The Union Public Service Commission also known as the UPSC is an autonomous central agency responsible for facilitating recruitment processes and examinations to select qualified candidates for the central civil services, All India Civil Services, Indian Armed Forces, Defence Services and Police Forces. In this article, we will list out the most exciting opportunities presented by the UPSC
1. UPSC Civil Services Examination
The Civil Services exam or the UPSC CSE is a nationwide selection process conducted annually to recruit talented individuals for the All India civil Services and various other central civil services. With an acceptance ratio of just over 0.1% (usually around 10 lakh applicants for a maximum of 1000 vacancies across posts), it is one of the most highly contested exams both in India and the world. The more than adequate starting pay package of over 55,000
per month, the social status, extravagant accommodation, luxurious vehicle, allowances and other perks that come with the job evidently show us why lakhs of aspirants apply for the UPSC CSE year on year. You can secure any one of the 24 coveted job profiles (inclusive of the 3 All India Civil Services) including that of the IAS officer (Indian Administrative Services), IPS officer (Indian Police Service), and IFS officer (Indian Foregin Service).
2. UPSC NDA & NA
The UPSC National Defence Academy and the Naval Academy Recruitment or the UPSC NDA
& NA is organized each year to onboard qualified personnel for all three wings of the Indian Armed Forces – the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force (IAF). If you are passionate about joining our defence forces, serving and protecting our nation then this is the ideal pathway. You could also consider the UPSC CDS (Combined Defence Services which is held twice a year for similar profiles in the armed forces.
Each year around 400 – 500 vacancies are up for grabs across all three branches of the Indian Defense Forces. Apart from the immense job satisfaction and handsome pension, the defence forces are also known for timely promotions and significant hikes & perks as you climb up the ladder. Not all jobs in the armed forces require you to fight for your nation in the frontline. There are technical and support roles that are also available in this recruitment process.
Even though this requirement process is also conducted by the UPSC, there is a world of difference between the UPSC NDA & NA and the UPSC CSE. While the UPSC CSE only tests your logical ability, general knowledge, communication and skills, the NDA recruitment also checks for fitness & the ability to work in a team or under stressful circumstances. If you don’t like sticking to a rigorous and demanding schedule then it is advisable to steer clear of this exam. The physical fitness aspect can make the selection process seem very gruelling and you will also have to clear a medical test for most roles. Please read through the eligibility criteria and selection process for the role you are targeting.
3. UPSC CAPF Recruitment
The UPSC conducts the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Recruitment each year to identify potential candidates for the BSF, CISF, CRPF, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB – a border patrol force in India), NSG, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) etc. Generally, 200 – 350 vacancies are available across posts and organizations. The pay scale varies from INR 56,000 per month to INR 1,77,500 based on the designation and the organization. Like the UPSC NDA process, the UPSC CAPF selection process also involves a physical ability test and an interview round apart from the online & written examinations.
4. UPSC IES
The Indian Engineering Services exam is also conducted by the UPSC annually to recruit quality engineers (mechanical, civil, electrical, electronics & telecommunication etc) / class 1 officers for the various departments, offices and organizations of the Government of India. As the name suggests, the minimum eligibility criteria is an engineering degree with a specialization in the field you desire to work in. There are only around 400-600 vacant seats available but over 9 lakh engineering students graduate across colleges/recognized institutes in India. This directly translates to ruthless and cut-throat competition. A junior engineer initially makes upto INR 40,000 depending on his/her area of specialization. The salary is almost twice as much as the average IT salary. With various global IT majors and corporate giants, laying off employees or freezing hiring, the UPSC IES is a much better choice for fresh graduates looking for gainful employment.
The UPSC offers exciting opportunities to people with varied skill-sets. Keep checking the official UPSC website for exam specific updates and feel free to explore the official UPSC calendar and the upcoming exams.
Good luck!
