State PSC & State Govt · Uttar Pradesh · Updated October 2026
UPPSC PCS ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the UPPSC PCS examination recruits Class-I and Class-II state civil officers including Deputy Collectors (SDM), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSP), Block Development Officers (BDO), and Assistant Commissioners. Following the removal of optional subjects, its Mains stage features eight compulsory descriptive papers including two dedicated to Uttar Pradesh.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- State · Uttar Pradesh
- Conducting body
- UPPSC
Start for free with UPPSC PCS syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
UPPSC PCS exam overview and highlights
About UPPSC PCS
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination (popularly known as UPPSC PCS) is one of India's largest and most prestigious state civil services examinations. Conducted by UPPSC from Prayagraj, it recruits Group-A and Group-B gazetted officers into the Provincial Civil Service (Deputy Collector / SDM), Provincial Police Service (Deputy Superintendent of Police), Block Development Officer (BDO), Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax / State GST), District Commandants Homeguards, Treasury Officer, and Sub-Registrar. In a landmark reform effective from 2023, UPPSC completely removed Optional Subjects from the Main Examination to eliminate scaling disparities and introduced General Studies Paper V and General Studies Paper VI—two 200-mark descriptive papers dedicated 100% to Uttar Pradesh's history, culture, polity, economy, geography, and internal security. The three-stage selection process comprises a two-paper OMR Preliminary test, an eight-paper descriptive Main examination where EVERY paper (1,500 marks total) counts for merit, and a 100-mark Personality Test.
The examination process for UPPSC PCS comprises 3 stages: Preliminary Examination, followed by Main Examination (Written Descriptive - 8 Compulsory Papers, 1,500 Marks), followed by Personality Test (Viva-Voce / Interview). The official syllabus tests candidates across 6 core areas — Uttar Pradesh History, Culture, Society, Polity & Security (Mains GS Paper V - 200 Marks), Uttar Pradesh Economy, Geography, Agriculture, Environment & S&T (Mains GS Paper VI - 200 Marks), Indian Heritage, Modern & World History, Society & Geography (Mains GS Paper I - 200 Marks), Indian Constitution, Polity, Governance & International Relations (Mains GS Paper II - 200 Marks), Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Environment and Internal Security (Mains GS Paper III - 200 Marks), Ethics (GS Paper IV), General Hindi & Essay (Mains Papers 1, 2 & 6) — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying at 33% (66 marks), and Prelims Paper I (200 marks across 150 questions) shortlists candidates in a 1:15 ratio for Mains. In Mains, there are no qualifying-only papers—all 8 compulsory descriptive papers (General Hindi 150 + Essay 150 + GS Papers I to VI at 200 marks each = 1,500 marks) and the Interview (100 marks) are summed for a final merit list out of 1,600 marks.
Key subjects
- Uttar Pradesh History, Culture, Society, Polity & Security (Mains GS Paper V - 200 Marks)
- Uttar Pradesh Economy, Geography, Agriculture, Environment & S&T (Mains GS Paper VI - 200 Marks)
- Indian Heritage, Modern & World History, Society & Geography (Mains GS Paper I - 200 Marks)
- Indian Constitution, Polity, Governance & International Relations (Mains GS Paper II - 200 Marks)
- Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Environment and Internal Security (Mains GS Paper III - 200 Marks)
- Ethics (GS Paper IV), General Hindi & Essay (Mains Papers 1, 2 & 6)
What clearing UPPSC PCS leads to
- Deputy Collector / Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM, Provincial Civil Service - Executive Branch)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP, Provincial Police Service)
- Block Development Officer (BDO)
- Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO)
- Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax / State GST)
- District Commandant Homeguards, Superintendent of Jail & Treasury Officer / Accounts Officer
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Offline (OMR sheet) for Prelims; Offline descriptive pen-and-paper for Mains
- Languages
- Hindi and English
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (11 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-third (0.33 of the marks allotted, i.e., 0.44 marks per wrong answer in Paper I) deducted in Prelims; none in Mains
- Official website
- uppsc.up.nic.in
UPPSC PCS — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of UPPSC PCS conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UPPSC PCS |
| Conducting Body | Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) |
| Exam Category | State PSC & State Govt |
| Exam Level | State level (Uttar Pradesh) |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notification in January or February; Prelims in May or October; Mains 4 months after Prelims; Interviews within 2 to 3 months of Mains result |
