UPSC or PPSC, How To Target Both Exams

Table of Contents

Union Public Service Commission is a National Exam is going to be held in 25th May 2025, while the schedule for the PPSC exam is expected in the month of April 2025. As we know, the exam dates for both the exams lies very close, due to this candidates have a question in their mind that: they can prepare for both the UPSC and PPSC exams at the same time? The answer is Yes, it is possible with the right planning and the right study schedule. However, both exams have some similarities, also they have major differences. This article will help you to balance your preparation for both exams.

UPSC Vs Punjab PSC

UPSC Civil Services Exam is a national-level test, while PPSC exams are state-based. Both the exams checks general knowledge, analytical skills, and subject expertise, but Punjab PCS exams also include state-specific topics.

UPSC Exam: This exam selects candidates for top administrative roles like IAS and IPS, with a broad syllabus covering national and international affairs, history, geography, and more.

Punjab PCS Exam: Focused on state administrative jobs like SDM, DSP, or Tehsildar, it includes general subjects but emphasizes state-specific issues and history.

Look at some major differences between UPSC and PPSC:

UPSC	PPSC State Civil Services
Covers a huge syllabus including history, geography, polity, economy, environment, and current affairs	More specific to the state’s issues, history, and governance, less extensive than UPSC but still significant
Extremely tough; large number of aspirants from across the country, low selection ratio	Competitive but the number of candidates and selection ratio varies by Punjab state,
Consists of three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview	same as UPSC, but have different scenarios in Mains and interview stage
Requires extensive and smart preparation, coaching, and study materials	Also, requires extensive preparation; finding state-specific resources can be more challenging
Very Challenging	Some may find state-focused content more challenging

Similarities Between PPSC and UPSC?

Both PPSC (Punjab Public Service Commission) and UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exams have some important similarities:

Paper I Prelims: Both exams cover similar general subjects like General Knowledge, Indian Polity, History, Geography, and General Science.
CSAT Prelims: Both exams test candidates’ analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Mains: Both exams have descriptive (written) type questions.
Interview: Both UPSC and PPSC include an interview as part of the selection process.
Both exams aim to select candidates for administrative roles, although UPSC is at the national level and PPSC is state level

Common Subject in UPSC And PPSC 2025

UPSC and PPSC share many common subjects which is mentioned below in the table. Candidates can study these subjects together which saves time. They can then distribute separate time in their timetable to focus on uncommon subjects for each exam. This helps in balancing both exams efficiently.

Common Subject of PPSC and UPSC

English Compulsory

Essay

General Studies Paper 1 (History, Geography, and Society)

General Studies Paper 2 (Indian Constitution & Polity, Governance and International Relations)

General Studies Paper 3 (Economy, Statistics, and Security Issues)

General Studies Paper 4 (Science & Technology, Environment, Problem-solving & Decision-Making)