UPSSSC vs UPPSC – Detailed Comparison, Exam Pattern, Eligibility and Career Scope
Civil service aspirants in Uttar Pradesh often get confused between two major recruitment bodies—UPSSSC (Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission) and UPPSC (Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission). Both conduct government job examinations, but they differ greatly in level of posts, syllabus, authority, and future career growth.
This article gives a clear, in-depth understanding of UPSSSC vs UPPSC so that you can decide which exam suits you better.
What is UPSSSC?
Full Form
UPSSSC – Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission
Nature of Organization
- UPSSSC is a state recruitment commission established in 1988.
- It recruits candidates for Group ‘C’ and subordinate-level posts in various departments of the Uttar Pradesh Government.
- These are non-gazetted posts that support the higher administrative machinery.
Popular Exams Conducted by UPSSSC
- UPSSSC PET (Preliminary Eligibility Test)
- Lekhpal Recruitment
- Junior Assistant
- Stenographer
- Forest Guard
- Lower PCS (earlier system)
- Gram Panchayat Adhikari
- VDO (Village Development Officer)
What is UPPSC?
Full Form
UPPSC – Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission
Nature of Organization
- UPPSC is a constitutional body formed under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.
- It conducts recruitment for gazetted and officer-level posts (Group ‘A’ and ‘B’).
- UPPSC recruits for higher administrative positions that involve decision-making powers.
Major Exams Conducted by UPPSC
- UPPSC PCS (Provincial Civil Services)
- RO/ARO
- Assistant Engineer
- Medical Officer
- UP Judicial Services (Civil Judge)
- Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services
- Forest Services ACF/RFO
Key Difference Between UPSSSC and UPPSC
The fundamental difference lies in the level of posts and authority.
| Parameter | UPSSSC | UPPSC |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Posts | Subordinate / Support Staff | Officer / Gazetted |
| Groups | Mainly Group ‘C’ | Group ‘A’ and ‘B’ |
| Organization Type | Statutory Body | Constitutional Body |
| Exam Level | Easier to Moderate | Moderate to Highly Competitive |
| Syllabus Depth | Limited | Vast and Conceptual |
| Interview | Rarely | Mostly Required |
| Promotion Scope | Restricted | Very High |
UPSSSC PET vs UPPSC PCS
Entry Point
- For most UPSSSC jobs, clearing PET is mandatory.
- For UPPSC, PET is NOT required. Direct exams like PCS Prelims act as entry stage.
Exam Toughness
- UPSSSC PET is only qualifying in nature.
- UPPSC PCS is a three-stage exam with:
- Prelims
- Mains
- Interview
Hence UPPSC is far more difficult.
Educational Eligibility
UPSSSC Eligibility
- Minimum qualification varies by post:
- 10th Pass
- 12th Pass
- Graduation (for some posts)
UPPSC Eligibility
- Almost all UPPSC exams require:
- Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) as minimum
- Some technical posts demand:
- Professional degrees like B.Tech, MBBS, LLB etc.
Age Limit
| Exam | UPSSSC | UPPSC |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years (most posts) | 21 years |
| Maximum Age | 40 years (general) | 40 years |
| Relaxation | As per state rules | Same but higher posts |
Exam Pattern Difference
UPSSSC Exam Pattern
PET Pattern
- Objective type MCQ exam
- 100 questions
- Questions from:
- General Knowledge
- Reasoning
- Hindi
- Mathematics
- Current Affairs
Mains After PET
- Separate mains for each recruitment
- No descriptive papers
- Usually NO interview
UPPSC Exam Pattern
Stage 1 – Prelims
- Objective exam
- GS Paper I
- CSAT Paper II (qualifying)
Stage 2 – Mains
- Descriptive exam with multiple papers:
- General Hindi
- Essay
- GS I to GS IV
- Optional Subject
Stage 3 – Interview
- Personality Test
- Final merit prepared after mains + interview
UPPSC demands strong conceptual knowledge and writing skills, unlike UPSSSC.
Salary and Post Status
UPSSSC Posts
- Examples:
- Lekhpal – Pay Level 5
- Junior Assistant – Pay Level 3
Salary Range:
- ₹19,900 to ₹35,000 (approx starting)
- Subordinate staff status
UPPSC Posts
- Examples:
- SDM
- DSP
- BDO
- Assistant Commissioner
Salary Range:
- ₹44,900 to ₹56,100+ grade pay
- Gazetted officer status
- More allowances and power
Clearly UPPSC provides higher pay and respect.
UPSSSC vs UPPSC – Career Growth
Promotion Scope in UPSSSC
- Promotions are slow
- Limited departmental exams
- Many posts remain clerical entire life
Good for job security but not for high ambitions.
Promotion Scope in UPPSC
- Officers can reach:
- IAS-equivalent senior scales
- Heads of departments
- Divisional-level posts
Very bright future with power, prestige, and leadership roles.
Which Exam is Better for You
Choose UPSSSC if:
- You want an early government job
- You are 10th/12th pass
- You prefer objective exams
- You need stable job with less stress
Choose UPPSC if:
- You aim for administrative authority
- You are ready for hard preparation
- You want gazetted officer rank
- You dream of policymaking roles
Preparation Strategy Difference
UPSSSC Preparation
- Focus on:
- Speed
- Accuracy
- Basic GK
- Current affairs
Coaching not mandatory.
UPPSC Preparation
- Requires:
- Long-term planning
- Strong command over subjects
- Answer writing practice
- Coaching and mentorship usually needed
Respect and Social Image
- UPSSSC employees are essential but work under officers.
- UPPSC recruits become leaders like SDM or departmental heads.
Final Conclusion – UPSSSC vs UPPSC
Both UPSSSC and UPPSC play vital roles in Uttar Pradesh governance, but they serve different purposes.
- UPSSSC = Subordinate-Level Government Jobs
- UPPSC = Higher-Level Officer Jobs
If you are a beginner, start with UPSSSC.
If you have big dreams, prepare for UPPSC.
FAQ
Is UPSSSC easier than UPPSC?
Yes. UPSSSC exams are objective and recruit lower-level posts, while UPPSC PCS is highly competitive with mains and interview.
Can UPSSSC candidate become UPPSC officer?
Only by appearing and clearing UPPSC separately. Promotions rarely lead to gazetted ranks.
Is PET compulsory for UPPSC?
No. PET is only for UPSSSC recruitments.
Which gives better salary?
UPPSC posts offer much higher pay scales and allowances.
Which exam has interview?
UPPSC mostly includes interview; UPSSSC generally does not.