| Mode of Application | Online via the UPPSC One Time Registration (OTR) portal at uppsc.up.nic.in / otr.pariksha.nic.in |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (OMR sheet) for Prelims; Offline descriptive pen-and-paper for Mains |
| Medium / Exam Languages | Hindi and English |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (11 Papers Total): Preliminary Examination → Main Examination (Written Descriptive - 8 Compulsory Papers, 1,500 Marks) → Personality Test (Viva-Voce / Interview) |
| Negative Marking | One-third (0.33 of the marks allotted, i.e., 0.44 marks per wrong answer in Paper I) deducted in Prelims; none in Mains |
| Selection / Merit Process | Prelims Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying at 33% (66 marks), and Prelims Paper I (200 marks across 150 questions) shortlists candidates in a 1:15 ratio for Mains. In Mains, there are no qualifying-only papers—all 8 compulsory descriptive papers (General Hindi 150 + Essay 150 + GS Papers I to VI at 200 marks each = 1,500 marks) and the Interview (100 marks) are summed for a final merit list out of 1,600 marks. |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university up to the last date for receipt of applications (specific degrees like Law for Sub-Registrar, PG for District Audit Officer/Diet Lecturer, or Chemistry/Commerce for specialized posts apply only to those designated posts). |
| Age Limit | 21 to 40 years as on July 1 of the recruitment year, with 5 years upper age relaxation (up to 45 years) for SC, ST, OBC, Skilled Players, and State Government Employees of Uttar Pradesh, and 15 years (up to 55 years) for PwBD. |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | 7th CPC Pay Matrix Level 10 (INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500, Grade Pay INR 5,400) for Deputy Collector (SDM), DSP, BDO, ARTO, Assistant Commissioner (State Tax), and Treasury Officer; Level 7 (INR 44,900 to INR 1,42,400, Grade Pay INR 4,600) for Naib Tehsildar and Sub-Registrar |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Around 5.5 to 6.5 lakh applicants competing for 250 to 800 PCS and Allied Upper Subordinate vacancies annually |
| Official Website | uppsc.up.nic.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
UPPSC PCS exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for UPPSC PCS. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official UPPSC website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| UPPSC PCS Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notification in January or February; Prelims in May or October; Mains 4 months after Prelims; Interviews within 2 to 3 months of Mains result | Once a year |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) |
| UPPSC PCS — Preliminary Examination | Notification in January or February; Prelims in May or October; Mains 4 months after Prelims; Interviews within 2 to 3 months of Mains result | Offline (OMR sheet) for Prelims; Offline descriptive pen-and-paper for Mains |
| UPPSC PCS — Main Examination (Written Descriptive - 8 Compulsory Papers, 1,500 Marks) | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Around 5.5 to 6.5 lakh applicants competing for 250 to 800 PCS and Allied Upper Subordinate vacancies annually. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official UPPSC PCS recruitment advertisement published by Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Standard Banking & Insurance application fee slabs apply: typically ₹750 to ₹850 (inclusive of GST) for General/OBC/EWS candidates, and ₹125 to ₹175 (intimation charges only) for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates via online payment.
How to apply online for UPPSC PCS
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit uppsc.up.nic.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online via the UPPSC One Time Registration (OTR) portal at uppsc.up.nic.in / otr.pariksha.nic.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the UPPSC PCS application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (Hindi and English), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final UPPSC PCS Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
UPPSC PCS eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for UPPSC PCS must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by UPPSC.
Educational qualification
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university up to the last date for receipt of applications (specific degrees like Law for Sub-Registrar, PG for District Audit Officer/Diet Lecturer, or Chemistry/Commerce for specialized posts apply only to those designated posts).
Age limit & relaxations
21 to 40 years as on July 1 of the recruitment year, with 5 years upper age relaxation (up to 45 years) for SC, ST, OBC, Skilled Players, and State Government Employees of Uttar Pradesh, and 15 years (up to 55 years) for PwBD.
