Best Ways to Prepare for UPPSC Successfully

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UPPSC Preparation


Introduction to UPPSC Exam

UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission) Exam is one of the major and challenging civil service examinations for the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. This is a golden opportunity for those who aim to join the administrative and other government services of the state of Uttar Pradesh. This examination enables candidates to take one or more high-level administrative jobs, including, but is not limited to District Magistrate (DM), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DY.SP), Block Development Officer (BDO), Tehsildar, etc.


Significance of the UPPSC Exam:

The UPPSC exam is an important step for any person seeking government job within the state. Successful candidates can join Uttar Pradesh Civil Services and make significant contribution to the state's governance and administration. Being a state-level examination, it offers candidates to work in their home state, understand regional issues and directly contribute to the development and development of the state.


Overview of the UPPSC Exam Structure:

The UPPSC exam is generally conducted in three stages, similar to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam pattern:

  1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims):
  • The Prelims exam is the first hurdle and is typically designed to test a candidate's general awareness, knowledge of current events, and analytical abilities.
  • The exam comprises two papers:
  • General Studies (GS): This paper tests knowledge of subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Environment, and Current Affairs.
  • Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT): This paper evaluates the candidate's logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and reading comprehension.
  • The Prelims exam is of a qualifying nature for the Mains, meaning the marks obtained in Prelims are not considered for the final merit list, but they determine eligibility for the next stage.

2. Main Examination (Mains):

  • The Mains exam is the second stage, and unlike Prelims, the marks from Mains are considered for the final ranking. It is more comprehensive and consists of multiple papers.
  • The Mains exam typically includes:
  • General Studies Papers: A series of papers that cover various subjects in depth (e.g., Polity, Economy, History, Geography, Science).
  • Essay Paper: Candidates are asked to write an essay on a given topic, testing their writing skills and depth of understanding.
  • Optional Subject Paper: Candidates can choose an optional subject based on their interests and academic background.
  • Language Paper: Typically, Hindi and English language papers to evaluate language proficiency.
  • The Mains exam is designed to assess the candidate’s in-depth knowledge of various subjects, analytical thinking, and writing ability.

3. Interview (Personality Test):

  • The Interview or Personality Test is the final stage of the UPPSC exam. After clearing the Mains exam, candidates are called for the interview round.
  • The interview panel typically consists of senior bureaucrats and experts who evaluate a candidate’s personality, decision-making ability, and suitability for administrative roles.
  • The interview tests a candidate's ability to think on their feet, deal with pressure, communicate effectively, and exhibit leadership qualities. The marks obtained in the interview are added to the final merit list.


Understanding The Exam Pattern:


The UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission) exam follows a structured and comprehensive pattern designed to evaluate candidates on various fronts, including their knowledge, analytical abilities, and decision-making skills. It is a multi-stage process that includes three major phases: Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Main Examination (Mains), and Personality Test (Interview). Understanding the exam pattern is essential for candidates to devise a proper preparation strategy, as it helps them understand the weightage, structure, and type of questions they’ll face in each stage.

  1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

The Prelims exam is the first stage of the UPPSC examination and primarily serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains. It is designed to assess a candidate’s general awareness, aptitude, and reasoning abilities. The Prelims exam consists of two papers:

  • Paper I: General Studies (GS)
  • Nature of the Paper: Objective-type (Multiple Choice Questions or MCQs).
  • Subjects Covered: This paper tests candidates on a wide range of subjects including:
  • Current Events: National and international importance, current affairs, and the latest developments in politics, economy, environment, and science.
  • Indian History: Ancient, medieval, and modern history, with a focus on events, personalities, and cultural heritage.
  • Geography: Physical and political geography of India and the world, including natural resources, climate, agriculture, and environment.
  • Indian Polity: Constitution of India, political system, governance, federalism, public administration, and political developments in India.
  • Economic and Social Development: Economic reforms, planning, poverty alleviation programs, economic institutions, and social justice issues.
  • General Science: Basics of physical, biological, and environmental sciences, and their applications.
  • Environment and Ecology: Issues related to the environment, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
  • General Mental Ability: Logical reasoning, decision-making, and analytical abilities.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Total Marks: 200 marks.
  • Negative Marking: 0.33 marks for each wrong answer.


  • Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
  • Nature of the Paper: Objective-type (Multiple Choice Questions).
  • Subjects Covered: This paper primarily tests candidates’ analytical and reasoning skills. It is designed to assess their aptitude and ability to handle civil services-related tasks.
  • Comprehension: Ability to understand and interpret written material.
  • Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability: Problem-solving, pattern recognition, and decision-making.
  • Quantitative Aptitude: Basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Communication skills, logical ability, and behavioral insights.
  • Decision Making: Situational judgment and application of logical thinking to arrive at solutions.
  • Duration: 2 hours.
  • Total Marks: 200 marks.
  • Qualifying Nature: This paper is qualifying in nature, meaning candidates need to score a minimum of 33% to pass the CSAT. However, the marks obtained in CSAT are not counted for the final merit list, but they determine eligibility for the Mains exam.


Main Examination (Mains)

The Mains exam is more detailed and comprehensive compared to the Prelims and is crucial in the final selection process. It consists of 9 papers, including General Studies, Essay, Optional Subject, and Language papers. The Mains is a written examination, and the papers are designed to assess a candidate’s intellectual abilities, depth of knowledge, and writing skills.

Papers in Mains:

  1. General Studies Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, Geography of the World and Society.
  2. General Studies Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations.
  3. General Studies Paper III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
  4. General Studies Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
  5. Essay Paper: Writing an essay on a specific topic. The aim is to evaluate the candidate’s ability to present ideas clearly and logically.
  6. Optional Subject Paper I: This paper tests knowledge on the selected optional subject.
  7. Optional Subject Paper II: This paper continues the assessment of the candidate’s knowledge of the optional subject.
  8. Hindi Paper: It tests proficiency in the Hindi language.
  9. English Paper: It tests proficiency in the English language.


  • Total Marks: 1500 marks (for all papers).
  • Duration: Each paper is 3 hours long.


The General Studies Papers (I to IV) are compulsory for all candidates, whereas the Optional Subject Papers (I and II) depend on the candidate's choice of an optional subject. Candidates can choose from a list of subjects such as History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, and more.


 Interview (Personality Test)

The final stage of the UPPSC exam is the Personality Test (Interview), which aims to assess a candidate’s suitability for a career in public service. It is a face-to-face interview conducted by a panel of experienced bureaucrats and experts.

  • Nature of the Interview: It is designed to evaluate the candidate’s personality traits, leadership skills, analytical thinking, clarity of thought, social awareness, and communication abilities. The panel may ask questions about the candidate's educational background, hobbies, opinions on social, political, and economic issues, and general awareness.
  • Marks: The interview carries 100 marks.
  • Importance: The interview plays a significant role in the final selection process. It is essential for candidates to present themselves confidently and answer questions with clarity and maturity.


Final Merit List

  • The final merit list is prepared by combining the marks obtained in the Mains exam (written papers) and the Interview. The Prelims exam, while essential for shortlisting candidates, does not contribute to the final merit ranking.
  • Candidates must perform consistently well across all stages to secure a place in the final merit list.


  1. Eligibility Criteria:


I. Nationality

  • Indian Citizen: To be eligible for the UPPSC exam, the candidate must be a citizen of India.
  • Other Nationalities: While the exam is primarily for Indian nationals, candidates from Nepal and Bhutan, as well as Tibetan refugees (who came to India before 1962), are also eligible to apply, provided they meet other criteria set by UPPSC.

II. Age Limit

The age limit varies based on the candidate’s category, with specific relaxations for reserved categories. The general age range for the UPPSC exam is as follows:

  • Minimum Age: 21 years.
  • Maximum Age: 40 years.

However, there are age relaxations based on the candidate’s category:

  • For Scheduled Castes (SC)/Scheduled Tribes (ST): 5 years of age relaxation.
  • For Other Backward Classes (OBC): 5 years of age relaxation.
  • For Physically Handicapped Candidates: 15 years of age relaxation (irrespective of their category).
  • For Ex-servicemen: The age limit is relaxed by the length of time spent in service, subject to a maximum age of 45 years.
  • For Government Employees: The age limit is typically relaxed by 5 years, subject to eligibility conditions as defined by UPPSC.

III. Educational Qualifications

The educational qualification required for UPPSC exam candidates depends on the type of post they are applying for. Generally, the basic qualifications are:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university or institution in any discipline. This is the minimum qualification for most of the posts covered by UPPSC.
  • For some specific posts, additional qualifications or professional degrees (such as engineering, medical, law, etc.) may be required.
  • For example, candidates applying for positions such as Assistant Conservator of Forests may require a degree in Agriculture, Forestry, or Botany, while those applying for technical positions may need engineering degrees in relevant disciplines.
  • Degree from a Foreign University: In some cases, candidates who hold a degree from a foreign university or institution must obtain an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

IV. Number of Attempts

Candidates are allowed to appear for the UPPSC exam a certain number of times. The number of attempts is dependent on the candidate’s category:

  • General Category: A maximum of 4 attempts.
  • OBC Category: A maximum of 7 attempts.
  • SC/ST Category: No limit on the number of attempts, but candidates must be within the upper age limit.

