Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) – Pattern

• 12 Apr 2023

Last Updated: May 2024

Introduction

The UPPCS exam is also known as 'Uttar Pradesh Combined State/Upper Subordinate Exam (General Selection/ Special Selection)'. Presently it is the most popular exam conducted by Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). The detailed description regarding the nature and procedure of this examination is given below.

Nature of Exam

This competitive examination conducted by the commission generally consists of three levels sequentially-

• Preliminary Examination – Objective Nature
• Main Examination - Conventional Written (Descriptive) Nature
• Interview - Oral

Exam Process

Process of Preliminary Examination

• First of all the release related to these examinations is issued by the commission, after that the process of filling the online application form starts. The detailed information regarding the process of filling the form is given under the heading 'How to apply online?' under the 'Release'.
• A detailed description of various aspects related to the said examination is given in the release. Therefore, it is beneficial to study it before filling the form.
• Preliminary examination is usually conducted after 3 to 4 months after the form filling process is over.
• This preliminary examination is conducted on the same day at different centers of the state as decided by the commission.
• The nature of this preliminary examination conducted by the commission is objective (multiple choice) in which one has to choose the correct option out of four possible options (A, B, C and D) given for each question.
• OMR given by the commission to be used for filling the selected option related to the question. The selected option has to be filled with black or blue ballpoint pen at the appropriate place in the respective circle given in front of it.
• There is a provision of negative marking (1/3) for wrong answer in this exam conducted by UPSC.
• If a candidate gives more than one answer to a question, then that answer is considered wrong.
• The question papers are given in two languages (Hindi and English). In case of any dispute regarding the language of the question, preference is given to the questions printed in English language.
• At present, in preliminary, two compulsory papers (General Studies and CSAT respectively) are asked.
  
  • The first paper is of General Studies, in which the total number of questions is 150 and the maximum marks are 200.
  • The second paper is of CSAT (Civil Service Aptitude Test), in which the total number of questions is 100 and the maximum marks are 200.
    
    • From the year 2016, this question paper of CSAT has been made qualifying only.
    • It is mandatory to get minimum 33% marks to be successful in this.
  • The order of merit of the candidates in this examination is determined on the basis of their marks in the first paper.
  • Normally 60-70% marks are required to pass this exam, but sometimes this percentage can be less depending on the difficulty level of the questions.
  • The preliminary examination is qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in this are not added with the marks of the main exam or interview.
  • The examination is completed on the same day in two different shifts (from 9.30 to 11.30 A.M. and 2.30 to 4.30 P.M. respectively).

Mains Exam Process

• For the successful candidates in the preliminary examination, the main examination is organized at various centers set by the commission in Prayagraj, Lucknow and Ghaziabad.
• The main exam is conducted paper wise for more than one day.
• The question paper of the UPPCS Main exam is consisted of total 8 papers out of which six papers are of General Studies, one of General Hindi, and one Essay paper. These are of written (descriptive) nature.

• The UPPCS Main exam is of total 1500 marks.
  
  • The maximum of 1200 marks (200 for each paper) is fixed for all the six papers of General Studies.
  • The duration to solve each of these papers will be 3 hours.
  • 150 marks are allotted for compulsory general Hindi and 150 marks for essay.

Interview Process

• The candidates selected in the main examination usually have to appear for an interview before the commission.
• The personality of the candidates is tested during the interview in which oral questions are asked by the members of the commission at the designated place in the commission, to which the candidate has to answer orally.
• This process lasts for more than one day depending on the number of candidates.
• A total of 100 marks are allotted for the interview in UPPCS.
• Merit list is prepared on the basis of aggregate of marks obtained in the main examination and interview.
• The list of finally selected candidates is released usually one week after the completion of the entire interview.

Note:

• The candidates selected for appointment are also required to pass the medical tests as stipulated in the rules.
• In some cases, the process of direct recruitment is also adopted by the Commission.