State civil services · gazetted administrative recruitment · Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC), Prayagraj

UPPSC PCS Mock Tests, Syllabus & Complete Exam Guide

UPPSC Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (PCS). Practise 35 full-length mock tests on the official pattern, drill every topic, and get the eligibility, syllabus, cut-off, rank and college details you need — all in one place.

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UPPSC PCS at a glance

Stages: Prelims → Mains → Interview
Prelims: GS Paper I (150 Q / 200) + CSAT (100 Q / 200)
Marking: Prelims: one-third (1/3) negative
CSAT: Qualifying at 33%

ModeOffline (OMR-based) · Prelims → Mains (written) → Interview

FrequencyUsually once a year

LanguagesEnglish & Hindi (General Hindi is a compulsory Mains paper)

By the ExamguruX Editorial TeamReviewed for pattern accuracy against Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC), PrayagrajLast updated 17 August 2026

UPPSC PCS full-length mock tests

Attempt 35 full-length UPPSC PCS mock tests built on the official 52-question pattern. The first mock is free — every test comes with instant results and a step-by-step solution for each question.

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 01

Free

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min19.1K attemptsModerate

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UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 02

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min23.1K attemptsHard

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UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 03

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min27.2K attemptsModerate

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UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 04

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min31.2K attemptsHard

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UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 05

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min35.3K attemptsEasy

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UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 06

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min39.3K attemptsHard

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UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 07

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min43.4K attemptsEasy

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UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 08

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min47.4K attemptsModerate

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UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 09

52 Qs · 104 marks120 min51.5K attemptsEasy

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Unlock all UPPSC PCS tests

Try the first full-length mock free. Get the complete UPPSC PCS mock library, every topic test and all available languages for 3 months — a one-time ₹399 / 3 months.

UPPSC PCS — full access

₹399/ 3 months

Every full-length mock test
All topic-wise tests, every subject
All available languages
Step-by-step solution for every question
Indicative marks-to-rank & cut-offs

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UPPSC PCS topic-wise tests & syllabus

120 topic tests across 4 subjects — a focused set of 15 tests for every topic in the UPPSC PCS syllabus, tagged with approximate exam weightage so you practise where the marks are.

120 topic-wise tests · 15 per topic across 4 subjects. Pick a subject, expand a topic, and start drilling.

Indian History & National Movement — Test 01

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min112K attemptsModerate

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 02

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min141K attemptsEasy

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 03

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min169K attemptsHard

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 04

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min197K attemptsModerate

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 05

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min226K attemptsEasy

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 06

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min254K attemptsHard

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 07

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min282K attemptsModerate

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 08

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min311K attemptsEasy

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 09

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min39.1K attemptsHard

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 10

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min67.4K attemptsModerate

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 11

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min95.8K attemptsEasy

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 12

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min124K attemptsHard

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 13

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min153K attemptsModerate

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 14

12 Qs · 24 marks11 min181K attemptsEasy

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Indian History & National Movement — Test 15

20 Qs · 40 marks18 min209K attemptsHard

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UPPSC PCS sample questions

A few real UPPSC PCS questions with answers and step-by-step solutions, in the exact style of the full mock tests.

General StudiesSample 1

The 'Doctrine of Lapse', an annexation policy used to absorb princely states into British territory, is chiefly associated with which Governor-General?

A.Lord Dalhousie
B.Lord Cornwallis
C.Lord Wellesley
D.Lord Ripon

Solution: Lord Dalhousie applied the Doctrine of Lapse (1848-56), annexing states such as Satara, Jhansi and Nagpur when a ruler died without a natural heir.

Uttar Pradesh General KnowledgeSample 2

The Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati, is located in which city of Uttar Pradesh?

A.Varanasi
B.Prayagraj
C.Kanpur
D.Mathura

Solution: The Triveni Sangam lies at Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad), where the Kumbh Mela is periodically held.

General Science & AptitudeSample 3

Which physical quantity is measured in the SI unit 'pascal'?

A.Pressure
B.Force
C.Energy
D.Power

Solution: The pascal (Pa) is the SI unit of pressure, equal to one newton per square metre.

