If you aspire to become a civil service officer, you must have come across the terms UPSC and GPSC. Both are civil bodies responsible for offering and recruiting officers for public service roles like deputy commissioner, IPS, IAS, and more. But what is the difference between UPSC and GPSC? The functions, roles, and responsibilities of UPSC and GPSC have many similarities and differences. In this blog, we will discuss more about the similarities and differences between UPSC and GPSC.
Let’s start by understanding what UPSC and GPSC mean.
What are UPSC and GPSC?
The UPSC and GPSC are two civil bodies appointed by the Government to recruit government civil service officers. They both conduct examinations to find the most suitable officers and provide necessary advice to the Government of India regarding policies. However, both UPSC and GPSC have different scopes and authorities.
What is UPSC?
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is the delegated constitutional body for recruiting officers for various government posts on all India levels. It was established as the Public Service Commission in 1926. Later, it was known as the Federal Public Service Commission, and after the independence of India, it was known as the Union Public Service Commission. It conducts exams and makes the curriculum and regulations for those exams. After the exam and selection of top students, the responsibility of training the selected candidates is transferred to the Government of India.
What is GPSC?
Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) is a constitutional body that recruits government posts in Gujarat. Established in 1960, GPSC is one of the oldest public commissions. The GPSC, just like UPSC, conducts various exams to recruit civil service officers like GPS, deputy commissioner, and more in Gujarat. The Government trains the candidates who pass the GPSC exam for multiple positions.
The similarities & differences between UPSC and GPSC roles
UPSC and GPSC have a few similarities and differences. We have discussed the role of UPSC vs GPSC for a clear understanding.
Operational jurisdiction
Operational jurisdiction is the area in which a particular organization operates.
UPSC:
The UPSC operates on a national level. Therefore, it carries out its operations throughout the nation.
GPSC:
The GPSC operates on the state level in Gujarat. Therefore, it only carries out operations related to the state of Gujarat.
Recruitment responsibilities
They are responsible for annually recruiting civil service officers for various departments and positions.
UPSC:
The UPSC is responsible for recruiting officers for various government posts throughout India. They take exams of candidates from across India.
GPSC:
The GPSC takes responsibility for recruiting officers for diverse government positions in Gujarat. They take exams in Gujarat state only.
Examinations structure
The recruiting body, UPSC and GPSC, conducts an exam to recruit the right and most efficient candidate. Both exams have the same structure: a Preliminary Test, a main exam, and a Personal Interview. Those who pass these three stages and rank in the final exam are selected to fill in government positions.
UPSC:
The UPSC has the three stages mentioned above. Subjects like history, politics, economy, current affairs, and more are the focal points of the UPSC exam. They offer one optional language paper and two optional subject papers in the main exam to help students showcase their areas of expertise.
GPSC:
The GPSC exam structure is similar to the UPSC. However, the focus of the subject matter and topics are more related to the environment and issues related to Gujarat state. Additionally, Gujarati is the Gujarati language for the main exam.
Advisory role
The recruitment body is responsible for advising the Government about the need for personnel, recruitment, curriculum change, and even specific policies.
UPSC:
The UPSC provides direct advice and insights to the central Government of India.
GPSC:
The GPSC provides valuable insights and advice to the state government of Gujarat.
UPSC and GPSC comparison for career
When you are at the crossroads of UPSC vs GPSC, the career scope and growth can help you make the final decision. Based on these, you can decide whether to prepare for UPSC or GPSC exams. Let’s look at the difference between UPSC and GPSC from aspirants POV:
Scope of career growth
Scope of growth is the highest position you can achieve after your selection as a civil service officer.
UPSC:
The candidate you rank in the UPSC exams can serve in various civil service positions like IRS, IFS, IAS, and IPS. The scope of civil officers from UPSC is broad. You can get positioning across the nation and at varying levels. The highest level of posting can be in the central government ministry and departments.
GPSC:
The candidate passing the GPSC exams has a significant growth opportunity to work at a government post in Gujarat, whether in administration, police officer, or other high-ranking positions.
Training for the role
After the final exam, the selected candidates must undergo specialized training to identify and hone their core strengths. The training helps them understand their role, responsibilities, and the actions they must take in their position.
UPSC:
Candidates who secure the passing rank in the UPSC exams undergo training in specialized institutes decided by the Central Government.
GPSC:
The candidates who pass the final round of GPSC exams are trained for their roles at state-level institutes chosen by the Government.
Responsibilities & posting of the officers
Each officer has specific responsibilities, which are given after their training. Additionally, they are posted in various locations depending on several factors throughout their career.
UPSC:
The UPSC passed officers can be responsible for diverse roles. It ranges from a posting in a small town to a government ministry head and everything in between. Therefore, they can be posted across India depending on various factors.
GPSC:
The civil officer selected from the GPSC officer is handling responsibilities in Gujarat. After the selection and training, they will be posted at a particular place to perform their duty. They can only be transferred within the state of Gujarat.
Conclusion
When you want to become a civil service officer, especially in Gujarat, you must face the dilemma of UPSC vs GPSC. Both UPSC and GPSC are constitutional bodies responsible for recruiting civil service officers. UPSC is accountable for recruitment for government positions across India, while GPSC only does the same for Gujarat state. Therefore, UPSC and GPSC conduct exams to recruit officers at the national and state levels.
The officer selected through UPSC faces questions relating to national interests and responsibilities of posting across India and advises the central Government. On the other hand, an officer recruited by GPSC must know Gujarat state. They are delegated responsibility for posts in Gujarat and get training in centers selected by the state government.
Bubna’s IAS understands that it could be overwhelming to choose one. That’s why our team of experts is here to help you. We offer the best GPSC and UPSC coaching in Surat. Take our free demo class and get expert advice on what to choose between UPSC, GPSC, or both! We are here to help you achieve your dreams. Book your free class now!
FAQ
UPSC vs GPSC, which is more difficult?
The syllabus of UPSC is more diverse and complex than that of GPSC. Therefore, UPSC is more complicated than GPSC. But remember, clearing GPSC will require significant effort and preparation, similar to UPSC.
Do UPSC and GPSC have different exam curricula?
The curriculum of UPSC is focused on national topics, and the curriculum of GPSC covers mostly Gujarat. While the focus matters differ, a few things and issues remain the same.
Can I prepare for both UPSC and GPSC at the same time?
Yes. Both UPSC and GPSC are independent competitive exams. They have separate curriculum and exam dates. Therefore, you can prepare for both of them. However, it could become hectic and require more energy and dedication.
What coaching provides the best UPSC and GPSC classes in Surat?
There are various GPSC and UPSC classes in Surat. Bubna’s IAS is one of the top UPSC academies in Surat. We have USPC and GPSC classes in Surat, providing personalized study plans with our team of experts supporting students whenever they need them. We provide our students with the latest and advanced material with live classes to help them prepare well in advance. The series of mock tests with feedback from experts helps our students hone their skills and overcome their weaknesses. Check out our website to know more.