Number of attempts
No restriction on the number of attempts within the 40/45-year upper age ceiling.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates from all states of India are eligible to compete in the Unreserved (General) category. Physical standards (165 cm height and 84-89 cm chest for General/OBC/SC men; 152 cm height for women) apply for DSP, Superintendent of Jail, and District Commandant Homeguards.
UPPSC PCS — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Uttar Pradesh Domicile) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid Uttar Pradesh permanent domicile and caste certificate issued by the competent revenue authority. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Uttar Pradesh Domicile) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
| State Government Employees / Women / Departmental Candidates (Uttar Pradesh) | Up to +5 Years as per state service recruitment rules | Applicable to regular Uttar Pradesh state government servants and horizontal reservation categories notified in the advertisement. |
UPPSC PCS selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third (0.33 of the marks allotted, i.e., 0.44 marks per wrong answer in Paper I) deducted in Prelims; none in Mains. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying at 33% (66 marks), and Prelims Paper I (200 marks across 150 questions) shortlists candidates in a 1:15 ratio for Mains. In Mains, there are no qualifying-only papers—all 8 compulsory descriptive papers (General Hindi 150 + Essay 150 + GS Papers I to VI at 200 marks each = 1,500 marks) and the Interview (100 marks) are summed for a final merit list out of 1,600 marks.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
Offline (OMR sheet) • 2 Papers (Paper I: General Studies I (Current Events, History of India, Geography of India & World, Indian Polity, Economy, Environment & Ecology, General Science, and Uttar Pradesh Special GK), Paper II: General Studies II (CSAT - Comprehension, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Mental Ability, Elementary Maths & General English/Hindi up to Class X)) • Questions: 150 (1.33 marks each) • 400 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • An objective OMR screening test consisting of two papers of 200 marks each.
An objective OMR screening test consisting of two papers of 200 marks each. Paper I has 150 questions (1.33 marks each) with 1/3 negative marking and decides the Mains cutoff; Paper II (CSAT) has 100 questions and is qualifying at 33%.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper I: General Studies I (Current Events, History of India, Geography of India & World, Indian Polity, Economy, Environment & Ecology, General Science, and Uttar Pradesh Special GK)Determines cutoff for Mains shortlisting (1:15 ratio); 1/3 negative marking 150 (1.33 marks each) 200 2 hours Paper II: General Studies II (CSAT - Comprehension, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making, Mental Ability, Elementary Maths & General English/Hindi up to Class X)Qualifying only; minimum 33% (66 marks) required 100 (2 marks each) 200 2 hours Stage 2: Main Examination (Written Descriptive - 8 Compulsory Papers, 1,500 Marks)
Descriptive, pen and paper • 8 Papers (Paper 1: General Hindi (Comprehension, Précis, Government & Demi-Official Letters/Telegrams/Circulars, Vocabulary, Idioms, and Grammar), Paper 2: Essay (3 Essays of 700 words & 50 marks each across Section A: Literature/Culture/Social/Political; Section B: Science/Environment/Economy/Agriculture; Section C: National/International Events/Natural Calamities/Development), Paper 3: General Studies I (Indian Heritage & Culture, Modern Indian History, World History, Indian Society, and Geography of the World & India) + 5 more) • Questions: Descriptive • 1500 Total Marks • Duration: 3 hours • An eight-paper conventional descriptive examination totaling 1,500 marks with NO optional subjects.
