Union Public Service Commission released UPSC CSE Recruitment notification on 4th February announcing 933 vacancies for Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, and other prestigious Group A and B central services. Eligible graduate candidates between 21 to 32 years can submit online applications at upsconline.nic.in from 4th February to 24th February by 6 PM.
UPSC CSE Recruitment Notification Details
The official UPSC CSE Recruitment notification marks India’s most competitive administrative services examination cycle. Successful candidates receive appointments to 24 different services based on merit ranking, preference, medical fitness, and vacancy availability. This three-stage recruitment process tests knowledge, analytical ability, personality traits, and administrative potential.
| Recruitment Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Union Public Service Commission |
| Examination Name | Civil Services Examination (CSE) |
| Total Advertised Vacancies | 933 Posts |
| Online Application Starts | 4th February |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 24th February, 6 PM |
| Prelims Examination Date | 24th May |
| Mains Examination Date | 21st August |
| Application Portal | upsconline.nic.in |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
How to Apply for UPSC CSE Recruitment Online
Graduate candidates meeting eligibility criteria apply through the official UPSC online portal upsconline.nic.in between 4th February and 24th February. The registration process requires One Time Registration followed by complete application submission with document uploads and fee payment.
Step by Step UPSC CSE Recruitment Application Process
Step 1: Open upsconline.nic.in and complete One Time Registration (OTR) if not done previously
Step 2: Login with registered credentials and select Civil Services Examination option
Step 3: Fill Part I containing personal information like name, father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth, gender, contact number, email address, residential address
Step 4: Enter educational qualification details including degree name, university name, passing year, percentage obtained
Step 5: Upload scanned photograph (JPEG format, 20 to 300 KB), signature (JPEG format, 3 to 30 KB), photo identity document
Step 6: Complete Part II with examination center preference, service preferences for Mains, optional subject selection
Step 7: Pay application fee through online modes like net banking, credit card, debit card, UPI
Step 8: Review all filled information thoroughly checking for errors
Step 9: Submit application form and save registration number
Step 10: Download confirmation page and take printouts for future reference
UPSC CSE Recruitment Application Fee Structure
General, Economically Weaker Section, and Other Backward Classes male candidates pay Rs. 100. Female candidates across all categories, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities receive complete fee exemption. Payment modes include State Bank of India net banking, any bank net banking, Visa, Mastercard, RuPay credit cards, debit cards, UPI applications.
| Candidate Category | Application Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General (Male) | Rs. 100 |
| EWS (Male) | Rs. 100 |
| OBC (Male) | Rs. 100 |
| SC (All) | No Fee |
| ST (All) | No Fee |
| PwBD (All) | No Fee |
| Female (All Categories) | No Fee |
Documents Required for UPSC CSE Recruitment Application
Candidates need the following documents ready before starting online application:
- Recent color photograph taken within 10 days, showing 75% face coverage, plain white background
- Clear signature sample on white paper
- Valid photo identity proof (Aadhaar Card, Voter ID Card, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, any government issued photo ID)
- Educational qualification certificate or provisional certificate for degree completion
- Category certificate for SC, ST, OBC candidates claiming reservation benefits
- EWS certificate for Economically Weaker Section candidates
- Disability certificate for PwBD candidates with disability percentage
- Active mobile number for SMS verification
- Valid email address for communication
UPSC CSE Recruitment Eligibility Criteria
Candidates holding bachelor’s degree from recognized universities qualify for UPSC CSE Recruitment. Final year students awaiting results can also apply. Nationality, age limits, and attempt restrictions apply based on category.
Educational Qualification for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Bachelor’s degree holders from University Grants Commission recognized universities qualify. Professional qualifications like MBBS, BE, BTech, CA, CS, ICWA considered equivalent. Final year graduation students appearing for final examination apply provisionally. Medical students clearing MBBS final professional examination but pending internship completion submit provisional certificates during Detailed Application Form filling after Prelims qualification.
Candidates from private universities, foreign universities recognized by Association of Indian Universities, correspondence courses recognized by Distance Education Council, open universities meet educational qualification requirements.
