UPSC - IES/ISS

Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service

• Nationality: Candidate must be a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India, or a person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
• Educational Qualification:
  • For Indian Economic Service (IES): A post-graduate degree in Economics or Applied Economics or Business Economics or Econometrics from a recognized university.
  • For Indian Statistical Service (ISS): A Bachelor's degree with Statistics or Mathematics as a subject for at least 2 papers or 300 marks, or a post-graduate degree in Statistics or Mathematics or Applied Statistics or Quantitative Economics or Econometrics or Mathematical Economics or Operations Research or Business Mathematics or Mathematical Statistics from a recognized university.
• Age Limit: Typically, candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age on August 1 of the exam year. Age relaxation is applicable to reserved categories as per government norms.

Exam Pattern for UPSC Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service

• Mode of Exam: Written examination followed by an Interview (Personality Test). The written exam is conducted offline (pen and paper).
• Number of Papers: The exam consists of three compulsory papers for Indian Economic Service and various papers for Indian Statistical Service depending on the streams.
• Marking Scheme: Each paper carries fixed marks, usually totaling 600 marks for written papers, with the interview carrying 200 marks.
• Subjects Covered:
  • IES: General English, General Economics, and a specialized Economics paper.
  • ISS: General English, General Studies, Statistics papers including Probability, Statistical Methods, Applied Statistics, and Mathematics.
• Exam Schedule:
  • Notification: Usually released in the month of March/April annually.
  • Written Exam: Typically held in June/July.
  • Interview: Held after the written examination and results announcement, usually between September and November.

Syllabus for UPSC Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service

Indian Economic Service (IES)

• General English: English Grammar, comprehension, precise writing, essay writing, and translation.
• General Economics: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Quantitative Techniques, Indian Economy, and Economic Development.
• Economics (Specialized Paper): Advanced Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Public Finance, International Economics, Economic Planning, etc.

Indian Statistical Service (ISS)

• General English and General Studies
• Statistics Papers:
  • Probability: Basic probability theory, discrete and continuous distributions.
  • Statistical Methods: Sampling theory, hypothesis testing, estimation.
  • Applied Statistics: Index numbers, time series, official statistics, demography.
  • Mathematics: Linear algebra, calculus, differential equations, real analysis.

Other Important Information

Application Process

1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Find the notification for Indian Economic Service/Indian Statistical Service Examination on the homepage or under 'Examinations'.
3. Register as a new user by providing basic details.
4. Fill the application form carefully with all required details.
5. Upload scanned documents and a recent photograph as per specifications.
6. Pay the application fee online via net banking/debit/credit card or offline through bank challan (if applicable).
7. Submit the application and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Courses Offered

• Indian Economic Service: Roles in economic advisory and policy making in various government departments.
• Indian Statistical Service: Roles in statistical research, analysis, and policy formulation in government and allied sectors.

Facts About the Exam

• Highly competitive exam with a limited number of vacancies.
• Recruitment to prestigious government posts in economic and statistical services.
• Requires strong analytical and subject-specific knowledge.

Admit Card

• Available for download from the UPSC website generally three weeks before the exam date.
• Download steps: Login to UPSC portal > Click on Admit Card Link > Enter Registration no. and DOB > Download and print.
• Carry a valid photo ID along with admit card to the exam center.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results announced on the official UPSC website under 'Examination Results'.
• Cut-off marks vary yearly based on exam difficulty and number of candidates.

Preparation Tips

• Understand the detailed syllabus thoroughly and refer to standard textbooks.
• Practice previous years' question papers and mock tests.
• Keep updated with current economic surveys, statistical data, and government reports.
• Utilize online platforms and coaching materials specifically for UPSC IES/ISS.
• Time management and consistent study schedule is key.

FAQs

• Q: Can a candidate apply for both IES and ISS exams?
  A: Yes, candidates meeting respective eligibility criteria can apply for both exams.
• Q: Is there any interview for this exam?
  A: Yes, an interview/personality test is conducted after the written examination.
• Q: Are there any negative markings in the written exam?
  A: Generally, UPSC does not penalize for wrong answers in IES/ISS written papers.
• Q: How many attempts are allowed?
  A: There is no fixed limit on attempts, but age limits apply.