What is the UPSC Exam and Selection Process?

Blog: The UPSC Exam and Selection Process encompasses a series of stages and examinations to recruit candidates for various central government services in India.

The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) conducts the Civil Services Examination in India. This is a highly competitive examination for recruitment to various central government services. The Civil Services Examination consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims): This is the first stage of the UPSC examination. It consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (Civil Services Aptitude Test, CSAT). The Prelims exam serves as a screening test, and the marks obtained at this stage are not counted for the final ranking.

2. Main Examination (Mains): Those who qualify for the Prelims are eligible for the Main Examination. It consists of a written examination with nine papers. The papers include Essays, General Studies I, General Studies II, General Studies III, General Studies IV, Optional Subject Paper 1, Optional Subject Paper 2, and two Language papers (English and an Indian language). The Main Examination is subjective in nature.

3. Personality Test (Interview): Candidates who qualify for the Main Examination are called for a Personality Test, also known as an interview. It is conducted to assess the candidate’s suitability for a public service career. The interview carries significant weight in the final selection process.

In summary, the UPSC Civil Services Examination comprises two objective papers at the Prelims stage, nine subjective papers in the Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview).

What is the UPSC Exam and Selection Process?

The UPSC Personality Test, also known as the Interview, is the final stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The authorities shortlisted candidates who had qualified the Main Examination based on their performance in the written papers.

The Personality Test assesses a candidate’s suitability for a public service career. Moreover, it evaluates their personality traits, communication skills, and depth of knowledge, along with their overall understanding of various issues. Additionally, it aims to gauge their intellectual and moral qualities, analytical ability, decision-making skills, and capacity to handle stressful situations.

UPSC conducts the Personality Test. The board consists of experienced and knowledgeable members, including retired civil servants, academicians, and experts from different fields. Consequently, the interview panel asks questions about a wide range of topics, including current affairs and general knowledge. Moreover, they inquire about the candidate’s background, optional subjects (if any), and their views on various social and political issues.

How does the UPSC Exam and Selection Process work?

The interview lasts around 30 minutes, but it can vary. The panel assesses the candidate’s confidence, clarity of thought, articulation, problem-solving abilities, and overall personality traits during the interview.

Interviewers expect candidates to prepare well by staying updated on current affairs and understanding their optional subjects. Being able to express their thoughts clearly and coherently. Confidence, honesty, and a positive attitude are also critical traits to display during an interview.

The UPSC Civil Services Examination determines the final ranking of candidates by adding the marks obtained in the Main Examination (written papers) to the marks obtained in the Personality Test.