GPSC Exam

Understanding the GPSC Selection Process: From Prelims to Interview

If you are aiming for a government job in Gujarat you’ve probably heard about the Gujarat Public Service Commission. It is one of the most respected exams in the state, opening doors to prestigious administrative positions like deputy collector section officer and a lot more. But preparing for GPSC is not just about reading books. To succeed you need to understand the selection process from start to finish. That way you can plan your preparation smartly and avoid surprises.

What does GPSC mean?

GPSC stands for Gujarat Public Service Commission. It conducts exams to recruit candidates for different civil service positions in the Gujarat state government.

Step-by-step GPSC selection process

Stage 1 preliminary exam

The prelims is the first step. It’s a screening test which means candidates are shortlisted for the mains. The marks are not counted in the final merit list. There are basically 2 papers each of 200 marks. The 1st paper is general studies which includes history, culture, constitution, economy and other subjects.

The 2nd paper is general studies Part 2 which includes science technology, current affairs and environment. The objective type is MCQ, and each paper is for two hours. Negative marking is usually applicable. Here you need to focus on Gujarat’s history and culture, Indian polity and constitution besides economic geography and environment.

Stage 2 main exam

The mains is where your real knowledge and writing skills are tested. It’s a descriptive examination which means you need to write detailed answers in your own words. There are 6 papers in total. The 1st paper is in the Gujarati language for 150 Marks and 2nd paper is in English language for 150 marks. Paper three to six are general studies each 150 marks. So, the total marks for means is around 900 marks. Each paper is for three hours.

Your language and writing skills in English and Gujarati are tested besides deep understanding of subjects like history and culture of Gujarat Indian constitution And current affairs and social issues.

Also Read: Which are the best books for GPSC Prelims and Mains?

Stage 3 interview or personality test

The final and the most personal stage is the interview, also called the personality test. This is where the panel judges your attitude, communication skills, confidence and decision-making abilities. The total boxes are around 100. It’s not just about testing your book knowledge it’s all about your personality and suitability for civil service roles. They might ask you questions about your background and interests besides opinion on current and social issues.

Conclusion

The GPSC selection process might seem tough but with the right guidance, discipline and mindset you can just check it. Understand each stage, prepare with focus and stay updated especially with current affairs and Gujarati related knowledge. Check out the GPSC Guide for more details.