What is UPSC?
The Civil Services Examination (CSE) is a National level competitive examination in India, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various Civil Services of the Government of India.
Select your Exam
IIKD provides you the list of civil services in India, which also has the complete information on more than 11 civil service exams.
Exam | Qualification | Age | Attempts Allow |
IAS – Indian Administrative Service | Any Graduate | 21-32 years | 4 – 9 Attempts |
IFS-Foreign Indian Foreign Service | Any Graduate | 21 – 32 years | 4 – 9 Attempts |
IPS- Indian Police Service | Any Graduate | 21 – 32 years | 4 – 9 Attempts |
IFS-Forest Indian Forest Service | Graduate in Animal Husbandry etc | 21 – 30 years | 6 – 9 Attempts |
IP&TAFS – Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service | Any Graduate | 21 – 32 years | 6 – 9 Attempts |
IAAS- Indian Audit and Accounts Service | Any Graduate | 21 – 32 years | 4 – 9 Attempts |
IRS-Indian Revenue Service | Any Graduate through Correspondence or from an Open University | 21-32 years | 6 – 9 Attempts |
IDAS – Indian Defense Accounts Service | Any Graduate | 21 – 33 years | 4 – 9 Attempts |
IRTS – Indian Railway Traffic Service | Any Graduate | 21-32 years | 6 – 9 Attempts |
IRAS – Indian Railway Accounts Service | Any Graduate | 21-32 years | 6 – 9 Attempts |
IRPS – Indian Railway Personnel Service | Any Graduate | 21 – 33 years | 4 – 9 Attempts |
ITS- Indian Trade Service | Any Graduate | 21 – 32 years | 4 – 9 Attempts |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, UPSC is still worth preparing for if you truly want a career in public service. Civil servants get respect, job security, and a chance to bring real change in society. The job is challenging but meaningful. However, UPSC preparation takes time and mental strength. There is no guarantee of success. That is why you should have a backup plan, like a job or another exam. Do not prepare just because of social pressure. Prepare only if you are ready for long-term effort. If you stay consistent and realistic, UPSC can be a life-changing opportunity.
Many candidates fail UPSC because of poor planning and lack of revision. Some students read too many books and get confused. Others ignore answer writing practice, which is very important for Mains. Another big reason is not analyzing previous year question papers. UPSC often repeats themes, not exact questions. Many candidates also lose motivation after one failure and quit early. Time management is another issue, especially for working professionals. Some people focus only on Prelims and neglect Mains preparation. UPSC needs balanced preparation for all stages. Emotional pressure and comparison with others also affect performance. Success in UPSC needs patience, discipline, and smart work, not just hard work.
A beginner should first understand the UPSC syllabus clearly. Do not start reading random books. Download the official syllabus and exam pattern from the UPSC website. Start with basic NCERT books from class 6 to 12. These books build your foundation and are easy to understand. At the same time, develop a habit of reading one newspaper daily, like The Hindu or Indian Express. Focus on important news, not every detail. Make short notes for revision. Choose your optional subject only after checking the syllabus and past year papers. Do not rush into coaching. Try self-study for a few months first. Consistency matters more than long study hours. Even 5–6 focused hours daily are enough in the beginning.
The UPSC Interview is the final stage. It is also called the Personality Test. It checks how you think, speak, and react, not just your knowledge. Questions are based on your Detailed Application Form (DAF), current affairs, and real-life situations. The board wants honest and balanced answers. You do not need to know everything. If you don’t know an answer, it is okay to say so politely. Confidence, clarity, and honesty are key. Mock interviews help reduce fear. The interview carries marks and can change your final rank.
Yes, it can be stressful. Long preparation, competition, and uncertainty create pressure. Proper sleep, exercise, and breaks help manage stress. Avoid negative people. Stay connected with family or friends. Mental health is very important.
The most important quality is consistency. Studying daily, revising regularly, and staying disciplined matters more than talent. UPSC rewards patience and persistence.