HindiSample 4

'विद्यालय' शब्द का सही सन्धि-विच्छेद क्या है?

A.विद्या + आलय
B.विद्या + लय
C.विद् + यालय
D.विद्या + अलय

Solution: विद्या + आलय = विद्यालय; यहाँ 'आ + आ' मिलकर 'आ' बनता है, अतः यह दीर्घ सन्धि है। (English: vidya + aalaya, a long-vowel/deergh sandhi.)

About the UPPSC PCS exam

The Provincial Civil Services (PCS) exam through which the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission recruits gazetted Group A and Group B officers for the state administration — Deputy Collector (SDM), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Block Development Officer, Treasury Officer and dozens of other cadres in the Uttar Pradesh government.

What is the UPPSC PCS exam?

UPPSC PCS is the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services examination conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, headquartered at Prayagraj. It is the gateway to gazetted administrative careers in the Uttar Pradesh government — posts such as Deputy Collector (SDM), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Block Development Officer, Treasury Officer, District Commandant Home Guards and many other Group A and Group B cadres are filled through a single competitive exam each year.

The selection runs across three stages. The Preliminary exam is an objective, OMR-based screening test with two papers — General Studies Paper I (150 questions, 200 marks) which decides who advances, and CSAT Paper II (100 questions, 200 marks) which is only qualifying at 33%. Prelims carries one-third negative marking. Those who clear it sit the descriptive Mains, which includes a compulsory General Hindi paper and an Essay, and the process ends with a Personality Test (Interview). Final merit is built from the Mains written papers and the Interview — Prelims marks do not carry forward.

How to clear UPPSC PCS

Prelims is a filter, so treat General Studies Paper I as the priority: build strong, revisable foundations in Indian and world history, Indian polity and governance, geography, the Indian economy, general science, environment and current affairs. Because UPPSC weights Uttar Pradesh heavily, a dedicated command of UP's geography, economy, history, culture and administration is often what separates candidates near the cutoff. Do not neglect CSAT — it is qualifying, but a candidate who fails to reach 33% is out regardless of the GS score.

The one-third negative marking rewards disciplined attempting: solve what you know, eliminate to a confident choice where you can, and leave questions you genuinely cannot judge. Full-length timed Prelims mocks under the two-hour clock train the pacing and section balance the paper demands. In parallel, prepare the descriptive Mains early — practise structured answer-writing, essays and the compulsory General Hindi paper in Devanagari — because the written stage plus interview, not Prelims, decide your final rank.

UPPSC PCS eligibility & exam pattern

Check whether you meet the UPPSC PCS eligibility criteria and understand exactly how the paper is structured and marked before you plan your preparation.

Eligibility criteria

Nationality: Indian citizen (with the usual provisions for certain other categories as specified by UPPSC); some posts are open only to Indian citizens.
Qualification: A bachelor's degree from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification, before the cut-off date in the notification. Certain posts require specific degrees.
Age: Generally 21 to 40 years as on the notified date, with age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC of Uttar Pradesh, PwD and other categories per state norms.
Attempts: No fixed limit on the number of attempts as long as you remain within the age and eligibility criteria.
Domicile & reservation: Category-based reservation and relaxations apply mainly to candidates domiciled in Uttar Pradesh; general reserved-category benefits follow UP government rules.
Physical standards: Certain uniformed posts such as Deputy Superintendent of Police carry additional physical standards (height, chest and physical efficiency).

Exam pattern & marking

Subject	Questions	Marks
Prelims Paper I — General StudiesHistory, polity, geography, economy, science, current affairs & environment · 2 hours	150	200
Prelims Paper II — CSATComprehension, reasoning, aptitude & data interpretation · qualifying at 33% · 2 hours	100	200
Mains — Compulsory General HindiCompulsory qualifying paper in Devanagari	Descriptive	150
Mains — Essay + General Studies + OptionalEssay and GS papers decide the written merit	Descriptive	Merit
Interview — Personality TestFinal merit = Mains written + Interview	Viva	Merit
Total	NaN	400

