The UPSC IAS 2024 examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), is one of the most prestigious civil services exams in India. The official notification for this highly competitive examination typically marks the beginning of the selection process. Aspirants from diverse backgrounds vie for a chance to become Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, among other civil service roles.
Registration involves a rigorous application process and multiple stages of examination, including the preliminary, main, and interview rounds, assessing candidates’ knowledge, analytical skills, and personality traits. Success in this exam opens doors to a rewarding career in public service, making it a coveted opportunity for India’s aspiring bureaucrats.
UPSC IAS 2024 Notification
The UPSC IAS exam, 2024 calendar was unveiled on May 10, 2023, as per the usual practice of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Typically, the UPSC Notification is released in February. Aspiring candidates should mark their calendars for February 14, 2024, when the UPSC 2024 exam notification is expected to be officially announced. The Preliminary exam has been scheduled for May 26, 2024.
This notification will encompass vital details, including exam dates, available positions, vacancy information, eligibility criteria, age relaxations, application form procedures, exam centers, the exam pattern, syllabus, and more. To get a head start on exam preparation, candidates can also refer to previous years’ UPSC notifications.
UPSC IAS 2024 Eligibility Criteria
The UPSC 2024 eligibility criteria refer to the set of requirements that candidates must fulfill to be eligible to apply for various exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. The eligibility criteria include nationality, age limit, educational qualification, and the number of attempts. Candidates must ensure that they fulfill all the requirements before applying for the exam. Candidates can check the detailed eligibility criteria below.
UPSC 2024 Age Limit
The age limit for UPSC exam is an essential eligibility criterion that candidates need to fulfill to apply for UPSC 2024. To be eligible, the candidate must have completed the age of 21 years on 1st August 2024. The upper age limit for general category candidates is 32 years. However, there is a relaxation in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories, such as OBC, SC, ST, and others. Candidates can check the minimum and maximum age limit for UPSC 2024 in the table below.
| Category | Minimum Age Limit | Maximum Age Limit |
| General | 21 years | 32 years |
| OBC | 21 years | 35 years |
| SC/ST | 21 years | 37 years |
| Physically Disabled | 21 years | 42 years |
UPSC Age Relaxation
The age relaxation is given in the upper age limit and varies depending on the category to which the candidate belongs. Those who are applying for UPSC 2024 can refer to the table below to check the age relaxation applicable for candidates belonging to different categories.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| Physically Disabled | 10 years |
| Defense Services personnel | 3 years |
| Ex-servicemen | 5 years |
UPSC IAS 2024 Application Form
The Commission will release the UPSC IAS application form 2024 in online mode on February 14, 2024. Applicants can fill out the UPSC CSE application form 2024 at upsconline.nic.in. The UPSC Civil Services 2024 application process has two parts. For part 1 applicants need to complete One-time registration (OTR).
After the successful registration for part 2, candidates can log in and proceed to fill out the UPSC IAS application form 2024. If any candidate already completed the OTR, they can directly login using the credentials and process to fill out the UPSC Civil Services application form 2024.
The UPSC prelims application fee for the General category is Rs. 100/- while reserved category candidates are exempted from payment of a fee. UPSC Civil Services 2024 application correction and withdrawal window will be activated for a certain time period.
How to fill UPSC IAS application form 2024?
Step 1 – Visit the UPSC official website – upsconline.nic.in.
Step 2 – If OTR is completed, log in using the valid credentials. Otherwise, applicants have to complete the OTR.
Step 3 – After successful login, check in the dashboard and click on the application form link.
Step 4 – Follow the steps on the screen to fill out the UPSC IAS 2024 application form.
Step 5 – Upload the relevant documents, if needed.
Step 6 – Pay the UPSC IAS application fee.
Step 7 – Click Submit for the final submission of the UPSC CSE 2024 application form.
UPSC IAS 2024 Exam Pattern
The UPSC IAS 2024 examination pattern is outlined in the official notification provided by the Union Public Service Commission. The UPSC IAS recruitment process for 2024 consists of three stages: prelims, mains, and personality tests. Upon successfully clearing all these stages of the UPSC Civil Services examination, candidates are appointed to various All India and Central Services.
