UPSC 2024 – Exam Date, Notification, Syllabus, Calendar

UPSC 2024

Candidates who wish to appear for the UPSC 2024 exam are advised to start their preparation well in advance. The official notification for the UPSC 2024 exam was out on 14th February 2024 by the Union Public Service Commission.

Download the UPSC Notification 2024 here.

Candidates aiming to achieve success in the UPSC 2024 exam must possess qualities such as unwavering determination, patience, and a high level of commitment. They must also develop strategic plans and execute them efficiently.

UPSC 2024 Exam Details

It is important for the candidates to have complete knowledge about the UPSC 2024 exam highlights. All the important details related to the exam are presented in the table provided.

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	UPSC 2024
Conducting Body	Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
Exam Level	National
Exam Frequency	Once a year
Stages	UPSC Recruitment includes three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Interview
Eligibility	Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university
Mode of Exam	Offline
UPSC 2024 Application	Online
Exam Duration	Preliminary – 2 hours per paper Main – 3 hours per paper
Type of Questions	Preliminary – Objective Main – Descriptive
Total Marks	Preliminary – 400 (200 per paper) Main – 1750
Negative Marking	Yes
Language	English and Hindi (except for language papers)
Exam Frequency	Once a year
UPSC 2024 Official website	upsc.gov.in

UPSC 2024 Notification

The UPSC 2024 notification was released by the UPSC on the official website on 14 February 2024, as per the official exam calendar. UPSC 2024 notification PDF will contain all the essential information related to the exam, including the application process, eligibility criteria, exam dates, and the selection process. Candidates can download the previous year’s notification PDF in English and Hindi language to get a detailed idea of the IAS exam below.

• UPSC notification PDF
• UPSC notification in Hindi

Candidates are advised to read the notification carefully before filling out the application form to ensure they meet all the eligibility criteria and have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. UPSC 2024 notification is an important document that aspiring candidates must carefully read and understand to ensure that they are well-prepared for the exam.

UPSC Exam Date 2024

Every year the commission releases the UPSC calendar on the official website, which has been released for the 2024 recruitment cycle. It provides candidates with information regarding the UPSC 2024 exam dates and other relevant details. Check the important dates for the exam in the table below.

Events	Dates
UPSC 2024 notification release	14 February 2024
Application form starts	14 February 2024
Application form ends	05 March 2024
Admit card release date	to be announced
UPSC Prelim 2024 Exam Date	26 May 2024
Preliminary Result date	to be announced
Main Admit card release date	to be announced
UPSC Mains 2024 Exam Date	20 September 2024 onwards
Main Result date	to be announced
Interview date	to be announced
Final result	to be announced

UPSC 2024 Eligibility

The UPSC 2024 eligibility criteria refer to the set of requirements that candidates must fulfill to be eligible to apply for various exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The eligibility criteria include nationality, age limit, educational qualification, and the number of attempts. Candidates must ensure that they fulfill all the requirements before applying for the exam. Candidates can check the detailed eligibility criteria below.

UPSC 2024 Age Limit

The age limit for UPSC exam is an essential eligibility criterion that candidates need to fulfill to apply for UPSC 2024. To be eligible, the candidate must have completed the age of 21 years on 1st August 2024. The upper age limit for general category candidates is 32 years. However, there is a relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories, such as OBC, SC, ST, and others. Candidates can check the minimum and maximum age limit for UPSC 2024 in the table below.

Category	Minimum Age Limit	Maximum Age Limit
General	21 years	32 years
OBC	21 years	35 years
SC/ST	21 years	37 years
Physically Disabled	21 years	42 years

UPSC Age Relaxation

The age relaxation is given in the upper age limit and varies depending on the category to which the candidate belongs. Those who are applying for UPSC 2024 can refer to the table below to check the age relaxation applicable for candidates belonging to different categories.