Age Limit for UPSC CSE Recruitment
General category candidates must complete 21 years and not exceed 32 years as on 1st August. Age relaxations provided for reserved categories enabling broader participation. Upper age limits calculated considering relaxation years added to base 32 years for general category.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Relaxation Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 21 years | 32 years | No relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 21 years | 35 years | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 21 years | 37 years | 5 years |
| PwBD (General) | 21 years | 42 years | 10 years |
| PwBD + OBC | 21 years | 45 years | 13 years |
| PwBD + SC/ST | 21 years | 47 years | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen (General) | 21 years | 37 years | 5 years |
| Domiciled J&K (1980-1989) | 21 years | 37 years | 5 years |
| Defence Personnel (Specific) | 21 years | 35 years | 3 years |
Attempt Limits for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Maximum attempts vary by category. General candidates get 6 attempts within 32 years age limit. OBC candidates receive 9 attempts within 35 years age limit. SC and ST candidates have unlimited attempts within 37 years age limit. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities get 9 attempts for general category with extended age limits.
Attempts count from first appearance in Preliminary Examination regardless of absence, withdrawal, or disqualification. Appearing only for Paper I or only Paper II counts as one full attempt.
Nationality Requirements for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service positions require Indian citizenship. Other services accept:
- Citizens of India
- Subject of Nepal
- Subject of Bhutan
- Tibetan refugee arrived India before 1st January 1962 with intention of permanent settlement
- Person of Indian origin migrated from Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania (United Republic of), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, Vietnam with intention of permanent settlement
Candidates belonging to categories 2, 3, 4, 5 require eligibility certificate from Government of India before appointment. They can appear for examination and interview without certificate but must obtain before joining service.
UPSC CSE Recruitment Selection Process
The recruitment happens through three consecutive stages: Preliminary Examination (objective screening), Main Examination (descriptive written), and Personality Test (interview). Candidates must qualify each stage sequentially. Prelims marks not counted for final merit. Mains and interview marks determine final ranking and service allocation.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Screening Test)
Prelims serve as qualifying examination shortlisting candidates for Mains. Two objective papers totaling 400 marks conducted on single day. Paper I tests General Studies covering Indian History, Geography, Indian Polity and Governance, Economic and Social Development, Environmental Ecology, General Science. Paper II assesses Civil Services Aptitude Test evaluating Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills, Logical Reasoning, Analytical Ability, Decision Making, Problem Solving.
Paper II remains qualifying requiring minimum 33% marks (66 out of 200). Only Paper I marks determine Prelims cutoff for Mains shortlisting. Around 12,000 to 15,000 candidates qualify for Mains from approximately 10 lakh applicants. Negative marking applies deducting one-third mark for every wrong answer.
| Paper | Subject Name | Duration | Marks | Question Type | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | General Studies | 2 hours | 200 | MCQ (200 questions) | 1/3 per wrong |
| Paper II | CSAT | 2 hours | 200 (Qualifying) | MCQ (80 questions) | 1/3 per wrong |
Stage 2: Main Examination (Written Test)
Mains consist of nine written papers conducted over seven sessions. Two papers qualify (Indian Language, English) requiring 25% minimum marks. Seven papers count for merit totaling 1750 marks. Each paper runs for 3 hours testing in-depth knowledge, analytical ability, answer writing skills.
The merit-based papers include Essay (250 marks), four General Studies papers (250 marks each), and two Optional Subject papers (250 marks each). Indian language paper tests basic proficiency in Constitutional languages. English paper assesses communication ability. Essay evaluates expression, organization, relevant content on given topics.
General Studies papers cover Indian Heritage and Culture, Governance, Social Justice, International Relations, Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, Disaster Management, Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper A | Indian Language (Constitutional) | 300 | Qualifying (25%) | 3 hours |
| Paper B | English | 300 | Qualifying (25%) | 3 hours |
| Paper I | Essay | 250 | Merit | 3 hours |
| Paper II | General Studies I | 250 | Merit | 3 hours |
| Paper III | General Studies II | 250 | Merit | 3 hours |
| Paper IV | General Studies III | 250 | Merit | 3 hours |
| Paper V | General Studies IV (Ethics) | 250 | Merit | 3 hours |
| Paper VI | Optional Subject Paper I | 250 | Merit | 3 hours |
| Paper VII | Optional Subject Paper II | 250 | Merit | 3 hours |
| Total Merit Marks | 1750 | |||
Stage 3: Personality Test (Interview)
Candidates clearing Mains appear before interview board in New Delhi. The personality test carries 275 marks evaluating mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity. Board comprises experienced civil servants, academicians, subject experts.
