UPSC Exams 2021 - Notification, Dates, Vacancy for UPC CDS, NDA, CAPF, EPFO

UPSC Exams 2021 - Notification, Dates, Vacancy for UPC CDS, NDA, CAPF, EPFO

Updated on Jul 31, 2021 02:29 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
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UPSC CSE  Exam Date : 25 May' 2025 - 25 May' 2025

UPSC Exams 2021 - The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts India's most premier exams to recruit candidates for All India as well as Group A & B Central Services along with Defense exams. UPSC releases the notification of each UPSC 2021 exams on its official website @upsc.gov.in. Aspirants who are planning to appear in any of the exams of UPSC 2021 can download the notification and apply from online mode. The UPSC exams 2021 are CSE, CDS, NDA, CAPF, ESE, CMS, EPFO, Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologists exam etc. Here we have shared all the important information like dates, the application process, eligibility criteria of UPSC exams 2021 in brief. Check all details related to the UPSC 2021 exams here.

This Story also Contains
  1. UPSC Exams 2021 Dates for Prelims and Mains
  2. UPSC Exams 2021 - List of Exams
  3. UPSC CSE 2021 Civil Services Examination
  4. UPSC ESE 2021 Engineering Services Examination
  5. UPSC NDA 2021 National Defence Academy Exam
  6. UPSC CDS 2021 Combined Defence Services Examination
  7. UPSC CAPF 2021 Central Armed Police Force Examination
  8. UPSC CMS 2021 Combined Medical Services Examination
  9. UPSC IES/ISS 2021 Indian Economic Services/Indian Statistical Services exam
  10. UPSC 2021 Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist
UPSC Exams 2021 - Notification, Dates, Vacancy for UPC CDS, NDA, CAPF, EPFO
UPSC Exams 2021 - Notification, Dates, Vacancy for UPC CDS, NDA, CAPF, EPFO

UPSC Exams 2021 Dates for Prelims and Mains

UPSC Exam Name

Application Date

Last day of Application Form

Prelims Exam

Mains Exam

Civil Services Examination


March 04, 2021

March 24, 2021

June 27, 2021

September 17, 2021

CDS I 2020

October 28, 2020

November 17, 2020

February 07, 2021

SSB (TBA)

CDS II 2021

August 04, 2021

August 24, 2021

November 14, 2021

SSB (TBA)

NDA I 2020

December 30, 2020

January 19, 2021

April 18, 2021

SSB (TBA)

NDA II

June 9, 2021

June 29, 2021

November 14, 2021

SSB (TBA)

Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Examination

October 07, 2020

October 10, 2020

February 21, 2021

TBA

UPSC CAPF

April 15, 2021

May 5, 2021

August 8, 2021

PET/PST Dates (TBA)

IES/ISS

April 07, 2021

April 27, 2021

July 16, 2021 (3 days)

TBA

UPSC Combined Medical Services Examination

May 05, 2021

May 25, 2021

August 29, 2021

TBA

UPSC Exams 2021 - List of Exams

UPSC CSE 2021 Civil Services Examination

It is one of India's top most and toughest exams, UPSC CSE is conducted every year to recruit candidates for various Group A and B posts. UPSC CSE is conducted in three stages - preliminary, mains and interview. The UPSC exam is conducted in offline pen and paper mode. Check all details related to the UPSC CSE 2021 here.

UPSC CSE Exam Overview

Exam name

Civil Services Examination (CSE)

Short name

UPSC CSE

Conducting body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Website

upsc.gov.in

Exam stages

Conducted in 3 stages

Prelims, Mains and Personality test

Mode of exam

Offline

Qualification

Graduate

Type of paper

Prelims - Objective type

Mains - Subjective type (Descriptive type)

Number of Papers

Prelims - Two paper

  • General Studies Paper-I

  • General Studies Paper-II

Mains - Nine Paper

  • General Studies I

  • General Studies II

  • General Studies III

  • General Studies IV

  • Optional Subject Paper I

  • Optional Subject Paper II

  • Essay Paper

  • English Paper

  • Region language Paper

Duration of Exam

Prelims - Each paper is of 2 hrs

Mains - Each paper is of 3 hrs

UPSC ESE 2021 Engineering Services Examination

As per the UPSC exams 2021, the ESE exam is also an annual affair conducted on a national level. Candidates who qualify the UPSC ESE 2021 will be posted to the vacant posts in different engineering departments (civil, mechanical, electrical and electronics & telecommunication) of the government of India. Check all details related to the UPSC ESE 2021 here.

UPSC ESE Exam Overview

Exam name

Engineering Services Examination (ESE)

Short Name

UPSC ESE

Conducting body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Website

upsc.gov.in

Exam stages

3 Stages

Prelims

Mains

Personality test

Mode of exam

Offline

Qualification

Engineering degree

Number of papers

Prelims - Two paper

  • Paper 1 - 200 marks

  • Paper 2 - 300 marks


Mains - Two paper

  • Paper 1 - 300 marks

  • Paper 2 - 300 marks

Type of paper

Prelims - Objective type questions

Mains - Subjective type questions

Duration of exam

Prelims

  • Paper 1 - 2 hrs

  • Paper 2 - 3 hrs

Mains

  • Paper 1 - 3 hrs

  • Paper 2 - 3 hrs

UPSC NDA 2021 National Defence Academy Exam

NDA is the gateway for 10+2 qualified male candidates into the Indian defense services. As a part of the exams of UPSC 2021, NDA will also be conducted on national but unlike CSE and ESE, NDA will be held twice a year. The exam is conducted to fill the officer rank posts in the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Check all details related to the UPSC NDA 2021 here.

