Every year, tens of thousands of people register for different government positions through various competitive exams. Depending on the curriculum, these tests are conducted by separate departments. Two other important bodies are the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and various State Public Service Commissions (State PSC). These state councils are appointed from the state cadre and are allocated to all the states in India.
Let’s take a quick look at the differences and exam strategies of these two competitive exams.
Difference Between UPSC and State PSC Exam
State PSC vs UPSC: Table
| UPSC | State PSC |
UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission |
State PSC stands for State Public Service Commission |
| In India, there are no other divisions of the Union Public Service Commission | Each Indian state has a State Public Service Commission |
| According to Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, the UPSC is a constitutional body | Article 315 of the Indian Constitution designates All-State PSCs as a constitutional body |
| The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is composed of a Chairman and many other members | A Chairman and other members make up a State Public Service Commission (SPSC) |
| The President appoints the officers of the UPSC | The Governor of the corresponding state appoints the members of the State Commission |
| The Chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission are named for a 6 year period or before they reach the age of 65 | The Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission are named for a 6 year period or until they hit the age of 62 |
| The UPSC submits an official report to the President that includes all of the Commission’s job information | The State Public Service Commission reports to the Governor on its results on a yearly basis |
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UPSC vs PSC: Difference between UPSC and State PSC Syllabus
The UPSC-held IAS Exam is widely considered India’s most challenging exam. The vast UPSC Syllabus, together with the huge number of candidates competing for 900-1000 openings, makes it a tough nut to crack. The three-stage exam process, which takes nearly a year, adds to the applicants’ workload.
The PSC Tests aren’t all that dissimilar. They are still very popular, and their framework and pattern are very similar to UPSC’s. Applicants from each region, on the other hand, are qualified for reservation advantages. Candidates should read the PSC hiring notice closely to ensure they have all of the relevant material.
UPSC vs PSC: How to Choose Between State PSC and UPSC?
Many state governments have been reluctant to ensure that the Public Service Commission performs checks on a regular basis in the form of the PSC. Indeed, it is not rare to read in the news that a PSC has been entangled in a fresh controversy as a result of delays, incompetence, nepotism, or cheating.
The time gap between the delivery of the PSC web application notice and the real exam date is often inconvenient. Delays hinder the lives of many talented young brains and most assessments have stringent age limits. Simultaneous preparation with other PSCs and UPSCs is extremely beneficial in this regard.
What is the Difference Between UPSC Civil and State PSC Exam Preparation Strategy?
As both these exams have the same curriculum and exam pattern, the preparation strategy is the same.
Here are some preparation strategies to follow to achieve a good rank in the UPSC or State PSC exam
Learn the Exam Basics
It is critical to understand the ins and outs of the test you will be taking! As a result, devote many weeks to learning about the test sequence, syllabus, and all the nitty-gritty of the tests. We have thoroughly discussed these topics on our Youtube page, where you can watch expert videos on these topics. You can also read the posts on our UPSC website, which will undoubtedly get you started. Another practice you can do before beginning full-fledged exam training is to go to past year papers and familiarise yourself with what will be questioned in the examination!
Also Read: Which Optional Subject is the Best for a Software Engineer? Guide to Choose Optional Wisely
Be Ready for the Prelims
This is the last stretch of training before Prelims! Prelims-focused training will begin around 2 months until the Prelims. Although the Prelims are scheduled for June 27th, you can begin Prelims-focused training around mid-March. To practise for the big event, try offering full-length mocks in the virtual environment. Because the COVID effect will always be there, use a face protector and a face mask even when taking mock tests to acclimate yourself to the new baseline of giving tests.
Implement a mock test-based learning approach in this final leg of training, as well as a thorough revision of material that is solely prelims-centric. Compile a list of recent events and all of the main topics, as well as the mock exams. Don’t forget about CSAT. While it is just a qualification test, a score of 66 or higher in that paper is required to sit for Prelims.
Practice Extra for Mains
The preliminary examination has ended! If you believe you have made the cut, take a week off to rest before beginning your journey to Mains. The UPSC Mains examination will be held from September 17th to September 21st, 2021. Begin by revising your optional subject and working on your weak points. Write insightful replies and get them reviewed by your mentors. It will allow you to evaluate your writing abilities. Start revising the records as well as traditional books at the same time. At this point, don’t read something new; instead, go through some notes you’ve already made.
Also Read: Can an Individual with Anxiety Disorders Apply for Civil Services? What is the Eligibility Criteria for UPSC?
Prepare for Interview
For interview training, read your DAF thoroughly and prepare all of the basic questions ahead of time. You should be absolutely positive about yourself, focus on your interpersonal skills, groom your appearance, and read the newspaper on a daily basis to make yourself informed all the time.
Time Required to Prepare for UPSC or PSC
As you can see, there is a lot to do when studying for the IAS test. Inevitably, it takes at least 10 to 12 months for people to thoroughly prepare for this difficult test. Nevertheless, there have been applicants who would have completed the task in six months.
Can you Give State PSC and UPSC in the Same Year?
Yes, you can. If the exam dates are far from each other, you can give both the exams. As the curriculum and the exam pattern is the same for both, it won’t be a hassle to study a different topic or subject.
Conclusion
As you have reached this far, we hope that this article satisfied your expectations regarding both the exams UPSC and State PSC. If you have a dream to become an officer, you must be determined and persistent towards the goal. Don’t forget to try out the exam preparation strategies given in this article. Let us know in the comment section below, if you notice any improvements in your preparation.
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Also Read: Should I Start UPSC Preparation if I am Over 25? What’s the Ideal Age for UPSC Preparation?