Category	Age Relaxation
OBC	3 years
SC/ST	5 years
Physically Disabled	10 years
Defense Services personnel	3 years
Ex-servicemen	5 years

UPSC 2024 Qualification

Candidates applying for the UPSC 2024 are required to hold a graduation degree from a government-recognized university. The educational qualification for UPSC 2024 exams depends on the specific exam and post, but generally, a candidate must have:

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent for IAS, IPS, and IFS exams
• A degree in engineering from a recognized university for the IES exam
• Passed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board or university for the NDA exam
• A master’s degree in economics or statistics from a recognized university for IES and ISS exams

Nationality for UPSC 2024

Below are the nationality criteria for candidates who wish to appear in the UPSC 2024 examination.

• A candidate must be an Indian national, or
• A subject of Nepal, or
• A subject of Bhutan, or
• A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or
• A person of Indian descent who has moved from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Burma, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Zaire, Malawi, Ethiopia, or Vietnam with the aim of permanently residing in India.

How many Attempts for UPSC 2024?

The number of attempts allowed for the UPSC 2024 varies depending on the category of the candidate. The UPSC attempts for each category are as follows:

Category	Number of Attempts
OBC	9
General Category	6
SC	No Limit
ST	No Limit

UPSC 2024 Online Application

UPSC is a central government agency responsible for conducting recruitment exams for various positions in Indian administrative services. It is important for candidates to fill out the UPSC application form to apply for various exams. The application process will start soon after the notification is released. Before the last date of submission, those who intend to take the UPSC 2024 examination must verify their eligibility and complete the application form.

Candidates are urged to carefully read the guidelines before completing the application. They must also make sure that all the information provided in the application form is accurate and complete. Any incorrect or incomplete information can lead to the rejection of the application. Candidates can check the steps to fill out the application form below;

How to Apply for UPSC 2024?

Candidates must follow the steps mentioned below to complete the UPSC 2024 application form.

• Step 1: Visit the official website and select the “Apply Online” option..
• Step 2: Candidates need to register themselves on the UPSC website by creating a profile. To register, candidates need to provide their basic information such as name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number.
• Step 3: Fill out the online application form with personal information, educational qualifications, and other relevant details. Also, upload scanned copies of their photograph and signature as per the specifications.
• Step 4: Preview the application form to check for any errors or omissions. Verify all the information provided in the application form before submission.
• Step 5: Pay the application fee online using a credit card, debit card, or internet banking. The application fee varies depending on the exam and the category of the candidate.
• Step 6: Candidates can submit the application form. They will receive a confirmation message and a registration number.
• Step 7: Take a printout of the application form and keep it safe for future reference.

UPSC Application Fee

Candidates should ensure that they are eligible to apply for the exam before making the payment. The application fees for UPSC Exam 2024 are as follows:

Category	Application Fees
General/OBC	Rs. 100
SC/ST/PwD/Female	Exempted from paying the application fee

UPSC Posts 2024

UPSC conducts the Civil Services examination for recruitment to various Group A and B posts in the All India Service and Central Civil Service. Group A posts are considered higher in hierarchy and responsibility as compared to Group B posts. Candidates who clear the Civil Services examination are allocated to different services and cadres based on their rank and preference. UPSC rank wise posts are determined by the candidate’s rank in the Civil Services examination. The higher the rank, the better the chance of getting a Group A post.

UPSC 2024 Selection Process

The UPSC 2024 selection process for the Civil Services Examination is a three-stage process i.e. Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Interview. UPSC selection process is a highly competitive and rigorous process that requires months of dedicated preparation and hard work. Candidates can check the detailed selection process for the upcoming UPSC 2024 below.