UPSC NDA Exam Overview

Exam name

National Defence Academy & Naval Academy Examination (NDA & NA)

Short Name

UPSC NDA/NA

Conducting body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Website

upsc.gov.in

Exam stages

2 stages

Written exam and SSB Interview

Mode of exam

Offline

Qualification

Passed 12/HSC

Number of papers

Written exam - Two paper

  • Mathematics

  • General Ability Test (GAT)

SSB - Two stages

  • Stage 1 - Screening test

  • Stage 2 - Psychological test, Group Testing Officers test, Personal interview, Conference

Type of paper

Written exam - Objective type

Duration of exam

Written exam

  • Mathematics - 2hrs 30mins

  • General Ability Test (GAT) - 2hrs 30mins

SSB

  • Stage 1 & 2 - 5 days

UPSC CDS 2021 Combined Defence Services Examination

Just like NDA, CDS is also conducted twice a year. The only difference is that the minimum academic qualification required to appear for CDS is graduation. Check all details related to UPSC CDS 2021 here.

UPSC CDS Exam Overview

Exam name

Combined Defense Services (CDS)

Short Name

UPSC CDS

Conducting body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Website

upsc.gov.in

Exam stages

2 Stages

Written exam and SSB

Mode of exam

Offline

Qualification

Graduate

Number of papers

Written exam - For IMA, INA and AFA

  • English

  • General Knowledge

  • Elementary Mathematics

Written exam - For OTA

  • English

  • General Knowledge

SSB - Two stages

  • Stage 1 - Screening test

  • Stage 2 - Psychological test, Group Testing Officers test, Personal interview, Conference

Type of paper

Written exam - Objective type

Duration of exam

Written exam - For IMA, INA, AFA and OTA

  • All papers - 2 hrs each

SSB

  • Stage 1 & 2 - 5 days

UPSC CAPF 2021 Central Armed Police Force Examination

UPSC CAPF is conducted to recruit Assistant Commandant - AC in ITBP, CISF, BSF, etc which is a Group A central service. Check all details related to UPSC CAPF 2021 here.

UPSC CAPF Exam Overview

Exam name

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)

Short Name

UPSC CAPF

Conducting body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Website

upsc.gov.in

Exam stages

4 Stages -

Written exam, Physical efficiency tests & medical standards tests, Personality test

Mode of exam

Offline

Qualification

Graduate

Number of papers

Written exam - Two papers

  • Paper 1 - General Ability and Intelligence

  • Paper 2 - General Studies, Essay and Comprehension

Type of paper

Written exam

  • Paper 1 - Objective type

  • Paper 2 - Subjective type

Duration of exam

Written exam

  • Paper 1 - 2 hrs

  • Paper 2 - 3 hrs

UPSC CMS 2021 Combined Medical Services Examination

UPSC conducts the CMS 2021 exam to recruit candidates for posts like Assistant Medical Officer, Assistant Divisional Medical Officer, Junior Scale Posts in Central Health Services. The exam is conducted once a year. Check all details related to UPSC CMS 2021 here.

UPSC CMS Exam Overview

Exam name

Combined Medical Service (CMS)

Short Name

UPSC CMS

Conducting body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Website

upsc.gov.in

Exam stages

2 stages

Computer Based Test and Personality test

Mode of exam

Online

Qualification

Graduate (MBBS)

Number of papers

CBT - Two papers

  • Paper 1 - General Medicine and Paediatrics

  • Paper 2 - Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Surgery and Preventive & Social Medicine

Type of paper

CBT exam

  • Paper 1 - Objective type

  • Paper 2 - Objective type

Duration of exam

CBT exam

  • Paper 1 - 2 hrs

  • Paper 2 - 2 hrs

UPSC IES/ISS 2021 Indian Economic Services/Indian Statistical Services exam

The IES/ISS exam is conducted by UPSC on a national-level. The selection process of IES/ISS is done in 2 stages - written exam and then viva voce/interview. The posts in IES/ISS are of Senior Time Scale (STS)/ Deputy Director/ Assistant Economic Adviser/ Senior Research Officer etc. Check all details related to the UPSC IES/ISS 2021 here.