UPPSC PCS is a three-stage exam. The Preliminary examination has two objective (OMR) papers taken the same day: General Studies Paper I with 150 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours, and CSAT Paper II with 100 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours. CSAT is only qualifying — you must score at least 33% — while the GS Paper I score decides who clears Prelims. Prelims carries one-third (1/3) negative marking: roughly a third of the marks for a question are deducted for each wrong answer. Prelims is merely a screening filter and its marks do not count towards the final merit. Candidates who qualify sit the descriptive Mains, which includes a compulsory General Hindi paper and an Essay paper alongside the General Studies papers, and finally a Personality Test (Interview). Final merit is built from the Mains written papers plus the Interview. On ExamguruX, each Prelims-style question is scored +1 with a −0.33 penalty for a wrong answer, mirroring the one-third negative marking, the Hindi section is presented in Devanagari, and every question carries a worked solution.

Duration: Prelims: GS Paper I (2 hrs) + CSAT (2 hrs).

How to prepare for UPPSC PCS

A fresher-friendly UPPSC PCS roadmap — understand the paper first, follow a month-by-month plan, build a weekly routine and peak with reviewed full-length mocks.

Beginner-friendly roadmap

Your UPPSC PCS plan: first day to exam day

Start with the paper structure, build concepts in layers, then use timed practice and review to turn preparation into a repeatable score.

Coverage4 subjects

Exam clockPrelims: GS Paper I (2 hrs) + CSAT (2 hrs)

MarkingUPPSC PCS is a three-stage exam. The Preliminary examination has two objective (OMR) papers taken the same day: General Studies Paper I with 150 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours, and CSAT Paper II with 100 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours. CSAT is only qualifying — you must score at least 33% — while the GS Paper I score decides who clears Prelims. Prelims carries one-third (1/3) negative marking: roughly a third of the marks for a question are deducted for each wrong answer. Prelims is merely a screening filter and its marks do not count towards the final merit. Candidates who qualify sit the descriptive Mains, which includes a compulsory General Hindi paper and an Essay paper alongside the General Studies papers, and finally a Personality Test (Interview). Final merit is built from the Mains written papers plus the Interview. On ExamguruX, each Prelims-style question is scored +1 with a −0.33 penalty for a wrong answer, mirroring the one-third negative marking, the Hindi section is presented in Devanagari, and every question carries a worked solution.

The first 12 weeks

A plan a fresher can actually follow

Have less than three months? Keep the sequence and shorten each phase rather than skipping mock review.

Month 1
Understand the paper and build your base
Read the official pattern first, then make a realistic subject map for 4 subjects. Begin with General Studies, Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge, General Science & Aptitude. Focus on concepts before speed.
Take one diagnostic topic test. Its purpose is to find gaps, not to judge your score.
Month 2
Finish the core syllabus through practice
Cover the remaining syllabus, including Hindi, while revising Month 1 every week. Move from untimed questions to short timed sets.
Keep a single error log: concept missed, why it happened and the correct method.
Month 3
Build exam temperament with mocks
Use the real exam time limit (Prelims: GS Paper I (2 hrs) + CSAT (2 hrs)) in full-length practice. Review every mock longer than it took to attempt it; the review is where improvement happens.
Turn each weak area from your error log into a 30–45 minute repair session.

Your repeatable week

The study loop that makes revision stick

1
Learn
Read one focused concept block and make a short revision sheet.
2
Solve
Immediately answer topic questions; do not wait until you have ‘finished’ the syllabus.
3
Review
Log mistakes by concept, not just by score. Revisit them after 2–3 days.
4
Simulate
Use a timed section or mock to practise decisions under the clock.

Mock-test ladder

Don’t start with a full mock every day

Month 1: topic tests after each completed concept.
Month 2: one timed sectional test each week, plus error-log revision.
Month 3: one or two full mocks weekly under the real Prelims: GS Paper I (2 hrs) + CSAT (2 hrs) clock.