Interview duration ranges 20 to 30 minutes. Questions cover candidate’s background, optional subject, Detailed Application Form entries, current affairs, social issues, governance matters, personal opinions, ethical dilemmas. Panel assesses communication skills, confidence, body language, honesty, presence of mind, problem-solving approach.
Final merit list combines Mains marks (1750) and Interview marks (275) totaling 2025 marks. Service allocation depends on rank secured, preferences filled, medical fitness, cadre vacancies. Higher ranks get preference for coveted services like IAS, IFS, IPS.
Vacancy Distribution in UPSC CSE Recruitment
Total 933 vacancies announced across Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Revenue Service, Indian Forest Service, and other Central Civil Services. Vacancies distributed as per government norms implementing reservation policy for Scheduled Castes (15%), Scheduled Tribes (7.5%), Other Backward Classes (27%), Economically Weaker Sections (10%).
Service-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
Major services covered under UPSC CSE Recruitment include:
- Indian Administrative Service (IAS): Apex administrative service managing overall administration, policy implementation, district administration, secretariat functions
- Indian Police Service (IPS): Premier police force maintaining law and order, crime prevention, criminal investigation, internal security
- Indian Foreign Service (IFS): Diplomatic corps handling foreign policy, international relations, consular services, trade negotiations
- Indian Revenue Service (IRS): Income Tax and Customs branches managing taxation, revenue collection, customs administration
- Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS): Auditing government accounts, financial management, public expenditure control
- Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS): Railway administration covering traffic, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering departments
- Indian Postal Service (IPoS): Postal network management, mail operations, financial services through post offices
- Central Civil Services Group A: DANICS, DANIPS, PONDICS, PONDIPS for Union Territories administration
- Central Civil Services Group B: Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, AFHQ, other supporting services
Reservation Policy in UPSC CSE Recruitment
Government reservation guidelines ensure equitable representation with 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC non-creamy layer, 10% for EWS from general category. Horizontal reservation provides 4% for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities across vertical categories. 33 vacancies specifically reserved for PwBD candidates.
| Category | Reservation Percentage | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste | 15% | Vertical |
| Scheduled Tribe | 7.5% | Vertical |
| Other Backward Classes | 27% | Vertical |
| Economically Weaker Sections | 10% | Vertical |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities | 4% (33 posts) | Horizontal |
Important Dates for UPSC CSE Recruitment
All recruitment stages follow structured timeline spanning approximately 12 months from notification release to final result declaration. Candidates must track dates carefully avoiding deadline misses resulting in disqualification.
| Milestone | Scheduled Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 4th February |
| Online Application Opens | 4th February |
| Last Date to Apply | 24th February, 6 PM |
| Application Correction Window | Announced after closure |
| Preliminary Examination | 24th May |
| Prelims Admit Card Download | 3 weeks before exam |
| Prelims Answer Key Release | Within 5 days |
| Prelims Result Declaration | July |
| DAF Submission for Mains | After Prelims result |
| Main Examination | 21st August |
| Mains Admit Card Download | 3 weeks before exam |
| Mains Result Declaration | November to December |
| Interview Schedule Release | After Mains result |
| Personality Test Conduct | January to April |
| Final Result Publication | April to May (next year) |
UPSC CSE Recruitment Exam Pattern
Understanding exam structure helps candidates prepare strategically for each distinct stage testing different competencies. Prelims tests breadth of knowledge through objective questions. Mains assesses depth through descriptive answers. Interview evaluates personality and suitability through discussion.
