The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UP PSC) changed its syllabus 2023 onwards for the Uttar Pradesh Combined State/Upper Subordinate Exam (UP PCS), replacing the optional subject for the main’s exam with two Uttar Pradesh special papers. 

Now aspirants will have to write the 7th and 8th papers in the main’s exam focused on the state. In 2018, UP PSC last changed its syllabus modelling it on the UPSC CSE pattern. So what does the fresh change entail for the aspirants? 

Indian Masterminds spoke with UP PCS-2022 toppers to find out how the change may affect the aspirants.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

UP PCS-2022 first rank holder Ms Divya Sikarwar believes the change in the syllabus will prove good and help aspirants. Removing optional will create equal opportunity, said the topper from Agra.

She said, “Earlier, UPSC and PCS syllabus was almost the same. So aspirants preparing UPSC could easily tackle both and even have an edge over those trying for PCS alone. But now, the UP-specific papers would mean fresh strategy focussed on state.”

WILL HELP IN SERVICE

Ms Pratiksha Pandey, who got 2nd rank in UP PCS-2022, feels it will benefit both aspirants as well as those beginning the service. “The candidates who will clear the exam under the new format, they will have in-depth knowledge of the state,” she said.

Technical subject options having edge over humanities choice will no longer apply, Ms. Pandey added.

LEVEL-PLAYING FIELD

Ms Akanksha Gupta, who belongs to Uttarakhand and achieved 4th rank in UP PCS-2022, believes that this is a good decision in overall context.

She said, “It might not be helpful for those preparing PCS with UPSC. Now they have to write two papers covering state-specific topics. But for those only preparing for PCS, it will offer a level playing field. Those with science optional will no longer have the upper-hand.”

WISE DECISION

Mr Kumar Gaurav, who hails from Ambedkarnagar in Uttar Pradesh and stood 5th in UP PCS-2022, believes that this is a very logical decision by UP Public Service Commission.

He said, “Often in some optional subjects more marks were obtained but now everyone will get equal opportunity.”

With the merit of choice removed, PCS will be a common exam for all, he added.

NOT MUCH IMPACT

Ms Prajakta Tripathi, who got 9th rank in UP PCS-2022, believes that the new regimen will hardly affect the fate of aspirants. They have to study now UP specific instead of optional.

She said, “The decision by the Commission is good. But I believe that this will not make much of a difference. There are already UP-specific questions in prelims. But for mains, now aspirants will have to study a little bit more. That’s the only difference. Every student can do this.”