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UPSC Exams 2021 - Notification, Dates, Vacancy for UPC CDS, NDA, CAPF, EPFO
Updated on Jul 31, 2021 02:29 PM IST | #UPSC CSE
Upcoming Event
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
- UPSC Exams 2021 Dates for Prelims and Mains
- UPSC Exams 2021 - List of Exams
- UPSC CSE 2021 Civil Services Examination
- UPSC ESE 2021 Engineering Services Examination
- UPSC NDA 2021 National Defence Academy Exam
- UPSC CDS 2021 Combined Defence Services Examination
- UPSC CAPF 2021 Central Armed Police Force Examination
- UPSC CMS 2021 Combined Medical Services Examination
- UPSC IES/ISS 2021 Indian Economic Services/Indian Statistical Services exam
- UPSC 2021 Combined Geo-Scientist and Geologist
UPSC Exams 2021 Dates for Prelims and Mains
UPSC Exam Name | Application Date | Last day of Application Form | Prelims Exam | Mains Exam |
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) |
October 07, 2020 | October 10, 2020 | February 21, 2021 | TBA | |
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 |
May 05, 2021 | May 25, 2021 | August 29, 2021 | TBA |
UPSC Exams 2021 - List of Exams
UPSC CSE (Civil Services Examination)
UPSC NDA (National Defense Academy)
UPSC CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces)
UPSC IES/ISS (Indian Economic Services/Indian Statistical Services)
UPSC CMS (Combined Medical Services)
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
Mains - Nine 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
Mains - Two paper
|
Type of paper | Prelims - Objective type questions Mains - Subjective type questions |
Duration of exam | Prelims
Mains
|
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
SSB - Two stages
|
Type of paper | Written exam - Objective type |
Duration of exam | Written exam
SSB
|
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
Written exam - For OTA
SSB - Two stages
|
Type of paper | Written exam - Objective type |
Duration of exam | Written exam - For IMA, INA, AFA and OTA
SSB
|
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
|
Type of paper | Written exam
|
Duration of exam | Written exam
|
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
|
Type of paper | CBT exam
|
Duration of exam | CBT exam
|
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
Written exam - For ISS
|
Type of paper | Written exam
|
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
Written exam - For Geophysicist
Written exam - For Chemist
Written exam - For Hydrogeologist
|
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 EBookFrequently 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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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
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