Comprehensive guide for UPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, and State PSC exams. Learn syllabus, exam patterns, preparation strategy, study plans, books, resources, and expert tips to succeed in Prelims, Mains, and Interviews.Β
Civil services are the backbone of governance in India. Exams like UPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, and other State PSCs open the door to prestigious posts in administration, police, finance, and revenue sectors.
Aspirants who succeed in these exams contribute to policy-making, social development, and state or national administration.
These exams test knowledge, analytical skills, decision-making ability, and personality traits. This article is designed to provide a comprehensive roadmap for aspirants preparing for these exams.
Conducted by: Union Public Service Commission
Recruits for: IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS, and other Group A services
Considered the toughest and most prestigious exam in India
Preliminary Exam (Objective):
Paper I: General Studies (History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Current Affairs)
Paper II: CSAT (Qualifying)
Mains Exam (Descriptive):
Essay, General Studies (IβIV), Optional Subject (2 Papers), Language Papers
Interview / Personality Test:
Assess analytical ability, communication skills, awareness, and personality traits
History: Ancient, Medieval, Modern India, Freedom Struggle
Geography: Indian & World Geography, Environment & Ecology
Polity: Constitution, Governance, Rights, Political System
Economy: Indian Economy, Budget, Economic Survey, Current Issues
Current Affairs: National and International
Ethics & Integrity: Values, Aptitude, Emotional Intelligence
Prelims β Focus on NCERTs, Current Affairs, and Test Series
Mains β Regular answer writing, essay practice, optional mastery
Interview β Mock interviews, confidence building, personality development
NCERT Books (Class 6β12)
Indian Polity by Laxmikant
Spectrum Modern India
Ramesh Singh (Economy)
Shankar IAS (Environment)
Newspapers: The Hindu, Indian Express
Magazines: Yojana, Kurukshetra
Conducted by: Bihar Public Service Commission
Posts: Bihar Administrative Service, Police Service, Finance Service, etc.
Prelims β General Studies (150 marks)
Mains β 4 Papers: General Hindi, GS Paper I, GS Paper II, Optional Subject
Interview β 120 marks
History: Indian History + Bihar History & Freedom Struggle
Geography: Bihar geography, natural resources, climate
Polity: Constitution, governance, Bihar State administration
Economy: Bihar economy, development, government schemes
Current Affairs: National + Bihar-specific
Emphasize Bihar-specific content
Read Bihar Economic Survey and State Budget
Daily answer writing practice with data and examples
Lucent GK
NCERT History & Geography
Bihar Samagra (Arihant)
Laxmikant (Polity)
Bihar Economic Survey & Budget
Conducted by: Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission
Posts: SDM, DSP, Tehsildar, Revenue Officers
Prelims β 2 Papers: General Studies + Aptitude Test
Mains β 6 Papers: GS IβIV, Essay, Language
Interview β 175 marks
Prelims: Indian + Madhya Pradesh-specific History, Geography, Polity, Economy
Mains:
Paper I β History & Culture
Paper II β Polity, Constitution, Public Administration
Paper III β Economy, Environment, Technology
Paper IV β Ethics, Philosophy
Prioritize MP-specific GK
Read MP Yearbook & relevant state-specific materials
Practice past papers and answer writing
MP GK by Lucent / Arihant
MPPSC Yearbook
NCERTs for basics
Spectrum Modern History
Laxmikant Polity
State PSC exams recruit for state administrative services, police, revenue, forest, and education departments
Slightly easier than UPSC but highly competitive
Prelims β GS + State-specific GK
Mains β Descriptive papers + optional (varies by state)
Interview β Personality & awareness assessment
UPPCS (Uttar Pradesh) β Large syllabus, high competition
RPSC (Rajasthan) β Focus on Rajasthan history & culture
MPSC (Maharashtra) β Marathi language important
KPSC (Karnataka) β Kannada language may be required
Cover national GK + current affairs
Read state GK & cultural topics
Study state budgets & economic surveys
Attempt mock tests & answer writing exercises
Competition:
UPSC β National level, toughest
State PSC β State level, slightly easier
Syllabus:
UPSC β Very vast, all-India focus
State PSC β State-specific + moderate
Posts:
UPSC β IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS
State PSC β SDM, DSP, Tehsildar, State Services
Language:
UPSC β English/Hindi
State PSC β State language sometimes compulsory
Number of Attempts:
UPSC β 6 (General)
State PSC β Varies by state
Daily Schedule Example:
6β7 AM β Newspaper + Current Affairs
7β9 AM β GS Subjects (History / Polity / Geography)
10β12 AM β Optional Subject
2β4 PM β Answer Writing / Revision
5β6 PM β State-specific GK
8β9 PM β Essay / Ethics / Mock Test
Weekly Schedule:
5 days β GS + Optional Subject
1 day β State-specific GK
1 day β Mock Test & Revision
NCERTs: Class 6β12 for History, Geography, Science, Polity
Polity: Laxmikant
Economy: Ramesh Singh
History: Spectrum, Bipin Chandra
Environment: Shankar IAS
Geography: GC Leong + NCERT
Current Affairs: The Hindu, PIB, Yojana, Kurukshetra
State-specific Books: MP Yearbook, Bihar Samagra, Rajasthan GK, Maharashtra GK
Ignoring state-specific GK
Not practicing answer writing
Over-reliance on coaching
Not revising multiple times
Starting preparation too late
Q1: Is UPSC harder than State PSC?
A1: Yes, due to vast syllabus and national-level competition.
Q2: Can one prepare for UPSC and State PSC simultaneously?
A2: Yes, most syllabus overlaps, just add state-specific GK.
Q3: Is coaching mandatory?
A3: No, self-study + online resources is enough for many toppers.
Q4: Best optional subjects?
A4: Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, History β choose what you are comfortable with.
Q5: How long should preparation last?
A5: At least 1 year for serious preparation.
Civil services exams require discipline, dedication, and smart strategy. Whether it is UPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, or any State PSC, following a structured plan, consistent study, and practice of answer writing and mock tests is key to success.
With the right guidance and hard work, aspirants can achieve their dream of serving the nation at both central and state levels.
