UPSC IES/ISS

The UPSC Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service Examination is one of the most prestigious central government recruitment examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This examination serves as the gateway to elite economic and statistical services under the Government of India, recruiting highly qualified professionals for two distinct services: the Indian Economic Service (IES) and the Indian Statistical Service (ISS). The examination is conducted annually and is designed to select candidates with exceptional analytical, quantitative, and economic reasoning abilities. The UPSC Indian Economic Service / Indian Statistical Service Examination is a Group 'A' central service examination that attracts graduates from top economics, statistics, and mathematics programmes across the country. The examination comprises three stages: a written examination consisting of multiple papers testing general studies as well as specialised knowledge in economics, statistics, and mathematics; followed by a personality test (interview) for candidates who qualify the written examination. The total marks for the written examination vary between the two services, with IES candidates being assessed on a different set of papers compared to ISS candidates, though some papers are common. Successful candidates join various central government ministries, departments, and organisations where they contribute to policy formulation, economic analysis, statistical surveys, and data-driven decision-making. The Indian Economic Service officers work primarily in the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission (now NITI Aayog), and other economic ministries, whilst Indian Statistical Service officers serve in the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Reserve Bank of India, and various statistical organisations. The examination is known for its rigorous syllabus, competitive nature, and the prestigious career opportunities it offers in economic administration and statistical governance.