Ultimate Guide to UPSSSC 2026: Eligibility, PET Exam Pattern, Salary, and Career Growth

Ultimate Guide to UPSSSC 2026: Eligibility, PET Exam Pattern, Salary, and Career Growth

To build a career in the Uttar Pradesh state government, the UPSSSC (Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission) is the primary gateway for Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ positions. Whether you dream of becoming a Lekhpal, VDO, or Junior Assistant, this guide is your definitive roadmap for 2026.

1. UPSSSC: Introduction and Historical Evolution

The UPSSSC is the statutory recruitment body of Uttar Pradesh, headquartered in Lucknow.

• Foundation: Initially established in 1988 through an ordinance, it underwent several transformations until its current form was solidified under the U.P. Subordinate Services Selection Commission Act, 2014.

• Mission: Its primary purpose is to relieve pressure on the UPPSC (Public Service Commission) by handling the recruitment of non-gazetted, Group ‘C’ technical and non-technical posts.

• The PET Revolution: Since 2021, UPSSSC introduced the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET), a mandatory screening exam that filters candidates for all major upcoming vacancies.

2. Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria 2026)

To appear for the UPSSSC PET and subsequent Main exams, you must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Qualification:  Minimum: High School (Class 10th) pass for PET.

  • Post-Specific: Most jobs like Lekhpal or VDO require 10+2 (Intermediate). Specialized roles like Junior Engineer require a Diploma/Degree in the relevant field.

• Age Limit:  General: 18 to 40 years.

  • Relaxations: 5 years for SC/ST/OBC and up to 15 years for PwD (as of July 1st, 2026).

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India. Candidates from other states can apply but will be treated as General category candidates.

3. Career & Job Opportunities: The World After PET

Once you clear the PET and the specific Mains exam, you join various state departments. Popular roles include:

• Revenue Lekhpal: Managing land records and rural welfare.

• Village Development Officer (VDO): Overseeing development projects at the village level.

• Junior Assistant: Handling administrative and clerical work in government offices.

• Forest Guard: Protecting wildlife and forest resources.

• Mukhya Sevika: Working within the Department of Child Development and Nutrition.

4. Career Ladder: Starting Positions & Final Reach

A career through UPSSSC offers a stable “Pyramid of Growth.”

Note: Promotions are typically based on seniority and departmental exams. A dedicated VDO can realistically retire at a Gazetted Officer rank.

5. Starting Salary and Benefits (7th Pay Commission)

UPSSSC posts primarily fall under Level 1 to Level 5 of the Pay Matrix.

• Entry-Level Salary:  Pay Scale: ₹5,200/- – ₹20,200/- (Grade Pay ₹1,900/- to ₹2,800/-).

  • In-hand Salary: Typically ranges from ₹28,000/- to ₹42,000/- per month depending on the post and city (X, Y, or Z category).

• Allowances:

  • DA (Dearness Allowance): Adjusted for inflation twice a year.

  • HRA: Based on your posting location (Lucknow/Kanpur vs. Rural areas).

  • Annual Increment: 3% increase in basic pay every year.

6. Structure of the UPSSSC Exam

The UPSSSC uses a Two-Tier Selection Process:

Tier 1: PET (Preliminary Eligibility Test)

• Mode: Offline (OMR Based).

• Total Marks: 100 Marks (100 Questions).

• Duration: 2 Hours.

• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.

Tier 2: Post-Specific Mains Exam

Only candidates who meet the “Cut-off Percentile” in PET are eligible to apply for the Mains exam for specific vacancies like Lekhpal or Stenographer.

7. Syllabus & Subject Weightage

8. Winning Strategies for 2026

1. Master the Graphs: 20 marks in PET come from Table and Graph Interpretation. Don’t leave these for the last day.

2. The “UP Special” Factor: For Mains exams, 20–30% of questions focus on UP-specific Culture, Agriculture, and Geography.

3. Hindi is Mandatory: Since this is a state-level job, high proficiency in Hindi grammar is non-negotiable.

4. PET Validity: Remember, your PET score is valid for only  3 years from 2025 . You must retake it every year to stay eligible for new vacancies.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is PET compulsory for all UPSSSC jobs?

A: Yes, PET is the mandatory first step for all Group ‘C’ vacancies under UPSSSC.

Q: Can I apply if I am from Bihar or Delhi?

A: Yes, but you will be eligible for only General category seats and won’t get reservation benefits.

Q: How many times can I attempt PET?

A: There is no limit on the number of attempts as long as you meet the age criteria.

10. Conclusion: Secure Your Future with iSathi

Success in UPSSSC exams requires more than just hard work; it requires strategic alignment with the latest exam patterns. By focusing on your PET score first, you unlock the door to dozens of government departments in Uttar Pradesh.

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