Detailed Prelims Exam Pattern
- Two objective papers conducted same day with 2-hour gap between sessions
- Paper I: General Studies containing 200 questions worth 1 mark each
- Paper II: CSAT containing 80 questions worth 2.5 marks each (some passages with multiple questions)
- Offline OMR-based examination with pen and paper mode
- Negative marking reduces score by 0.33 marks per incorrect answer
- Unanswered questions carry no penalty
- Multiple answers to single question treated as incorrect
- No calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices allowed
- Medium: English and Hindi for both papers
Detailed Mains Exam Pattern
- Nine conventional descriptive papers spread across seven sessions
- Answer writing in own words explaining concepts, analyzing issues, suggesting solutions
- No negative marking, unanswered questions score zero
- Word limits specified for each question (20 to 600 words)
- Marks range from 1 to 60 per question based on complexity
- Medium: English or Hindi for General Studies and Essay papers
- Medium: English or Hindi or Constitutional language for Optional Subject
- Scientific calculators allowed (non-programmable type only)
- No lending or borrowing calculators during examination
Interview Pattern and Assessment Criteria
- Face-to-face interaction with expert panel at UPSC office New Delhi
- Duration approximately 20 to 30 minutes per candidate
- Total marks allocated: 275
- No fixed marking scheme, subjective evaluation by board members
- Questions based on Detailed Application Form particulars
- Assessment areas: personality traits, general awareness, communication skills, balanced judgment, leadership potential
- Dress code: formal attire recommended, decent appearance
- Candidates called in order of roll numbers or DAF processing
Salary and Benefits After UPSC CSE Recruitment
Selected candidates receive competitive remuneration packages as per 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations with regular increments, allowances, and perks. Entry-level officers start at pay level 10 for Group A services. Total monthly package ranges Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,20,000 depending on posting location and allowances.
Pay Scale Structure for Civil Services
Basic pay for entry-level officers (Junior Time Scale) stands at Rs. 56,100 per month at pay level 10. Additional components include Dearness Allowance (currently around 50% of basic pay), House Rent Allowance (8% to 24% based on city classification), Transport Allowance, and various other allowances.
Service-Specific Allowances and Facilities
- IAS Officers: Government accommodation or HRA, official vehicles with fuel and maintenance, personal staff (peon, driver, cook), telephone facilities, medical reimbursement, children education allowance
- IPS Officers: Residential quarters, government vehicles, orderlies, security equipment, special allowances for difficult postings, risk allowance, uniform allowance
- IFS Officers: Foreign allowance during overseas postings (substantial amounts in hard currency), furnished accommodation in embassy premises, children education abroad support, hardship allowance for difficult countries
- IRS Officers: Government accommodation, transport facilities, medical benefits, leave travel concession, interest-free advances for house building
- Other Services: Comparable benefits matching respective service rules and entitlements
Career Progression and Promotion Prospects
Officers progress through different grades via time-bound promotions and selection grades. IAS officers advance from Junior Time Scale to Senior Time Scale (4 years), Junior Administrative Grade (9 years), Selection Grade (13 years), Super Time Scale (16 years), Above Super Time Scale, Apex Scale, finally reaching Cabinet Secretary level. Similar progression paths exist for other services with officers reaching Director General or equivalent ranks.
Preparation Strategy for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Systematic preparation covering entire syllabus, regular practice, consistent revision, and developing multidimensional understanding increases success probability significantly. Most successful candidates invest 12 to 24 months in dedicated preparation combining self-study with guidance.
Foundation Building for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Start with NCERT textbooks from classes 6 through 12 covering History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science, Environment. These books establish conceptual clarity needed for advanced topics. Read standard reference books: Laxmikanth for Indian Polity, Bipin Chandra for Modern History, Spectrum for Ancient and Medieval History, Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong, Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh or Dutt and Sundaram.
Build strong foundation in General Studies subjects before moving to current affairs integration. Understand concepts thoroughly rather than superficial reading. Make concise notes highlighting key points, facts, dates, names for revision purpose.
Current Affairs Integration for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Read national newspapers daily (The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times). Focus on editorials, opinion pieces, government schemes, policy changes, international developments, scientific innovations. Maintain monthly current affairs compilations covering major events, bills passed, judgments delivered, international agreements, awards, reports published.
Connect current events with static portions creating meaningful linkages. Analyze issues from multiple perspectives understanding different viewpoints. Practice writing short notes on current topics within word limits developing concise expression ability.
Optional Subject Selection for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Choose optional subject based on genuine interest, academic background, availability of quality study material, scoring potential, overlap with General Studies. Popular options include Geography, History, Public Administration, Sociology, Political Science and International Relations, Economics, Anthropology, Psychology.