• Preliminary Examination: The first stage of the UPSC selection process is the Preliminary examination, which is an objective type exam. The exam consists of two papers: GS Paper 1 and CSAT. It is a screening test and candidates who clear the Prelims exam are eligible to appear for the Mains exam.
• Mains Examination: The second stage of the selection process is the Mains examination, which is a descriptive type exam. The Mains exam consists of 9 papers, out of which 7 papers are compulsory and 2 papers are optional, chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects provided by the commission. Candidates who clear the Mains exam are eligible for the third stage of the selection process, i.e., the Interview.
• Personality Test/Interview: The final stage of the selection process is conducted by a board of members to assess the candidate’s overall personality, communication skills, knowledge, and suitability for the Civil Services. Candidates who clear the Interview round are selected for various services based on their ranks and preferences.

UPSC 2024 Exam Pattern

The UPSC exam pattern is a three-stage process that includes the Prelim exam, Mains exam, and Interview. The Mains paper is subjective in nature, whereas the Prelims paper is objective in nature. Here is a detailed description of the UPSC exam pattern 2024:

UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern

UPSC Prelim exam pattern consists of two papers, General Studies Paper 1 and CSAT. Both papers are objective-type and are conducted in multiple shifts at various centers across the country.

• Each paper is of 200 marks, and candidates have two hours to complete each paper.
• There will be a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer.
• Individuals who pass the preliminary test are qualified to take the main examination.
• The GS Paper 1 is a qualifying paper, and candidates must score a minimum of 33% to clear the Prelims exam.

Paper	Number of Questions	Marks	Duration	Negative Marking
GS Paper 1	100	200	2 hours	Yes
CSAT	80	200	2 hours	Yes

UPSC Mains Exam Pattern

The UPSC Mains exam pattern consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature, and seven are counted towards the candidate’s final selection. The seven papers include Essay, General Studies I, II, III, and IV, and two UPSC optional subjects chosen by the candidate. Each paper is of 250 marks, and candidates have three hours to complete each paper.

• The marks obtained by the candidate in the seven papers are counted towards the final selection.
• The time allotted for each paper is three hours.
• Those who clear the Mains exam are then called for the final stage of the selection process, which includes a personality test/interview.

Paper	Subject	Marks	Duration
Paper A	Compulsory Indian Language	300	3 hours
Paper B	English	300	3 hours
Paper I	Essay	250	3 hours
Paper II	General Studies I	250	3 hours
Paper III	General Studies II	250	3 hours
Paper IV	General Studies III	250	3 hours
Paper V	General Studies IV	250	3 hours
Paper VI	Optional Paper I	250	3 hours
Paper VII	Optional Paper II	250	3 hours

UPSC Interview 2024 – Personality Test

The UPSC interview, also known as the personality test, is the final stage of the selection process for civil services. An expert panel conducts the interview round. The Interview is designed to assess the candidate’s personality, suitability for civil services, and ability to handle pressure and challenging situations.

• The Interview is usually conducted in the UPSC office in New Delhi.
• The Interview lasts for around 30 minutes to an hour.
• Interview carries 275 marks out of the total 2025 marks.

UPSC 2024 Syllabus

The UPSC 2024 syllabus is the list of subjects and topics that candidates need to study to prepare for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. Candidates must check the UPSC 2024 syllabus of the Prelims and Mains exam thoroughly and plan their preparation accordingly for UPSC 2024 exam.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

UPSC Prelims syllabus comprises two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and CSAT. It is important for candidates to note that CSAT is a qualifying paper and candidates need to score a minimum of 33% marks to qualify for the next stage. Candidates can download the UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF in Hindi & English below.

• UPSC Prelims Syllabus PDF
• UPSC Prelims Syllabus 2024 PDF in Hindi

UPSC 2024 CSAT Syllabus

The UPSC CSAT syllabus is designed to test the analytical and reasoning abilities of candidates. The syllabus for CSAT includes the following topics:

• Comprehension.
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills.
• Analytical ability and Logical reasoning.
• Problem-solving and Decision-making.
• Basic numeracy.
• General mental ability.
• Data interpretation.

