What Is UPSC Full Form?

To work in a civil services role for the Indian government, you’ll need to pass the Civil Services Exam (CSE) offered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam is notoriously difficult to pass, but those who do secure high-quality jobs that offer financial security and well-respected job titles. Read on to learn more about the UPSC full form, what to expect from the Civil Services Exam the Union Public Service Commission offers, and the benefits of taking the CSE for your future career.

What is the UPSC?

The UPSC full form is the Union Public Service Commission, India’s central recruiting service agency for civil service roles. The UPSC dates back to 1854, when the mission was to identify high-quality candidates for civil service positions worldwide. Since 1855, the organisation has implemented merit-based civil service exams to establish rigorous professional standards for civic jobs.

What is the Civil Services Exam?

The CSE is a merit-based, competitive exam offered by the UPSC. This exam is a months-long combination of written exams and interviews; passing it is necessary to work in public service. Candidates who successfully pass this exam become eligible to work in the Indian Administration Service (IAS), the Indian Police Service (IPS), the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), among other departments. Many consider the CSE to be the most difficult professional exam offered. Only a small percentage of the annual applicants make it to the second stage of the exam. Don’t be discouraged, though. Adequate preparation and studying are immensely helpful in providing you with the best opportunity to pass this exam.

What does the Civil Services Exam cover?

The Civil Services Exam covers a wide range of subjects. You should expect to answer questions about history, economics, science, geography, politics, etc. The CSE is famously unpredictable, with no standard setup to the order of questions. The test challenges you to use your knowledge in creative ways rather than through rote memorisation, but it is still a good idea to check out UPSC questions from previous years’ tests as part of your prep. The CSE has three stages: the preliminary exam, the main exam, and the personality test.

Stages of the Civil Services Exam

We’ve outlined the different phases of the Civil Services Exam below.

IAS prelims syllabus

The IAS prelims consist of two papers. The questions are objective and appear in a multiple-choice format. Candidates must answer a specific number of questions correctly to reach the benchmark cutoff for the next exam. So, although your prelims score does not impact your final ranking, this score is how you qualify to take the main exam. 

IAS main syllabus

If you pass the IAS prelims, you are ready to move on to the mains. The IAS mains syllabus consists of nine papers assigned over five to seven days. The questions require descriptive, written answers, and the topics range widely. You’ll need strong essay writing skills, analytical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and comprehensive answers. Take a look at exam questions from previous years to get a sense of the scope of this section.

The final written portion of the main exam lets examinees choose their topics.  This part of the CSE main exam consists of two essays about optional subjects. The subjects you can choose from include agriculture, economics, zoology, botany, and medical science, to name just a few, as well as the literature of various Indian languages. It’s important to choose an optional subject you’re genuinely interested in and have access to study materials or coaching opportunities for.  You can be very strategic when choosing your optional subjects, as this section of the CSE is an opportunity to write about something that truly excites you and highlights your expertise.

UPSC personality test

The personality test is the last stage of the CSE. This part of the test is an interview conducted by a board of experts who judge a candidate’s suitability for a civil services role through multiple questions. In this discursive section of the exam, a candidate’s success depends on temperament and the ability to hold a varied conversation successfully. Your ability to discuss nuanced subjects and display critical thinking is important to pass this exam.

Who should take the CSE?

People who want to work in a civil services role should take the CSE, as this exam is the only way to secure this type of job successfully. It’s important to know why you want to pursue this career type because the CSE is highly difficult and demands months, if not years, of your time to prepare for it. The CSE is a massive undertaking that requires your time, mental energy, and sacrifices in your personal life. You’ll need to be fully dedicated to doing the work to make the time spent worth it.

Applicants for the CSE must be between 21 and 32 years old for the general merit category. However, each category of civil services job has its own age cutoff for applicants, so research the roles you’re eligible for and plan for those roles accordingly.

How to prepare for the CSE

To successfully prepare for the CSE, you’ll want to make a study plan that sets you up for success. First, it’s worth taking the time to go through the CSE exam questions from previous years. This will give you a better idea about what types of questions to expect and where you might need extra help studying. Then, make a study plan to prepare and commit yourself to following through with it. This plan might span months or years, but that’s what the CSE demands. Create a plan that balances studying and demo tests with other facets of your life, such as family or a current job.

The study plan may look different for everyone. Some applicants hire coaches to tutor them in preparation for the CSE, while others opt for self-study. Either way, you’ll want to ensure you’re spending time learning key topics, practising, taking exams, and answering personality questions. Newspapers, books, and online videos are all helpful tools. The NCERT textbooks are also a great resource for studying, as many exam questions are typically covered in these books. Additionally, choose your optional subjects deliberately. This section of the exam accounts for a significant part of your overall score, and you can choose subjects you’re interested in and already knowledgeable about.  

Finally, believe in yourself. This process is grueling; the only way through it is to have hope and confidence in your abilities. Take care of your body and mind, and seek out family and friends who support you. A positive attitude and strong self-discipline will help you tackle the study process and have the best chance to succeed in the CSE. 

Learn more with Coursera

Passing the CSE can open the door to careers in services like the IAS and IFS. However, this three-stage professional exam covers many subjects, and you'll want to prep carefully and thoroughly. 

Sharpen your skills and start to prepare for the CSE with courses and certificates offered on Coursera. With options such as IIMA - IIM Ahmedabad’s Leadership Skills, you’ll be introduced to key modules and subjects that can help you better prepare for your journey of applying for and taking the CSE. Explore different subjects with high-quality courses from top Indian universities on Coursera today.