The IAS prelims examination is of an objective nature, while the mains examination is descriptive. It’s important to note that negative marking is applicable in the UPSC CSE prelims examination. Only those applicants who meet the IAS prelims exam’s cutoff marks will qualify to appear for the IAS 2024 mains examination. For further details regarding the UPSC CSE examination pattern for 2024, please refer to the tables below.
UPSC IAS prelims exam pattern 2024
| Particulars | Details |
| Number of papers | 2 |
| Language of paper | English |
| Hindi | |
| Duration of exam | 4 hours (2 hours each) |
| Number of questions | General Studies paper 1: 100 General Studies paper 2: 80 |
| Maximum marks | 400 (200 each) |
| Qualifying marks | 33% |
UPSC IAS mains exam pattern 2024
| Particulars | Details |
| Number of papers | 9 |
| Language of paper | English |
| Hindi | |
| Descriptive paper: Candidates can appear for language paper in 22 languages mentioned in schedule 8 of the Indian constitution | |
| Duration of exam | 3 hours each |
| Subjects | Compulsory Indian language English Essay General Studies I General Studies II General Studies III General Studies IV Optional I Optional II |
| Number of questions | Part A and B: 300 each General studies and optional paper: 250 each |
| Maximum marks | 1750 |
The UPSC Calendar 2024 was released on 10 May 2023. Here are some important dates that you need to know about before applying for UPSC 2024:
| UPSC CSE Notification 2024 | 14 February 2024 |
| UPSC CSE 2024 date of filling out the application | 14 February 2024 |
| Last date to fill out the application | 5 March 2024 |
| UPSC Prelims 2024 | 26 May 2024 |
| UPSC CSE Mains 2024 | 20 September 2024 |
| Interview Date | To be announced |
| Final Results for UPSC 2024 | To be announced |
Conclusion
In conclusion, UPSC 2024 presents an opportunity for aspiring civil servants to embark on a journey towards a prestigious career in the Indian Administrative Services and other allied services. Aspirants must diligently adhere to the eligibility criteria, stay updated on examination patterns, and prepare rigorously to excel in the multiple stages of the selection process. Success in UPSC 2024 demands not only academic excellence but also a deep understanding of current affairs and effective time management. It is a rigorous yet rewarding path, offering the chance to contribute significantly to the nation’s development and governance.
FAQs
What is UPSC 2024?
UPSC 2024 refers to the Union Public Service Commission’s examinations and recruitment processes scheduled for the year 2024. These exams include the Civil Services Examination (CSE), commonly known as the IAS exam, among others.
What are the eligibility criteria for UPSC 2024?
The eligibility criteria typically include factors such as nationality, age limit, educational qualifications, and the number of attempts allowed. Candidates must meet these requirements to be eligible to apply for UPSC 2024 exams.
When will the UPSC 2024 application forms be available?
The application forms for UPSC 2024 exams are usually released online by the Commission. The specific release date may vary, but candidates can check the UPSC official website for updates and notifications.
What is the UPSC 2024 exam pattern?
The UPSC 2024 exam pattern consists of multiple stages, including prelims, mains, and personality tests. The prelims exam is objective in nature, while the mains exam is descriptive. Each stage assesses different aspects of a candidate’s knowledge and skills.
How can I prepare effectively for UPSC 2024 exams?
Effective preparation for UPSC exams involves a structured study plan, access to relevant study materials, practice tests, and staying updated with current affairs. Many candidates also opt for coaching or self-study, depending on their preferences and resources.
What is the age limit for UPSC 2024 exams?
The age limit for UPSC exams can vary depending on the specific service and category of the candidate. Generally, candidates must be between 21 and 32 years old as of August 1, 2024, to appear for the UPSC Civil Services (IAS) exam. However, there are age relaxations for certain categories, such as SC/ST and OBC candidates.
How many attempts are allowed for UPSC 2024 exams?
The number of attempts allowed for UPSC exams depends on the candidate’s category. Generally, the limit is six attempts for the General category, with additional attempts for candidates in other categories, such as SC/ST and OBC. However, these rules may change, so it’s essential to check the latest notification for accurate information.
What are the key subjects to study for UPSC 2024 exams?
UPSC exams cover a wide range of subjects, including but not limited to General Studies, Indian Polity, History, Geography, Economics, and Current Affairs. Optional subjects are also a part of the mains exam, and candidates can choose one based on their interests and expertise. A comprehensive study plan covering these subjects is crucial for success in UPSC 2024.
