What is State PSC?
State Public Service Commissions conduct recruitment examinations for various state government services. Major State Civil Services examinations are commonly known as State PCS or State Civil Services examinations. The exact exam pattern, subjects, optional papers, language papers, eligibility and state-specific syllabus vary from one State PSC to another.
Major State PSC Examinations
UPPSC PCS
Uttar Pradesh Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services examination for various state services.
BPSC
Bihar Combined Competitive Examination for various Bihar state services.
MPPSC
Madhya Pradesh State Service Examination for notified state services.
RPSC RAS
Rajasthan State and Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Examination.
MPSC Rajyaseva
Maharashtra Civil Services Gazetted Group A and Group B examination and related state service recruitment.
HPSC HCS
Haryana Civil Services and allied services examination.
UKPSC PCS
Uttarakhand Combined State Civil / Upper Subordinate Services recruitment.
JPSC Civil Services
Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Examination.
OPSC / WBPSC / GPSC / CGPSC
Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and other State PSCs conduct their respective state service examinations.
State PSC Exam Structure
| Stage | Purpose | Common Components |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary Examination | Screening / shortlisting for Mains | General Studies, General Aptitude/CSAT or state-specific papers, depending on the PSC |
| Main Examination | Detailed assessment and merit | Essay, General Studies, language papers, optional/state-specific papers depending on the commission |
| Interview / Personality Test | Assessment of personality, suitability and knowledge | State, current affairs, educational background and service-related awareness |
Do not assume that every State PSC follows the UPSC pattern. For example, Rajasthan's official 2026 syllabus separately publishes Prelims and Mains schemes, while Maharashtra PSC publishes its own examination schemes and syllabus.
Exam-wise Subjects — Prelims
| Exam | Prelims Subjects / Areas |
|---|---|
| UPPSC PCS | General Studies-I; General Studies-II / CSAT-type aptitude areas as prescribed in the current scheme |
| BPSC | General Studies with History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs and Bihar-specific topics as prescribed |
| MPPSC | General Studies; General Aptitude Test |
| RPSC RAS | General Knowledge and General Science with Rajasthan-specific History, Culture, Geography, Polity, Economy and Current Affairs as prescribed |
| MPSC Rajyaseva | General Studies and aptitude/CSAT-type areas as prescribed by the current Maharashtra scheme |
| HPSC HCS | General Studies, Haryana-specific topics and aptitude/CSAT-type areas according to the current scheme |
| UKPSC PCS | General Studies, General Aptitude and Uttarakhand-specific topics as prescribed |
| JPSC Civil Services | General Studies and Jharkhand-specific history, geography, culture, polity, economy and current affairs as prescribed |
| OPSC / WBPSC / GPSC / CGPSC | General Studies plus state-specific subjects and aptitude/language components according to the respective commission |
Exam-wise Subjects — Mains
| Exam | Main Examination Areas |
|---|---|
| UPPSC PCS | General Hindi; Essay; General Studies papers; additional papers according to the current UPPSC scheme |
| BPSC | General Hindi; General Studies papers; Essay; optional subject and other papers according to the current BPSC scheme |
| MPPSC | General Studies papers, Hindi and Hindi Essay, and other papers as prescribed by the current MPPSC scheme |
| RPSC RAS | General Studies and General Hindi/English and other papers according to the current RPSC Mains scheme |
| MPSC Rajyaseva | Marathi/English language components and General Studies papers according to the current Maharashtra Civil Services scheme |
| HPSC HCS | Language/English components, General Studies, Haryana-specific content and other papers according to the current scheme |
| UKPSC PCS | Language, Essay, General Studies and Uttarakhand-specific content according to the current scheme |
| JPSC Civil Services | Language papers, General Studies, Jharkhand-specific topics and other papers according to the current scheme |
| Other State PSCs | Follow the respective commission's latest Mains scheme because papers and optional subjects differ by state. |
Mains structures are particularly important to verify from the latest notification. State commissions revise schemes and syllabi from time to time. Official commission websites should be treated as the final source. citeturn0search0turn0search4turn0search6
State-Specific Subjects
| State | Important State-Specific Areas |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | UP History, Culture, Geography, Economy, Polity, Government Schemes, Current Affairs and state-specific issues |
| Bihar | Bihar History, Geography, Economy, Culture, Polity, Schemes and Current Affairs |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP History, Geography, Culture, Tribes, Economy, Administration, Schemes and Current Affairs |