UPPSC PCS-specific priorities

What to focus on as you move through the plan

1
Make GS Paper I your foundation
Prelims Paper I decides who advances. Build revisable notes across history, polity, geography, economy, science, environment and current affairs, and revise them in cycles rather than cramming once.
2
Master the Uttar Pradesh portion
UPPSC weights UP heavily. Command UP geography, economy, history, culture, administration and personalities — this state-specific edge often decides who clears the cutoff.
3
Do not gamble on CSAT
CSAT is only qualifying, but you must reach 33%. Practise comprehension, reasoning, basic quantitative aptitude and data interpretation so the paper is a comfortable pass, not a risk.
4
Respect one-third negative marking
Each wrong answer costs a third of the marks. Attempt when you can eliminate to a confident choice and leave questions you truly cannot judge rather than guessing blindly.
5
Start Mains answer-writing early
Final merit comes from the descriptive Mains and interview, not Prelims. Practise structured GS answers, essays and the compulsory General Hindi paper in Devanagari well before Prelims is over.
6
Simulate the real Prelims clock
Take full-length timed Prelims mocks for both GS Paper I and CSAT to build pacing, accuracy and section balance under the two-hour OMR conditions, and review every solution you miss.

Final 7 days

Revise your short notes and error log; do not begin major new topics.

Take only the number of mocks you can properly review; protect sleep and routine.

Confirm the official admit-card instructions, reporting time, centre and permitted items.

Want personal support?

Request an online trainer for your UPPSC PCS preparation.

Get help with your study plan, difficult concepts and mock-test review, subject to trainer availability.

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UPPSC PCS scoring & selection

Use this practice benchmark to understand score ranges, qualifying cut-offs and the selection stages for UPPSC PCS. The conducting authority sets official merit and appointments.

UPPSC PCS marks vs. rank

Score range	Stage	What it takes
Prelims: clear GS Paper I cutoff	Prelims	Screening stage; CSAT must also cross 33%
Mains: strong descriptive answers	Mains	Compulsory Hindi + Essay + GS decide written merit
Interview: confident personality test	Interview	Final merit = Mains written + Interview
Strong UP General Knowledge	Edge	State-specific command often decides the cutoff
Steady mock scores	Readiness	Consistent timed-mock performance predicts selection

Indicative stage requirements

Prelims GS Paper IScreening

Indicative marks: Decides who advances; marks do not carry forward

CSAT Paper IIQualifying

Indicative marks: Must score at least 33%

Mains (written)Merit

Indicative marks: Compulsory Hindi qualifying; Essay & GS build merit

InterviewMerit

Indicative marks: Final merit = Mains written + Interview

Reserved categories (UP)Relaxed

Indicative marks: Lower cutoffs & age relaxation per state norms

The UPPSC PCS pattern here — the three-stage Prelims/Mains/Interview process, the two Prelims papers (GS Paper I of 150 questions for 200 marks and the qualifying CSAT Paper II of 100 questions for 200 marks), one-third negative marking in Prelims and the compulsory General Hindi paper in Mains — reflects UPPSC's recent published pattern. Exact vacancies, cutoffs, dates, age limits, the optional-subject scheme and the list of posts change with each recruitment cycle; always confirm current specifics in the official UPPSC notification at uppsc.up.nic.in.

Posts recruited through UPPSC PCS

UPPSC PCS is a single exam that fills a long list of gazetted state posts; the post and cadre you are allotted depend on your final merit rank, your service preferences and the vacancies notified that year. The guide below shows the flagship posts recruited through PCS and the department each sits in — actual allotment changes every cycle with vacancies and cutoffs.

Post	Cadre	Department	Indicative rank / cadre
Deputy Collector (SDM)	PCS · Group A	Revenue / Board of Revenue, UP	Top ranks · high demand
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)	PPS · Group A	UP Police Department	Top ranks · physical standards apply
Block Development Officer (BDO)	Group B	Rural Development Department	Rank & preference based
Treasury Officer / Accounts Officer	Group B	Finance / Treasury Department	Rank & preference based
District Commandant Home Guards	Group B	Home Guards Department	Rank & preference based
Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO)	Group B	Transport Department	Rank & preference based
District Basic Education Officer / BSA	Group B	Basic Education Department	Rank & preference based
Naib Tehsildar / Sub-Registrar	Group B	Revenue / Stamp & Registration	Rank & preference based

A representative view of posts and selection routes linked to UPPSC PCS. Confirm vacancies, stages and final appointments in the current official notice.

