GPSC Complete Guide 2025 - Gujarat Public Service Commission
Everything you need to know about GPSC exams - from understanding the commission to cracking the exam with detailed syllabus, preparation strategy, best books, and expert tips.
150+
Vacancies Annually₹44,900
Starting Salary3 Stages
Prelims-Mains-Interview21-30
Age Range (General)1. What is GPSC? (GPSC શું છે?)
The Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. It is responsible for conducting competitive examinations for recruitment to various Class-1 and Class-2 posts in the Gujarat State Government.
Key Facts About GPSC
- Established: 1960 (Post Gujarat formation in 1960)
- Headquarters: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Website: gpsc.gujarat.gov.in
- Chairman: Appointed by Governor of Gujarat
- Members: 3-5 members including Chairman
- Type: Constitutional Body (Article 315)
Functions of GPSC
- Conduct recruitment exams for Class-1 & Class-2 posts
- Advise government on service matters
- Conduct interviews for senior positions
- Frame recruitment rules and regulations
- Departmental promotion committees
- Advisory role on disciplinary matters
Why Choose GPSC? (GPSC કેમ પસંદ કરવું?)
Excellent Salary
Starting: ₹44,900
Maximum: ₹1,42,400
Plus DA, HRA, TA
Career Growth
Promotions to IAS level
Administrative powers
Policy making roles
Job Security
Permanent position
Pension benefits
Medical facilities
2. Popular GPSC Recruitment Posts
| Post Name | Class | Qualification | Salary Range (₹) | Approx. Vacancies/Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector (નાયબ કલેક્ટર) | Class-1 | Graduate | 56,100 - 1,77,500 | 30-50 |
| Deputy Section Officer (DSO) | Class-2 | Graduate | 44,900 - 1,42,400 | 50-80 |
| Assistant Engineer (Civil/Mechanical/Electrical) | Class-2 | B.E./B.Tech | 44,900 - 1,42,400 | 100-150 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police (નાયબ પોલીસ અધિક્ષક) | Class-1 | Graduate | 56,100 - 1,77,500 | 20-30 |
| State Tax Inspector (રાજ્ય કર નિરીક્ષક) | Class-2 | Graduate | 35,400 - 1,12,400 | 100-200 |
| Lecturer/Professor (Government Colleges) | Class-2 | Post-Graduate + NET/SET | 57,700 - 1,82,400 | 200-300 |
| Assistant Director (Various Departments) | Class-2 | Graduate/PG (varies) | 44,900 - 1,42,400 | 50-100 |
| Class-1 Combined Exam (Various Posts) | Class-1 | Graduate | 56,100 - 1,77,500 | 40-60 |
Important Note
The exact number of vacancies varies each year based on government requirements. The salary mentioned is as per 7th Pay Commission. Actual in-hand salary includes DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), and other benefits.
3. Eligibility Criteria (લાયકાત માપદંડ)
3.1 Age Limit (વય મર્યાદા)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / SEBC | 21 years | 30 years | - |
| SC / ST | 21 years | 35 years | +5 years |
| Physically Handicapped (PH) | 21 years | 40 years | +10 years |
| Ex-Serviceman | 21 years | 35 years | +5 years |
| Widows/Divorced Women | 21 years | 35 years | +5 years |
Important: Age is calculated as on the last date of online application. Age limits may vary slightly for different posts - always check the official notification!
