Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's central recruiting agency. It is responsible for appointments to and examinations for All India services and group A & group B of Central services.

The agency's charter is granted by Part XIV of the Constitution of India, titled as Services Under the Union and the States. The commission is mandated by the Constitution for appointments to the services of the Union and All India Services. It is also required to be consulted by the Government in matters relating to the appointment, transfer, promotion and disciplinary matters. The commission reports directly to the President and can advice the Government through him. Although, such advice is not binding on the Government.

UPSC is amongst the few institutions which function with both autonomy and freedom, along with the country’s higher judiciary and lately the Election Commission. The commission is headquartered at Dholpur House, in New Delhi and functions though its own secretariat. Prof. David R. Syiemlieh is its current Chairman since 4 January 2017, and he will be retiring on 21 January 2018. He joined Union Public Service Commission as a Member on 25 June 2012. Established on 1 October 1926 as Public Service Commission, it was later reconstituted as Federal Public Service Commission by the Government of India Act, 1935; only to be renamed as today's Union Public Service Commission after the independence.

The Commission conducts examinations on biannual/annual/biennial basis throughout India for appointment to various Civil/Defence services/posts. The notifications for these examinations are published in the Gazette of India and Employment News/Rozgar Samachar. A shorter version of notification is also published in major Indian newspapers including regional language newspapers. Copies of the notifications are also sent to all Employment Exchanges and Universities, etc

UPSC conducts following examinations:

• Civil Services Examination (CSE)
• Engineering Services Examination (ESE)
• Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE)
• Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
• National Defence Academy Examination (NDA)
• Naval Academy Examination
• Special Class Railway Apprentice (SCRA)
• Indian Forest Service Examination
• Indian Economic Service Examination
• Indian Statistical Service Examination
• Combined Geo-scientist and Geologist Examination
• Central Armed Police Forces (Assistant Commandant) Examination (CAPF)
• Section Officers/Stenographers (Grade-B/Grade-I) Departmental Competitive Examination

The examinations conducted for Civil Services have a success rate of 0.1%–0.3%.
 
1.Myth: You need to be a topper or genius to crack the UPSC exam.
Fact: While intelligence certainly helps, the UPSC exam is not limited to toppers or geniuses. With the right preparation, hard work, and determination, anyone can succeed in the exam.

2.Myth: Only candidates from prestigious educational backgrounds can clear the UPSC exam.
Fact: The UPSC exam does not discriminate based on educational backgrounds. Candidates from diverse educational backgrounds have successfully cleared the exam. What matters is the knowledge and understanding of the syllabus, not the college or university you attended.

3.Myth: Coaching is essential to crack the UPSC exam.
Fact: Coaching can be helpful, but it is not a mandatory requirement for success. Many candidates have cleared the UPSC exam without any UPSC coaching. Self-study, proper guidance, and access to relevant study materials can also lead to success.

4.Myth: You must start preparing for the UPSC exam from an early age.
Fact: While starting early can provide an advantage, it is not a prerequisite for success in the UPSC exam. Many successful candidates have started their preparations later in life. What matters most is consistent and focused preparation.

5.Myth: UPSC exam requires extensive knowledge in all subjects.
Fact: The UPSC exam covers a wide range of subjects, but it does not expect candidates to have expertise in all of them. The exam tests the candidate's analytical and problem-solving abilities, along with their understanding of fundamental concepts. Prioritizing the core subjects and developing a conceptual understanding is more important than memorizing everything.

6.Myth: English language proficiency is a must to crack the UPSC exam.
Fact: The UPSC exam offers the option to take the preliminary exam in either English or Hindi. While English proficiency can be advantageous, it is not a prerequisite for success. As long as candidates have a good understanding of the chosen language, they can succeed in the exam.

7.Myth: You can only clear the UPSC exam in a limited number of attempts.
Fact: There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for the UPSC exam. Candidates can attempt the exam until they reach the maximum age limit specified by the UPSC. Multiple attempts provide an opportunity to learn from mistakes and improve chances of success.

8.Myth: The UPSC exam is purely theoretical.
Fact: The UPSC exam not only tests theoretical knowledge but also assesses the candidate's application of concepts in practical scenarios. The exam includes questions that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Practical knowledge and current affairs awareness are crucial for success.

9.Myth: It is impossible to balance the UPSC exam preparation with a job or other commitments.
Fact: Many successful candidates have managed to balance their UPSC preparation with jobs or other commitments. Effective time management, setting realistic goals, and maintaining discipline are key factors in achieving this balance. With proper planning and dedication, it is possible to prepare for the exam while managing other responsibilities.

10.Myth: Success in the UPSC exam guarantees a prestigious and powerful position.
Fact: Clearing the UPSC exam is a significant achievement, but the ultimate positions and responsibilities depend on various factors like rank, availability of vacancies, and the candidate's preference. Success in the exam opens doors to a wide range of government services, but specific postings and roles are determined through the allocation process.
   

1. Tina Dabi: Tina Dabi, the topper of the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2015, secured the first rank at the age of 22. She became an inspiration for many aspiring candidates, especially because of her determination and dedication. Tina's success story encourages candidates to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams, regardless of their age.


2. Anu Kumari: Anu Kumari secured the second rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017. Her story is inspiring as she overcame personal challenges and managed to excel in the exam. Anu was a mother and faced financial difficulties during her preparation, but her perseverance and hard work paid off, motivating others to overcome their own obstacles.


3. Roman Saini: Roman Saini, a doctor by profession, cracked the UPSC exam and secured the 18th rank in 2013. He left his promising career as an Assistant Collector to pursue his passion for education. Roman co-founded Unacademy, an online learning platform, to provide quality education to aspirants across the country. His journey showcases the power of following one's passion and making a positive impact on society.


4. Ira Singhal: Ira Singhal, the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2014 topper, achieved success despite facing physical challenges. She suffers from scoliosis, a spinal cord disorder. Ira's determination and never-give-up attitude helped her secure the top rank. Her story inspires candidates to overcome their limitations and strive for success.


5. Alankrita Pandey: Alankrita Pandey secured the 85th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017. Her story is inspiring because she cleared the exam in her fourth attempt, demonstrating resilience and perseverance. Alankrita's journey encourages candidates to keep trying and learning from failures, as success can come at any stage of the journey.


6. Saumya Sharma: Saumya Sharma, the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017 topper among women candidates, secured the ninth rank. Her story inspires aspiring women candidates to break stereotypes and pursue their dreams. Saumya's achievement showcases that with determination and hard work, women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields.


7. Gaurav Agarwal: Gaurav Agarwal, the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2013 topper, overcame financial constraints and personal setbacks to achieve success. His story motivates candidates to stay focused, remain positive, and persevere through challenging circumstances. Gaurav's journey serves as a reminder that hard work and resilience can lead to extraordinary achievements.

These inspiring stories of UPSC toppers highlight the diverse backgrounds, challenges, and achievements of individuals who have successfully cracked the exam. They serve as a source of motivation and encouragement for aspirants, showcasing that with dedication, hard work, and the right mindset, it is possible to achieve one's dreams.