An eight-paper conventional descriptive examination totaling 1,500 marks with NO optional subjects. Crucially, General Hindi (150 marks) is NOT merely qualifying—every single paper counts toward the final merit list, and GS Papers V and VI (400 marks combined) are dedicated exclusively to Uttar Pradesh.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Paper 1: General Hindi (Comprehension, Précis, Government & Demi-Official Letters/Telegrams/Circulars, Vocabulary, Idioms, and Grammar)Counted directly for final merit; written in Hindi only Descriptive 150 3 hours Paper 2: Essay (3 Essays of 700 words & 50 marks each across Section A: Literature/Culture/Social/Political; Section B: Science/Environment/Economy/Agriculture; Section C: National/International Events/Natural Calamities/Development)Counted for final merit; can be written in Hindi, English, or Urdu 3 Essays (50 marks each) 150 3 hours Paper 3: General Studies I (Indian Heritage & Culture, Modern Indian History, World History, Indian Society, and Geography of the World & India)Counted for final merit 20 compulsory questions (10 of 8 marks in 125 words + 10 of 12 marks in 200 words) 200 3 hours Paper 4: General Studies II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations)Counted for final merit 20 compulsory questions (10 of 8 marks + 10 of 12 marks) 200 3 hours Paper 5: General Studies III (Technology, Economic Development, Agriculture, Biodiversity, Environment, Internal Security, and Disaster Management)Counted for final merit 20 compulsory questions (10 of 8 marks + 10 of 12 marks) 200 3 hours Paper 6: General Studies IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude, Emotional Intelligence, Public Service Values, Probity in Governance, and Case Studies)Counted for final merit 20 compulsory questions (10 of 8 marks + 10 of 12 marks) 200 3 hours Paper 7: General Studies V (Uttar Pradesh Special I: History, Civilization, Culture, Ancient Cities, Architecture, Freedom Struggle, Rural/Urban/Tribal Issues, Polity, Governance, Public Service, Lokayukta, Local Self-Government, Land Reforms, and Security Issues of UP)100% Uttar Pradesh specific; counted for final merit 20 compulsory questions (10 of 8 marks + 10 of 12 marks) 200 3 hours Paper 8: General Studies VI (Uttar Pradesh Special II: Economy of UP, State Budgets, Infrastructure, Agriculture, ODOP, Industrial Corridors, Geography of UP, Natural Resources, Climate, Wildlife, Environment, and Science & Tech Innovations in UP)100% Uttar Pradesh specific; counted for final merit 20 compulsory questions (10 of 8 marks + 10 of 12 marks) 200 3 hours Stage 3: Personality Test (Viva-Voce / Interview)
In-person interview • 1 Paper (Personality Test / Interview) • 100 Total Marks • Candidates shortlisted in a 1:3 ratio from the Main Examination face the UPPSC Interview Board at Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Prayagraj, for a 100-mark Personality Test.
Candidates shortlisted in a 1:3 ratio from the Main Examination face the UPPSC Interview Board at Kasturba Gandhi Marg, Prayagraj, for a 100-mark Personality Test.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Personality Test / InterviewAdded to 1,500 Mains marks for a grand total of 1,600 marks Varies 100 Varies Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
UPPSC PCS subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
Uttar Pradesh History, Culture, Society, Polity & Security (Mains GS Paper V - 200 Marks) — Part I (History of Uttar Pradesh)
- History of Uttar Pradesh: Pre-historic & Harappan sites in UP (Alamgirpur, Sanauli, Hulas), 8 Mahajanapadas in UP (Kashi, Kosala, Vatsa, Malla, Panchala, Shurasena, Chedi, Kuru), Buddhism & Jainism sites, Mauryan, Gupta, Harshavardhana (Kannauj), Gurjara-Pratihara, Sharqi Sultanate of Jaunpur, Mughal architecture, and Nawabs of Awadh
- Revolt of 1857 in UP (Meerut, Jhansi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Faizabad, Bareilly, Prayagraj) and UP's contribution to the Freedom Struggle (Chauri Chaura, Kakori Train Action, Hindustan Republican Association, Eka/Kisan Sabha movements of Baba Ramchandra & Madari Pasi, Ballia 1942 Quit India parallel government of Chittu Pandey)
- Art, Architecture, Literature, Folk Dances (Kathak, Raslila, Nautanki, Charkula, Karma), Music Gharanas (Lucknow, Banaras, Agra, Kirana, Rampur-Sahaswan), fairs/festivals, and Scheduled Tribes of UP (Tharu, Buksa, Kharwar, Sahariya, Gond)
Uttar Pradesh History, Culture, Society, Polity & Security (Mains GS Paper V - 200 Marks) — Part II (Political & Administrative System of UP)
- Political & Administrative System of UP: Governor, CM, Bicameral Legislature (403 Vidhan Sabha + 100 Vidhan Parishad), High Court at Prayagraj & Lucknow Bench, UP Lokayukta, UPPSC, State Election Commission, Panchayati Raj & Urban Local Bodies in UP
