TOEFL ® Registrations 2025
ApplyAccepted by 13,000 universities worldwide | Offered in 200+ countries | 40 million people have taken TOEFL Test
UPSC Career Guidance 2024 - Know in Detail about Exams based on Eligibility & Interest
Updated on Feb 14, 2024 05:40 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
Upcoming Event
UPSC CSE Exam Date : 25 May' 2025 - 25 May' 2025
The UPSC released the official notification for the UPSC IAS 2024 on 14 February 2024. The IAS 2024 Notification is available for download in the form of a PDF on the UPSC’s official website upsc.gov.in. The UPSC CSE exam is one of the many national exams conducted by the Union Public Services Commission.
Other exams conducted by the UPSC include NDA, CDS, CAPF, IES, IFS, CMS and CISF. It is in candidates’ best interest to receive UPSC Career Guidance before applying for these exams, as it can help candidates reach their career goals even through stiff competition. Candidates can benefit from receiving the career guidance of UPSC exams as it gives them clarity on which exams to apply for and how to prepare. It is estimated that 70 to 80 lac candidates apply for various UPSC exams on a yearly basis, yet only a minute fraction of them succeed due to the tough competition. Below, we have addressed the topic of UPSC Career Guidance 2024 for the benefit of UPSC aspirants.
We discuss different commonly faced UPSC preparation issues and suggest the most appropriate UPSC exams based on the candidate's eligibility and interests and also look into the probability of the candidate clearing the exam. Aspirants are encouraged to go through the material below for PSC 2024 Career Guidance.
What is UPSC?
Before heading towards the UPSC career guidance 2024 exams, aspirants must first know about the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC). Basically, UPSC is one of India's largest recruitment agencies, headquartered in New Delhi. It is also India's premier central recruiting organization responsible for some of the toughest yet popular exams which require the most effective career guidance for UPSC exams.
UPSC CSE Preparation Strategy and Best Books
UPSC CSE preparation strategy along with best books for prelims as well as mains exam for sure success.
Download EBookSome of the exams conducted by UPSC recruit candidates for gazetted posts which are difficult to qualify without UPSC guidance for preparation. UPSC was founded in 1926 and its current chairperson is Dr. Manoj Soni. The official website of UPSC is upsc.gov.in, however, to apply for the various exams it conducts and to download the admit card for the respective exams candidates must visit UPSC's website which is upsconline.nic.in.
How Many Exams are Conducted by UPSC?
UPSC conducts 13 of the most popular exams which can be cracked with the help of UPSC career guidance. These exams include -
UPSC CSE
UPSC CMS
UPSC ESE
UPSC CDS
UPSC NDA
UPSC IFS
UPSC IES/ISS
UPSC Combined Geoscientists and Geologists Examination
UPSC CAPF
UPSC IAS/CSE - The Civil Services Exam (CSE is conducted by UPSC to recruit candidates for civil services administrative posts in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS) and other central allied services like IRS, etc. According to an estimate, approximately 11 lac candidates appear for the UPSC CSE exam every year and the vacancies released are between 700 to 900. It's one of the toughest exams that needs career guidance for UPSC civil services exam preparation from prelims to interview level. The UPSC CSE posts guarantee a superior career both in terms of power and position.
UPSC ESE - The Engineering Services Exam which was earlier known as the Indian Engineering Services exam is conducted by UPSC for engineering aspirants. There are many coaching institutes where proper UPSC career guidance is provided for different engineering stream candidates such as Civil, Mechanical, Telecommunications as well as Electronics and Electricals. Through this exam, UPSC recruits candidates for the post of engineers in Indian Railway, Indian Defence, Indian Ordnance Factories, Central Water Engineering etc.
UPSC CMS - The Combined Medical Services exam is conducted by UPSC to recruit candidates as Medical Officers in various government organisations, hospitals, medical institutions etc. To apply for this exam candidates must have an MBBS degree (Medicinae Baccalaureus Baccalaureus Chirurgiae), commonly known as the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery.
UPSC CDS - UPSC conducts the Combined Defense Services twice a year to recruit candidates into the Indian Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy and Officers Training Academy for officer posts. Graduate candidates can appear for this exam.
UPSC NDA - Apart from CDS, UPSC also conducts the National Defense Academy exam twice a year to recruit candidates for the post of Lieutenant in the Army, Sub-Lieutenant in the Navy or Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force. However, the eligibility criteria for NDA is 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates who qualify for the NDA exam will undergo an academic as well as a training course.
UPSC IFS - The UPSC Indian Forest Service exam is conducted by the exam conducting authority to recruit candidates for various posts of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Additional Chief Conservator of Forest, Forest Range Officer etc. After qualifying for this exam candidates might also get posted in remote areas to look after wildlife conservation, work against poachers and also plan policies as well as promote forest conservation. The IFS exam preparation is also similar to the IAS for UPSC career guidance to qualify prelims exam jointly.