UPPSC PCS important dates

The typical UPPSC PCS recruitment timeline, from notification to result and document verification. Dates are tentative until the official notice is released.

Notification & apply
Usually early in the year
Preliminary exam
Typically a few months after notification
Prelims result
A few weeks after the exam
Mains (written) exam
Usually a few months after the Prelims result
Interview (Personality Test)
After the Mains result
Final result
After the interview and document verification

UPPSC PCS — frequently asked questions

Quick, reliable answers to the questions UPPSC PCS aspirants ask most.

What is the UPPSC PCS selection process?

Three stages: a Preliminary exam (objective, OMR-based), a descriptive Mains exam, and a Personality Test (Interview). Prelims is only a screening stage; final merit is built from the Mains written papers plus the Interview.

What is the UPPSC PCS Prelims exam pattern?

Two papers on the same day — General Studies Paper I with 150 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours, which decides who clears Prelims, and CSAT Paper II with 100 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours, which is only qualifying at 33%.

Is there negative marking in UPPSC PCS Prelims?

Yes. Prelims carries one-third (1/3) negative marking — roughly a third of a question's marks are deducted for each wrong answer. There is no penalty for unanswered questions, so guess only when you can eliminate options to a confident choice.

What is the eligibility for UPPSC PCS?

You need a bachelor's degree from a recognised university and must generally be between 21 and 40 years old, with age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC of Uttar Pradesh, PwD and other categories per state norms. Certain posts require specific degrees or physical standards.

Which posts are recruited through UPPSC PCS?

Gazetted state posts such as Deputy Collector (SDM), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Block Development Officer, Treasury Officer, District Commandant Home Guards and many other Group A and Group B cadres. The post you get depends on your final merit rank, preferences and vacancies.

How should I use these mock tests?

Take full-length timed Prelims mocks for General Studies Paper I and CSAT to build speed, accuracy and section balance under the two-hour clock and one-third negative marking, and review the solution for every question. Use the topic tests to drill General Studies, Uttar Pradesh General Knowledge, General Science & Aptitude and Hindi until each becomes a reliable source of marks.

Start your UPPSC PCS preparation today

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UPPSC PCS Mock Tests, Syllabus & Complete Exam Guide

UPPSC PCS at a glance

UPPSC PCS full-length mock tests

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 01

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 02

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 03

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 04

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 05

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 06

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 07

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 08

UPPSC PCS Prelims Full Mock Test 09

Unlock all UPPSC PCS tests

UPPSC PCS topic-wise tests & syllabus

Indian History & National Movement — Test 01

Indian History & National Movement — Test 02

Indian History & National Movement — Test 03

Indian History & National Movement — Test 04

Indian History & National Movement — Test 05

Indian History & National Movement — Test 06

Indian History & National Movement — Test 07

Indian History & National Movement — Test 08

Indian History & National Movement — Test 09

Indian History & National Movement — Test 10

Indian History & National Movement — Test 11

Indian History & National Movement — Test 12

Indian History & National Movement — Test 13

Indian History & National Movement — Test 14

Indian History & National Movement — Test 15

UPPSC PCS sample questions

About the UPPSC PCS exam

What is the UPPSC PCS exam?

How to clear UPPSC PCS

UPPSC PCS eligibility & exam pattern

Eligibility criteria

Exam pattern & marking

How to prepare for UPPSC PCS

Your UPPSC PCS plan: first day to exam day

A plan a fresher can actually follow

Understand the paper and build your base

Finish the core syllabus through practice

Build exam temperament with mocks

The study loop that makes revision stick

Don’t start with a full mock every day

What to focus on as you move through the plan

Make GS Paper I your foundation

Master the Uttar Pradesh portion

Do not gamble on CSAT

Respect one-third negative marking

Start Mains answer-writing early

Simulate the real Prelims clock

Request an online trainer for your UPPSC PCS preparation.

UPPSC PCS scoring & selection

UPPSC PCS marks vs. rank

Indicative stage requirements

Posts recruited through UPPSC PCS

UPPSC PCS important dates

UPPSC PCS — frequently asked questions

Start your UPPSC PCS preparation today