- Land Reforms and Revenue Administration in UP (UP Revenue Code 2006), e-Governance (IGRS Jansunwai, Nivesh Mitra), Health & Education schemes, and Law & Order / Police Commissionerate system / Cyber & Border Security along the Indo-Nepal border
Uttar Pradesh Economy, Geography, Agriculture, Environment & S&T (Mains GS Paper VI - 200 Marks) — Part I (Overview of Economy of Uttar Pradesh)
- Overview of Economy of Uttar Pradesh: GSDP, per capita income, One Trillion Dollar Economy roadmap, UP State Budget, Fiscal Management, and Regional Disparities across Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Paschimanchal (Western UP), and Madhyanchal (Central UP)
- Industrial & Infrastructure growth in UP: One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, UP Defence Industrial Corridor (6 nodes: Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Kanpur, Lucknow), Expressway Network (Purvanchal, Bundelkhand, Ganga, Yamuna, Agra-Lucknow), Dedicated Freight Corridors, and Jewar (Noida) International Airport
- Agriculture in UP: 9 Agro-climatic zones, cropping patterns, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairy, sugar/ethanol industry, seed/fertilizer distribution, and agricultural marketing
Uttar Pradesh Economy, Geography, Agriculture, Environment & S&T (Mains GS Paper VI - 200 Marks) — Part II (Physical Geography of UP)
- Physical Geography of UP: Bhabar & Terai tract, Gangetic Alluvial Plain (Bhangar & Khadar), and Southern Plateau & Hills (Vindhyan & Bundelkhand gneiss); River basins (Ganga, Yamuna, Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghara/Saryu, Rapti, Gandak, Chambal, Betwa, Ken, Son)
- Mineral resources (Sonbhadra, Lalitpur, Mirzapur, Banda), National Parks (Dudhwa), Tiger Reserves (Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Amangarh, Ranipur), 10 Ramsar Wetlands in UP, and UP State Disaster Management Plan
Indian Heritage, Modern & World History, Society & Geography (Mains GS Paper I - 200 Marks)
- Indian culture from ancient to modern times, Modern Indian History (1757-1947), Post-Independence consolidation, and World History (Industrial Revolution, French/American/Russian Revolutions, World Wars)
- Salient features of Indian society, women empowerment, poverty, urbanization, globalization, and social empowerment
- Physical, human, and economic geography of India and the World: earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, cyclones, ocean currents, monsoon, and natural resources
Indian Constitution, Polity, Governance & International Relations (Mains GS Paper II - 200 Marks)
- Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights, DPSP, Basic Structure, Federalism, Separation of Powers, Parliament, and Judiciary
- Constitutional and statutory bodies, Representation of the People Act, RTI, Citizen's Charters, e-Governance, SHGs, NGOs, and social welfare schemes
- India and its neighborhood relations, bilateral/regional/global groupings, Indian diaspora, and international institutions (UN, WTO, IMF, World Bank)
Indian Economy, Science & Technology, Environment and Internal Security (Mains GS Paper III - 200 Marks)
- Economic planning, NITI Aayog, inclusive growth, government budgeting, cropping patterns, irrigation, MSP, PDS, food processing, land reforms, and infrastructure
- Science & Technology, space, defense, IT, computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and intellectual property rights
- Environmental conservation, EIA, disaster management, Left-Wing Extremism, terrorism, cybersecurity, money laundering, and border security
Ethics (GS Paper IV), General Hindi & Essay (Mains Papers 1, 2 & 6)
- Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude (200 marks): human values, attitude, emotional intelligence, moral thinkers, public service values, probity in governance, RTI, codes of ethics, and case studies
- General Hindi (150 marks - counted in merit!): unseen passages, précis (Sankshepan), Sarkari/Ardh-Sarkari Patra, Office Memo, Circular, Notification, Telegram, Upasarg, Pratyay, Vilom, Vakya Vartani Shuddhi, and Muhavare/Lokoktiyan
- Essay (150 marks): three 700-word essays across literature/social/political, science/economy/agriculture, and national/international/disaster domains
UPPSC PCS salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
7th CPC Pay Matrix Level 10 (INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500, Grade Pay INR 5,400) for Deputy Collector (SDM), DSP, BDO, ARTO, Assistant Commissioner (State Tax), and Treasury Officer; Level 7 (INR 44,900 to INR 1,42,400, Grade Pay INR 4,600) for Naib Tehsildar and Sub-Registrar. Appointments under Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
