Understanding State Public Service Commissions
State Public Service Commissions (PSCs) are constitutional bodies in India responsible for recruiting candidates for various civil service positions at the state level. These exams are pivotal for aspirants seeking administrative roles within their respective states, contributing directly to governance and public welfare.
Key Aspects of State PSCs
Constitutional Mandate: Established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.
Recruitment Role: Conduct examinations for appointments to the services of the State (Group A and Group B officers).
Advisory Functions: Advise the State Government on matters related to civil services, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
State-Specific Focus: Syllabi often include significant portions on state-specific history, geography, economy, and culture.
All India State PSC Exams List
Below is a comprehensive list of Public Service Commissions for various states and union territories in India. Click on a card for more details (Coming Soon!).
State Public Service Commissions
Andhra Pradesh PSC
(APPSC)
Recruits for civil services in Andhra Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh PSC
(APPSC)
Handles recruitment for Arunachal Pradesh state services.
Assam PSC
(APSC)
Responsible for civil service recruitment in Assam.
Bihar PSC
(BPSC)
Conducts recruitment for administrative services in Bihar.
Chhattisgarh PSC
(CGPSC)
Manages civil services recruitment for Chhattisgarh.
Goa PSC
(GPSC)
Oversees recruitment for government services in Goa.
Gujarat PSC
(GPSC)
Conducts exams for various posts in Gujarat administration.
Haryana PSC
(HPSC)
Recruitment agency for Haryana state civil services.
Himachal Pradesh PSC
(HPPSC)
Appointing authority for Himachal Pradesh services.
Jharkhand PSC
(JPSC)
Conducts civil service exams for Jharkhand state.
Karnataka PSC
(KPSC)
Recruits candidates for services in Karnataka.
Kerala PSC
(KPSC)
Handles recruitment for government jobs in Kerala.
Madhya Pradesh PSC
(MPPSC)
Recruitment body for Madhya Pradesh civil services.
Maharashtra PSC
(MPSC)
Appoints candidates for various posts in Maharashtra.
Manipur PSC
(MPSC)
Responsible for recruitment in Manipur state services.
Meghalaya PSC
(MPSC)
Recruits for civil service positions in Meghalaya.
Mizoram PSC
(MPSC)
Conducts recruitment for services in Mizoram.
Nagaland PSC
(NPSC)
Manages civil service appointments in Nagaland.
Odisha PSC
(OPSC)
Recruitment agency for Odisha state services.
Punjab PSC
(PPSC)
Conducts exams for various posts in Punjab.
Rajasthan PSC
(RPSC)
Recruits for administrative services in Rajasthan.
Sikkim PSC
(SPSC)
Manages recruitment for government jobs in Sikkim.
Tamil Nadu PSC
(TNPSC)
Recruitment body for Tamil Nadu state services.
Telangana State PSC
(TSPSC)
Appoints candidates for various services in Telangana.
Tripura PSC
(TPSC)
Conducts civil service examinations for Tripura.
Uttar Pradesh PSC
(UPPSC)
Recruits for administrative services in Uttar Pradesh.
Uttarakhand PSC
(UKPSC)
Manages recruitment for Uttarakhand state services.
West Bengal PSC
(WBPSC)
Appointing authority for West Bengal civil services.
Union Territories with PSC-equivalent Bodies
Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board
(DSSSB) / UTCS
Handles recruitment for various posts in Delhi government, including Delhi Civil Services.
Jammu & Kashmir PSC
(JKPSC)
Recruits for administrative services in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
Puducherry PSC
(PPSC)
Manages recruitment for civil service positions in Puducherry UT.
Ladakh Administrative Services
(Evolving System)
Recruitment for administrative services in Ladakh is evolving; typically managed by relevant UT authorities. Check Ladakh Admin Portal.
Navigating Your State PSC Preparation
Effective preparation is key to success in State PSC exams. Here are some general strategies to guide your journey.
Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
Deeply analyze the official syllabus for both Prelims and Mains. Identify core subjects, state-specific topics, and mark distribution. Create a checklist and track your progress.
Master Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs)
PYQs reveal exam patterns, important themes, and question types. Solve and analyze them extensively (at least 5-7 years) to understand the commission's focus and difficulty level.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Follow national, international, and critically, state-specific current events. Regularly read at least one reputable newspaper, a monthly current affairs magazine, and follow reliable government websites (e.g., PIB, State Govt. portals).
Choose Your Optional Subject Wisely (if applicable)
Select an optional subject based on your genuine interest, academic background, scoring potential, availability of quality study material, and guidance. Analyze PYQs of shortlisted optionals before finalizing.
Focus on State-Specific Knowledge
Dedicate significant time to studying the history, geography, economy, polity, art & culture, and current affairs of the specific state you are targeting. Refer to state-specific books and government publications.
Practice Answer Writing and Mock Tests
Regular answer writing practice for Mains (daily or alternate days) and taking full-length mock tests for both Prelims and Mains under timed conditions are essential for improving speed, accuracy, time management, and performance evaluation.
Understanding the State PCS Exam Structure
While specific details vary, most State PCS exams follow a multi-stage selection process designed to assess a candidate's aptitude, knowledge, and personality.
Preliminary Exam
Objective Type (Screening)
Main Exam
Descriptive Type (Merit Ranking)
Interview/Personality Test
Final Selection
Disclaimer: The exact number of papers, syllabus, and marking schemes can differ significantly between states. Aspirants must meticulously consult the official notification of the respective State PSC.
Why Pursue a State PCS Career?
A career through State Public Service Commissions offers a unique blend of challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities to make a tangible difference in society.
Direct Impact on Governance
Play a pivotal role in policy implementation and public administration at the state level.
Service to Your State
Contribute to the progress and development of your own state and its people.
Diverse Career Opportunities
Work across various departments like revenue, police, rural development, education, etc.
Job Security & Stability
Government jobs offer excellent security and stability along with social prestige.
Upholding Law & Order
Certain services (like State Police Service) directly contribute to maintaining peace and justice.
Personal & Professional Growth
Continuous learning and development opportunities in a challenging environment.