| Rajasthan | Rajasthan History, Art & Culture, Geography, Economy, Polity, Administration and Current Affairs |
| Maharashtra | Maharashtra History, Geography, Economy, Society, Administration, Culture and Current Affairs |
| Haryana | Haryana History, Geography, Economy, Culture, Polity, Schemes and Current Affairs |
| Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand History, Geography, Culture, Environment, Economy and Current Affairs |
| Jharkhand | Jharkhand History, Geography, Tribes, Culture, Economy, Environment, Polity and Current Affairs |
| Other States | Study the history, geography, culture, economy, polity, schemes, environment and current affairs of the concerned state as prescribed. |
Recommended Books — Subject Wise
| Subject | Recommended Book / Material | Use |
|---|---|---|
| History | NCERT History Classes 6–12; A Brief History of Modern India — Spectrum | Foundation + Modern Indian History |
| Geography | NCERT Geography Classes 6–12; Certificate Physical and Human Geography — G.C. Leong | Physical, Indian and Human Geography |
| Indian Polity | Indian Polity — M. Laxmikanth | Constitution, Governance and Polity |
| Economy | Indian Economy — Ramesh Singh | Economy concepts and policy |
| Environment | Environment — Shankar IAS | Environment and ecology foundation |
| General Science | NCERT Science Classes 6–10 | Basic Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| Art & Culture | Indian Art and Culture — Nitin Singhania | Art, culture and heritage |
| Ethics | Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude preparation material + previous-year questions | Mains Ethics where applicable |
| CSAT / Aptitude | Analytical Reasoning / Quantitative Aptitude practice books + previous-year papers | Prelims aptitude papers where applicable |
| Current Affairs | One reliable newspaper + monthly current affairs compilation | Prelims + Mains |
| State GK | Official state publications + one standard state GK book | State-specific preparation |
| PYQs | Respective State PSC Previous Year Papers | Pattern, topics and answer practice |
NCERT Books for State PSC
| NCERT | Classes | Useful Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| History | 6–12 | Ancient, Medieval, Modern and World History basics |
| Geography | 6–12 | Physical, Indian and Human Geography |
| Political Science | 9–12 | Constitution, Democracy, Political Institutions |
| Economics | 9–12 | Basic economic concepts and Indian economy foundation |
| Science | 6–10 | Basic Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
Important: NCERT is a foundation resource, not the complete State PSC syllabus. State-specific books, official reports, current affairs and previous-year papers are also important.
Eligibility
| Requirement | General Information |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Graduation or the qualification specified by the concerned State PSC is commonly required for State Civil Services. |
| Age Limit | Varies by state, service, category and notification. |
| Nationality | Generally Indian citizenship requirements apply, subject to the relevant notification. |
| Language | Some State PSCs prescribe state-language knowledge or language papers. |
| Other Conditions | Specific services may have additional physical, professional or educational requirements. |
Selection Process
Notification
Read the latest State PSC notification, syllabus, vacancies and eligibility.
Prelims
Objective screening examination according to the commission's scheme.
Mains
Descriptive examination for shortlisted candidates.
Interview
Personality test / interview where prescribed.
Document Verification
Verification of educational, identity and category documents.
Final Merit
Final selection according to the applicable scheme, merit and service rules.
Documents Required
- Valid photo identity proof
- 10th / 12th certificates and marksheets
- Graduation degree and marksheets
- Category certificate, if applicable
- Domicile / residence certificate, where required
- Recent photograph and signature
- Other documents specified in the current notification
Preparation Strategy
NCERT Foundation
Build basic History, Geography, Polity, Economy and Science concepts from NCERT.
State GK
Give dedicated time to the concerned state's history, geography, culture, economy, schemes and current affairs.
Current Affairs
Prepare national plus state current affairs and connect them with the syllabus.
PYQs
Solve State PSC previous-year papers before finalising your study priorities.
Mains Answer Writing
Practice structured answers, essays and state-specific examples where applicable.
Mock Tests
Use timed Prelims mocks and regular Mains writing practice.
Important State PSC Facts
Pattern is Not Universal
Every State PSC can have a different scheme, number of papers, language papers and optional structure.
State Focus
State-specific History, Geography, Culture, Economy, Polity, Schemes and Current Affairs are important in many State PSCs.
