UPSC IAS | IPS | IFS Frequently Asked Questions-FAQ

Q.1. What is UPSC?

Ans. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's central agency authorized to conduct the Civil Services Examination, Engineering Services Examination, Combined Defence Services Examination, National Defence Academy Examination, Naval Academy Examination and Combined Medical Services Examination.

Q.2. What is Civil Service?

Ans. Civil service is a term that is commonly used in identifying governmental functions in many different types of government around the world.

Q.3. What is IAS?

Ans. Indian Administrative Service, IAS Officers are trained to handle Government affairs. This being the main responsibility, every civil servant is assigned to a particular office which deals with policy matters pertaining to that area.

Q.4. What is IPS?

Ans. Indian Police Service, is responsible for internal security, public safety and law and order.

Q.5. What is IFS?

Ans. Indian Foreign Service,  is a Central Service and the premier diplomatic service of our country. The Indian Foreign Service deals with the country's external affairs, including diplomacy, trade and cultural relations.

Q.6. What is the restriction on number of attempts in the Examinations?

Ans. Number of attempts - General-4, OBC-7, SC/ST- No restriction.

Q.7. Is there any relaxation in number of attempts for physically handicapped?

Ans. No. However physically handicapped candidates belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories will be eligible for relaxation in number of attempts provided to such categories.

Q.8. Can a candidate who has completed his education from an open school/ University apply for Commission’s Examination?

Ans. Yes, provided it is a recognized University and he possess the educational qualifications prescribed for the exam and is otherwise eligible.

Q.9. Whether a candidate belonging to a community included in the OBC list of states but not in the Central list of OBCs is eligible for age relaxation, reservation etc. for Commission’s Examinations?

Ans. No. Only candidates belonging to communities which are included in the Central list of OBC’s are eligible for such concessions.

Q.10. Can a candidate choose an optional subject, which he has not studied at graduate/PG level?

Ans. Yes.

Q.11. Is it necessary for a candidate to take the same optional subject in the Main Exam, which he had taken in the prelims Examination?

Ans. No.

Q.12. If a candidate has applied for the CS (P) Examination but has not appeared at any paper in the CS (P) Examination will it be counted as an attempt?

Ans. No. An attempt is counted only if a candidate has appeared in at least one paper in CS (P) Examination.

Q.13. Is a candidate who has done his graduation without passing class X and class X11 eligible for Civil Service Examination?

Ans. Yes.

Q.14. Can a candidate write different papers of Civil Service (Main) Examination in different languages?

Ans. No, Candidates have the option to write their answers either in English or in any one of the Eighth schedule languages.

Q.15. Can a candidate write the Civil Service (Main) Examination in English and take the interview in Hindi or any other Indian language?

Ans. If a candidate opts an Eighth schedule language for the CS (Main) Examination he will have the option to take the interview in same language or in English.