3.2 Educational Qualification (શૈક્ષણિક લાયકાત)
For General Posts (Class 1-2)
- Minimum: Bachelor's Degree from recognized university
- Stream: Any (Arts, Commerce, Science)
- Percentage: No minimum percentage required (usually)
- Final Year Students: Can apply (provisional)
For Technical Posts
- Assistant Engineer: B.E./B.Tech in relevant discipline
- Lecturer: Post-Graduate + NET/SET
- Medical Officer: MBBS + Registration
- Veterinary Officer: B.V.Sc. & AH
3.3 Nationality & Domicile
- Must be a citizen of India
- Some posts require Gujarat domicile
- Knowledge of Gujarati language essential (can be acquired later for some posts)
3.4 Physical Standards (For Certain Posts)
For posts like Deputy Superintendent of Police:
- Height: Male - 165 cm, Female - 155 cm
- Chest: Male - 81-86 cm (expansion 5 cm minimum)
- Vision: 6/6 (corrected acceptable for some posts)
4. GPSC Exam Pattern (પરીક્ષા પેટર્ન)
GPSC exams are conducted in THREE stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (પ્રારંભિક પરીક્ષા)
Type: Objective (MCQ) - Qualifying Nature
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-I | General Studies-I (Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science) |
200 | 200 | 2 hours |
| Paper-II | General Studies-II (CSAT) (Comprehension, Reasoning, Mental Ability, Math) |
200 | 200 | 2 hours |
Important Points:
- Paper-II is qualifying in nature (minimum 33% required)
- Negative marking: 0.33 marks for each wrong answer
- Only Paper-I marks used for ranking and cutoff
- Cutoff varies: General ~50-60%, SEBC ~45-55%, SC/ST ~40-50%
Stage 2: Mains Examination (મુખ્ય પરીક્ષા)
Type: Descriptive (Written) - Main Selection Exam
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper-1 | Gujarati Language (ગુજરાતી ભાષા) Qualifying |
200 | 3 hours |
| Paper-2 | English Language Qualifying |
200 | 3 hours |
| Paper-3 | General Studies-I (History, Geography, Culture, Current Affairs) |
250 | 3 hours |
| Paper-4 | General Studies-II (Polity, Governance, Social Justice, International Relations) |
250 | 3 hours |
| Paper-5 | General Studies-III (Economy, Science & Technology, Environment) |
250 | 3 hours |
| Paper-6 | General Studies-IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude) |
250 | 3 hours |
| Paper-7 | Optional Subject (Choose from 26 subjects) |
250 × 2 = 500 | 3 hours each |
Qualifying Papers (33% minimum required)
- Paper-1: Gujarati
- Paper-2: English
Note: Marks not counted for final ranking
Merit Papers (For Final Ranking)
- Papers 3, 4, 5, 6: General Studies (1000 marks)
- Paper-7: Optional Subject (500 marks)
Total: 1500 marks
Stage 3: Personality Test / Interview (ઇન્ટરવ્યુ)
Type: Oral Interview by Board of Members
Marks: 100-150 marks (varies by post)
Duration: 30-45 minutes
What is Tested:
- General awareness and current affairs
- Communication skills (Gujarati & English)
- Personality and leadership qualities
- Decision-making ability
- Knowledge of Gujarat state
- Handling pressure situations
Final Merit Calculation
Mains Exam:
1500 marks
Interview:
+ 100-150 marks
Total:
1600-1650 marks
5. Detailed Syllabus (વિસ્તૃત અભ્યાસક્રમ)
1. Indian History & Culture (25-30 questions)
- Ancient India: Indus Valley, Vedic Period, Maurya, Gupta
- Medieval India: Delhi Sultanate, Mughal Empire
- Modern India: British Rule, Freedom Struggle, Reform Movements
- Art, Architecture, Literature of different periods
- Freedom fighters of Gujarat
2. Indian Geography (25-30 questions)
- Physical Geography: Mountains, Plateaus, Plains, Rivers
- Climate and Weather patterns
- Natural resources and agriculture
- Industries and economic geography
- Gujarat Geography: Districts, Rivers, Dams, Industries
3. Indian Polity & Governance (30-35 questions)
- Indian Constitution: Features, Amendments
- Fundamental Rights, Duties, DPSP
- Union and State Executive, Legislature, Judiciary
- Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies
- Important Constitutional Bodies
4. Indian Economy (25-30 questions)
- Economic Development basics
- Banking, Finance, Taxation
- Budget and Planning
- Agriculture, Industry, Services sector
- Gujarat Economy and major industries
5. Science & Technology (25-30 questions)
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Space technology and achievements
- Information Technology
- Biotechnology and Medical Science
- Environmental Science and Ecology
6. Current Affairs (30-35 questions)
- National and International events (last 6-12 months)
- Sports, Awards, Books & Authors
- Government Schemes (Central & Gujarat)
- Important personalities and events
Note: This paper is qualifying in nature. Minimum 33% marks required. Marks not counted for ranking.
- Comprehension: Reading passages and answering questions
- Interpersonal Skills: Communication abilities
- Logical Reasoning: Analytical ability, pattern recognition
- Analytical Ability: Data interpretation, charts, graphs
- Decision Making: Problem solving
- General Mental Ability: Coding-decoding, series, directions
- Basic Numeracy: 10th level mathematics
- Data Interpretation: Tables, bar charts, pie charts
Paper-1: Gujarati Language (Qualifying)
- Essay writing in Gujarati (150-200 words)
- Grammar: સંધિ, સમાસ, કારક, વિશેષણ, ક્રિયા, કાળ
- Comprehension passage
- Letter/Application writing
- Gujarati literature and culture
Paper-2: English Language (Qualifying)
- Essay writing (250-300 words)
- Grammar: Tenses, Voice, Narration, Articles
- Comprehension
- Precis writing
- Business/Official correspondence
Papers 3-6: General Studies (Detailed syllabus similar to UPSC pattern with Gujarat-specific additions)
Paper-7: Optional Subject (Choose from 26 subjects including Public Administration, History, Geography, Economics, etc.)
