All India Public Service (AIPS) Examination: Overview and Selection Process

AIPS stands for All India Public Service. It is a national level examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various Central Civil Services and Posts, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Central Services Group 'A' and 'B'.

The AIPS examination is held annually in three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination: This stage consists of objective-type questions on general studies, including topics such as history, geography, economics, politics, and general knowledge.
2. Main Examination: This stage consists of descriptive-type questions on subjects related to the specific service for which the candidate has applied.
3. Personality Test (Interview): This stage assesses the personal suitability of the candidate for the service, including their motivation, leadership qualities, and overall personality.

Candidates who clear all three stages are selected for appointment to the respective services. The AIPS examination is one of the most prestigious and competitive examinations in India, with thousands of candidates applying each year.