UPSC Announces SOLDCE 2024: A Comprehensive Guide to Section Officer (Grade ‘B’) Exam

SOLDCE 2024 Exam Notification

In an eagerly awaited announcement, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released details for the 2024 Combined Section Officers’ (Grade ‘B’) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (SOLDCE) on November 13, 2024. This examination, open to eligible departmental candidates, will facilitate promotions for Section Officer (Grade ‘B’) positions in several key government services, including the Central Secretariat Service, Indian Foreign Service (Branch ‘B’), Railway Board Secretariat Service, Intelligence Bureau, and the Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service.

Below, we break down the exam’s key information—eligibility criteria, exam structure, important dates, and application process—to help you prepare thoroughly. Let’s dive in.

Exam Categories and Positions Available

The UPSC SOLDCE 2024 covers five main categories across several departments. Here’s a closer look:

  1. Category I: Section Officers’ Grade of the Central Secretariat Service
  2. Category II: Section Officers’ Grade of the General Cadre of the Indian Foreign Service (Branch ‘B’)
  3. Category III: Section Officers’ Grade of the Railway Board Secretariat Service
  4. Category VIII: Section Officers’ Grade of the Intelligence Bureau
  5. Category X: Section Officers in the Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service

Candidates selected through this exam will fill key administrative roles in these departments, providing a vital link in India’s bureaucratic framework. Each position offers candidates an opportunity to contribute to national governance, making this an attractive career advancement pathway for dedicated government employees.

Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible for SOLDCE 2024?

Each category has specific eligibility criteria related to experience, educational qualifications, and performance evaluations. Meeting these requirements by the eligibility cutoff date—July 1, 2024—is essential. Let’s explore these requirements in detail.

Basic Eligibility Requirements Across Categories

  1. Minimum Service Tenure: Candidates should have completed at least five years of approved service in their category to qualify for most categories. This requirement varies slightly across departments.
  2. Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs): Generally, candidates must have satisfactory performance records for at least three to four years.
  3. Educational Qualifications: Candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.
  4. Specific Departmental Permissions: Each department may have additional guidelines. For example, officers directly recruited in 2018 who meet specific requirements are allowed to participate, even if they haven’t completed five full years of service.

For each category, only permanent and regularly appointed officers may apply. Candidates on deputation to external posts with authorization from the competent authority remain eligible to appear, and service rendered during deputation will count toward the required experience.

Exemptions and Special Provisions

Some exemptions apply to the eligibility requirements. For instance:

  • Direct recruits from 2018 in specific services may be eligible if they meet alternative service requirements.
  • Deputation to external roles, if sanctioned, doesn’t affect eligibility, and experience during deputation is counted.

Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly verify their eligibility before applying.

Exam Structure and Syllabus: What to Expect

The SOLDCE 2024 exam is structured in two main parts:

Part I: Written Examination (500 Marks)

The written test, consisting of three papers, assesses candidates on General Studies, Government Procedures, Financial and Service Rules, and Drafting Skills. Here’s a breakdown of the papers:

  1. Paper 1: General Studies and the Indian Constitution
    • Topics: Covers Indian Constitution, general government functioning, and the Right to Information Act.
    • Type: Objective
    • Marks: 150
    • Duration: 2 hours
  2. Paper 2: Government Procedures and Financial and Service Rules
    • Topics: Government office procedures, rules, and general financial guidelines.
    • Type: Objective
    • Marks: 150
    • Duration: 2 hours
  3. Paper 3: Essay, Precis, and Drafting
    • Type: Descriptive
    • Marks: 200
    • Duration: 3 hours
  4. Evaluation of Service Records
    • Marks: 100

Candidates are advised to prepare well, as each paper carries significant weight, and strong performance in each section is crucial.

Important Syllabus Details

For effective preparation, candidates should focus on the following areas:

  • General Studies and Government Policies: In-depth knowledge of the Indian Constitution, the functioning of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, government ministries, and the 2005 Right to Information Act.
  • Office Procedures: Familiarity with office procedure manuals, conduct rules, financial regulations, and departmental orders related to service rules.

This comprehensive syllabus aims to assess candidates’ technical skills and their understanding of government processes, policy knowledge, and administrative acumen.

Application Process: Steps and Requirements

Candidates can apply online through the official UPSC website after the formal exam notification is published. The application process involves the following steps:

  1. Online Application: Submit your application through the UPSC portal, providing all necessary details and selecting your category.
  2. Departmental Verification: After submission, candidates must submit hard copies of their applications to the designated controlling authorities within their departments for verification and attestation.
  3. Submission to UPSC: The verified application will be forwarded to the UPSC by the controlling authority.
  4. Application Review: Each application is reviewed based on eligibility criteria, APARs, and other requirements.

Key Points to Note

  • Reservation: The selection process includes adherence to reservation guidelines. Results will be announced based on guidelines from the Department of Personnel and Training and are subject to ongoing court decisions.
  • Admit Card: Only candidates with the official admit card from UPSC can participate in the exam.

Applicants should ensure they meet all requirements and follow each step carefully to avoid disqualification.

Selection and Result Declaration

The final selection of candidates is based on combined scores from the written exam and service record evaluation. The UPSC may set minimum qualifying marks for each stage of the exam, ensuring only the most eligible candidates proceed.

Results will be announced on the UPSC website, with separate merit lists for each category. The government retains the right to decide the number of candidates selected, and selection is based purely on merit, rather than passing marks.

Important Dates and Final Thoughts

The UPSC will notify candidates of specific exam dates and venues on its website. This year’s SOLDCE is an excellent opportunity for motivated departmental candidates to advance their careers by joining the ranks of Grade ‘B’ Section Officers.

Stay tuned for updates on exam schedules, tips for preparation, and expert advice to maximize your performance.

FAQ

1. What is the UPSC SOLDCE 2024 Examination?

Answer: The UPSC SOLDCE 2024 is a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to select Section Officers (Grade ‘B’) for various central government services. The exam is designed to promote eligible departmental candidates.

2. Which departments are included in SOLDCE 2024?

Answer: SOLDCE 2024 covers five categories: the Central Secretariat Service, Indian Foreign Service (Branch ‘B’), Railway Board Secretariat Service, Intelligence Bureau, and Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service.

3. What are the eligibility criteria for SOLDCE 2024?

Answer: Candidates must have a minimum of five years of service, satisfactory Annual Performance Appraisal Reports (APARs) for three to four years, and a graduate degree. Certain direct recruits from 2018 may qualify with alternative service requirements.

4. What is the exam structure of UPSC SOLDCE 2024?

Answer: The examination consists of a written test with three papers on General Studies, Government Procedures, Financial Rules, and Drafting Skills, followed by an evaluation of service records. The exam is worth a total of 600 marks.

5. Is there negative marking in the SOLDCE 2024 exam?

Answer: Yes, negative marking applies to objective-type questions. One-third of the allotted marks for a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer.

6. How can candidates apply for the SOLDCE 2024 exam?

Answer: Candidates must apply online via the UPSC website. Afterward, they should submit a hard copy of the application to their controlling authority for verification, which will then forward the application to UPSC.

7. What is the syllabus for the SOLDCE 2024 exam?

Answer: The syllabus includes topics on General Studies, the Indian Constitution, Government Office Procedures, Financial and Service Rules, and Drafting Skills. Specific manuals and guidelines for each category are part of the syllabus.

SOLDCE 2024 Notification
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