V. Domicile Requirement

Candidates must fulfill certain domicile criteria for applying to some UPPSC posts. These requirements can vary depending on the specific position and the region within Uttar Pradesh. Some posts may require candidates to be domiciles of Uttar Pradesh, meaning they should have been residents of the state for a specified period (usually 5 years) before applying.

  • For Uttar Pradesh Domicile: If you are from Uttar Pradesh, you will need to provide proof of your residence in the form of a domicile certificate issued by the competent authority in the state.
  • For Non-Domiciled Candidates: If you are from outside Uttar Pradesh but wish to appear for the exam, you are usually allowed to apply for certain positions; however, preference may be given to domiciled candidates for specific posts.

VI. Physical Fitness

Candidates need to meet certain physical fitness standards depending on the position they are applying for. This is generally relevant for posts that require fieldwork or involve physical exertion, such as roles in the police or forest services.

  • For Police Services: Specific requirements regarding height, chest measurements, and physical fitness tests are applicable.
  • For other positions: The physical fitness standards might vary according to the nature of the role and responsibilities.

VII. Experience Requirements (if applicable)

For some specialized posts, candidates may need prior experience or specific skills in the relevant field. For example, candidates applying for Technical Services posts might require work experience in related areas such as engineering, medical services, or law enforcement.

VIII. Important Documents

To verify eligibility, candidates need to provide various documents during the application process, such as:

  • Proof of Nationality (Indian passport or Aadhar card).
  • Educational certificates (Mark sheets and Degree certificates).
  • Age proof (Birth certificate or 10th-grade certificate).
  • Domicile Certificate (if applicable).
  • Caste certificate (for OBC/SC/ST candidates).
  • Disability certificate (if applying under the physically handicapped category).
  • Photographs and other relevant documents as per UPPSC guidelines.

IX. Relaxation for Reserved Categories

As per the government norms, candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, PwD, etc.) receive certain relaxations in age, the number of attempts, and other factors. However, these relaxations are subject to changes based on UPPSC rules and may vary from year to year.


Important Books and Study Material:


1. General Studies Preparation

General Studies covers a wide range of subjects such as Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science and Technology, Current Affairs, and more. Below are the recommended books for each subject:

I. Indian History

  • Ancient History:
  • "India's Ancient Past" by R.S. Sharma – A comprehensive book for Ancient Indian history, covering the Vedic period, Maurya and Gupta empires, and the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.
  • "The Wonder That Was India" by A.L. Basham – A classic text for understanding India's ancient civilization, culture, and history.
  • Medieval History:
  • "Medieval India" by Satish Chandra – A detailed and reliable book for medieval Indian history, focusing on the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire.
  • Modern History:
  • "India's Struggle for Independence" by Bipin Chandra – A well-written book for understanding the independence movement, major leaders, and key events.
  • "Modern India" by Rajiv Ahir – Another useful book for preparing modern Indian history, covering the British rule and the Indian National Congress’s role in the freedom struggle.

II. Indian Polity

  • "Indian Polity" by M. Laxmikanth – This is the most popular and comprehensive book for Indian Polity. It covers the Constitution of India, political system, fundamental rights, duties, and much more. A must-have for both Prelims and Mains.
  • "Introduction to the Constitution of India" by D.D. Basu – This book is useful for a deeper understanding of the Indian Constitution and its intricacies.

III. Indian Economy

  • "Indian Economy" by Ramesh Singh – This book covers all aspects of Indian economic policies, reforms, and structures. It’s well-suited for understanding the Indian economy's nuances and is updated regularly with current trends.
  • "Economic Survey of India" (Annual) – The Economic Survey provides current information about India's economy and government policies, which is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.

IV. Geography

  • "Certificate Physical and Human Geography" by G.C. Leong – A good book for understanding physical geography, it covers topics like landforms, climate, and resources.
  • "Indian Geography" by Majid Husain – A comprehensive book for Indian geography, including topics related to rivers, regions, natural resources, and urbanization.
  • "Geography of India" by Khullar – A useful resource for understanding the geography of India and its physical features, climate, and population distribution.

V. General Science

  • "Science and Technology in India" by Kalpana Rajaram – This book provides information about scientific advancements in India, including space technology, biotechnology, and new developments in various fields.
  • "General Science" by Lucent – A concise and straightforward book for Prelims preparation on physics, chemistry, biology, and other scientific topics.

