UPSC SO (LDCE) 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Published: September 2025

The Government of India, through the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (DoPT), has notified the rules for the Combined Section Officers’ (Grade B) Limited Departmental Competitive Examination (SO LDCE) 2025. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct this exam to fill vacancies in Section Officer (Grade B) posts across multiple services.

Services Covered

The SO (LDCE) 2025 applies to several cadres including (but not limited to):

• Central Secretariat Service (CSS)
• Indian Foreign Service, Branch ‘B’
• Railway Board Secretariat Service (RBSS)
• Intelligence Bureau (IB)
• Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHQCS)
• Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must be regular employees in feeder grades (for example: Assistant Section Officer, Personal Assistant, etc.) and should meet the required years of approved service. Key points:

• Minimum 5 years of approved service in feeder grades (varies by service).
• At least 3–4 APARs (Annual Performance Appraisal Reports) must be on record.
• In certain cadres, direct recruits of the 2019 batch with sufficient service may also be eligible.
• Educational qualification generally required: a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (some cadres may have specific requirements).

Exam Structure

The examination is held in two parts:

Part I – Written Examination (500 marks)

• Paper I (150 marks, 2 hrs) – General Studies, Constitution of India, Parliament procedures, RTI Act.
• Paper II (150 marks, 2 hrs) – Procedure & Practices in Government Secretariat, GFR, service rules.
• Paper III (200 marks, 3 hrs) – Noting, Drafting & Precis Writing.

Part II – Evaluation of Service Record (100 marks)

Part II assesses the candidate’s service record and APARs. Candidates must secure at least 40% marks in this component for consideration.

Total marks: 600

Negative Marking

Objective-type papers use negative marking: 1/3rd of the marks for a question are deducted for a wrong answer.

Language Option

Candidates may write Paper III (Noting & Drafting) in either English or Hindi. The choice must be indicated in the online application and is final.

Tie-Breaking Rules

If two candidates obtain identical total marks, ranking is decided in the following order:

1. Higher marks in the total written examination.
2. If still tied, higher marks in Papers II + III combined.
3. If still tied, higher marks in Paper III (Noting & Drafting).
4. If still tied, the younger candidate is placed higher.

Disqualification & Misconduct

Candidates may be disqualified for reasons including but not limited to:

• Use of unfair means, impersonation, or submission of forged documents.
• Misbehavior or misconduct in the examination hall.
• Carrying prohibited electronic devices (mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, smartwatches, pen drives, etc.).

Results & Selection

Final merit lists are prepared service-wise based on combined performance in the written exam and service record evaluation. Vacancies that remain unfilled due to non-availability of suitable candidates may be carried forward to the next year.

Note: This examination is competitive and not automatic promotion. Even after qualifying, appointment depends on government satisfaction regarding the candidate’s conduct and overall eligibility.

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

• Prepare thoroughly in Constitutional provisions, Secretariat procedures, service rules and especially noting & drafting.
• Maintain clean service records and ensure APARs are up-to-date and correct.
• Remember that final selection may depend on additional checks and the discretion of the appointing authority.

Download PDF: SO LDCE Rules (2025)

Source: Official notification (Ministry of Personnel, DoPT). PDF link provided above.