Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
UPPSC PCS is the most prestigious state civil services examination in Uttar Pradesh. Successful candidates are appointed to executive state administrative positions including SDM, Deputy SP, and commercial tax officers. The updated mains pattern includes dedicated UP Special General Studies papers (GS 5 & 6) in place of optional subjects.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 1600 Marks (Mains 1500 + Interview 100)| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims Paper 1: General Studies I | 150 Questions (Current affairs, UP GK, History, Polity) | 200 Marks (Decides Prelims Cutoff) | 2 Hours |
| Prelims Paper 2: CSAT (Qualifying) | 100 Questions (Logic, Hindi, English, Math) | 200 Marks (Need 33% to pass) | 2 Hours |
| Mains: General Hindi + Essay + GS 1 to 6 | 8 Conventional Papers (GS 5 & 6 focus on UP) | 1500 Marks | 8 Papers |
| Personality Test (Interview) | Board Interview | 100 Marks | 30 Minutes |
Prelims: +1.33 for correct, -0.44 for incorrect. Mains: Evaluated out of 1500 marks. Total 1600 Marks for final merit list.
Negative Marking Rule: One-third penalty (-0.44 marks) on Prelims Paper 1 and 2
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Prelims GS-1 cutoff hovers around 125-130 marks out of 200 (~92-95 net correct questions).
Recruited Posts, Services & Cadres
Frequently Asked Questions
Are optional subjects removed from UPPSC PCS Mains?
Yes! UPPSC has eliminated optional subjects and replaced them with General Studies Paper 5 and Paper 6 dedicated exclusively to Uttar Pradesh specific knowledge and governance.
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