UPSC Mains Syllabus 2024

UPSC Main syllabus consists of nine papers, of which two are qualifying papers and seven are merit-based papers. The syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, including language proficiency, general knowledge, ethics, and aptitude. Candidates can check the UPSC optional syllabus here and can download the UPSC 2024 syllabus for Mains PDF in English and Hindi from the direct link below.

• UPSC 2024 Syllabus for Mains
• UPSC Mains Syllabus PDF in Hindi

UPSC Optional Subjects

UPSC 2024 mains will have two optional subject papers, Paper VI and Paper VII, where candidates have to choose one subject from the list of subjects provided by UPSC. The optional subject carries 500 marks in total, with each paper carrying 250 marks. The optional subject list offers a total of 48 subjects to choose from, with 25 subjects related to various fields and 23 subjects related to literature.

List of UPSC 2024 Optional Subjects

The following table lists all the optional subjects offered by the UPSC for the Civil Services Main Examination:

Optional Subjects for UPSC 2024
Agriculture	Management
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science	Mathematics
Anthropology	Mechanical Engineering
Botany	Medical Science
Chemistry	Philosophy
Civil Engineering	Physics
Commerce & Accountancy	Political Science & International Relations
Economics	Psychology
Electrical Engineering	Public Administration
Geography	Sociology
Geology	Statistics
History	Zoology
Law

List of UPSC 2024 Literature Optional Subjects

Candidates can check the list of literature optional subjects for UPSC 2024 in the table below.

Literature Optional Subjects for UPSC 2024
Assamese	Marathi
Bengali	Nepali
Bodo	Oriya
Dogri	Punjabi
Gujarati	Sanskrit
Hindi	Santhali
Kannada	Sindhi
Kashmiri	Tamil
Konkani	Telugu
Maithili	Urdu
Malayalam	English
Manipuri

UPSC Admit Card 2024

The UPSC 2024 admit card is an essential document required to appear in the UPSC examination. The commission will release the admit card a few weeks before the examination date. Candidates can download the admit card in PDF format from the official website by using their registration ID and password. The admit card contains crucial details such as the candidate’s name, photograph, signature, examination centre details, examination date, and time, along with other important instructions. It is mandatory for candidates to carry the admit card with them to the examination centre. Without the UPSC 2024 admit card, candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.

It is advisable for candidates to verify all the details mentioned on the admit card, such as their name, roll number, examination centre, etc. Any discrepancies or errors in the admit card should be immediately reported to the UPSC authorities. Candidates should keep the admit card safe and in good condition until the completion of the exam. They should also preserve the admit card even after the exam as it may be required during the later stages of the selection process.

Steps to Download the UPSC 2024 Admit Card

• Step 1: Navigate the official website
• Step 2: From the main menu, select the “Admit Cards” tab
• Step 3: Select the examination for which you want to download the admit card
• Step 4: Enter your registration ID or roll number
• Step 5: Enter the Captcha code as shown on the screen
• Step 6: Click on the “Submit” button
• Step 7: UPSC 2024 Admit Card will be displayed on the screen
• Step 8: Take a printout of the admit card after downloading it

How to Prepare for UPSC Exam 2024?

Preparing for the UPSC 2024 can be a challenging task, but with the right strategy and approach, candidates can crack the exam easily. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the UPSC 2024:

• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: The first step of preparation should be to understand the UPSC 2024 exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme. This will help candidates to plan their preparation and allocate time to each topic.
• Make a Study Plan: Once they have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus, they must make a study plan that suits their learning style and schedule. Ensure that they cover all the topics in the syllabus and allocate more time to difficult topics.
• Follow current events: In the UPSC 2024, current affairs are quite important. Stay updated with the latest news and events by reading newspapers, magazines, and online sources.
• Use Standard Reference Books: UPSC is a knowledge-intensive exam, and it requires a good understanding of the concepts. Use standard reference books to prepare for each topic and make notes for revision.
• Practice Mock Tests: Mock tests are an essential part of preparation. They help candidates to evaluate their performance, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and improve their time management skills.
• Stay motivated and confident: UPSC 2024 preparation can be a long and challenging process. Stay motivated and confident throughout the process. Believe in yourself and your abilities.

