UKPSC vs UKSSSC – Complete Detailed Comparison
For aspirants preparing for Uttarakhand Government Jobs, understanding the difference between UKPSC and UKSSSC is extremely important. Both recruiting bodies conduct examinations for the state government, but their nature, level of posts, exam pattern, difficulty, and career growth are very different.
1. Full Form and Nature
- UKPSC stands for Uttarakhand Public Service Commission.
- UKSSSC stands for Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission.
- UKPSC is a constitutional body.
- UKSSSC is a statutory body.
2. Constitutional and Legal Status
- UKPSC is established under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.
- UKSSSC is established by an Act of the Uttarakhand State Government.
- UKPSC enjoys greater constitutional independence.
3. Type of Posts Recruited
Posts Recruited Through UKPSC
- PCS Officers (SDM, DSP, etc.)
- Review Officer (RO) / Assistant Review Officer (ARO)
- Assistant Professor
- Lecturer (Government Colleges)
- Other Group-A and Group-B Gazetted Posts
Posts Recruited Through UKSSSC
- Patwari and Lekhpal
- Village Development Officer (VDO)
- Junior Assistant
- Forest Guard
- Police Constable
- Various Group-C Technical and Non-Technical Posts
4. Level of Posts
- UKPSC mainly recruits for Group-A and Group-B posts.
- Most UKPSC posts are Gazetted.
- UKSSSC recruits for Group-C posts.
- UKSSSC posts are generally Non-Gazetted.
5. Exam Pattern Comparison
UKPSC Exam Pattern
- Multi-stage examination process.
- Stages include Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview.
- Includes both objective and descriptive questions.
- Interview plays an important role in final selection.
UKSSSC Exam Pattern
- Mostly single-stage written examination.
- Questions are objective type (MCQs).
- Some posts require Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
- Interview is generally not conducted.
6. Difficulty Level
- UKPSC exams are considered high difficulty level.
- They require analytical thinking and answer writing skills.
- UKSSSC exams are of moderate difficulty.
- Focus is more on factual knowledge and practice.
7. Syllabus Depth
UKPSC Syllabus
- Indian Polity
- Indian History and Culture
- Geography (India and Uttarakhand)
- Economy
- Ethics and Essay (Mains)
- Uttarakhand-specific General Studies
UKSSSC Syllabus
- General Knowledge
- Uttarakhand GK
- Reasoning
- Mathematics
- Hindi Language
8. Eligibility Criteria
- UKPSC generally requires Graduation as minimum qualification.
- UKSSSC qualifications vary from 10th, 12th to Graduation depending on post.
- Age limit for UKPSC is usually 21 to 42 years.
- Age limit for UKSSSC is usually 18 to 42 years.
9. Salary and Benefits
- UKPSC officers receive higher pay scales under 7th Pay Commission.
- Starting salary ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,00,000+.
- UKSSSC salaries range from ₹21,700 to ₹44,900.
- UKPSC officers enjoy more allowances and official facilities.
10. Promotion and Career Growth
- UKPSC posts offer faster promotions.
- Higher administrative authority and leadership roles.
- UKSSSC posts offer limited but stable promotions.
- Suitable for long-term job security.
11. Preparation Time
- UKPSC preparation requires 1.5 to 3 years.
- UKSSSC preparation usually takes 6 to 12 months.
- Many aspirants prepare for both exams simultaneously.
12. Comparison Table (Quick Revision)
| Point | UKPSC | UKSSSC |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Constitutional Body | Statutory Body |
| Article / Act | Article 315 | State Act |
| Post Level | Group-A / B | Group-C |
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview | Mostly Single Exam |
| Difficulty | High | Moderate |
13. Which Exam Should You Choose?
- Choose UKPSC for higher authority and prestige.
- Choose UKSSSC for quicker job entry.
- Preparing for both increases chances of selection.
14. Importance for Competitive Exams
- Frequently asked as comparison-based questions.
- Important for career guidance sections.
- Useful for interview discussions.
15. Conclusion
Both UKPSC and UKSSSC play vital roles in the administrative framework of Uttarakhand. While UKPSC recruits officers for leadership and policy roles, UKSSSC ensures efficient functioning of government departments through subordinate staff. Aspirants should choose their path based on career goals, preparation capacity, and long-term vision.