UPSC IES/ISS - UPSC conducts the IES/ISS exam to recruit candidates in Government Ministries/ Departments for economic and social sectors and also on a deputation basis to serve in domestic and international organizations. It is one of those exams where vacancies are not in large numbers. Selected candidates are recruited in financial organisations where they are entitled to policymaking, work related to budgetary concerns etc.
UPSC Combined Geoscientist and Geologist Examination - This exam is conducted by UPSC on an annual basis to recruit eligible candidates for Group 'A' services for the post of Geophysicist, Geologist, Junior Hydro-geologist and Scientist etc. Shortlisted candidates are posted in areas where they are responsible for research and work areas such as geophysics.
UPSC CAPF - UPSC conducts the Central Armed Police Forces exam to recruit Assistant Commandants for Group A services in various armed forces of the BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB. Apart from the age limit and academic qualification, there are some physical requirements.
How to Choose the Best Exam for Me?
Choosing and qualifying for any exam solely depends upon the candidate's ability to crack as well as eligibility to appear along with the best career guidance for the UPSC exam. Apart from these major factors, there are other factors as well that help candidates choose the best exam for themselves like - interest, academic qualification, accessibility etc.
Candidates must know that once they qualify for any UPSC exams, they have splendid career growth, a high-class salary full of benefits, perks and various opportunities to scale up in life.
Exams | Eligibility Criteria | Interest |
UPSC CSE | Graduation/Post Graduation | Interest in public administration-related work. Officer work, power and position. |
UPSC CMS | MBBS Degree | MBBS candidates are interested in the medical field and health sectors. |
UPSC ESE | BTech/MTech | Those Engineers who are looking for top-level jobs in PSUs. |
UPSC CDS | Graduation | For officer-level work in the Indian armed forces. |
UPSC NDA | 10+2 (PCM) | Young bloods who want to work for the Indian armed forces as officers and want to scale to greater heights in the hierarchy. |
UPSC IFS | Graduation | Wildlife enthusiasts, those candidates who want to work in nature and wildlife conservation. |
UPSC IES/ISS | Graduation (Economics) | Candidates having a knack for Economics, Statistics and policymaking. |
UPSC Combined Geoscientists and Geologists Examination | PG in Geological Science or Geology or Applied Geology etc. | Candidates who are interested in research and survey work to look for minerals, water level and various other minerals and soils. |
UPSC CAPF | Graduation along with Physical requirements | Candidates are interested in heading Indian armed forces like BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP and SSB as Commandants. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which job is best in UPSC?
UPSC conducts a lot of exams to recruit candidates for gazetted and non-gazetted posts. It depends upon the candidate which exam he/she is eligible for and which exam they can qualify for.
2. Which post is high in UPSC?
The Chief Secretary or the Cabinet Secretary is the highest post. Candidates can achieve this post after qualifying for the IAS with the top ranking and better performance wherever they are posted. This post can be achieved after several years of service and promotions.
3. Do all IAS become DM?
No, this a common misconception that after qualifying for the CSE exam one will become the DM. There are close to 24 services that fall under the CSE. Candidates get to choose their services while applying for the DAF, but it all depends upon the ranking of the candidate and their work post getting selected.
4. Is IAS tougher than IIT?
No exam is tougher or easier, it is all the mentality of an individual. If one believes that they can qualify for IAS/IIT, then no one can stop them. So, don't compare both the exams, both have their own perks, benefits, career growth etc.
5. What are UPSC exam career options are available?
The UPSC offers various career options for aspirants, they can check the exam list in the above article. There is a lot of UPSC scope in future.
Articles
May 05, 2025
Upcoming Competition Exams
Others:28 January,2025 - 31 May,2025
Others:18 February,2025 - 31 May,2025
Application Date:13 April,2025 - 10 May,2025
Others:30 April,2025 - 31 May,2025
Application Correction Date:04 May,2025 - 13 May,2025
Certifications By Top Providers
Access to Justice
Via National Law University, New Delhi Geography XII Part-I
Via National Council of Educational Research and Training Improving Global Health Focusing on Quality and Safety
Via Harvard University, Cambridge Home Science-Extension and Communication Management Level-2
Via English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad Human Rights and International Criminal Law An Introduction
Via University of Padua, Padua Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQUniversity College London, London
Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BTThe University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YLUniversity of Bristol, Bristol
Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QUUniversity of Delaware, Newark
Newark, DE 19716University of Nottingham, Nottingham
University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RDPTE Speaking Mock Test with Answers - Check Here!