Books to Prepare for UPSC 2024

Books provide aspirants with a strong foundation of knowledge, which is critical for clearing the exam. UPSC books also help aspirants gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, develop critical thinking skills, and enhance their analytical abilities, all of which are essential for success in the UPSC 2024 exam. Check the best books for preparation of UPSC 2024 in the table below:

Books	Author/Publication
India’s Struggle for Independence	Bipan Chandra
A Brief History of Modern India	Rajiv Ahir
Indian Polity	M. Laxmikanth
Indian Economy	Ramesh Singh
Indian Art and Culture	Nitin Singhania
Certificate Physical and Human Geography	Goh Cheng Leong
Our Parliament	Subash Kashyap

UPSC Previous Years Question Papers

UPSC Previous Years Question Papers are an essential resource for any aspirant preparing for the Civil Services Examination. They provide a clear insight into the pattern, syllabus, and difficulty level of the exam. By solving these papers, aspirants can get a fair idea about the type of questions asked, the weightage given to various topics, and the time required to solve each question.

Another significant benefit of solving UPSC previous year question papers is that it helps aspirants to manage their time effectively during the exam. Solving these papers within the stipulated time frame enables them to understand the time required for each section, and accordingly plan their exam strategy. It is an invaluable tool for aspirants to achieve success in the Civil Services Examination.

• UPSC Prelims 2023 Question Paper
• UPSC CSAT 2023 Question Paper
• UPSC Prelims 2022 question paper
• UPSC Mains 2022 question paper

UPSC Cut Off

Candidates preparing for UPSC 2024 must check the cut off for better understanding of the exam. UPSC cut off is the minimum marks that candidates need to secure in order to qualify for the next stage of the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The cut off is determined by various factors such as the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates appearing for the exam, and the total number of vacancies available for various services.

The cut off will be declared separately for each stage of the selection process, and will be released along with the result. UPSC previous year cut off is an important resource for aspirants, as it helps them to get an idea about the cut off trends and prepare accordingly.

UPSC Cut Off 2021

Category	Prelims	Mains	Final
EWS	80.14	713	916
OBC	84.85	707	910
General	87.54	745	953
SC	75.41	700	886
ST	70.71	700	883
PwBD-1	68.02	668	892
PwBD-3	43.09	388	689
PwBD-2	67.33	712	932
PwBD-5	45.80	560	701

UPSC Exam Centre 2024

The official list of Exam centres for UPSC has not been released on the official website. The list of exam centres will be announced by UPSC in the notification for the respective exam. The exam centres play a crucial role in determining the convenience and accessibility for the candidates appearing in the examination.

UPSC 2024 Mock Test

UPSC 2024 mock tests are an essential tool for aspirants preparing for the UPSC 2024. They provide a simulated environment that helps candidates experience the real exam atmosphere and build their confidence.
Mock tests also help aspirants identify their weaknesses and strengths. Practising mock tests regularly helps aspirants build their speed, accuracy, and time management skills, which are crucial for clearing the upcoming UPSC 2024 exam.

UPSC 2024 Online Coaching

BYJU’s Exam Prep will offer comprehensive online live classes for UPSC 2024, guided by proficient educators. These UPSC IAS online coaching will be augmented with extensive study materials, PDFs, practice assessments, interactive doubt-clearing sessions, and a plethora of other resources to supplement the learning experience.

UPSC 2024 online coaching is becoming increasingly popular among aspirants due to its convenience and accessibility. Online coaching can be an effective supplement to an aspirant’s exam preparation strategy, providing them with the necessary guidance, resources, and support to crack the exam.