UPSC IES/ISS Exam Overview

Exam name

Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Exam (IES/ISS)

Short Name

UPSC I.E.S./I.S.S

Conducting body

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Website

upsc.gov.in

Exam stages

2 stages

Written exam and viva-voce/interview

Mode of exam

Offline

Qualification

Graduate

Number of papers

Written exam - For IES

  • Paper 1 - General English

  • Paper 2 - General Studies

  • Paper 3 - General Economics 1

  • Paper 4 - General Economics 2

  • Paper 5 - General Economics 3

  • Paper 6 - Indian Economics

Written exam - For ISS

  • Paper 1 - General English

  • Paper 2 - General Studies

  • Paper 3 - Statistics 1

  • Paper 4 - Statistics 2

  • Paper 5 - Statistics 3

  • Paper 6 - Statistics

Type of paper

Written exam

  • For IES - All papers subjective type

  • For ISS - Two papers are objective & four subjective type

Duration of exam

Written exam

Subjective papers - 3hrs

Objective papers - 2hrs

UPSC 2021 Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist

UPSC conducts the Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist exam to recruit candidates for various posts of Group A Geologist, Chemist, Junior Hydrogeologists (Scientist - B) and Geophysicist. The selection is done in two stages - written exam and interview. Check all details related to the UPSC IES/ISS 2021 here.

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist Exam Overview

Exam name

Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist

Short Name

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist

Exam Conducting Authority

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Website

upsc.gov.in

Exam stages

2 stages -

Written exam and Personality test

Mode of exam

Offline

Qualification

Graduate

Number of papers

Written exam - For Geologist

  • Paper 1 - General English

  • Paper 2 - Geology

  • Paper 3 - Geology

  • Paper 4 - Geology

Written exam - For Geophysicist

  • Paper 1 - General English

  • Paper 2 - Geophysics

  • Paper 3 - Geophysics

  • Paper 4 - Geophysics

Written exam - For Chemist

  • Paper 1 - General English

  • Paper 2 - Chemistry

  • Paper 3 - Chemistry

  • Paper 4 - Chemistry

Written exam - For Hydrogeologist

  • Paper 1 - General English

  • Paper 2 - Geology

  • Paper 3 - Geology

  • Paper 4 - Hydrogeology

Type of paper

Written exam - All the papers subjective type

Duration of exam

Written exam - 3 hrs for all each paper

Also read

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 EBook


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many exams are conducted by UPSC?

UPSC conducts a lot of exams like CSE, NDA, CDS, IES/ISS, CMS, EPFO, CDS etc. All the UPSC exams 2021 are mentioned in the article above.

2. Which is the most difficult exam of UPSC?

All the exams are for recruiting candidates to the top most level in the respective organisation, hence all the exams are tough. However, if you have prepared well and are determined to clear it, nothing is more difficult.

3. Can 12th pass apply for UPSC?

Yes, but not for all the exams. 12th qualified candidates can only apply for NDA.

4. What is the date of UPSC CSE 2021?

The prelims of UPSC CSE 2021 will be conducted on June 27, 2021 while the mains will be held on September 17-22, 2021.

5. Which is the highest post in UPSC?

The highest post is of District Collector.

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Questions related to UPSC CSE

Have a question related to UPSC CSE ?

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.

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.

After 10th for IAS

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!!

Hello Rishika,

You can take any stream for becoming IAS. As per the eligibility criteria of UPSC IAS , student have to graduate from any stream from any recognised university or college. So it's doesn't matter from which stream you choose. But if you really want to become IAS, then humanities , arts related subject helps you alot.

To know more, kindly go through the given link:

https://competition.careers360.com/exams/upsc-cse

Good luck!

Greetings! Here's a detailed response to your query

To start your prep for IAS exams without any coaching and free of cost here are some pointers you can follow :-

1.Understand the exam- To get started with IAS prep, first grab the official UPSC syllabus for both the first exam (Prelims) and the main exam (Mains) from their website. Understand what you need to study and how important each topic is.

Next, learn how the exam is set up. There are three parts: a multiple-choice test (Prelims), a written exam with long answers (Mains), and an interview. Know how many papers are in each, how you get marks, and how much time you get.

Finally, look at old exam papers from the last 5 to 10 years. This will give you an idea of how tough the exam is, what kinds of questions they ask, and which topics you should really focus on.

2.Build a strong foundation-Begin your IAS study with NCERT books from classes 6 to 12 for subjects like History, Geography, Civics, Economics, and Science. These will give you a basic understanding. Once you know the basics well, switch to standard books for each subject. You can find lists of recommended books online from people who've cleared the exam. Some popular ones are mentioned for Polity, Economy, Modern History, and Geography.

3.Stay updated with current affairs- To stay updated for IAS, read a good national newspaper every day (like The Hindu or Indian Express) and jot down important news from India and the world. Also, read magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra to understand social and economic topics deeply. Check websites like PIB and those of research groups for info on government plans and reports.

4.Utilize free online resources-For IAS prep help, check out websites like BYJU'S, ClearIAS, and Mrunal. They have free study stuff. Also, watch YouTube channels by teachers and ex-IAS officers for tips and lessons. Join online groups to ask questions and learn from others preparing for the exam.

5.Mock tests and self assessment-Take free practice tests online for both Prelims and Mains to see how ready you are and what you need to work on. After each test, check what you did wrong and focus on fixing those things. Remember to study regularly, believe in yourself, and take breaks so you don't get too tired. Consistency is more important than studying for many hours at once.

I hope this helps . Financial problems can never stop one from dreaming and achieving things in their life. Stay motivated!!!

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