VI. Environment and Ecology

  • "Environment and Ecology" by Majid Husain – An important book for understanding environmental issues like biodiversity, deforestation, pollution, and conservation efforts.
  • "Shankar's Environment" – This is another excellent book for the Environment and Ecology section, especially for Prelims.

VII. Current Affairs

  • Newspapers:
  • The Hindu – A primary source for detailed news, editorials, and analyses of national and international issues.
  • The Indian Express – Another reliable source for current affairs and in-depth analysis of important topics.
  • Magazines:
  • Yojana – A government-published magazine that offers insights into various social, economic, and developmental issues in India.
  • Kurukshetra – Focuses on rural development and related topics in the Indian context.
  • Economic and Political Weekly (EPW) – Useful for detailed articles on socio-political issues.
  • Current Affairs Monthly Compilations:
  • Manorama Yearbook or Pratiyogita Darpan – These are good sources for monthly summaries of important news, events, and developments.

2. Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

The CSAT paper evaluates the candidate’s aptitude, logical reasoning, and general mental ability. The following books will help:

  • "CSAT Paper-2" by M. K. Pandey – A popular book to prepare for the CSAT paper. It covers reasoning, analytical ability, and other aptitude sections.
  • "A New Approach to Reasoning" by B.S. Sijwali – A good book for practicing various logical reasoning questions, which are an important part of CSAT.
  • "Quantitative Aptitude" by R.S. Agarwal – This book is helpful for the quantitative aptitude section and includes a variety of problems for practice.

3. Mains Examination Preparation

For the Mains exam, candidates need to prepare thoroughly for the General Studies papers and their Optional Subject. Here’s a breakdown of the study materials:

I. General Studies Paper I

  • "Indian History" by Bipin Chandra (for detailed Mains preparation)
  • "Geography of India" by Majid Husain
  • "Economic Survey" (for Economic Development and related issues)

II. General Studies Paper II

  • "Indian Polity" by M. Laxmikanth (for in-depth understanding)
  • "Introduction to the Constitution of India" by D.D. Basu

III. General Studies Paper III

  • "Science and Technology" by R.R. Gaur
  • "Disaster Management" by S. R. Laxmi (for Environmental issues)
  • "India Yearbook" – Government publication useful for all general studies papers.

IV. General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude)

  • "Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude" by Subba Rao – A detailed guide for the Ethics paper, covering important case studies and ethical dilemmas.
  • "Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude" by Niraj Kumar – A book that explains various ethical concepts and their application in public service.

V. Essay Preparation

  • "Writing Essays for Civil Services" by R. S. Agarwal – This book offers insight into structuring essays and writing with clarity.


4. Optional Subject

The optional subject is a critical component of the Mains exam. The books for this section will depend on the subject chosen. For example, if you select Geography, the following books will be helpful:

  • "Geography of India" by Majid Husain
  • "Physical Geography" by Savindra Singh
  • "Fundamentals of Physical Geography" by G.C. Leong

If you choose Sociology, recommended books include:

  • "Sociology" by C.N. Shankar Rao
  • "Introduction to Sociology" by Giddens

Always choose books based on the UPPSC syllabus for the specific optional subject.

5. Answer Writing Practice and Model Papers

  • "Writing Practice for Mains" by KSG India – This book provides practice papers for answer writing and is tailored for UPSC/UPPSC Mains candidates.
  • UPPSC Model Papers (available online and in bookstores) – These provide previous years’ question papers, model answers, and insights into the exam pattern.

6. Revision and Self-Assessment

  • UPPSC Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year papers is one of the best ways to understand the exam's pattern, and the difficulty level. It helps you to get accustomed to the type of questions asked and will improve time management.
  • Test Series: Enroll in an online or offline test series to regularly assess your progress. Regular mock tests are important to evaluate your preparation level and identify areas that need improvement.


Choosing the Right Optional Subject:

One of the most critical decisions you’ll make in your UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission) preparation is selecting the right optional subject. The optional subject can significantly impact your Mains exam score, as it contributes a substantial number of marks and plays a major role in determining your success in the overall examination process. It is important to choose a subject that aligns with your strengths, interests, and long-term goals.

Let’s break down why choosing the right optional subject is crucial and how to make an informed decision.

I. Understanding the Role of the Optional Subject

In the UPPSC Mains Exam, there are two papers dedicated to the optional subject:

  • Paper I: Theoretical knowledge about the subject, which typically includes descriptive answers.
  • Paper II: Focuses on application-based questions, and often includes more technical aspects or case studies.

The marks obtained in the optional subject are added to the final tally, so it is crucial to choose a subject that you can study effectively and feel confident about.

The optional subject is a critical factor in your performance. Given that the UPPSC syllabus is vast, selecting an optional subject that fits well with your preparation strategy can make a huge difference.

