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Difference Between UPPSC and UPPCS: Functions, Exam Conducted

Difference between UPPSC and UPPCS is that UPPSC is the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the body that conducts recruitment exams, while UPPCS refers to the Provincial Civil Services posts like Deputy Collector and DSP selected through the UPPSC exam.

authorImageAnanya Gupta11 Nov, 2025
Difference Between UPPSC and UPPCS

Difference Between UPPSC and UPPCS: Candidates aspiring for government jobs in Uttar Pradesh often come across terms like UPPSC, UPPCS, PSC and PCS. While they may sound similar, each term has a distinct meaning, role, and purpose in the administrative framework. Understanding the difference between UPPSC and UPPCS is important for aspirants planning a career in state administration. 

Difference Between UPPSC and UPPCS Overview

To understand the difference between UPPSC and UPPCS, consider the following table:

Difference Between UPPSC and UPPCS

Aspect

UPPSC

UPPCS

Full Form

Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission

Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Services

Meaning

Exam-conducting body for state services

Administrative posts recruited through UPPSC

Nature

Recruitment authority

State government administrative service

Exams Conducted

UPPCS, APO, RO/ARO, AE, Judiciary

Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) Exam

Posts

PCS, Civil Judge, Assistant Engineer, APO, RO/ARO

Deputy Collector, DSP, ARTO, CDPO, Assistant Registrar (Cooperative), etc.

What is UPPSC?

UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission) is the state authority responsible for conducting recruitment examinations for various government posts in Uttar Pradesh. Established on April 1, 1937, under Section 264 of the Government of India Act, 1935, UPPSC ensures a transparent and merit-based recruitment process.

The commission is responsible for recruiting candidates for posts under UPPCS, Assistant Engineer (AE), Judiciary, Review Officer (RO), Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO), and other administrative positions. Simply put, UPPSC means the recruiting body, while the posts are categorized under UPPCS or other state services.

Key Functions of UPPSC:

  1. Recruitment of State Services: Conducts exams for UPPCS, AE, Judiciary, RO/ARO, and APO posts.

  2. Promotion and Departmental Exams: Organizes internal exams for promotions according to service rules.

  3. Advisory Role: Advises the state government on disciplinary matters, amendments in service rules, and administrative issues.

  4. Ensuring Transparency: Maintains a bias-free and merit-based selection process.

What is UPPCS?

UPPCS (Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Services) refers to the administrative posts under the state government that are filled through exams conducted by UPPSC. These posts include positions in revenue, police, social welfare, and other departments.

In simple terms:

  • UPPSC = Recruiting Authority

  • UPPCS = Administrative posts recruited through UPPSC exams

Popular UPPCS posts include Deputy Collector, DSP, ARTO, Block Development Officer (BDO), CDPO, Assistant Registrar (Cooperative), and other similar roles. Candidates searching for UPPCS coaching near me should focus on these posts and their responsibilities.

Importance of State-Level Civil Services in Uttar Pradesh

State civil services are essential for governance, policy implementation, law and order, and revenue collection. Officers selected through UPPCS play a crucial role in public administration, social welfare, and district-level development initiatives. Career opportunities through UPPCS provide a platform for aspirants to contribute directly to the development of Uttar Pradesh.

UPPSC and UPPCS: Full Forms and Meaning

The full forms help clarify the roles of each. UPPSC stands for Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the recruiting authority for state-level posts. UPPCS stands for Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Services, which are the administrative posts filled through UPPSC exams.

UPPSC Full Form and Definition

The UPPSC full form in English is Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission. It is the official Uttar Pradesh service commission responsible for conducting exams for state-level administrative positions.

UPPSC conducts a wide range of exams, including:

  • UPPCS Exam (Combined State / Upper Subordinate Services)

  • Assistant Engineer (AE) Exam

  • Judiciary Examination

  • Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO) Exam

  • Review Officer (RO) / Assistant Review Officer (ARO) Exam

UPPSC ensures fair recruitment, giving equal opportunity to all eligible candidates. Preparation resources like the UPPSC AE book are widely used by aspirants to succeed in these competitive exams.

UPPCS Full Form and Definition

The UPPCS full form is Uttar Pradesh Provincial Civil Services. These are the state administrative posts recruited through UPPSC exams.

Key UPPCS posts include:

  • Deputy Collector

  • Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

  • Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO)

  • Child Development Project Officer (CDPO)

  • Block Development Officer

  • Assistant Registrar (Cooperative)

Candidates searching UPPCS coaching near me often focus on these posts for structured guidance.

Difference Between UPPSC and UPPCS: Posts and Services Under Each Exam

Below is the post under each exam: UPPSC conducts exams for PCS, Civil Judge, AE, APO, and RO/ARO, while UPPCS recruits for provincial posts like Deputy Collector, DSP, ARTO, CDPO, BDO, and Assistant Registrar (Cooperative).

Posts Under UPPSC

The UPPSC exams recruit candidates for various administrative posts across departments. Some of the notable posts under UPPSC include:

  • PCS (Provincial Civil Services)

  • Civil Judge (Junior Division)

  • Assistant Engineer (AE)

  • Assistant Prosecution Officer (APO)

  • Review Officer (RO) / Assistant Review Officer (ARO)

UPPSC, being the recruiting authority, ensures a transparent selection process for these posts.

