UPSC 2025 Notification is Out – Everything You Need to Know

1. Service Preference Order

To help aspirants decide their service preferences for the UPSC DAF, let's analyze the two images and offer detailed guidance:

Image 1: Full Preference List

The candidate has opted for a rank-based and strategic selection
Top priorities (1-3): Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), and Indian Police Service (IPS), aligning with prestige, career growth, and societal impact
Middle-range preferences (4-12): Revenue Services, Audit & Accounts Service, and Information Services, focusing on financial, administrative, and media roles
Lower priorities (13-23): Railways, Trade Service, and DANICS/DANIPS, emphasizing roles with lesser decision-making autonomy but regional relevance

Image 2: Limited Preference List

The candidate has only opted for select Group "A" services and marked others as "Not Opted"
Top priorities (1-5): IAS, IFS, IPS, and Indian Revenue Services (Income Tax and Customs), reflecting a preference for higher autonomy and impact
Not opted for: Indian Audit, Railways, DANICS, DANIPS, etc., likely due to lower personal interest or perceived limitations in scope

Guidelines for Filling Service Preferences

Understand the Role and Scope

IAS: Top preference for aspirants aiming for policymaking, administration, and fieldwork
IFS: For those interested in diplomacy and representing India globally
IPS: For those inclined toward law enforcement and internal security
Other Group "A" services like IRS, IAAS, etc., are excellent for roles in taxation, auditing, and finance

Consider Long-term Goals

Opt for services aligning with your career aspirations (policy-making, international relations, or law enforcement)
Reflect on job location preferences (central vs. state roles)

Work-Life Balance

Services like Railways and Postal may offer a relatively balanced work-life compared to IAS/IPS

Growth Opportunities

Some services, like IAS and IPS, have direct opportunities for leadership and decision-making
Others (like DANICS/DANIPS) might involve regional governance with limited national exposure

Personal Interest and Aptitude

If you are passionate about finance, go for IRS
For roles involving strategy, opt for IAAS or Indian Trade Service

Strategic Selection

Prioritize services where rank alignment matches probability of allocation
Be realistic about your expected rank and preferences

2. Prizes, Medals, Scholarships, etc.

Include any academic or extracurricular achievements such as:

Academic excellence awards (e.g., school/college topper)
Scholarships received for education (e.g., Merit Scholarship, INSPIRE Scholarship)
Medals or recognition in competitive exams or Olympiads (e.g., NTSE, KVPY, or subject-specific competitions)
Certificates of merit in debates, essay writing, or quiz competitions

3. Sports/N.C.C. etc.

Highlight participation or achievements in sports or NCC-related activities:

District/State/National level representation in sports (e.g., cricket, badminton, athletics)
NCC or NSS participation with specific ranks or leadership roles (e.g., Senior Under Officer)
Adventure activities like trekking, marathons, or other endurance sports
Any certifications or medals received during camps or competitions

4. Position(s) of Distinction/Leadership

Mention leadership roles or significant positions held:

School captain, head boy/girl, or class representative
President/Secretary of a college or school club (e.g., debate, literary, or environment club)
Organizing events, cultural fests, or academic seminars
Leadership in community service programs or NGOs

5. Other Extracurricular Activities and Interests

This section should reflect genuine hobbies and extracurricular involvement:

Reading books (non-fiction, biographies, poetry)
Writing (creative writing, journaling, blogging)
Participating in debates, MUNs, or public speaking
Volunteering for NGOs or social causes
Pursuing arts like painting, music, or dance
Playing strategic games (e.g., chess) or outdoor sports
Adventure activities like trekking or cycling

Tips for Beginners

If you're a beginner without significant credentials:

For Prizes and Medals Section

Focus on Academic Achievements: Mention any small-scale recognition
Include participation certificates from school/college competitions
Remember it's okay to leave this section blank if nothing significant applies

For Sports/NCC Section

Highlight casual sports engagement and regular participation
Include outdoor activities and fitness routines
Don't worry if you lack formal NCC/NSS experience

For Leadership Positions

Highlight informal roles and coordination experiences
Include volunteer work and community service
Focus on instances where you showed initiative

For Extracurricular Activities

Be genuine about your interests and hobbies
Start developing meaningful hobbies now
Avoid claiming activities you've never pursued

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Introduction
Service Preference
Prizes, Medals, Scholarships, etc.
Sports/N.C.C. etc.
Leadership
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Other Extracurricular Activities and Interests
Tips for Beginners

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Margdarshan IAS

By Sid Bhaiya

UPSC 2025 Application Form: Evidence-Based Guidance for Service Preference

1. Service Preference Order

Image 1: Full Preference List

Image 2: Limited Preference List

Guidelines for Filling Service Preferences

Understand the Role and Scope

Consider Long-term Goals

Work-Life Balance

Growth Opportunities

Personal Interest and Aptitude

Strategic Selection

2. Prizes, Medals, Scholarships, etc.

3. Sports/N.C.C. etc.

4. Position(s) of Distinction/Leadership

5. Other Extracurricular Activities and Interests

Tips for Beginners

For Prizes and Medals Section

For Sports/NCC Section

For Leadership Positions

For Extracurricular Activities

Ready to Begin Your UPSC 2025 Journey?

Quick Navigation