Engineering graduates often select technical subjects like Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering leveraging graduation knowledge. Literature students choose their language literature. Commerce graduates prefer Commerce and Accountancy or Management.
Answer Writing Practice for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Regular answer writing practice remains non-negotiable for Mains success. Write minimum 5 to 7 answers daily maintaining word limits (150, 250 words) and time constraints (10, 15 minutes). Join test series for expert evaluation getting feedback on content quality, presentation style, language clarity.
Analyze previous year Mains questions understanding demand patterns, trending topics, question types. Practice introduction-body-conclusion structure maintaining flow. Use diagrams, flowcharts, tables for better presentation wherever applicable.
Mock Tests and Revision for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Attempt full-length mock tests simulating actual exam environment. Take Prelims mock tests completing 200 questions in 2 hours building speed and accuracy. Solve previous year papers understanding difficulty levels and pattern changes.
Dedicate sufficient time for multiple revisions. First revision within one month of studying topic. Second revision after 2 months. Third revision before examination. Create short notes, mind maps, mnemonics for quick revision. Review current affairs monthly compilations regularly.
Admit Card Download for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Candidates with accepted applications receive admit cards separately for Prelims and Mains through official website without postal dispatch. Downloading admit card remains mandatory as entry permission depends on production at examination center.
Steps to Download UPSC CSE Recruitment Admit Card
Step 1: Visit upsc.gov.in when admit card availability notice appears on homepage
Step 2: Click on Civil Services Preliminary Examination Admit Card or Mains Admit Card link
Step 3: Enter registration number and date of birth in given format
Step 4: Click Submit button and admit card appears on screen
Step 5: Download PDF file and take colored printouts
Step 6: Verify all printed details match application information
Step 7: Carry admit card to examination center along with original photo ID proof
Details Mentioned on UPSC CSE Recruitment Admit Card
- Candidate full name exactly as per application
- Roll number assigned for examination
- Examination name (Civil Services Preliminary or Main)
- Examination date, day, timing
- Reporting time at center (usually 30 minutes before exam start)
- Examination center name, address, venue code
- Candidate photograph as uploaded
- Candidate signature as uploaded
- Important instructions for examination day
- Items allowed and prohibited inside examination hall
Result Declaration for UPSC CSE Recruitment
UPSC publishes results at each stage through official website uploading PDF documents containing qualified candidates’ roll numbers. Marks information provided through separate documents or candidate login portals.
Preliminary Examination Result
Result declares approximately 2 to 3 months after Prelims examination. PDF document contains qualified candidates’ roll numbers arranged in ascending order. Cutoff marks for general and reserved categories mentioned. Around 12,000 to 15,000 candidates qualify for Mains from approximately 10 lakh applicants showing success rate below 2%.
Marks scored in Paper I (General Studies) and Paper II (CSAT) provided through candidate login after result declaration. Candidates can verify marks and raise concerns if discrepancies found during objection window.
Main Examination Result
Result announces 3 to 4 months after Mains examination completion. Roll numbers of candidates qualifying for Personality Test published. Number of candidates shortlisted usually ranges 1.5 to 2 times the total vacancies. Marks secured in each of seven merit papers provided through candidate login portal.
Qualifying marks in language papers (Paper A and Paper B) mentioned. Candidates meeting qualifying criteria but not shortlisted for interview can see their marks for improvement planning in subsequent attempts.
Final Result After Interview
Final result publishes after completing all interviews showing recommended candidates with ranks and service allocations. Result document lists candidate roll numbers, names, ranks secured. Service allocated based on rank, preference, medical fitness, availability mentioned.
Detailed marks information including Mains marks (paper-wise), interview marks, total marks, rank provided through candidate login. Reserve list candidates receive intimation for possible appointment in case vacancies arise due to medical unfitness or joining declination by recommended candidates.
Medical Examination for UPSC CSE Recruitment
Recommended candidates undergo medical examination after final result declaration before service allocation finalization. Medical fitness certification remains mandatory for joining respective service training programs.
Medical Standards for Different Services
Each service specifies medical standards candidates must meet. IPS requires stringent physical standards: minimum height 165 cm for males (160 cm for females), minimum chest measurement 84 cm (79 cm expanded), vision standards 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other eye correctable to 6/6.