Posts Under UPPCS

The UPPCS exam specifically recruits candidates for provincial administrative services. The key posts include:

  1. Deputy Collector

  2. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

  3. Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO)

  4. Child Development Project Officer (CDPO)

  5. Block Development Officer (BDO)

  6. Assistant Registrar (Cooperative)

  7. District Audit Officer

  8. Assistant Labour Commissioner

  9. Assistant Commissioner Industries

  10. Additional District Development Officer (Social Welfare)

These posts form the core of the Provincial Civil Services under UPPCS, providing diverse career opportunities in Uttar Pradesh administration.

Difference Between UPPSC and UPPCS: Eligibility Criteria

Below is the detailed eligibility criteria: Candidates applying for UPPSC and UPPCS must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognized university, with specialized qualifications required for certain posts like AE (Engineering) or APO (Law). 

Educational Qualifications

Candidates applying for UPPCS posts must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a recognized university. Specialized posts like AE require an engineering degree, while APO requires a law degree.

Age Limit and Relaxation

  • General Age Limit: 21–40 years

  • Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories according to government norms.

Other Requirements

  • Must be an Indian citizen

  • Should have no criminal record

  • Physical and medical standards as applicable for certain posts

Difference Between UPPSC and UPPCS: Exam Pattern and Selection Process

The UPPCS selection process is conducted in three stages to assess candidates thoroughly for administrative roles. 

Exam Pattern and Selection Process for UPPSC and UPPCS

Stage

Description

Marks

Duration

Key Points

Preliminary Exam

Objective-type exam to shortlist candidates for Mains

GS I: 200

GS II (CSAT): 200

2 hours each

GS I: Current Affairs, History, Polity, Geography, Economy, Environment

GS II: Comprehension, Decision Making, Mental Ability, Logical Reasoning, Basic Maths, English & Hindi

Mains Exam

Descriptive papers testing in-depth knowledge

Varies by paper

3 hours per paper

Includes General Studies papers and optional subjects depending on post

Interview / Personality Test

Final assessment of candidate’s suitability for administrative roles

100

Evaluates personality, decision-making, leadership skills, communication, a

Important Differences Between UPPSC and UPPCS

Below is the key differences between UPPSC and UPPCS: UPPSC is the state-level recruiting authority conducting exams for various posts like PCS, AE, APO, RO/ARO, while UPPCS refers to the provincial civil service posts filled through these exams. The level of exam, scope of posts, selection process, and career growth differ between the two.

Level of Examination (State vs. Provincial)

  • UPPSC: Acts as the state-level recruiting authority, conducting examinations for multiple services including UPPCS, AE, APO, RO/ARO, and Judiciary.

  • UPPCS: Refers to provincial civil service posts under the state government, filled through UPPSC exams.

Scope of Posts

  • UPPSC exams cover a wide range of positions such as AE, Judiciary, RO/ARO, APO, and PCS exams.

  • UPPCS posts are mainly administrative, including Deputy Collector, DSP, ARTO, CDPO, Block Development Officer, and similar positions.

Selection Process Differences

  • UPPSC: Manages the overall recruitment process, including notifications, exam conduction, and final selection.

  • UPPCS: Candidates undergo Prelims, Mains, and Interview conducted by UPPSC to fill provincial posts.

Career Growth and Opportunities

  • Officers selected via UPPCS have opportunities for promotion and senior roles in revenue, police, transport, social welfare, and other state departments.

  • Provides a long-term career path in Uttar Pradesh administration with attractive pay and growth prospects.

  • Knowledge of PSC vs PCS, UPSC vs UPPSC, and PCS exam means UPPCS exam helps aspirants make informed choices for their career.

Also, check
UPPSC Eligibility Criteria UPPSC Selection Process
UPPSC Salary UPPSC Syllabus
UPPSC Optional Subject UPPSC Selection Process

PW is the good option for UPPSC online coaching. We have a staff of faculties ready to support candidates in acing the UPPSC exams. Batch Link - UPPSC Online Coaching

Difference between UPPSC and UPPCS FAQs

What is UPPSC exam?

The UPPSC exam is conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UP PSC) to recruit candidates for various state administrative posts, including UPPCS positions.

What is the difference between UPSC and UPPSC?

The difference between UPSC and UPPSC is that UPSC recruits for central services like IAS and IPS, while UPPSC handles state-level recruitment in Uttar Pradesh. This explains UPSC vs UPPSC.

What is the difference between PCS and PSC?

The difference between PCS and PSC or PCS and PSC difference is simple: PSC is the recruiting body (like UPPSC), and PCS refers to the administrative posts filled by the PSC.

What are the posts under UPPSC?

The posts under UPPSC include Deputy Collector, DSP, ARTO, CDPO, Block Development Officer, Assistant Registrar (Cooperative), and other administrative roles.

Why is it important to know the difference between UPPSC and UPPCS?

Understanding UPPSC vs UPPCS helps aspirants plan their preparation, choose the right posts, and know the eligibility and exam requirements.
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