PCS Exam: Overview

PCS stands for Provincial Civil Service. It is a state-level civil service that falls under Group A and Group B of the executive arm of the government of Uttar Pradesh. The PCS is responsible for carrying out various administrative functions within the state.

The PCS examination is conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) and is also known as the Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Examination. This examination serves as a gateway for candidates to enter the PCS and secure administrative positions in the state government.

PCS officers hold key positions at the sub-divisional, district, divisional, and state levels. They play crucial roles in revenue administration, law and order enforcement, and overall governance. PCS officers are responsible for implementing government policies, maintaining law and order, managing public services, and addressing the needs of the people at the grassroots level.

In Uttar Pradesh, the PCS is considered one of the feeder services to the respective All-India Services, alongside the Provincial Police Service (PPS) and the Provincial Forest Service (PFS). These feeder services provide a pathway for officers to be selected for higher positions in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS), respectively.

PCS officers are often posted as supplementary divisional commissioners at the divisional level in Uttar Pradesh. These positions include Additional Commissioner (Development), Additional Commissioner (Revenue), and Additional Commissioner (Executive), among others. They work closely with the district administration and play a pivotal role in coordinating and implementing government programs and policies.

The PCS is a prestigious and challenging career option that offers opportunities to serve the public and contribute to the development of the state. It requires candidates to undergo a rigorous selection process, including a multi-tiered examination conducted by the UPPSC.

By qualifying for and entering the PCS, individuals have the opportunity to make a significant impact on society, promote good governance, and work towards the welfare and progress of the state and its people.

Overall, PCS stands for Provincial Civil Service, a state-level civil service in Uttar Pradesh that offers administrative positions and serves as a feeder service for higher positions in the All-India Services.

UP PCS Exam 2023 –

The UPPSC has declared the UPPSC PCS result 2023 for prelims on June 26 on the official website. The commission closed the UPPSC PCS 2023 answer key challenging window on May 24, 2024. The UP PCS answer key 2023 answer key objection winodw was activated on May 23. UPPSC released the UPPSC PCS answer key 2023 on May 17, 2023 on the official website. The commission has successfully concluded the UP PCS prelims exam 2023 on May 14. UPPSC PCS exam 2023 for prelims was conducted in two shifts, Morning shift (9:30 AM to 11:30 PM) and Evening shift (2:30 PM to 4:30 PM).

The Commission issued the UPPSC PCS 2023 admit card for prelims on May 2 on the official website. UPPSC closed the UP PCS application form 2023 on April 10 (Extended date). The UP PCS application form 2023 was released online on March 3. Earlier, the commission announced the UPPSC PCS 2023 exam dates for prelims and mains exam. The UPPSC PCS 2023 mains exam date is September 23, 2023.

Candidates who qualify for the UP PCS 2023 mains exam, will be eligible to appear for an interview process followed by a final recruitment process. The final result of UP PCS 2023 will be declared on the basis of the candidate’s performance in the main exam and interview. The final result will be calculated out of a total of 1550 marks (1400 in written exam and 150 interviews).

The commission releases the UPPSC PCS application form 2023 in online mode on the official website – uppsc.up.nic.in. Applicants needed to check the eligibility details carefully before filling the UP PCS application form 2023. Candidates who met the UPPSC PCS eligibility criteria could fill the application form of UP PCS 2023.The UPPSC exam is held in three stages: Prelims- 2 Papers (Objective), Mains- 8 papers (Essay/ Descriptive type), and Personal Interview. There’s a negative marking of ⅓ of marks for every incorrect answer marked. The aspirants of UPPSC exam must download and solve the previous year question papers

What is UP PCS 2023 exam?

UPPSC Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services is conducted for recruitment to various posts like Statistical Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Block Development Officer, Deputy Collector, etc. UP PCS Exam 2023 will be held in three stages – Preliminary exams (concluded), Main exam, and personality test.

