How Many Times UPSC Exam Is Conducted In A Year?

 The Question: How Many Times UPSC Exam Is Conducted In A Year? If you're aiming to crack the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, understanding the frequency of this prestigious exam is essential. This guide answers the question of how many times the UPSC exam is held in a year and provides insights into the various exams conducted by UPSC. Whether you're a first-time aspirant or seeking to improve your understanding of the UPSC examination process, read on to find out all you need to know.

Understanding the UPSC Examination Frequency

The frequency of the UPSC examination varies depending on the type of exam. Here’s a breakdown of how often some major UPSC exams are conducted:

  • Civil Services Examination (CSE): The Civil Services Examination is held once a year. The Preliminary Examination usually occurs in June, while the Mains Examination takes place in September. The Civil Services Exam (CSE) by UPSC is one of India's most competitive exams, with over 8 lakh aspirants.

  • Engineering Services Examination (ESE): The ESE is conducted once a year. The examination process typically starts in January, with final interviews in November/December.

  • Combined Defense Services Examination (CDSE): The CDSE is conducted twice a year, usually in February and September.

  • National Defense Academy Examination (NDA): The NDA exam is also conducted twice a year, typically in April and September.

It’s important to remember that the frequency of these exams may change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official UPSC website for the latest updates.

Number of Attempts Allowed

The number of attempts a candidate can make in the UPSC exam is determined by UPSC eligibility criteria, considering factors like age limit, category, and relaxation rules. Here are the details regarding the number of attempts for the IAS exam based on different categories:

  1. General Category: Candidates belonging to the general category can appear for the UPSC exam a maximum of six times. The age limit for general category candidates is 32 years.

  2. OBC Category: Candidates belonging to the OBC category can attempt the UPSC exam a maximum of nine times. The age limit for OBC category candidates is 35 years.

Key Stages of the UPSC Civil Services Exam

The UPSC Civil Services Exam, commonly known as the IAS Exam, is conducted every year to recruit candidates for various posts like IAS and IFS. The exam is conducted in three stages:

  1. Preliminary Examination: This is the first stage and is used to screen candidates for the Main examination.

  2. Main Examination: Candidates who pass the Preliminary exam appear for the Main examination, which consists of written papers and an interview. Mains isn’t just one exam, it is a collection of 7 papers. GS1-4, Essay, Optionals (and 2 language papers).

  3. Interview: Candidates who clear the Main examination are called for an interview.

How Many Candidates Appear in UPSC?

In 2023, 13,35,697 students applied for the UPSC exam. Approximately 1 million students attempt the exam every year. The number of candidates appearing for the UPSC exam is substantial, but the success rate is relatively low. The pass percentage in the IAS exam is about 0.2%.

Here is a glimpse of the competition you will be facing:

Year

Number of candidates who applied

Number of candidates who took prelims

Number of candidates who qualified for mains

Number of candidates who took mains exam

Number of candidates who appeared for interview

Final number of candidates who got selected for posts

2022

11.5 Lakh (approximately)

13090

2529

2021

11 Lakh (approximately)

508619

10000

761

2018

1065552

500484

10419

10246

1992

2017

969065

462848

13300

13060

2564 (Number shortlisted)

1056

2015

945908

465882

15008

15,008

2797

1078

2014

947428

446623

16706

16286

3308

1236

Tips to Crack the UPSC Exam

With the right guidance and preparation, anyone can clear the IAS exam. Here are some strategies and tips to help you succeed:

  • Planned and Systematic Preparation: A devoted preparation for at least 12 months is essential.

  • Comprehensive Study Material: Use a comprehensive UPSC study material that covers every aspect of the UPSC exam.

  • Stay Updated: Keep up to date with current events and the latest notifications and exam schedules released by UPSC.

  • Effective Study Techniques: Use diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps to understand complex concepts.

  • Focus on All Papers: Don’t neglect one paper completely and don’t try to make a “perfect” jump in one paper at the cost of others.

Conclusion

The UPSC conducts several prestigious examinations throughout the year to recruit candidates for various government services. The frequency of each exam varies, with some being held once a year and others twice a year. As an aspirant, staying updated with the latest notifications and exam schedules released by UPSC is crucial. With a clear understanding of how many times the UPSC exam is conducted in a year and the different exams conducted by UPSC, you can plan your preparation accordingly and take confident steps towards your goal of succeeding in the UPSC examination.


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