UPSC Selection Process

The selection process for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams in India typically involves several stages. UPSC conducts various examinations for recruitment to various civil services and government positions. The most prominent exam conducted by UPSC is the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which includes three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims):
   • This is an objective-type examination.
   • It consists of two papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (popularly known as CSAT – Civil Services Aptitude Test).
   • The marks obtained in the Prelims are not counted for final ranking but are a qualifying stage to qualify for the Main Examination.
   • The Prelims exam serves as a screening test, and only those who clear it are eligible to appear for the Main Examination.
2. Main Examination (Mains):
   • The Main Examination consists of a written examination and an interview/personality test.
   • It comprises nine papers of conventional essay type.
   • The papers included are:
     • Paper A (Indian Language)
     • Paper B (English)
     • Essay
     • General Studies I
     • General Studies II
     • General Studies III
     • General Studies IV
     • Optional Subject Paper I
     • Optional Subject Paper II
   • The marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Interview are considered for ranking.
3. Interview (Personality Test):
   • Candidates who qualify in the Main Examination are called for the Interview.
   • The Interview aims to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, knowledge, and suitability for a career in public service.
   • The interview panel usually comprises senior bureaucrats and academicians.
   • The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the Main Examination and the Interview.
4. Final Selection:
   • The final selection of candidates for various services like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), etc., is based on the combined marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Interview.
   • The merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained by candidates in the Main Examination and the Interview.

It’s essential to note that the selection process may vary for other exams conducted by UPSC, such as the Engineering Services Examination, Combined Defense Services Examination, etc. However, the general pattern of preliminary exam, main exam, and interview stages remains consistent across most UPSC exams.