UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2024: Dates, Full Schedule, and Key Details
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the schedule for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Main Exam 2024. The UPSC CSE Main Exam will be held from September 20 to September 29, 2024. The examination will be conducted in two sessions each day: the morning session from 9 AM to 12 PM and the afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Candidates who have cleared the UPSC CSE Prelims 2024 are eligible to appear for the Main Exam. The results of the UPSC CSE Prelims 2024, held on June 16, were announced on July 1, 2024.
UPSC CSE Main Exam 2024 Full Schedule
Here is the detailed schedule for the UPSC CSE Main Exam 2024:
| Date | Morning Session (9 AM to 12 PM) | Afternoon Session (2:30 PM to 5:30 PM) |
|---|---|---|
| September 20 | Paper-I: Essay | No Paper |
| September 21 | Paper-II: General Studies-I | Paper-III: General Studies-II |
| September 22 | Paper-IV: General Studies-III | Paper-V: General Studies-IV |
| September 28 | Paper-A: Indian Language | Paper-B: English |
| September 29 | Paper-VI: Optional Subject-Paper 1 | Paper-VII: Optional Subject-Paper 2 |
Indian Language (Paper-A) Options:
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali (Devanagari/Olchiki script), Sindhi (Devanagari/Arabic script), Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.
Optional Subjects (Paper-VI and Paper-VII) Options:
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce and Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science and International Relations, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology, Literature of any one of the following languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.
Key Points:
- Total Vacancies: UPSC aims to fill 1,056 vacancies, including 40 seats reserved for benchmark disabilities (PwBD) candidates.
- Main Exam Format: The Main Exam consists of nine papers, out of which seven are counted for the final merit ranking. The remaining two papers (Paper-A and Paper-B) are qualifying in nature.
Preparation Tips for UPSC CSE Main Exam 2024
1. Understand the Syllabus:
Thoroughly go through the detailed syllabus for each paper. Knowing the syllabus helps in prioritizing topics and managing time effectively.
2. Develop a Study Plan:
Create a realistic and comprehensive study plan that covers all subjects. Allocate more time to weaker areas and ensure regular revisions.
3. Practice Answer Writing:
Answer writing practice is crucial for the Main Exam. Practice writing answers within the word limit and time frame. Join a test series to simulate exam conditions.
4. Read Newspapers and Magazines:
Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, magazines, and reliable online sources. Focus on issues of national and international importance.
5. Refer to Standard Books:
Use standard reference books for each subject. Some recommended books are “Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth,” “History of Modern India by Bipan Chandra,” and “Geography by Majid Husain.”
6. Review Previous Years’ Papers:
Analyze previous years’ question papers to understand the exam pattern and frequently asked questions. This helps in identifying important topics and trends.
7. Join Study Groups:
Participate in study groups or online forums to discuss topics, share resources, and clarify doubts. Collaborative learning can provide new insights and keep you motivated.
8. Take Care of Health:
Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and ensure adequate sleep. A healthy body and mind are essential for effective preparation.
Conclusion
The UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2024 is a crucial step for aspirants aiming for a prestigious career in the Indian civil services. With a structured preparation plan, dedication, and consistent effort, you can excel in the exam and achieve your dream. Stay focused, stay motivated, and all the best for your preparation!
For more updates and preparation tips, visit theexams.in.