writing matters.
  • Read one newspaper daily and make short notes of government schemes and issues.
  • Solve the last ten years of prelims papers from upsc.gov.in to see what is really asked.
  • MPSC: study Maharashtra history, geography and economy separately; they carry weight.
  • Plan money and a backup job; clearing usually takes more than one attempt.

Mistakes people make

  • Using up an attempt by applying and appearing unprepared; appearing in prelims counts as an attempt.
  • Collecting many books and notes instead of revising a few.
  • Choosing an optional subject by trend instead of your own strength.
  • Missing the Detailed Application Form (DAF) deadline after prelims.
In Maharashtra MPSC Rajyaseva has moved to a UPSC-style descriptive mains. Apply on mpsconline.gov.in.