Table of Contents
- UPSC ISS Eligibility Criteria
- UPSC ISS Reservation Policies
- UPSC ISS Exam Important Dates
- UPSC ISS Selection Process
- UPSC ISS Application Process
- UPSC ISS Exam Pattern
- UPSC ISS Syllabus
- UPSC ISS Test Centres
- UPSC ISS Books
- UPSC ISS Previous Year Question Papers
- UPSC ISS Mock Test Practice Apps
- UPSC ISS Preparation Strategies
- UPSC ISS Online Practice
- UPSC ISS Youtube Channels
- UPSC ISS Coaching Centres in India
- UPSC ISS Interview Preparation
- UPSC ISS Cut Off
- UPSC ISS FAQs
UPSC ISS Eligibility Criteria
Category |
Eligibility |
UPSC ISS Nationality Eligibility |
|
UPSC ISS Educational Qualification |
|
UPSC ISS Age Limit |
|
UPSC ISS Number of Attempts |
|
UPSC ISS Reservation Policies
Category |
UPSC Reservation Quota |
Schedule Caste |
15% |
Schedule Tribes |
7.50% |
Other Backward Classes |
25% |
Economically Weaker Section |
10% |
Persons With Benchmark Disabilities |
4% |
UPSC ISS Exam Important Dates
Events |
Dates |
UPSC ISS Registration Start |
12/02/2025 |
UPSC ISS Registration End |
04/03/2025 |
UPSC ISS Exam |
20/06/2025 (Friday) |
UPSC ISS Viva-Voice |
To be announced |
**dates might change**
UPSC ISS Selection Process
Stage Name |
Total Marks |
Purpose |
UPSC ISS Examination |
1000 |
4 descriptive and 2 objective type papers; General Studies, General English, and Statistics Paper - 1,2,3,4 |
UPSC ISS Viva Voice |
200 |
Evaluation of leadership skills, communication skills, spontaneous decision making etc. |
UPSC ISS Application Process
- Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in or https://upsc.gov.in.
- Click on the Apply Online tab, which is available at the right corner of the homepage.
- Now click on “One Time Registration (OTR) for Examinations of UPSC” and fill out your credentials carefully to complete part 1 of the application form.
- After completing the process, your login credentials will be sent to your registered email ID.
- You can log in with your registration number and date of birth to access Part II of the application form and complete it.
- Upload the scanned copies of the required documents, such as your photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee set by the commission as per your category through the desired mode of payment.
- Please read and tick the declaration checkbox after confirming the accuracy of the information you provided in the application form.
- Submit the UPSC ISS online form and take a printout of the final submission for your records.
UPSC ISS Exam Pattern
S.No |
Name of Subject |
Total Number of Marks |
Duration |
1 |
General English |
100 |
3 hours |
2 |
General Studies |
100 |
3 hours |
3 |
Statistics-I (Objective) |
200 |
2 hours |
4 |
Statistics-II (Objective) |
200 |
2 hours |
5 |
Statistics-III (Descriptive) |
200 |
3 hours |
6 |
Statistics-IV (Descriptive) |
200 |
3 hours |
Total of Written Exam |
1000 Marks |
||
Viva-Voice |
200 Marks |
20-30 minutes |
|
Total |
1000+200= 1200 Marks |
UPSC ISS Syllabus
- General English Language & Comprehension: -
- Understanding of English language and vocabulary
- Passages
- Essay writing
- Summary of Precis Writing
- General Studies: -
- Geography
- Current events
- General Knowledge
- Current Affairs
- History of India
- Statistics-I (Objective)
- Statistical Methods
- Concept of interpolation and extrapolation
- Bivariate normal distribution
- Ratios
- Data/Charts/Diagrams/Histograms
- Computer applications
- Basics of computer security
- The finite-difference of different orders
- Inverse Interpolation
- Summation of Sets
- Numerical solutions of differential equations
- Probability
- Intraclass correlation
- Frequency of distribution
- Order statistics
- Frequency Distribution
- Numerical analysis
- Data processing
- Operations of computer
- Low and High-level languages
- Numerical Differentiations
- Basics of Programming
- Statistics-II (Objective)
- Statistical Interferences
- Official Statistics
- Index Numbers
- Theory of linear estimation
- Important surveys and census
- Characteristics of good estimators
- National and International Official statistics
- Population Census
- National Statistical organisation
- Linear Models
- Hypothesis testing
- National Accounts
- Estimation Methods
- Normal equations
- Error and estimation space
- Socio-economic Indicators
- Misc
- Sector-wise statistics
- Statistics-III (Descriptive)
- Econometrics
- Nature of economics
- Systematic sampling
- Coherence and variance function
- Simultaneous linear equation model
- Sampling of Techniques
- Applied Statistics
- Index Numbers
- Sampling with probability proportional to the size
- Time series analysis
- Statistics-IV (Descriptive)
- Operations Research and Reliability
- Demography and Vital Statistics
- Survival Analysis and Clinical Trial
- Quality Control
- Multivariate Analysis
- Design and Analysis of Experiments
- Computing with C and R
UPSC ISS Test Centres
Ahmedabad |
Jammu |
Bengaluru |
Kolkata |
Bhopal |
Lucknow |
Chandigarh |
Mumbai |
Chennai |
Patna |
Cuttack |
Prayagraj (Allahabad) |
Delhi |
Shillong |
Dispur |
Shimla |
Hyderabad |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Jaipur |
UPSC ISS Books
Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis by Johnson and Wichern |
|
Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics by SC Gupta & VK Kapoor |
|
Probability and Statistics by Morris H. DeGroot and Mark J. Schervish |
|
UPSC ISS Previous Year Question Papers
UPSC ISS Question Paper 2024 |
|
UPSC ISS Question Paper 2023 |
|
UPSC ISS Question Paper 2022 |
|
UPSC ISS Question Paper 2021 |
|
UPSC ISS Question Paper 2020 |
|
UPSC ISS Mock Test Practice Apps
- Testboook
- IES or ESE Exam Preparation
- My UPSC Class
- Unacademy
UPSC ISS Preparation Strategies
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Exam Pattern: 6 papers; General Studies, General English, Statistics Paper - 1,2 (Objective), and Statistics Paper 3,4 (Descriptive).