11 min ⋆ Mar 11, 2025 14:03 PM ISTPTE Speaking Practice Test: Format, Question Types, Tips and Benefits
8 min ⋆ Mar 11, 2025 14:03 PM ISTPTE Listening Practice Test: Format, Question Types, Tips and Benefits
10 min ⋆ Mar 11, 2025 12:03 PM ISTMBBS Fees in Germany for Indian Students 2025: Cost of Top Medical Colleges
10 min ⋆ Jan 06, 2025 05:01 AM ISTUSMLE Scores 2025 - How to Check, Passing Marks, Results Availability
9 min ⋆ Jan 20, 2025 04:01 AM ISTPTE Exam Fees in India in 2025: Registration, Rescheduling, Cancellation
5 min ⋆ Mar 10, 2025 05:03 AM ISTQuestions related to UPSC CSE
Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?
Hello!
IRAS (Indian Railway Accounts Service) officers can be posted in both cities and rural areas since Indian Railways has offices and operations nationwide. They typically work in divisional offices, zonal offices, workshops, and production units. Transfers do happen but are usually not very frequent and depend on government policies and organizational needs.
Hope this helps!
Kishan Bhakat 24 April,2025
To become an IAS officer, you must clear the Civil Services Examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and then undergo training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA). While any bachelor's degree is acceptable, choosing a degree that aligns with the UPSC syllabus, particularly in humanities and social sciences, can be advantageous.
UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE):
This is the primary exam for becoming an IAS officer, involving three stages: Preliminary, Main, and Personality Test (Interview).
Any Bachelor's Degree:
A graduate degree from a recognized university is the basic requirement to be eligible for the CSE.
Beneficial Degrees:
Degrees in humanities and social sciences, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), can be helpful due to the syllabus overlap with subjects like History, Political Science, Sociology, and Economics.
Optional Subject:
You can choose an optional subject in the Mains exam, and a BA degree can provide a wide range of options.
Hope it helps!!
sadafreen356 22 April,2025
Hello!!
That's a great goal—and your background as a research scholar can actually be a big asset in preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), which is the path to becoming an IAS officer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Become an IAS Officer:
1. Understand the Exam Structure
The UPSC CSE has three stages:
Prelims: Objective (GS Paper + CSAT)
Mains: Descriptive (9 papers)
Interview: Personality Test
2. Check Eligibility
Age: 21 to 32 (for General category)
Degree: Any graduate degree (you already qualify)
3. Choose Your Optional Subject
Choose something you’re comfortable with (can be from your research field if it's available).
Popular optionals: Sociology, Geography, PSIR, Anthropology, etc.
4. Build a Study Plan
Since you're a research scholar, time management is key.
Daily 4–6 hours of focused study can work if you're consistent.
Focus on:
NCERTs (6th–12th)
Standard books (like Laxmikanth for Polity, Spectrum for History)
Current Affairs (The Hindu, Indian Express, or PIB + Monthly compilations)
5. Join a Test Series (Optional but Helpful)
For Prelims and Mains: to build speed, writing skills, and clarity.
6. Practice Answer Writing
Mains is all about articulation. Practice with previous year questions and mock tests.
7. Appear for the Exam
Notification comes out around February.
Prelims is in May/June, Mains in September, and Interview early next year.
How to Align This With Your Research Schedule:
Create a realistic time-table that includes 2–3 hours on weekdays, and more on weekends.
Use your research experience for deeper understanding and essay writing.
NITYAM MAHUR 12 April,2025
If your goal is to become an IAS officer, choose a degree that supports UPSC preparation and also provides a good backup:
BA in Political Science, History, Geography, or Economics is ideal for IAS.
BSc or BCom is fine too, but you'll need to study humanities separately for UPSC.
For backup, pick a subject with good job prospects like BBA or Computer Science.
KCET is required only if you're planning professional courses like Engineering or Agriculture. It's not needed for BA or general degrees.
Rubina Naseer 04 April,2025
Hello aspirant,
For becoming IAS , you have to first complete your graduation from any background from any recognised university or college. If you are in your final year, then also you are eligible. After that you have to give an entrance exam name UPSC . If you will clear this exam then according to your marks you may get the IAS position.
To know about UPSC entrance exam, kindly go through the given link:
https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse
All the best!!
Sakshi Sharma 31 March,2025
Applications for Admissions are open.
Manipal Online M.Com Admissions
ApplyApply for Online M.Com from Manipal University
News and Notifications
April 28, 2025 - 07:57 PM IST
April 28, 2025 - 07:30 PM IST
April 24, 2025 - 10:41 PM IST
April 24, 2025 - 02:48 PM IST
April 22, 2025 - 02:28 PM IST
April 03, 2025 - 02:27 PM IST
March 26, 2025 - 01:58 PM IST
Stay up-to date with UPSC CSE News
Back to top