UPPSC Preparation 2024: Paper wise study tips for prelims, mains

UPPSC Preparation 2024: The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission or UPPSC holds competitive exams to recruit applicants for various positions within the state government of Uttar Pradesh. Each year, the examination is conducted in three stages (Prelims, Mains, Interview), and selected students get the opportunity to work in public jobs offered by UPPSC. 

To perform well in the exam, candidates must check the official UPPSC syllabus for prelims and mains available on the official website - uppsc.up.nic.in. As a result of the strong competition and strict negative marking, applicants may fear not getting the desired exam result. However, in this article, we will provide efficient and effective preparation tips to crack UPPSC. This will help candidates lead a productive preparation journey and assist in achieving their goals.

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UPPSC application form to be released on February 20, 2025

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UPPSC PCS 2025 Prelims to be held on October 12, 2025

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UPPSC PCS Mains 2024 exam to be conducted on June 29, 2025

Last Updated 20th February 2025

UPPSC Exam 2024

For a number of positions, including Deputy Superintendent of Police, District Commandant Home Guards, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Block Development Office, Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax), Treasury Officer/Accounts Officer (Treasury),  Assistant Sugar Commissioner, and Cane Inspector among others, the UPPSC Exam 2024 administers the combined state/upper subordinate services exam. The preparation should be done keeping the selected job post in mind. Moreover, the following tips should be taken into consideration while preparing for the exam.

UPPSC Preparation Tips 2024

The UPPSC examination is conducted in three stages: prelims, mains, and interview. Candidates appearing for UPPSC examination can check the syllabus & pattern for prelims and mains while preparing for the exam. Check paper-wise preparation tips for UPPSC PCS exam below: 

UPPSC Prelims Preparation Tips 

UPPSC Prelims exam consists of two general studies papers. While paper 1 is related to general knowledge about social science, history, politics, economics and geography, paper 2 conists of questions related to logical reasoning and problem solving. To prepare well for UP PCS prelims, follow the tips given below: 

• Read newspapers every day to stay updated with the latest events around the world.
• Solve previous years' question papers for UPPSC PCS preliminary exam. 
• For logical reasoning, candidates are advised to take help from reference books and mock test papers. 
• Mathematical and reasoning questions are prepared best by solving as many papers as possible. 

UPPSC Mains Preparation Tips

The UPPSC Mains exam consists of eight papers in total. This includes six general studies papers, one general Hindi and one essay paper. Check recommended paper tips for each UP PCS mains exam provided below: 

• For general Hindi paper, candidates are advised to brush up their Hindi grammar knowledge. The paper also includes questions from topics like synonyms, antonyms, idioms and sayings, and writing skills. 
• To prepare well for the Essay paper, candidates are advised to practice writing essays on diverse topics including social science, literature, science, politics, environment, international relations, prominent historical topics around the world, social issues, natural disasters, etc.
• The remaining 6 general studies papers will include questions from various subjects including general knowledge, world politics, history, science, economics, business politics, finance, international relations, etc. 

UPPSC PCS Preparation 2024: General tips

Following are some expert-recommended preparation tips that can help bring fruitful results

• Create a study plan based on the UPPSC exam format and curriculum. Provide precise time for each topic on the syllabus after breaking it up into smaller parts. Make sure to finish the complete syllabus in the allotted time as missing out on topics may bring down the result.
• Know the exam structure and UPPSC syllabus: Understanding the UPPSC exam pattern and curriculum is crucial to get the desired score in the exam.  An interview, a mains exam, and a preliminary exam make up the UPPSC exam format. The syllabus covers a wide range of subjects, including general Hindi, English, History, Geography, Indian Politics, Economy, and Environment amongst others. Knowing this will enable applicants to perform to their full potential on the day of the exam.
• Solve mock exams and practice tests to evaluate preparedness and applicants are encouraged to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Candidates must manage their time more effectively throughout the exam preparation journey and become acquainted with the exam format by taking these practice exams.
• Select the appropriate and suitable study resources: For each subject and section of the exam, pick the right NCERT books, reference books, and study guides that are relevant. It's crucial to pick study materials that thoroughly cover the course subject and clearly explain the concepts. A lot of book citations should be avoided because they can cause confusion. Hence proper research has to be conducted before purchasing UPPSC books.
• Keep up with current affairs and events: Regularly reading newspapers, journals, and online sources will keep applicants informed about current events. Staying up to date will ensure that applicants perform well in the General Studies section of the exam, which may contain current affairs questions. Staying updated will also help with other subjects such as history, economy, geography, etc.
• Applicants must manage their time efficiently by finishing the practice question paper in the allocated time. Applicants will be able to better manage their time during the exam if they have the right time management skills.
• Solve the previous year’s papers and make notes. Making notes as applicants study each topic will aid applicants in quickly reviewing important points for the exam. The key ideas and concepts of the subjects that students are studying should be covered in the notes, which can take the form of flowcharts, diagrams, or bullet points. Also, previous years' papers will provide candidates with a better understanding of the questions to expect as well as other pertinent information.
• Concentrate on improving the areas where candidates are weak by answering more practice questions and carefully going over the concepts. Try to improve your speed and accuracy when answering questions. Keep motivated by setting realistic goals, rewarding yourself for accomplishments, and maintaining a positive outlook throughout the preparation.

UPPSC Prelims Pattern

The UPPSC prelims consists of two papers: General Studies I and General Studies II. Check exam pattern for UPPSC PCS prelims below: 

UPPSC Mains Pattern

UPPSC Books 2024

People would greatly benefit from conducting their preparation using a good selection of books and study resources, as described in the article. The study materials are a crucial part of the process that can help students prepare efficiently and effectively.

List of Books: UPPSC Books