UPSC Master Information

Complete Guide to UPSC CSE

Everything you need to know about the Civil Services Examination—history, eligibility parameters, stages, GS syllabus breakdowns, and administrative post structures.

Genesis & Development

The Journey of the Commission

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's premier central recruiting agency, established under Article 315 of the Constitution. Discover its roots.

Constitutional Status

The Union Public Service Commission was granted constitutional status on 26th January 1950. It serves as an independent body to ensure that recruitment to All India Services and Group A & B Central Services is fair, merit-based, and completely free from political interference.

Key Historic Milestones

1923

Lee Commission

Under the chairmanship of Lord Lee of Fareham, the Royal Commission on Superior Civil Services was set up in British India to address the representation of Indians in higher administration.

1926

Ross Barker Board

The first Public Service Commission was set up in October 1926 under Sir Ross Barker. It possessed purely advisory roles and faced substantial pressure during the freedom struggle.

1935

Federal PSC

The Government of India Act 1935 transformed the board into the Federal Public Service Commission, expanding recruitment capabilities and establishing provincial-level services.

UPSC FAQ Box

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common queries regarding calculators, question papers, and historical commissions.

No, candidates are not allowed to use calculators in the UPSC CSE Prelims or standard Mains GS papers. However, calculators are permitted in specific optional papers containing intensive numerical formulations (e.g., Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or Management options).
CSAT Paper II is strictly qualifying in nature. Candidates are required to score a minimum of 33% (equivalent to 66 Marks out of the 200 maximum score). If a candidate fails to score 66 marks in CSAT, their Paper I (General Studies) will not be evaluated, regardless of their performance.
The Royal Commission on Superior Civil Services in India (also known as the Lee Commission) was established in 1923 under the chairmanship of Lord Lee of Fareham. The commission recommended establishing a Public Service Commission, which led to the creation of India's first PSC in 1926.
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