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UPPSC Exam 2026: Complete Guide to PCS, RO/ARO, Eligibility, Salary, Syllabus & Career Growth

UPPSC Exam 2026: Complete Guide to PCS, RO/ARO, Eligibility, Salary, Syllabus & Career Growth

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) is the constitutional authority responsible for recruiting officers for the Group ‘A’, ‘B’, and key secretariat-level posts in the Uttar Pradesh Government. Clearing a UPPSC examination places candidates at the core of policy-making, administration, and governance in the state.

This comprehensive guide covers UPPSC PCS as well as RO/ARO, including eligibility, exam pattern, salary, promotions, and preparation strategy for 2026 aspirants.

 

1. UPPSC: Introduction & Historical Legacy

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) is a constitutional body entrusted with conducting Civil Services examinations for Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ posts in the Uttar Pradesh Government.

Historical Background

  • Established: 1 April 1937
  • Under: Government of India Act, 1935
  • Headquarters: Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad)

From its colonial-era origins, UPPSC has evolved into a modern, transparent, and merit-driven recruitment institution, playing a pivotal role in shaping UP’s administrative leadership.

Mission

To ensure fair, merit-based selection of officers while upholding the values of the Constitution of India and strengthening the state’s governance machinery.

2. Major Examinations Conducted by UPPSC

UPPSC conducts multiple high-profile examinations, the most important being:

  • UPPSC PCS (Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services)
  • UPPSC RO/ARO (Review Officer / Assistant Review Officer)
  • Medical Officer & Technical Service Exams
  • Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO)

📌 PCS and RO/ARO are separate examinations, but both are fully conducted by UPPSC.

3. UPPSC PCS: Eligibility Criteria (2026)

  • Nationality: Citizen of India
  • Age Limit: 21–40 years
    (Relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen of UP as per rules)
  • Education: Graduation in any discipline
  • Physical Standards: Applicable only for uniformed posts like DSP & Jail Superintendent

4. UPPSC PCS: Career Opportunities & Departments

PCS officers serve in critical departments such as:

  • Revenue Department
  • Home Department
  • Rural Development
  • General Administration
  • Finance & Accounts

Entry-Level PCS Posts

  • Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
  • Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
  • Block Development Officer (BDO)
  • Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax)

5. PCS Promotion & Career Growth

  • Entry: SDM / Deputy Collector (Class-II Gazetted)
  • Mid-Level: Additional District Magistrate (ADM)
  • Elite Promotion: IAS induction after 12–15 years (based on merit & service record)
  • Highest Positions: Special Secretary / Secretary to State Government

6. PCS Salary & Benefits (7th Pay Commission)

  • Basic Pay: ₹56,100 (Pay Level 10)
  • Gross Salary: ₹85,000–₹95,000/month (approx.)
  • Perks: Government residence, official vehicle, staff, medical benefits
  • Increments: 3% annual increment + DA revisions

7. UPPSC RO/ARO: Secretariat Services Under UPPSC

Along with PCS, the Review Officer (RO) and Assistant Review Officer (ARO) examination is one of the most prestigious secretariat-level recruitments conducted by UPPSC.

Nature of Posts

  • RO (Samiksha Adhikari):
    • Group ‘B’
    • Gazetted
  • ARO (Sahayak Samiksha Adhikari):
    • Group ‘C’
    • Non-Gazetted

Departments & Posting

  • Uttar Pradesh Secretariat
  • UPPSC Offices
  • Board of Revenue, Uttar Pradesh
  • Other key government directorates

Job Profile

  • Drafting government orders & policy notes
  • File noting and documentation
  • Secretariat-level coordination
  • Administrative and reporting duties

📌 RO/ARO posts are ideal for candidates preferring administrative stability and office-based roles over field postings.

8. RO/ARO Eligibility Criteria

  • Education: Graduation in any discipline
  • Age Limit: 21–40 years (with reservation-based relaxation)
  • Typing Skill:
    • Mandatory for ARO (Hindi / English typing as notified)

9. RO/ARO Exam Pattern (Latest)

Stage I: Preliminary Examination (Objective)

  • Paper I: General Studies
  • Paper II: General Hindi

(Used for shortlisting)

Stage II: Main Examination (Objective / Descriptive)

  • General Studies
  • General Hindi & Drafting
  • Hindi Essay

Stage III: Typing Test (ARO Only)

  • Qualifying in nature
  • Hindi / English typing speed as per notification

📌 The syllabus overlaps significantly with PCS Prelims, making combined preparation highly effective.

10. RO/ARO Salary, Promotion & Career Growth

Salary (7th Pay Commission)

Review Officer (RO)

  • Pay Level: 8
  • Basic Pay: ₹47,600
  • Gross Salary: ₹70,000–₹80,000/month (approx.)

Assistant Review Officer (ARO)

  • Pay Level: 7
  • Basic Pay: ₹44,900
  • Gross Salary: ₹65,000–₹75,000/month (approx.)

Promotions

  • ARO → RO
  • RO → Section Officer (SO)
  • Further promotions to Under Secretary-level posts within the Secretariat

📌 RO/ARO offers excellent work-life balance and long-term administrative growth.

11. UPPSC Exam Structure (PCS – 3 Stages)

Prelims

  • GS Paper I (Merit)
  • CSAT Paper II (Qualifying – 33%)

Mains

  • General Hindi – 150
  • Essay – 150
  • GS I to GS VI – 200 each
    (Optional subjects removed since 2023)

Interview

  • 100 Marks

12. One-Time Registration (OTR): Mandatory

UPPSC has made OTR compulsory for all examinations, including PCS and RO/ARO.

⚠️ Without an OTR number, you cannot apply for any UPPSC vacancy.

13. Final Thoughts: PCS vs RO/ARO – Which Is Better?

  • Choose PCS if you want field authority, leadership, and IAS promotion
  • Choose RO/ARO if you want secretariat power, stability, and work-life balance

At iSathi, we help aspirants prepare smartly for both PCS and RO/ARO with:

  • Daily updates
  • Mock tests
  • UP-focused study material
  • Vacancy alerts

👉 Start your UPPSC journey today with iSathi.

 

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