Official Syllabus
Always compare your booklist with the latest official syllabus before preparing.
Updates
Commissions can revise examination schemes and syllabi. Check the commission website regularly.
Official State PSC Websites
Important Note
State PSC examinations are not identical to UPSC. The exact Prelims, Mains, optional papers, language papers, negative marking, eligibility and state-specific syllabus can change by commission and notification. Use the latest official notification and syllabus as the final authority.
State PSC क्या है?
State Public Service Commissions राज्य सरकार की विभिन्न सेवाओं में भर्ती के लिए examinations आयोजित करते हैं। State Civil Services को कई जगह State PCS के नाम से जाना जाता है। अलग-अलग राज्यों में exam pattern, subjects, optional papers, language papers, eligibility और state-specific syllabus अलग हो सकते हैं।
प्रमुख State PSC परीक्षाएँ
UPPSC PCS
उत्तर प्रदेश की विभिन्न राज्य सेवाओं के लिए Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services examination।
BPSC
बिहार की विभिन्न state services के लिए Combined Competitive Examination।
MPPSC
मध्य प्रदेश की notified state services के लिए State Service Examination।
RPSC RAS
Rajasthan State and Subordinate Services Combined Competitive Examination।
MPSC Rajyaseva
महाराष्ट्र Civil Services Gazetted Group A और Group B examination तथा related state services।
HPSC HCS
Haryana Civil Services और allied services examination।
UKPSC PCS
उत्तराखंड Combined State Civil / Upper Subordinate Services recruitment।
JPSC Civil Services
Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Examination।
OPSC / WBPSC / GPSC / CGPSC
Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh और अन्य State PSCs अपने state service examinations आयोजित करते हैं।
State PSC Exam Structure
| Stage | Purpose | Common Components |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | Mains के लिए screening / shortlisting | General Studies, General Aptitude/CSAT या state-specific papers |
| Mains | Detailed assessment और merit | Essay, General Studies, language papers, optional/state-specific papers |
| Interview | Personality और suitability assessment | State, current affairs, educational background और service awareness |
हर State PSC को UPSC के समान नहीं मानना चाहिए। Rajasthan और Maharashtra जैसे commissions अपने अलग examination schemes और syllabi प्रकाशित करते हैं।.
Prelims — Exam-wise Subjects
| Exam | Prelims Subjects / Areas |
|---|---|
| UPPSC PCS | General Studies-I; General Studies-II / CSAT-type aptitude areas as prescribed |
| BPSC | General Studies — History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, Current Affairs और Bihar-specific topics |
| MPPSC | General Studies; General Aptitude Test |
| RPSC RAS | General Knowledge and General Science तथा Rajasthan-specific History, Culture, Geography, Polity, Economy और Current Affairs |
| MPSC Rajyaseva | General Studies और aptitude/CSAT-type areas according to current Maharashtra scheme |
| HPSC HCS | General Studies, Haryana-specific topics और aptitude/CSAT-type areas |
| UKPSC PCS | General Studies, General Aptitude और Uttarakhand-specific topics |
| JPSC Civil Services | General Studies और Jharkhand-specific History, Geography, Culture, Polity, Economy और Current Affairs |
| Other State PSCs | Respective commission का latest syllabus follow करें। |
Mains — Exam-wise Subjects
| Exam | Mains Areas |
|---|---|
| UPPSC PCS | General Hindi; Essay; General Studies papers; current UPPSC scheme के additional papers |
| BPSC | General Hindi; General Studies papers; Essay; optional और अन्य papers according to current scheme |
| MPPSC | General Studies papers, Hindi और Hindi Essay तथा current scheme के अन्य papers |
| RPSC RAS | General Studies तथा General Hindi/English और current Mains scheme के अन्य papers |
| MPSC Rajyaseva | Marathi/English language components और General Studies papers according to current scheme |
| HPSC HCS | Language/English, General Studies, Haryana-specific content और current scheme के अन्य papers |
| UKPSC PCS | Language, Essay, General Studies और Uttarakhand-specific content |
| JPSC Civil Services | Language papers, General Studies, Jharkhand-specific topics और अन्य papers |
| Other State PSCs | Latest commission scheme देखें क्योंकि papers और optional subjects बदल सकते हैं। |
State-specific Subjects
| State | Important Areas |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | UP History, Culture, Geography, Economy, Polity, Government Schemes और Current Affairs |
