UPPSC PCS 2026: eligibility, syllabus, cut-offs, salary and how to apply
UPPSC Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services Examination (PCS), conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC). Posts: SDM, Deputy SP and other Uttar Pradesh State services.
| Vacancies | How often | Application fee |
|---|---|---|
| 920 (PCS 2025) | Once a year. | As set in the notification, lower for SC, ST and persons with disabilities. |
UPPSC PCS eligibility: who can apply
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Education | A degree from a recognised university (some posts need specific degrees). |
| Age | 21 to 40 years, with relaxations for Uttar Pradesh reserved categories as notified. |
UPPSC PCS selection process
- Preliminary exam
- Main exam
- Interview
UPPSC PCS exam pattern and marks
Preliminary exam
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies Paper I (counts for qualifying) | 150 | 200 | 2 hours |
| General Studies Paper II, CSAT (qualifying: 33% needed) | 100 | 200 | 2 hours |
One-third of the marks for a question is deducted for each wrong answer.
The main exam has General Hindi, Essay and General Studies papers including Uttar Pradesh-specific papers, as set in the notification, followed by an interview.
UPPSC PCS syllabus
- Similar to the UPSC preliminary syllabus, with added focus on Uttar Pradesh's history, geography, economy and governance in the main exam.
How to prepare for UPPSC PCS
- Build on NCERT and standard books, plus Uttar Pradesh-specific material.
- Practise previous UPPSC papers.
- Follow Uttar Pradesh government schemes and budget news.
UPPSC PCS previous cut-offs
UPPSC publishes category-wise cut-offs with its results. Official cut-off notices
Salary and posts after UPPSC PCS
Uttar Pradesh State civil services: administrative, police, finance, commercial tax and other posts.
| Post | Pay level and starting basic pay | What the work is |
|---|---|---|
| Sub-Divisional Magistrate / Deputy Collector | Level 10, Rs 56,100 | Revenue courts, land records, law and order and development work of a sub-division (tehsil). |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police | Level 10, Rs 56,100 | Leads police in a circle. |
| Other posts (Block Development Officer, Assistant Commissioner Commercial Tax and others) | As set in the notification | Block development, tax administration and other department work. |
Example: a candidate selected as Deputy Collector trains at the Uttar Pradesh Academy of Administration and Management, Lucknow, and is posted as SDM of a tehsil.
Figures are starting basic pay in the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix. Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance (or government housing), Transport Allowance and other allowances are paid on top, so the monthly pay is well above the basic pay and differs by city. The 8th Central Pay Commission, set up in November 2025, will revise the matrix once its report is accepted.
UPPSC PCS job profile and duties
- Revenue courts and land records
- Law and order and magistrate duties
- Carrying out schemes and elections
UPPSC PCS promotions and promotion cycle
| Stage | Pay | When |
|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector → Additional District Magistrate | Higher levels | By seniority and vacancies |
| IAS by promotion | Level 10 onward | By selection, after at least 8 years of State service |
State civil service officers can be appointed to the IAS by promotion, by selection, after at least 8 years of service as Deputy Collector or an equivalent post (IAS (Appointment by Promotion) Regulations, 1955); State police service officers can enter the IPS the same way. Sources: UPPSC PCS pay, as reported by Physics Wallah · 7th CPC pay matrix (Ministry of Finance resolution of 25 July 2016), as reproduced by Gconnect
How to apply for UPPSC PCS, step by step
- Complete One Time Registration on uppsc.up.nic.in.
- Fill the PCS application, upload photo and signature and pay the fee.
- Submit and keep the printout.
- Download the admit card from the UPPSC website.
Sources: Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission. Rules, vacancies and dates change with each notification: read the official notification before applying.
UPPSC PCS: common questions
How many vacancies are there in UPPSC PCS?
920 in PCS 2025. Raised from 200 before the preliminary result.
What is the age limit for UPPSC PCS?
21 to 40 years, with relaxations for Uttar Pradesh reserved categories as notified.
What qualification is needed for UPPSC PCS?
A degree from a recognised university (some posts need specific degrees).
What is the selection process of UPPSC PCS?
Preliminary exam; Main exam; Interview.
What is the salary after UPPSC PCS?
Sub-Divisional Magistrate / Deputy Collector: Level 10, Rs 56,100; Deputy Superintendent of Police: Level 10, Rs 56,100; Other posts (Block Development Officer, Assistant Commissioner Commercial Tax and others): As set in the notification. Figures are starting basic pay in the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix.
What was the last cut-off of UPPSC PCS?
UPPSC publishes category-wise cut-offs with its results.
What is the application fee for UPPSC PCS?
As set in the notification, lower for SC, ST and persons with disabilities.
How do I apply for UPPSC PCS?
Complete One Time Registration on uppsc.up.nic.in. Fill the PCS application, upload photo and signature and pay the fee. Submit and keep the printout. Apply only on the official website: https://uppsc.up.nic.in/