UPSC Exams Guide
Introduction to UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s central authority for recruiting top-level government officials. It plays a critical role in selecting candidates for civil, defense, and administrative services through a range of highly competitive examinations. Established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, UPSC is widely respected for its independence, transparency, and rigorous selection process.
UPSC examinations are considered some of the toughest and most prestigious in the country, opening doors to impactful careers like IAS (Indian Administrative Service), IPS (Indian Police Service), IFS (Indian Foreign Service), defense services, and many more. A career via UPSC offers not just job security but the opportunity to serve the nation in critical policy, law enforcement, development, and international diplomacy roles.
What is UPSC?
UPSC Full Form:
Union Public Service Commission
Official Website
Headquarters:
Located at Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi – 110069, the UPSC headquarters is where key decisions, interview processes, and policy implementations take place.
Constitutional Status
UPSC is a constitutional body formed under Article 315 to 323 of Part XIV of the Indian Constitution. It enjoys autonomy and protection from undue influence, ensuring a fair recruitment process. Its members are appointed by the President of India, and the body functions independently from the executive.
Main Functions
The primary responsibilities of UPSC include:
Conducting national-level competitive exams like Civil Services Examination (CSE), Combined Defence Services (CDS), National Defence Academy (NDA), and others.
Recruiting candidates for All India Services, Group A, and Group B Central Services.
Advising the government on recruitment rules, promotions, disciplinary actions, and transfers.
Conducting interviews and personality tests for shortlisted candidates.
UPSC plays a vital role in ensuring merit-based recruitment for some of the most important posts in the Indian government structure.
UPSC Exam Categories
Civil Services Examination (CSE)
CSE is the most prestigious exam by UPSC, recruiting for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and more. Best for: Graduates with leadership ambitions.
Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
For managing forest resources and wildlife protection. Separate Mains syllabus from CSE. Best for: Science graduates with forestry-related background.
Engineering Services Exam (ESE/IES)
For recruitment to technical/ engineering roles in central govt departments like Railways, CPWD. Best for: B.E/B.Tech graduates in Civil, Mech, EEE, ECE.
CDS Exam (Combined Defence Services)
For graduates to join Indian Military Academy (IMA), OTA, INA, or Air Force Academy. Best for: Final year or graduate students aiming for armed forces.
NDA/NA Exam
For 12th pass students to join Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force as officers. Best for: Young aspirants who want a defence career early.
Combined Medical Services (CMS)
For doctors in govt healthcare bodies like railways, municipal corporations, etc. Best for: MBBS graduates.
Combined Geo-Scientist Exam
Recruits geologists, chemists, hydrogeologists in Geological Survey of India. Best for: M.Sc Geology, Chemistry, Hydrology.
CAPF (Assistant Commandants)
CSE is the most prestigious exam by UPSC, recruiting for IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and more. Best for: Graduates with leadership ambitions.
Indian Economic Service (IES)/Indian Statistical Service (ISS)
Recruitment to economics and statistics departments. Best for: Postgraduates in Economics/Statistics.
Important UPSC Exams List:-
| Exam Name | Frequency | Eligibility | Application Month | Exam Date (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Services (IAS/IPS/IFS) | Annual | Graduate | February | 24 May 2026 (Pre), 21 Aug 2026 (Main) |
| NDA/NA | Twice a Year | 12th Pass | Dec & May | 12 Apr 2026 & 13 Sep 2026 |
| CDS | Twice a Year | Graduate | Dec & May | 12 Apr 2026 & 13 Sep 2026 |
| Engineering Services (ESE) | Annual | Engineering Degree | September | 08 Feb 2026 (Pre), 21 Jun 2026 (Main) |
| Indian Forest Service (IFoS) | Annual | Science Graduate | February | 24 May 2026 (Pre), 22 Nov 2026 (Main) |
| CMS | Annual | MBBS | March | 02 Aug 2026 |
| CAPF (AC) | Annual | Graduate | February | 19 Jul 2026 |
| Geo-Scientist | Annual | M.Sc Geology, Chemistry | September | 08 Feb 2026 (Pre), 20 Jun 2026 (Main) |
| IES/ISS | Annual | Postgraduate | February | 19 Jun 2026 |
Latest UPSC Exam Calender
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission. It is India’s top central recruiting agency that conducts exams for appointments to All India Services, Central Services, and Defence Services.
No. IAS (Indian Administrative Service) is just one of the 24 services under the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is conducted by UPSC. UPSC also conducts exams like NDA, CDS, CAPF, CMS, IES, and more.
UPSC conducts 10+ major exams every year, including Civil Services, Engineering Services, CDS, NDA, CMS, CAPF, and others.
Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for multiple exams like CDS, NDA, CAPF, and CSE in the same year.
No, coaching is not mandatory. Many toppers prepare from home using standard books, online test series, and free resources. What matters most is discipline, consistency, and correct guidance.
UPSC exams are competitive, not impossible. With proper planning and smart preparation, many candidates clear them on their first or second attempt.
All official notifications are published on https://upsc.gov.in and https://upsconline.nic.in.
It varies by exam. For most exams like IAS, the general age range is 21 to 32 years. Age relaxations apply for OBC, SC/ST categories.