The notification of the examination is made in December. The Preliminary Examination is followed by the Main Written Examination and a personal Interview. The marks obtained in the Main Examination (Written and Interview) determine the final ranking. The candidates are then allotted to various services on the basis of their ranks and the preferences expressed by them.

• Application Form: The candidates must apply in the Common Application Form devised by the Commission for its examinations, which can be purchased from the designated Head Post Offices/ Post Offices throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 20/- (Rupees twenty) only. Each such Form can be used only once and only for one examination.
• In case of any difficulty in obtaining the Application Forms from the designated Head Post Offices/ Post Offices the candidates should immediately contact the concerned Post Master or UPSC "Form Supply Monitoring Cell" over Telephone No. 011-23389366/ FAX No. 011-23387310.