7th CPC Pay Matrix Level 10 (INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500, Grade Pay INR 5,400) for Deputy Collector (SDM), DSP, BDO, ARTO, Assistant Commissioner (State Tax), and Treasury Officer; Level 7 (INR 44,900 to INR 1,42,400, Grade Pay INR 4,600) for Naib Tehsildar and Sub-Registrar.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) (Uttar Pradesh State Government Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (by city classification), Medical Allowance, TA, and Uttar Pradesh NPS / Pension benefits.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
UPPSC PCS cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) releases stage-wise and category-wise UPPSC PCS cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
UPPSC PCS — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
Because UPPSC PCS is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one-third (0.33 of the marks allotted, i.e., 0.44 marks per wrong answer in Paper I) deducted in Prelims; none in Mains, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining UPPSC PCS Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across Uttar Pradesh cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the UPPSC PCS cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
UPPSC PCS admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
UPPSC PCS Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official UPPSC PCS Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on uppsc.up.nic.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the UPPSC PCS e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
UPPSC PCS Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on uppsc.up.nic.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
UPPSC PCS Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) declares the UPPSC PCS result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on uppsc.up.nic.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official UPPSC PCS Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
UPPSC PCS mock tests
Practice in the official UPPSC PCS pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
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UPPSC PCS Full Mock Test 1
Preliminary Examination · 150 (1.33 marks each) questions · 2 hours
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UPPSC PCS Full Mock Test 2
Preliminary Examination · 150 (1.33 marks each) questions · 2 hours
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UPPSC PCS Full Mock Test 3
Preliminary Examination · 150 (1.33 marks each) questions · 2 hours
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UPPSC PCS Full Mock Test 4
Preliminary Examination · 150 (1.33 marks each) questions · 2 hours
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UPPSC PCS Full Mock Test 5
Preliminary Examination · 150 (1.33 marks each) questions · 2 hours
UPPSC PCS previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all UPPSC PCS previous year papers by year
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Recent UPPSC PCS question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
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Complete 10-year UPPSC PCS paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for UPPSC PCS
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for UPPSC PCS
- Give highest priority to the newly introduced Mains GS Paper V (200 marks) and GS Paper VI (200 marks)—together they carry 400 out of 1,500 written marks (nearly 27% of the entire Main Examination) and are 100% dedicated to Uttar Pradesh!
- Never treat General Hindi (150 marks) as a qualifying paper—in UPPSC PCS Mains, all 150 marks of General Hindi are added directly to your final merit list; practicing Patra Lekhan (official letter formats) and Muhavare daily can fetch 105+ out of 150.
- Note the Prelims Paper II (CSAT) trap: unlike UPSC CSAT, UPPSC CSAT includes around 15-20 questions each of General Hindi grammar, General English grammar, and Interpersonal & Communication Skills alongside Maths and Reasoning.
- For Prelims Paper I (150 questions), master the 'Ghatna Chakra Purvavlokan' series, Lucent/NCERT Science, UP Special, and the last 10 months of current affairs (including UP Budget and Economic Survey).
- Practice completing all 20 compulsory questions in each Mains GS paper (ten 8-mark questions in 125 words and ten 12-mark questions in 200 words) within 180 minutes, incorporating maps of UP's 75 districts and 9 agro-climatic zones.
- Read the official UPPSC PCS notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
UPPSC PCS FAQs
Are there any Optional Subjects left in the UPPSC PCS Main Examination?
No. Starting from UPPSC PCS 2023, the Commission completely abolished Optional Subjects and replaced them with General Studies Paper V and General Studies Paper VI, both dedicated exclusively to Uttar Pradesh.
