Frequency of UPSC Exam: How many times UPSC exam is conducted in a year?

The frequency of UPSC Exam, which is considered one of India’s most challenging examinations, is once a year. With lakhs of candidates vying for limited positions, it serves as a gateway to esteemed roles in the civil services sector. The exam’s three stages, comprising a preliminary exam, main exam, and interview, demand thorough preparation well in advance to maximise the likelihood of success. This article delves into the significance of the UPSC exam and highlights the importance of early preparation.

The Annual UPSC Exam: A Competitive Challenge:

The UPSC exam, conducted annually, represents a significant hurdle for aspirants seeking positions in the civil services domain. Its reputation for difficulty attracts a vast pool of candidates from various academic backgrounds and fields of expertise. As the number of applicants far exceeds the available positions, rigorous preparation becomes imperative to stand out in this highly competitive landscape.

How Many Times is UPSC Exam Conducted in a Year? A Comprehensive Guide to UPSC Examination and its Frequency

Introduction:

If you’ve set your sights on cracking the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) examination, it’s essential to understand the frequency at which this prestigious exam is conducted. This comprehensive guide will not only answer your question of how many times the UPSC exam is held in a year but also provide valuable insights into the various exams conducted by UPSC. Whether you are a first-time aspirant or someone seeking to improve their understanding of the UPSC examination process, read on to find out all you need to know.

Understanding the UPSC Examination:

Before we delve into the frequency of the UPSC exam, let’s briefly understand the structure of this highly competitive test. The UPSC conducts several examinations throughout the year to recruit candidates for various government services and posts. The major exams conducted by UPSC include:

1. Civil Services Examination (CSE): The Civil Services Examination is one of the most sought-after exams in India. It comprises three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Mains Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). Successful candidates are appointed to prestigious posts such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and more.
2. Engineering Services Examination (ESE): The Engineering Services Examination is conducted to recruit engineers for various government departments and organizations. It includes multiple stages, and successful candidates are appointed to various engineering positions in the government sector.
3. Combined Defense Services Examination (CDSE): The CDSE is conducted to select candidates for admission to the Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and Officers’ Training Academy. Successful candidates undergo training to join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force.
4. National Defense Academy Examination (NDA): The NDA exam is held twice a year to select candidates for admission to the prestigious National Defense Academy. After successful completion of the training, candidates are commissioned as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.

How Many Times is UPSC Exam Conducted in a Year?

The frequency of the UPSC examination varies depending on the type of exam. Here’s a breakdown of the number of times some of the major UPSC exams are conducted in a year:

1. Civil Services Examination (CSE): The Civil Services Examination is held once a year. The Preliminary Examination is usually conducted in June, while the Mains Examination takes place in September.
2. Engineering Services Examination (ESE): The ESE is conducted once a year. The examination process typically starts in January, and the final interviews are held in November/December.
3. Combined Defense Services Examination (CDSE): The CDSE is conducted twice a year, usually in February and September.
4. National Defense Academy Examination (NDA): The NDA exam is also conducted twice a year, typically in April and September.

Note: It is important to keep in mind that the frequency of these exams may be subject to change, and it is advisable to check the official UPSC website or notifications for the latest updates.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the UPSC conducts several prestigious examinations throughout the year to recruit candidates for various government services. The frequency of each exam varies, with some being held once a year and others being conducted twice a year. As an aspirant, it is crucial to stay updated with the latest notifications and exam schedules released by UPSC. Now that you have a clear understanding of how many times the UPSC exam is conducted in a year and the different exams conducted by UPSC, you can plan your preparation accordingly and take confident steps towards your goal of succeeding in the UPSC examination.

Frequency of UPSC Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam is an Indian national-level competitive examination. The Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and other civil services are accessible through it. 

The UPSC test is divided into three parts: the Prelims, Mains, and Interviews. It is administered once a year, typically in June. As a screening test, the General Studies Paper 1 and General Studies Paper 2 (CSAT) of the Prelims exam are used. The next stage is the Mains test, which has nine papers and two qualifying exams in English and one of two Indian languages. Last but not least, the interview stage assesses candidates’ general personalities through discussions with a team of experts.

Given the significance of this exam, aspirants should approach it with diligence and adequate preparation. Understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and current affairs is vital to excel in each stage. With comprehensive subject knowledge, analytical abilities, and effective communication skills, candidates can increase their chances of success in the UPSC exam and secure coveted civil services positions. 

How Many Times UPSC Exams Are Given?

The number of attempts a candidate can make in the UPSC exam is determined by the UPSC Eligibility criteria, which takes into account factors such as age limit, category, and relaxation rules. Here are the details regarding the number of attempts for the IAS exam based on different categories:

1. General category: Candidates belonging to the general category can appear for the UPSC exam a maximum of six times. The age limit for general category candidates is 32 years.

2. OBC category candidates: Candidates belonging to the OBC category can attempt the UPSC exam a maximum of nine times. The age limit for OBC category candidates is 35 years.

3. SC/ST category candidates: Candidates belonging to the SC/ST category can attempt the exam as many times as they want until they reach the age limit of 37 years. There is no restriction on the number of attempts for SC/ST candidates.

4. Ex-servicemen: Ex-servicemen can appear for the UPSC exam a maximum of nine times. The age limit for ex-servicemen is 42 years.

Exams conducted by UPSC

A variety of exams are held throughout the year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to choose candidates for various Indian government posts. The UPSC administers a number of significant tests, including:

1. The Civil Services Examination is one of the most esteemed tests offered by the UPSC. Recruitment for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other central services is done through this once a year.

2. Engineering Services Examination Also known as the UPSC ESE exam, it is conducted once a year to recruit engineers for various engineering positions in government departments.

3. Combined Medical Services Examination, this exam is conducted once a year to select candidates for medical officer positions in various government organisations like railways, defence, and health services.

4. Indian Forest Service Examination is conducted in conjunction with the Civil Services Examination, this exam is specifically for recruiting candidates into the Indian Forest Service (IFS) to manage the country’s forests and wildlife.

5. Combined Geoscientist and Geologist Examination, this exam is conducted once a year to select candidates for positions in the Geological Survey of India and the Central Ground Water Board.

6. Indian Economic Service Examination, this exam is conducted once a year to recruit candidates for positions in the Indian Economic Service (IES) and the Indian Statistical Service (ISS).

7. Central Armed Police Forces Examination also known as the UPSC CAPF exam, it is conducted once a year to select candidates for positions in various central police forces such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

8. Indian Statistical Service Examination, conducted in conjunction with the Indian Economic Service Examination, this exam is specifically for recruiting candidates into the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) to handle statistical functions in government departments.

Additionally, there are exams conducted twice a year by UPSC, including:

1. Combined Defence Services Examination: This exam is conducted twice a year to recruit candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA), and Officers’ Training Academy (OTA).

2. Naval Academy Examination: This exam is conducted twice a year to select candidates for the Indian Naval Academy (INA) for officer training in the Indian Navy.

3. National Defence Academy Examination: Conducted twice a year, this exam selects candidates for the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA) for training in the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Also Read:- https://www.borthakursiasacademy.com/blog/time-required-for-upsc-preparation/