PCS examination overview
The PCS examination known as Provincial Civil Services examination is a state-level examination conducted by the UPPSC in India. The target of this examination is to recruit candidates for administrative positions in state governments.
Eligibility & educational qualification for PCS examination
As per the eligibility criteria of the exam the candidate should be a citizen of India. For the educational qualification candidate must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognized University ,The Age Limit criteria for this exam is that applicants should be minimum 21 years old and maximum 40 years old
Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories like SC/ST, OBC, PWD.
Reservation policies for PCS examination
The PCS examination follows the reservation policies defined by the respective state governments. Reservations are usually as follows:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): About 15%
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): About 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): About 27%
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): about 10%
- People with Disabilities (PWD): about 3-5%.
Examination pattern /structure
The PCS examination consists of three stages:
- Preliminary examination: This is an objective test consist of two set papers .General Paper I that covers subjects such as History, Geography, Politics, Economics, General Science and current affairs. General Studies Test II (CSAT)is designed to test aptitude, logical thinking, comprehension, and decision-making skills
- Main Examination: This is a descriptive type examination with several papers which includes Essay, General Studies Elective Papers ,Language Paper, Integrity and Aptitude.
- Interview/ Personality Test: Candidates who have passed the basic exam will be shortlisted for the interview in which their personality and suitability for a civil service career will be assessed.
Syllabus for PCS exam
General Studies: History, Geography, Government, Economics, Environment and Science and Technology.
CSAT: Comprehension, Interpersonal Skills, Logical Reasoning, Decision Making and Fundamentals of Numeracy. The Master's curriculum expands these subjects and includes in-depth study of selected elective subjects.
As for the negative marking some strict provisions has been made for negative marking ,⅓ marks will be deducted for each wrong answer. So this eliminates guesswork and increases the accuracy of answering questions. All in all, a PCS degree is a gateway to a rewarding career in public service which contributes a lot to the society. The candidates must fully prepare themselves to secure the position in the civil service examination
How to register for the PCS examination 2024
- Firstly Visit the Official Webportal of UPPSC UPPSC portal
- Then register on the official website using the personal email address and phone number.
- Click on the application form and fill in the basic information like candidate’s name, age, educational qualifications, etc.
- Submit all the documents required as stated on the application form such as 10th ,12th and UG/PG marksheets , scanned passport size photograph in jpg format and scanned signature
- If the candidate belongs to SC/ST/EWS/PWD category then upload the required certificates
- At last Submit the application fees via the modes of payment provided (credit/debit card, net banking, etc.
The application fees for:
- General category & OBC candidates is 125/-
- For SC/ST the fee is 65/-
- And 25/- for PWD category
PCS 2024 examination updates
The UPPSC pcs exam will be held on October 27th,2024 & the admit cards are expected to be released on October 17th
Online / offline Coaching options for UPPSC / PCS examination preparation
Online Coaching's
- O2 IAS Academy: This Academy has a specialization in Punjab PCS. It offers classes in hybrid mode. Online as well as offline lectures are available with extensive and good study materials provided with mock tests
- Byju's Exam Prep: It offers online lectures, study materials, test series to students.
- Drishti IAS: It offers recorded lectures , mock test series, study materials to students preparing for PCS exam.
Offline Coaching's
- Vajiram & Ravi Institute: It is in New Delhi known for its good faculty members and detailed study materials.
- Bharat IAS & KAS Coaching Institute : It is situated in Bangalore and it offers coaching for PCS. Provides good study materials as well.
- Chandigarh Academy: It is located in Chandigarh and is known for providing latest study materials, mock tests to its students
- Tara Institute : It is in Chandigarh and offers online and offline mock series.
Suggestions for PCS exam candidates
- Students need to understand the syllabus properly and should make themselves familiar with it.
- One should create a timetable which is realistic and allot more time to subjects which are difficult for them.
- Be familiar and stay updated with all the current affairs and news
- Students should practice more and more previous year question papers and give mock tests and regular revisions.
Do’s and don'ts for the pcs candidates on exam day
Do's
- Make sure to reach the examination centre before time day to avoid any unnecessary delays
- Carry & check all the necessary documents like aadhar, valid ID proofs, or any required documents.
- Learn to manage time, stay calm and focused, read all instructions carefully and in the end check answers, bring necessary stationery
Don’ts
- Students should not bring electronic devices such as smart phone, smart watch etc
- Don't wear or carry any metal items , avoid too many pockets and keep the dress code very simple, wear normal footwear
Number of attempts as per category of the candidate
The number of attempts for the candidates are mentioned below category wise
- For general category candidates four to six attempts are valid
- For OBC category candidates seven to nine attempts are valid
- For SC/ST Category candidates unlimited attempts until the maximum age limit is reached.
Scope / opportunities for pcs
Scope and opportunities some of them are mentioned below:
Administrative positions: After clearing the exam the first job opportunity which the exam holds the post of SDM and after promotion it may convert into DM ,ADM or commissioner heads.
Specialized department: It offers work experiences in multiple departments such as finance, health, education, management and administration.
Job security & extra benefits
Job Security : One of the crucial benefits of the PCs exam candidate is job security. As it's a government job so it's holds a long term security as well as other safety too.
Pension and retirement benefits: After retirement the government provides pension and retirement benefits to the ex employee for their work.
Prestige and Respect: The position holds respect and prestige in society, given the authority and responsibilities associated with the role.
Similar/ alternate exams for PCS
- IAS :yes the most populous ,Indian administrative service. It's a central government service conducted By Union Public Service Commission(UPSC). Candidates offer positions of District Collector, Secretary to Government, and other high-ranking services.
- IPS- IPS also known as Indian Police Service. These exams are conducted by UPSC offering the position of Superintendent of Police (SP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and Director General of Police (DGP)etc.
- IFS Indian Foreign Service it helps in maintaining the foreign relations with India and embassies etc. The position offered for the post is Ambassador, Consul General, ministry of external affairs etc.
- SSC CGL - The full form of SSC is staff selection commission conducted by SSC it's exam s for selecting candidate for the post of Income Tax Inspector, Assistant Section Officer etc.
Queries Solved in this article :
- What is PCS full form
- What does PCS mean
- What is a PCS officer
- Who is eligible for PCS 2024?
- Is UPPSC PCS postponed for 2024?