The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued the notification for this year’s Civil Services Examination (CSE). Interested candidates can submit online applications till February 21. There are in total of 1105 vacancies in various sections, like IAS (Indian Administrative Service) and IPS (Indian Police Service). Out of this, 37 are reserved for Physically Disabled candidates. There may be changes in the number of vacancies.

The Preliminary examination is scheduled for May 28. Those who have already appeared for the preliminary examination six times are not eligible to apply. However, there is no bar on the number of attempts for Scheduled Caste/Tribe category candidates. Those belonging to other Backward Classes and the Physically Handicapped will get nine chances to appear for the exam.

Eligibility Criteria

The candidates must hold a Graduate Degree in any subject from a recognized University. Final-year students too will be considered. They have to submit the documents of obtaining the Degree while applying for the Mains. The Medical degree students need to produce documents of their successfully completing the internship at the time of the interview. Those having the technical/ professional qualification equivalent to the Graduation Degree too can apply.

Age

Those in the age group of 21 to 32 as of August 2023 can apply. However, the Schedules Caste/ Tribe, Other Backward Classes, and Physically Handicapped candidates will get a relaxation of five, three, and 10 years, respectively. Ex-servicemen, too, enjoy relaxation in the upper age limit.

Selection

Selection will be based on the candidate’s performance in the Preliminary (objective-type) and Main examinations. For the Preliminary examination, there are centers at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. However, Thiruvananthapuram is the only exam center in the state for the Mains.

Examination pattern

For the Preliminary examination, there are two General Papers, carrying 200 marks each. Objective-type multiple-choice questions. The time allotted is two hours each. The negative marking system is applicable. The second paper is just a qualifying exam. Candidates have to obtain 33% marks to qualify. All the papers in the Main examination are of descriptive type. The final list is prepared on the basis of the marks scored in the examination and interview.

Fees

The fee for applying for the exam is Rs 100. Candidates can either remit the same online or through any SBI branch. Those belonging to Scheduled Castes/Tribes, Physically Handicapped, and Women categories are exempted from fee payment.

How to apply?

Candidates can apply online through the website www.upsconline.nic.in. Check the complete details of the notification, including the examination schedule and syllabus, on the website www.upsc.gov.in.