| Bihar | Bihar History, Geography, Economy, Culture, Polity, Schemes और Current Affairs |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP History, Geography, Culture, Tribes, Economy, Administration, Schemes और Current Affairs |
| Rajasthan | Rajasthan History, Art & Culture, Geography, Economy, Polity, Administration और Current Affairs |
| Maharashtra | Maharashtra History, Geography, Economy, Society, Administration, Culture और Current Affairs |
| Haryana | Haryana History, Geography, Economy, Culture, Polity, Schemes और Current Affairs |
| Uttarakhand | Uttarakhand History, Geography, Culture, Environment, Economy और Current Affairs |
| Jharkhand | Jharkhand History, Geography, Tribes, Culture, Economy, Environment, Polity और Current Affairs |
| Other States | Concerned state's History, Geography, Culture, Economy, Polity, Schemes, Environment और Current Affairs |
Recommended Books — Subject Wise
| Subject | Recommended Book / Material |
|---|---|
| History | NCERT History Classes 6–12; A Brief History of Modern India — Spectrum |
| Geography | NCERT Geography Classes 6–12; G.C. Leong |
| Indian Polity | Indian Polity — M. Laxmikanth |
| Economy | Indian Economy — Ramesh Singh |
| Environment | Environment — Shankar IAS |
| General Science | NCERT Science Classes 6–10 |
| Art & Culture | Indian Art and Culture — Nitin Singhania |
| Ethics | Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude preparation material + PYQs |
| CSAT / Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude / Reasoning practice books + PYQs |
| Current Affairs | One reliable newspaper + monthly current affairs compilation |
| State GK | Official state publications + one standard state GK book |
| PYQs | Respective State PSC Previous Year Papers |
NCERT Books
| Subject | Classes | Use |
|---|---|---|
| History | 6–12 | Ancient, Medieval, Modern और World History basics |
| Geography | 6–12 | Physical, Indian और Human Geography |
| Political Science | 9–12 | Constitution, Democracy और Political Institutions |
| Economics | 9–12 | Basic Economy और Indian Economy foundation |
| Science | 6–10 | Physics, Chemistry और Biology basics |
ध्यान दें: NCERT State PSC का पूरा syllabus नहीं है। State-specific books, official reports, current affairs और PYQs भी जरूरी हैं।
Eligibility
| Requirement | General Information |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | State Civil Services में सामान्यतः graduation या commission द्वारा निर्धारित qualification required होती है। |
| Age Limit | State, service, category और notification के अनुसार अलग होती है। |
| Nationality | Relevant notification के अनुसार citizenship requirements लागू होती हैं। |
| Language | कुछ State PSCs state-language knowledge या language papers रखते हैं। |
| Other Conditions | कुछ services में additional physical/professional/educational requirements हो सकती हैं। |
Selection Process
Notification
Latest notification, syllabus, vacancies और eligibility पढ़ें।
Prelims
Commission के scheme के अनुसार objective screening examination।
Mains
Shortlisted candidates के लिए descriptive examination।
Interview
जहाँ prescribed हो वहाँ personality test / interview।
Document Verification
Educational, identity और category documents का verification।
Final Merit
Applicable scheme और service rules के अनुसार final selection।
आवश्यक Documents
- Valid photo identity proof
- 10th / 12th certificates और marksheets
- Graduation degree और marksheets
- Category certificate, यदि applicable हो
- Domicile / residence certificate, जहाँ required हो
- Recent photograph और signature
- Latest notification में मांगे गए अन्य documents
Preparation Strategy
NCERT Foundation
History, Geography, Polity, Economy और Science के basic concepts मजबूत करें।
State GK
Target state की history, geography, culture, economy, schemes और current affairs पढ़ें।
Current Affairs
National और state current affairs को syllabus से connect करके पढ़ें।
PYQs
State PSC के previous-year papers solve करें।
Mains Answer Writing
Structured answers, essays और state-specific examples की practice करें।
Mock Tests
Timed Prelims mocks और regular Mains writing practice करें।
Official State PSC Websites
महत्वपूर्ण सूचना
State PSC examinations UPSC के समान नहीं होते। Prelims, Mains, optional papers, language papers, negative marking, eligibility और state-specific syllabus commission और notification के अनुसार बदल सकते हैं। Final information के लिए latest official notification और syllabus को ही मानें।