III. Popular Optional Subjects for UPPSC

Some subjects are more popular among aspirants due to their perceived scoring potential, ease of understanding, or availability of resources. Here are a few examples of commonly chosen optional subjects for the UPPSC exam:


a. Geography

  • Why Choose It: It has a clear syllabus and overlaps well with General Studies (especially in the Prelims and Mains). Geography is also considered a scoring subject due to its factual nature and clarity.


b. Political Science and International Relations

  • Why Choose It: Political Science has direct overlap with General Studies Paper II (Polity, Governance) and International Relations. It is a favorite subject for many aspirants due to its concise syllabus and relevance to both the Prelims and Mains exams.


c. Sociology

  • Why Choose It: Sociology is relatively short, simple to understand, and highly scoring. It overlaps with topics in General Studies Paper II (Social Issues). It’s often chosen by candidates with a humanities background.


d. Anthropology

  • Why Choose It: Anthropology is a subject that has high scoring potential, as it is fact-based, concise, and has a good overlap with General Studies Paper II. It’s known for being a scoring subject with a straightforward syllabus.


e. Public Administration

  • Why Choose It: Public Administration is one of the most popular subjects due to its direct relevance to the General Studies Paper II (Governance) and its systematic structure. It is considered a practical and scoring subject for Mains.

f. History

  • Why Choose It: History is another popular subject with considerable overlap with General Studies Paper I. The syllabus is vast but can be managed with the right approach.

4. How to Make the Final Choice

To make a well-informed decision, follow these steps:

  • Read the Syllabus Thoroughly: Look at the syllabus for each optional subject and determine which one resonates most with your interests and strengths. Make sure to go through the syllabus of both the subject and its associated General Studies papers.
  • Consult Previous Year’s Papers: Reviewing previous years' papers will give you an idea of the difficulty level, types of questions asked, and the depth of knowledge required for each subject.
  • Talk to Experts and Mentors: Speaking to seniors, mentors, or teachers who have experience with the UPPSC can help you gain valuable insights about different subjects. Their perspectives on the workload and scoring potential can help guide your decision.
  • Consider Time and Commitment: Evaluate how much time you can realistically dedicate to the preparation of the subject. Consider both the complexity and the length of the subject.
  • Make a List of Pros and Cons: Write down the advantages and disadvantages of each subject, based on the factors mentioned above (interest, overlap with General Studies, availability of resources, etc.). This will help you decide systematically.


Best Coaching Institutes for UPPSC Preparation

If you are preparing for UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission) and looking for the best coaching options, here are some of the top institutes that can help you in your journey:

1. Drishti IAS (Offline Coaching)

Drishti IAS is one of the most reputed coaching institutes for UPPSC and UPSC preparation. It is well-known for its structured offline classes, expert faculty, and high-quality study material. The institute provides comprehensive coverage of the syllabus, regular tests, and detailed answer writing practice. Many successful candidates have credited their success to Drishti IAS.

2. Physics Wallah (PW) – Online Coaching

PW (Physics Wallah) has expanded its reach into civil services coaching and offers affordable and high-quality online courses for UPPSC and UPSC aspirants. Their interactive video lectures, test series, and doubt-clearing sessions make it a good choice for students who prefer online learning.

3. Only IAS (Online Coaching)

Only IAS is another popular online coaching platform for UPPSC aspirants. It provides well-structured online courses, current affairs analysis, and in-depth subject-wise preparation. With a focus on concept clarity and answer writing skills, it helps students prepare effectively from the comfort of their homes.

4. Make IAS

Make IAS is a well-known institute that provides specialized guidance for UPPSC aspirants. It focuses on exam-oriented study material, in-depth subject analysis, and expert mentoring to help students clear the exam with confidence.

5. Study for Civil Services (PDF-based Learning)

This platform provides only PDFs and study materials for UPPSC preparation. It is a good resource for students who prefer self-study and need quality notes to prepare for the exam. However, since it lacks live classes or interactive doubt-clearing sessions, students must rely on self-discipline and additional resources for a complete preparation strategy.

Which Coaching is Best for You?

  • If you prefer offline coaching with classroom interaction, Drishti IAS is the best option.
  • If you are looking for affordable and quality online coaching, PW and Only IAS are great choices.
  • If you want a specialized UPPSC coaching program, Make IAS is a strong contender.
  • If you are a self-study aspirant and prefer PDF-based study material, Study for Civil Services can be helpful.

Aspirants should choose their coaching based on their study preferences, budget, and learning style. Best of luck with your UPPSC preparation! 🚀📚

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