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UPSC Indian Statistical Service 2025: Complete Guide to Exam, Eligibility, and Syllabus

UPSC ISS Introduction

The Indian Statistical Service (ISS) is a specialised government service in India that recruits skilled statisticians to contribute to data-driven policymaking and development. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), this service plays a vital role in collecting, analysing, and interpreting statistical data for national planning, economic policies, and various government initiatives. Candidates with a postgraduate degree in Statistics or related fields can appear for the ISS examination, which includes a rigorous written test followed by an interview. A career in the ISS offers a unique opportunity to work on critical projects that shape the country’s future.

UPSC ISS Eligibility Criteria

Category

Eligibility

UPSC ISS Nationality Eligibility

  • A citizen of India

  • A native of Nepal

  • A Tibetan refugee who came over to India before the 1st January, 1962/

  • A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.

UPSC ISS Educational Qualification

  • A candidate must have obtained a Bachelor's Degree with Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics as one of the subjects or a Master's degree in Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/Applied Statistics from a recognised University.

UPSC ISS Age Limit

  • 21 to 30 years

  • 21 to 33 years for OBC

  • 21 to 30 years for SC/ST

UPSC ISS Number of Attempts

  • General/EWS - 6

 

  • OBC/PwBD - 9

 

  • SC/ST - Unlimited

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

 

  1. Visit the official UPSC website: https://upsconline.nic.in or https://upsc.gov.in.

 

  1. Click on the Apply Online tab, which is available at the right corner of the homepage.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. After completing the process, your login credentials will be sent to your registered email ID.

 

  1. You can log in with your registration number and date of birth to access Part II of the application form and complete it.

 

  1. Upload the scanned copies of the required documents, such as your photograph and signature.

 

  1. Pay the application fee set by the commission as per your category through the desired mode of payment.

 

  1. Please read and tick the declaration checkbox after confirming the accuracy of the information you provided in the application form.

  2. 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

 

  1. General English Language & Comprehension: -

 

  • Understanding of English language and vocabulary
  • Passages
  • Essay writing
  • Summary of Precis Writing

 

  1. General Studies: -

 

  • Geography
  • Current events
  • General Knowledge
  • Current Affairs
  • History of India

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

A First Course in Probability by Sheldon Ross

Sampling: Design and Analysis by Sharon L. Lohr

Statistical Methods by S. P. Gupta

Statistical Computing with R by Maria L. Rizzo

Sampling Techniques-William G. Cochran

Applied Multivariate Statistical Analysis by Johnson and Wichern

Probability & Mathematical Statistics by Prasanna Sahoo

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 General English 2024

UPSC ISS General Studies 2024

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 1 2024

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 2 2024

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 3 2024

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 4 2024

UPSC ISS Question Paper 2023

UPSC IES General English 2023

UPSC IES General Studies 2023

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 1 2023

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 2 2023

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 3 2023

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 4 2023

UPSC ISS Question Paper 2022

UPSC IES General English 2022

UPSC IES General Studies 2022

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 1 2022

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 2 2022

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 3 2022

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 4 2022

UPSC ISS Question Paper 2021

UPSC IES General English 2021

UPSC IES General Studies 2021

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 1 2021

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 2 2021

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 3 2021

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 4 2021

UPSC ISS Question Paper 2020

UPSC IES General English 2020

UPSC IES General Studies 2020

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 1 2020

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 2 2020

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 3 2020

UPSC ISS Statistics paper 4 2020

UPSC ISS Mock Test Practice Apps

  • Testboook
  • IES or ESE Exam Preparation
  • My UPSC Class
  • Unacademy

 

UPSC ISS Preparation Strategies

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

  1. Join Coaching Classes (if needed)

  • Consider joining reputed coaching institutes.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. Work on Weak Areas

  • Identify and focus on your weak areas.
  • Seek help from mentors, teachers, or peers if you find certain topics challenging.

 

  1. Stay Updated

  • Keep yourself updated with current affairs.
  • Read newspapers, magazines, and online articles regularly.

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. 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."

 

  1. Optional Subject Knowledge:

 

  • Brush your knowledge of your optional subject and be prepared for questions in that area.

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

 

  1. Is the ISS exam challenging?
    The ISS examination is widely considered one of the most challenging examinations in India.

 

  1. Is ISS a class 1 officer?
    Yes, ISS is a class 1 rank.

 

  1. 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.

 

  1. How many attempts for the ISS?
    6 attempts for the general category, nine for the OBC category, and unlimited for the SC/ST category.

  2. 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.