UPPCS exam
UPPCS is the main civil services exam of Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) runs it. This page explains the stages and the Prelims pattern in plain words. It links each topic to our study notes and practice sets.
What is the UPPCS exam pattern?
The Prelims has two objective papers. Only one of them counts for ranking.
Preliminary exam
It has two objective papers. Each carries 200 marks and lasts 2 hours. You must attempt both papers.
2 × 200 marksMain exam
The Mains is a written exam. It includes a General Studies paper on Uttar Pradesh. Confirm the paper count, names and marks in the commission’s current scheme.
See schemeInterview
The final stage is a personal interview.
Final stage- Paper II (CSAT) is only qualifying. You need 33 per cent to pass it.
- The commission applies negative marking. Its notice states 0.33.
- You must attempt both Prelims papers.
- Always confirm every number against the latest official notification before you apply.
Where can you practise by subject?
Pick a subject group and solve topic-wise sets.
Our UPPCS practice page groups sets by General Studies subject and CSAT. Start with the weakest group.
What is in the UPPCS syllabus?
These are the usual General Studies areas. Confirm the exact list in the notification.
History and culture
Paper IPlan for a mix of national and state history.
- Ancient, medieval and modern history.
- Art and culture.
Polity, governance and economy
Paper IThese areas reward concept clarity.
- Indian polity and the Constitution.
- Indian economy.
Geography, environment and science
Paper ILearn maps and basic science ideas.
- Indian and world geography.
- Environment and ecology.
- General science and technology.
- Current affairs.Current affairs Read
What is special about UPPCS?
The state shapes the paper in two ways.
A qualifying CSAT
Many aspirants lose a year here. Prepare for Paper II even if General Studies is your strength.
A state-special paper in Mains
The Mains includes a General Studies paper on Uttar Pradesh. Confirm its name and topics in the current scheme.
Both papers are compulsory
If you skip Paper II, you cannot qualify. Attempt both.
Who can apply, and when?
Official sources we found conflict on some numbers. So we leave them out.
- We do not quote age limits, attempt limits, vacancy counts or exam dates here.
- Read the latest advertisement before you apply.
How should you prepare?
Simple habits for UPPCS.
1. Treat CSAT as a gate
Practise reasoning and numeracy a little every day. You need only 33 per cent, so steady effort is enough.
2. Read the syllabus before any book
Print the commission’s own syllabus. Tick each topic as you finish it. Skip anything not listed. This one habit saves months.
3. Practise questions every day
Reading feels like progress, but questions show what you really know. Do a short set daily. Review every wrong answer the same day.
4. Keep one running notebook
Write one line for each fact you miss. Revise that notebook weekly. Short notes beat long books in the last month.
5. Follow current affairs in small doses
Read one good news source daily. Note only items that match the syllabus. Our current affairs page is a simple place to start.
6. Take full mock tests near the end
Sit for the whole paper in one go. Practise guessing smartly where negative marking applies. Then study your mistakes, not your score.
UPPCS: five common questions
Who conducts the UPPCS exam?
The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission conducts it.
How many Prelims papers are there?
There are two objective papers of 200 marks each.
Is Paper II counted for ranking?
No. It is qualifying only, at 33 per cent.
Must I attempt both papers?
Yes. You must attempt both Prelims papers.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. The notice states 0.33. Check the current notice for the exact rule.