What are GS Paper V and GS Paper VI in UPPSC PCS Mains?
GS Paper V (200 marks) covers the History, Culture, Society, Polity, Governance, and Security of Uttar Pradesh, while GS Paper VI (200 marks) covers the Economy, Budget, Agriculture, ODOP, Geography, Environment, and Science & Tech of Uttar Pradesh.
Is the General Hindi paper in UPPSC Mains qualifying or counted for merit?
Unlike UPSC, the 150-mark General Hindi paper in UPPSC PCS Mains is NOT merely qualifying—every mark scored in General Hindi is added directly to the 1,500-mark written merit total.
How many questions are there in UPPSC Prelims Paper I and what is the negative marking?
Prelims Paper I contains 150 questions carrying a total of 200 marks (1.33 marks per question), with a one-third (0.44 marks) deduction for every wrong answer.
Is One Time Registration (OTR) mandatory to apply for UPPSC PCS?
Yes, obtaining a unique One Time Registration (OTR) number on the UPPSC portal is mandatory before filling out the online application form for UPPSC PCS.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for UPPSC PCS?
UPPSC PCS is conducted by Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) across 3 stages: Preliminary Examination → Main Examination (Written Descriptive - 8 Compulsory Papers, 1,500 Marks) → Personality Test (Viva-Voce / Interview). Prelims Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying at 33% (66 marks), and Prelims Paper I (200 marks across 150 questions) shortlists candidates in a 1:15 ratio for Mains. In Mains, there are no qualifying-only papers—all 8 compulsory descriptive papers (General Hindi 150 + Essay 150 + GS Papers I to VI at 200 marks each = 1,500 marks) and the Interview (100 marks) are summed for a final merit list out of 1,600 marks.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for UPPSC PCS?
Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university up to the last date for receipt of applications (specific degrees like Law for Sub-Registrar, PG for District Audit Officer/Diet Lecturer, or Chemistry/Commerce for specialized posts apply only to those designated posts). Age Limit: 21 to 40 years as on July 1 of the recruitment year, with 5 years upper age relaxation (up to 45 years) for SC, ST, OBC, Skilled Players, and State Government Employees of Uttar Pradesh, and 15 years (up to 55 years) for PwBD.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing UPPSC PCS?
7th CPC Pay Matrix Level 10 (INR 56,100 to INR 1,77,500, Grade Pay INR 5,400) for Deputy Collector (SDM), DSP, BDO, ARTO, Assistant Commissioner (State Tax), and Treasury Officer; Level 7 (INR 44,900 to INR 1,42,400, Grade Pay INR 4,600) for Naib Tehsildar and Sub-Registrar.
When is the UPPSC PCS notification released and how can I apply online?
UPPSC PCS is held once a year (Notification in January or February; Prelims in May or October; Mains 4 months after Prelims; Interviews within 2 to 3 months of Mains result). Online via the UPPSC One Time Registration (OTR) portal at uppsc.up.nic.in / otr.pariksha.nic.in.
Where can I practice free UPPSC PCS mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select UPPSC PCS as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Uttar Pradesh History, Culture, Society, Polity & Security (Mains GS Paper V - 200 Marks), Uttar Pradesh Economy, Geography, Agriculture, Environment & S&T (Mains GS Paper VI - 200 Marks), Indian Heritage, Modern & World History, Society & Geography (Mains GS Paper I - 200 Marks), Indian Constitution, Polity, Governance & International Relations (Mains GS Paper II - 200 Marks), solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPPSC PCS pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for UPPSC PCS on SmartRank?
Select UPPSC PCS as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Uttar Pradesh History, Culture, Society, Polity & Security (Mains GS Paper V - 200 Marks), Uttar Pradesh Economy, Geography, Agriculture, Environment & S&T (Mains GS Paper VI - 200 Marks), Indian Heritage, Modern & World History, Society & Geography (Mains GS Paper I - 200 Marks), Indian Constitution, Polity, Governance & International Relations (Mains GS Paper II - 200 Marks), solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact UPPSC PCS pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.