IAS, IFS, IRS, and other central services have general medical fitness requirements focusing on overall health, absence of serious diseases, mental stability, physical capability to perform administrative duties.
Medical Examination Process
Candidates receive medical examination call letters specifying appointed hospital or medical board. Comprehensive medical tests conducted including vision tests, hearing tests, chest X-ray, blood tests, urine tests, ECG, general physical examination.
Medical boards assess fitness based on prescribed standards. Candidates found medically unfit given opportunity for re-examination after specified period if condition treatable. Permanent unfitness results in service allocation cancellation.
Special Provisions in UPSC CSE Recruitment
Certain rules apply to candidates already appointed to civil services or attempting examination multiple times ensuring fair competition and preventing service duplication. These provisions maintain examination integrity and career progression fairness.
Rules for Already Appointed Civil Servants
Candidates already appointed to Indian Administrative Service or Indian Foreign Service cannot apply for UPSC CSE Recruitment again. They continue in allocated service without further examination permission.
Candidates appointed to IAS or IFS after qualifying Prelims but before Mains disqualified from continuing examination. Similarly appointment between Mains and interview stage results in disqualification from current cycle.
Existing Indian Police Service officers can appear for examination but cannot opt for IPS service again. They can choose other services if qualifying based on rank and preference.
One-Time Exemption Policy
Candidates allocated IPS or any Central Service Group A through previous examination get one opportunity appearing for next cycle without resigning. They must obtain exemption from joining allocated service training. During exemption period, candidates can join only Foundation Course.
If recommended in subsequent examination, candidates choose between previous allocation and new allocation. Once choice exercised, other allocation stands cancelled automatically.
Differently-Abled Candidates Provisions
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities receive special provisions: extra time for writing examinations (20 minutes per hour for each paper), scribe assistance if disability prevents writing, provision of magnified question papers for low vision candidates.
Reserved vacancies specifically for PwBD candidates across services ensuring representation. Disability certificate from competent medical authority required claiming benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in UPSC CSE Recruitment Application
Small errors during application filling lead to rejection or problems during document verification stage. Candidates must exercise caution filling forms accurately.
- Entering incorrect date of birth creating age eligibility issues later
- Misspelling name differently from certificates causing document mismatch
- Uploading blurred or oversized photograph exceeding file size limits
- Selecting wrong examination center creating travel difficulties on exam day
- Missing application deadline due to last-minute server issues
- Forgetting to save registration number and password securely
- Submitting multiple applications creating confusion and possible rejection
- Paying wrong fee amount or not checking payment confirmation
- Not reading instructions carefully before filling sections
- Rushing through form without proper verification before final submission
Free Mock Tests for UPSC CSE Recruitment Preparation
Practice mock tests at sarkariexam.center without registration or payment requirements. The platform provides comprehensive test series covering Prelims and Mains patterns helping candidates assess preparation levels, identify weak areas, improve time management, build examination temperament.
Multiple mock tests available simulating actual UPSC CSE Recruitment examination pattern. Instant result generation with detailed solutions. Performance analytics showing subject-wise strengths and weaknesses. Completely free access without hidden charges or login hassles.
Frequently Asked Questions About UPSC CSE Recruitment
General category candidates must be between 21 and 32 years as on 1st August. OBC candidates get age relaxation up to 35 years. SC and ST candidates can apply until 37 years. PwBD candidates receive additional 10 years relaxation making maximum age 42 years for general category.
General candidates get 6 attempts until age 32, OBC candidates receive 9 attempts until age 35, while SC and ST candidates have unlimited attempts within their maximum age limit of 37 years. Each Prelims appearance counts as one attempt regardless of result or absence.
Yes, final year graduation students and candidates awaiting results can apply for Preliminary Examination. However, they must complete degree and submit certificate before Mains application submission. Medical students pending internship provide course completion certificates.
General, EWS, and OBC male candidates pay Rs. 100 as application fee through online payment modes. Female candidates from all categories, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates receive complete fee exemption. No fees required for these categories.
Coaching is not mandatory as many candidates successfully clear through self-study using proper resources and disciplined preparation. However, quality coaching institutes provide structured guidance, study material, test series, peer learning environment. Self-motivated candidates with good resource access often succeed without coaching following systematic preparation strategies.