6. Preparation Strategy (તૈયારી વ્યૂહરચના)
6-12 Month Preparation Plan
GPSC requires consistent, dedicated preparation over 6-12 months for best results
| Phase | Duration | Focus Areas | Daily Study Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Months 1-2 |
• Complete NCERT books (6-12) • Basic current affairs • Newspaper reading habit |
6-7 hours (Theory heavy) |
| Building | Months 3-5 |
• Standard reference books • Gujarat-specific content • Subject-wise completion • Note making |
7-8 hours (Theory + Practice) |
| Practice | Months 6-8 |
• Previous year papers • Mock tests (weekly) • Answer writing practice • Weak area focus |
8-9 hours (Practice heavy) |
| Revision | Months 9-12 |
• Multiple revisions • Daily mock tests • Current affairs compilation • Speed improvement |
9-10 hours (Revision + Tests) |
Daily Study Routine for Working Professionals
Morning (Before Office)
- 5:00-6:00 AM: Newspaper reading
- 6:00-7:30 AM: Difficult subjects (Math/Reasoning)
- 7:30-8:30 AM: Current affairs notes
Evening (After Office)
- 7:00-9:00 PM: General Studies/Optional
- 9:00-10:00 PM: Revision
- 10:00-10:30 PM: Plan next day
Weekend Strategy
- Saturday: 8-10 hours study + 1 full mock test
- Sunday: Light revision + weak topics + test analysis
Pro Tip: Utilize lunch breaks (30 min), commute time (audio lectures), and maintain consistency over intensity.
7. Best Books and Resources
| Subject | Book Name | Author/Publisher | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| History | Ancient & Medieval India | NCERT Class 6-12 | Must Read |
| Modern India | Bipan Chandra | Must Read | |
| Gujarat History | Gujarati Medium Books | Important | |
| Geography | Certificate Physical & Human Geography | G.C. Leong | Must Read |
| Gujarat Geography | Gujarati Medium Reference | Must Read | |
| Polity | Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth | Must Read |
| NCERT Class 9-12 (Civics) | NCERT | Must Read | |
| Economy | Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh | Must Read |
| NCERT Class 9-12 (Economics) | NCERT | Important | |
| Science | NCERT Class 6-10 (Science) | NCERT | Must Read |
| Current Affairs | The Hindu / Indian Express Pratiyogita Darpan Yojana Magazine |
Daily + Monthly | Must Read |
| Gujarat GK | Gujarat Parichay Gujarat at a Glance |
Various Publishers | Must Read |
| Previous Papers | Last 10 Years GPSC Papers | Arihant/Disha | Must Read |
Gujarati Medium Students
Most students prefer studying in Gujarati for Gujarat-specific topics. Many quality Gujarati books are available for GPSC preparation. Visit major bookstores in Ahmedabad (Relief Road, CG Road) or online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart for Gujarat-specific books.
8. Expert Tips for GPSC Success
✅ Do's
- Start with NCERT books (Class 6-12)
- Focus heavily on Gujarat-specific GK (30% weightage)
- Read newspaper daily (The Hindu/Gujarat Samachar)
- Make concise notes for revision
- Practice answer writing (for Mains)
- Give at least 50 mock tests
- Analyze every mock test thoroughly
- Revise minimum 3-4 times
- Join test series (online/offline)
- Stay consistent for 6-12 months
❌ Don'ts
- Don't refer to too many books
- Don't neglect Gujarat-specific topics
- Don't skip current affairs (last 6-12 months)
- Don't study without a proper timetable
- Don't ignore weak areas
- Don't give mock tests without analysis
- Don't try to study everything (focus on important)
- Don't compromise on health/sleep
- Don't compare with others
- Don't lose motivation after setbacks
💡 Golden Tips from GPSC Toppers
"Gujarat-specific content is your biggest advantage in GPSC. Master Gujarat History, Geography, Economy, and Current Affairs thoroughly. This alone can give you 30-40% marks."
"Don't just study - practice answer writing daily. Even if you know everything, you need to write well within time limit to score in Mains."
"Mock tests are more important than studying new topics in last 3 months. Give full-length tests, analyze mistakes, and improve speed."
Ready to Start GPSC Preparation?
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