- Types of questions: Descriptive and Objective.
- Create a Study Plan
- Allocate specific times for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
- Include regular breaks to avoid burnout.
- Use Quality Study Material
- Refer to Statistics books.
- Use online resources and apps like BYJU'S, Unacademy, and Adda 24/7.
- Practice with previous years’ UPSC papers and mock tests.
- Refer to standard books
- Use online resources and apps like BYJU'S, Unacademy, and Physics Wala, IASbaba.
- Practice with previous years’ UPSC papers and mock tests.
- Join Coaching Classes (if needed)
- Consider joining reputed coaching institutes.
- Regular Practice and Mock Tests
- Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Analyse your performance in each mock test to identify areas of improvement.
- Practise sectional tests to strengthen specific areas.
- Time Management
- Practice managing time effectively during your study sessions and mock tests.
- Focus on speed and accuracy.
- Develop strategies for time allocation in each section during the exam.
- Work on Weak Areas
- Identify and focus on your weak areas.
- Seek help from mentors, teachers, or peers if you find certain topics challenging.
- Stay Updated
- Keep yourself updated with current affairs.
- Read newspapers, magazines, and online articles regularly.
- Best Coaching Centres in India for UPSC
- Deep Institute
- Sourav Sir’s Classes
- Chanakya IAS Academy
- Unacademy
- Testbook
UPSC ISS Online Practice
The following are the online website which give online mock test, coaching and materials for UPSC preparation:
- Deep Institute
- Sourav Sir’s Classes
- Chanakya IAS Academy
- Unacademy
- Testbook
UPSC ISS Youtube Channels
The following are the best Youtube Channels for UPSC preparations:
UPSC ISS Coaching Centres in India
The Following are the best coaching centres for UPSC in India:
- Deep Institute
- Sourav Sir’s Classes
- Chanakya IAS Academy
- Unacademy
- Testbook
UPSC ISS Interview Preparation
- Understand the Interview Format:
- The UPSC interview will analyse your personality, leadership skills, and analytical abilities.
- It is not a retest of your knowledge; the interview panel has reviewed your written exam results.
- The interview typically lasts 20-30 minutes, and you will be asked questions about your background, hobbies, current events, and DAF.
- Review Your DAF Thoroughly:
- The DAF is an important document that informs the interview panel about your school history, employment experience, hobbies, and more.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your DAF, so read it thoroughly.
- Statistics Concepts and Budget Policy:
- Keep up with current events particularly those relating to statistics, concepts and budget policy.
- Read newspapers and magazines and watch news shows regularly.
- Develop Clear Communication Skills:
- Practise speaking fluently and clearly.
- Pay attention to your body language and keep eye contact with the panel.
- Answer enquiries politely and respectfully.
- Interview Etiquette:
- Dress adequately in formal clothing.
- Be on time; arrive at the place well in advance.
- Please greet the panel pleasantly and wait for them to welcome you to sit.
- Maintain a pleasant attitude during the interview.
- Prepare for Common Questions:
- Prepare to answer questions about your abilities, shortcomings, accomplishments, failures, and motivations for joining the civil service.
- Prepare a well-thought-out response to the query, "Tell me about yourself."
- Optional Subject Knowledge:
- Brush your knowledge of your optional subject and be prepared for questions in that area.
- Stay Calm and Composed:
- It's expected to be worried before an interview, but try to remain composed.
- If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and pay close attention to the panellists' questions.
- Be yourself. The interview panel is interested in getting to know you as an individual, so be honest and trustworthy with yourself.
UPSC ISS Cut Off
Category |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
General |
408 |
481 |
418 |
EWS |
329 |
433 |
359 |
OBC |
370 |
419 |
363 |
SC |
309 |
387 |
301 |
ST |
247 |
329 |
287 |
UPSC ISS FAQs
- Who is an ISS officer?
Indian statistical service officers are responsible for the statistical administration of the national and international organisations under the government of India. It involves formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of various policies and programmes. - Is the Indian Statistics Service equal to IAS?
They both hold equal importance. However, the work of an ISS officer differs from that of an IAS officer. An ISS officer will work in a specific field of statistics, but an IAS officer works more generally.
- Is the ISS exam challenging?
The ISS examination is widely considered one of the most challenging examinations in India.
- Is ISS a class 1 officer?
Yes, ISS is a class 1 rank.
- Does the ISS get a vehicle?
Travel to locations for meetings and seminars is permitted for official business, depending on the department. Personal Assistant: Each ISS Officer is given a personal assistant to help with official tasks, which can change depending on the Officer's department.
- How many attempts for the ISS?
6 attempts for the general category, nine for the OBC category, and unlimited for the SC/ST category. - Where are Indian Statistic Service officers posted?
ISS officers manage Cadre posts and are deputed to serve in various domestic and international organisations, such as UN bodies, foreign governments, and states.