After qualifying the UPSC Mains exam, candidates are required to fill the Detailed Application Form (DAF), which includes listing their preference order for various civil services. This is a crucial step in the UPSC selection process because the allocation of services depends heavily on the order of preferences mentioned. The list of services includes All India Services, Group 'A' services, and Group 'B' services.
Choosing the service preference wisely can shape your career trajectory significantly. The UPSC offers services based on the preference order—candidates are allotted the highest-ranked service possible according to their rank and category. It is important to note that once preferences are submitted, a candidate can only move down their list for service allocation but cannot move up.
Many candidates tend to list less popular or lower-preference services first, assuming they have a better chance of getting allocated there. However, since you have qualified Mains, you should aim highest and list the All India Services first—IAS, IPS, and IFS—followed by Group A and then Group B services. Don’t leave out any service because of overconfidence or underconfidence; always list all possible options in descending order. UPSC results can be unpredictable, and even high-performing candidates might miss out on top services.
It is vital to familiarize yourself with the responsibilities, postings, and career prospects of each service before deciding preferences. Some services might seem less glamorous initially but can provide rewarding careers better suited for your lifestyle and goals compared to opportunities in the private sector or other jobs. Research from official UPSC resources, talk to serving officers or mentors, and seek expert guidance to make well-informed choices.
Service and cadre allocation depend on multiple factors including your UPSC rank, category, vacancies, and preferences. Cadre allocation refers to the state or group of states where you will be posted when you join All India Services like IAS, IPS, or IFS. Cadres are divided into five zones:
Zone 1: AGMUT, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab
Zone 2: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha
Zone 3: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh
Zone 4: Manipur, Nagaland, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam-Meghalaya, Tripura
Zone 5: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala
Allocation policies (revised in 2017) aim to maintain balanced representation from different categories and promote national integration. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Environment oversee the cadre allocations as per rules.
Select your preferred zone(s) first
Choose cadres within those zones in order of preference
Do not repeat the same cadre more than once
If no cadre preference is marked, allocation authorities assign based on availability
Physically disabled candidates have additional options
Cadre allocation happens prior to the foundational course at LBSNAA.
Candidates choose from:
All India Services: IAS, IPS, IFS
Group A Services: Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), etc.
Group B Services: DANICS, DANIPS, etc.
Refer to the official UPSC website for the complete list.
Understand the nature and demands of each service
Align your preferences with your interests and lifestyle choices
Seek insights from those in service or coaching experts
Always list ALL services you are willing to join, starting from the most desired
Don’t over-rely on assumptions or peer influence
Keep backup options because UPSC results can be unexpected
Under-ranking preferred services due to fear of not getting them
Ignoring any service options and limiting your chances
Not doing enough research into each service and its scope
Your service preference order in the DAF is a strategic decision that can impact your career significantly. Take time, seek guidance, research thoroughly, and fill out this form carefully. Keep an eye on the UPSC official website for updates on deadlines and processes.