UPSC CSE 2024 registration has begun for the Civil Services Prelims exam 2024, with a decrease in the number of vacancies. Along with the notification, new photo rules has also been announced by the commission which are stressing out aspirants. Many of the aspirants have submitted wrong photos leading to sleepless nights.
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Why vacancies have dropped for UPSC CSE 2024 recruitment?
This year, UPSC has announced 1,056 vacancies for the prestigious civil services exams. While this is fewer than last year’s 1,105 vacancies, it’s important to note that in 2021, the commission announced just 712 vacancies. However, it still pales in comparison to the staggering 1,364 vacancies in 2014. This happens due to various budgetary reasons and vacancies due to retirements.
It’s worth noting that each year, UPSC receives approximately 10 lakh applications for this coveted exam at the Prelims stage. However, only about 15,000 candidates qualify to reach the Mains stage. Additionally, only about 2,000 candidates are invited for the personality test.
The recent notification for UPSC CSE 2024 recruitment provides details on examination timings, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and syllabus.
| Age limit | 21 years – 32 years as of August 1, 2024. * |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate degree |
| Number of attempts | six (6)* *9 for OBC/EWS/PwBD Canditates; unlimited for SC/ST (pls see the notification) |
| LAST DATE | 05.03.2024 till 6:00 P.M |
| How to contact UPSC | You contact UPSC’s Facilitation Counter near gate ‘C’ of its campus in person or over Telephone No. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 on working days between 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs |
| Exam notification | click here |
| Join WhatsApp Group | Get free govt job alerts |
*This means the candidate must have been born not earlier than August 2, 1992, and not later than August 1, 2003. Additionally, there are relaxations of 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates. For further relaxation for ex-servicemen, etc., please refer to the official notification.
New photo rules confusing applicants
This year many applicants in a hurry have submitted wrong photographs with wrong details. UPSC CSE 2024 recruitment has four rules for photos especially the new rules to have your name & date of the photograph taken to be displayed clearly. Here’s a sample photo as per the new rules:
- Read the detailed post here: New UPSC photo requirements, sample, easy tool
UPSC come up with these rules to tackle the menace of AI and deepfake. And of course, stop any misuse of rules by applicants. Coming back to the UPSC CSE 2024 recruitment topic here are the things you must pay attention to before you submit your application
Things needed for a successful UPSC CSE 2024 recruitment registration
Many students make mistakes with their application form itself and later it becomes a huge headache during the verification process. So pay attention to these details and submit without mistakes:
Double-check your details in the OTR Platform (One time registration)
This platform requires you to submit various details from your birth to caste certificate. Ensure you have double-checked every single alphabet and letter before submitting. I’d advice you to have someone else check the details for you finally click submit. Remember, you can change this ONCE in your lifetime.
Photo ID Card needed for registration
Some of the accepted photo ID cards are : Aadhaar Card/Voter Card/PAN Card/Passport/Driving Licence/Any other Photo ID Card issued by the State/Central Government.
Remember, this ID card will be checked, so ensure to carry this while appearing for any Exam and Personality Test
An active email ID
Commission send important updates through emails – so ensure you use only an active email ID otherwise you may miss any personal communication. And don’t search for communication on its website at the last moment.
Exam pattern for UPSC CSE 2024 recruitment
The first step is to clear the Prelims. Remember UPSC receives 10 lakh applications and in this stage only about 15,000 candidates are kept. Here’s the pattern for this year:
| Pre exams | 2 compulsory papers of 200 marks Both for 2 hours each Min qualifying for paper-II GS is 33% |
Pattern for the Mains exams
| Paper A | Any Indian Language in 8th schedule* minimum 25% marks | 300 marks |
| Paper B | English | 300 marks |
| Papers to be counted for merit | ||
| Paper-I | Essay | 250 Marks |
| Paper-II | General Studies-I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) | 250 Marks |
| Paper-III | General Studies-II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) | 250 Marks |
| Paper-IV | General Studies-III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) | 250 Marks |
| Paper-V | General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) | 250 Marks |
| Paper-VI | Optional Subject – Paper 1 | 250 Marks |
| Paper-VII | Optional Subject – Paper 2 | 250 Marks |
| Total (Written test) | 1750 Marks | |
| Personality Test | 275 Marks | |
| Grand Total | 2025 Marks |
*The paper A on Indian Language will not, however, be compulsory for candidates hailing from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim.
FAQs for the UPSC CSE 2024 recruitment
Can you modify OTR (One time registeration) platform details?
Yes, but it’s allowed only once in a lifetime. As per the notification, “The change in OTR profile data shall be available till expiry of 7 days from the next day after the closure of application window of his/her first final application for any Examination of the Commission.
In the case, the candidate after registration of OTR applies for the first time in this examination last date of modification of OTR would be 12.03.2024.”
Can I change my application form (Other than OTR Profile)?
This window will remain open for 7 days from the date of opening of the same, i.e., from 06.03.2024 to 12.03.2024.
I’m in my final year of graduation. Can I apply for UPSC CSE 2024?
Yes, if you expect to have your degree by the time of the prelims (May 26th, 2024). Ensure you meet all other eligibility criteria stated above.
Where can I find the official syllabus for the exam?
Here is the entire syllabus – starting from the page 29, section III. Go through and familiarize yourself with it
Which optional subject should I choose?
Choose one you’re genuinely interested in and where you have existing knowledge or can build it effectively. Research past toppers’ strategies to overcome challenges and improve study habits.
Is coaching necessary to clear the exam?
There’re examples of people who were able to clear it without coaching – so it isn’t mandatory. But in my opinion coaching and self-study can push you to perform your best.
How can I improve my answer writing skills for Mains?
Writing – fast writing is critical to score high in the exam. You can practice previous-year questions based on the syllabus, analyze toppers’ answers, and seek feedback from mentors or fellow aspirants.
What are the key aspects of the interview stage?
The board is looking for ‘well-educated youth’. Here’s what they are looking for : “The Interview/Personality Test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms this is really an assessment of not only intellectual qualities but also social traits and interest in current affairs.”
How to improve your social traits? As an officer you’re expected to stay calm with your juniors, other officers, citizens, and those higher-ups — imagine MS Dhoni.
Go out, interact with people and students, help them, understand what they’re trying to achieve in their lives.
This is the best way to understand humans and improve your social traits. Remember, it’s NOT about impressing other people about you — it’s about creating rapport with other people – becoming a friend with equal stature.
How to improve your observation & assimilation powers? Whatever you read or see – think about – what, why, where, how, when, who… the more questions you ask, the deeper you observe and assimilate knowledge.
When you read a current affairs topic – prepare your opinion – a balanced one around the topic and write about it. You can write on this website also. This forces your brain to come up with originality and boosts your mental powers.
How can I overcome stress and anxiety during the preparation and exam?
Yoga is one proven way. I wouldn’t advice you to start any gym routine (esp if you aren’t accustomed to it) as this will add to your stress. But you can stay perfectly healthy with yoga routine.
Read good books from great personalities – esp the ones who overcome great difficulties to constantly inspire yourself. And lastly, take strategic breaks to renew yourself – which basically means sleep.
What are some common mistakes aspirants make during preparation?
There’re many but mostly it’s about procrastination, neglecting mocks and answer writing practice, ignoring current affairs, and choosing an optional subject solely based on trends.