UPPCS Prelims 2023 consists of objective type & multiple choice questions and the main exam is a descriptive written exam followed by a Viva- Voce (Personality Test).  About 250 candidates will be selected through the Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination 2023.

PCS Exam 2023: Application Process

The UP PCS 2023 application process is conducted online. Candidates need to follow the steps outlined below to successfully submit their application:

Step 1: Basic Registration

1. Visit the official website of UPPSC and navigate to the UP PCS 2023 application form.
2. Click on the “Apply” button to initiate the registration process.
3. Fill in the required details such as personal information, contact details, and educational qualifications.
4. After entering the details, click on the “Submit” button to complete the basic registration process.

Step 2: Pay Application Fee

1. Once the basic registration is completed, candidates need to proceed to the payment section.
2. Choose the preferred mode of payment from options like net banking, debit card, or other available methods.
3. Pay the prescribed application fee according to the category to which the candidate belongs.
4. After the successful payment, a transaction ID or reference number will be generated.

Step 3: Uploading of Photo and Signature

1. After the payment, candidates are required to upload scanned images of their recent photograph and signature.
2. Ensure that the images meet the specified format requirements, such as .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .tif, or .png, and adhere to the prescribed dimensions and file size.
3. Upload the scanned photograph and signature as per the provided guidelines.
4. Verify the uploaded images and proceed to the final submission.

Important Guidelines for UP PCS Application Form:

1. Candidates are not required to send a hard copy of the filled-in application form or any other documents to the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission.
2. It is advisable to take a printout of the UP PCS 2023 application form for future reference and correspondence with UPPSC.

How to Correct Mistakes in the UP PCS Online Form:

If candidates make any mistakes in the UP PCS online form, they can rectify them based on the following types of errors:

1. Mistakes in Exam Name, Type of Recruitment, Registered Mobile Number, Email ID, Aadhaar Number, etc.:
   • Candidates need to submit a new UP PCS application form 2023. The previously paid fee will not be adjusted or refunded.
2. Mistake in Category:
   • In this case, candidates must fill a new application form as the fee will be different. The earlier fee will not be refunded.
3. Details other than the ones mentioned above:
   • Candidates will be provided with an opportunity to modify the UP PCS 2023 application form.
   • Follow the steps below:
     • Click on ‘Modify Submitted Application’ under ‘Online application process’ in the Candidate Segment.
     • Enter the Registration No., Date of Birth, Gender, Domicile, and Category for authentication.
     • Enter the OTP received on the registered mobile number.
     • Make the required changes in the previously submitted UP PCS application form.
     • Submit the modified form.

The UP PCS 2023 login window can be used for various purposes such as checking application status, viewing results, accessing interview/exam schedules, downloading answer sheets and admit cards, and viewing the list of rejected candidates and the syllabus.

UP PCS exam 2023: Application Form for Mains Exam-

 

Candidates who have qualified in the UP PCS prelims exam can fill the application form for the Main exam. The same roll number used for the prelims exam will be used for the Main exam. The process is simplified as most of the details need not be filled in again. The application fee can be paid online through net banking, debit/credit cards, or other available online modes.

Documents to be Enclosed with the Main Exam Application of UP PCS 2023:

Candidates need to enclose self-attested copies of the following documents along with the UP PCS Main exam application:

1. High School or equivalent examination certificate
2. Mark sheets, certificates, and degrees
3. Category certificate (if applicable)
4. Certificate of being handicapped in the respective subcategory, issued by a prescribed Medical Officer/Specialist and countersigned by the Chief Medical Officer (for PwD candidates)

Application Fees for UP PCS 2023:

The application fees for UP PCS 2023 vary based on the category. The fee details are as follows:

• Unreserved/Economically Weaker Sections/Other Backward Class:
  • Exam Fee: ₹100
  • On-line processing fee: ₹25
  • Fee Payable: ₹125
• Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe:
  • Exam Fee: ₹40
  • On-line processing fee: ₹25
  • Fee Payable: ₹65
• Handicapped:
  • Exam Fee: Nil
  • On-line processing fee: ₹25
  • Fee Payable: ₹25
• Dependents of Freedom Fighters:
  • Exam Fee: As per their category
  • On-line processing fee: ₹25
  • Fee Payable: As per category

PCS Exam: Eligibility 2023

The UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission) has released the updated eligibility criteria for the PCS Exam 2023, as per the official notification. It is important for candidates to understand the eligibility requirements before applying for the exam. The eligibility criteria include age limit, educational qualification, and physical measurements for certain posts. Let’s delve into the details:

Age Relaxation for Emergency Commissioned/Short Service Officers: For candidates who are emergency commissioned or short service commissioned officers and have not been released by the army, the following eligibility conditions must be met:

• Possession of a certificate from the competent authority of Army, Navy, Air Force, confirming no pending disciplinary action.
• A written undertaking stating their exit from army service upon recruitment in the PCS services.

Claiming Reservation or Age Relaxation: Candidates seeking the benefit of reservation or age relaxation must fulfill the following requirements:

• Have a domicile of Uttar Pradesh (UP).
• Possess a category certificate issued by the competent authority.
• In the case of female candidates, the caste/domicile certificate issued from the father’s side will be considered valid.
• Male candidates with more than one living wife are ineligible, unless exempted by the Governor of the state.
• Female candidates who are married to a person already having a living wife are ineligible, unless exempted by the Governor.
• Pregnant female candidates (12 weeks or more) will be temporarily declared unfit.
• Candidates claiming age relaxation/reservation in multiple categories for the UP PCS Exam will be entitled to only one concession, whichever is more beneficial.

Age Limit: The age limit for the PCS Exam (Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services Exam) is as follows (as of July 1 of the exam year):

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: 40 years

Age Relaxation: The UPPSC notification also specifies age relaxation for different categories/posts in the PCS Exam eligibility:

• SC: 5 years age limit relaxation
• ST: 5 years age limit relaxation
• OBC: 5 years age limit relaxation
• Skilled players of U.P. of Classified Games: 5 years age limit relaxation
• State Govt. Employees of U.P. (including Teachers/Staff of Basic Shiksha Parishad and Govt. aided Madhyamik Vidyalayas): 5 years age limit relaxation
• Physically Handicapped (PwD): 15 years age limit relaxation
• Group ‘B’ posts for Emergency Commissioned Officers/Short Service Commissioned Officers/Ex-Army Personnel with 5 years of experience: 5 years age limit relaxation

Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree from any recognized University or possess an equivalent qualification. Additionally, there are post-specific qualifications for the PCS Exam, which can be found in the official UPPSC notification.

Physical Measurements/Fitness: Certain posts in the PCS Exam require candidates to meet specific physical measurements. These include positions such as Assistant Conservator of Forest, Range Forest Officer, Dy. Superintendent of Police, Superintendent of Jail, District Commandant Home Guards, and Excise Inspector, among others. Candidates will undergo a medical test after the interview to determine their eligibility based on physical measurements.

It is crucial for candidates to carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying for the UPPSC PCS Exam. Similarities can be observed between the eligibility criteria for the PCS Exam and the civil service exam in terms of age and nationality. Aspirants planning to apply for either of these exams must refer to the provided details for accurate information.

To maximize the chances of success in the exam, candidates should thoroughly understand the syllabus, exam pattern, and scheme of selection well in advance. This level of preparedness is equally applicable to the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) Syllabus, which is known for its comprehensive nature.

For more guidance and preparation tips, aspirants can refer to the UPPSC PCS Preparation booklist and seek inspiration from the success stories of UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) toppers, learning from their strategies.

By being well-informed, well-prepared, and dedicated, candidates can strive for excellence and achieve remarkable results in the PCS Exam.