GPSC Class 1 & 2 2026 –
Complete Preparation Guide
GPSC Class 1 & 2 is Gujarat's premier state civil services exam, recruiting officers for posts like Deputy Collector, DSP, Mamlatdar, and DYSO. Conducted by the Gujarat Public Service Commission via a 3-stage process: Prelims → Mains (6 GS papers + Optional) → Interview. Applications through ojas.gujarat.gov.in.
What is GPSC Class 1 & 2 2026?
The GPSC Class 1 & 2 exam is conducted annually by the Gujarat Public Service Commission (GPSC) to recruit officers for Gujarat's state civil services. It is Gujarat's equivalent of the UPSC Civil Services exam — rigorous, prestigious, and a gateway to administrative power at the district and taluka level across the state.
Class 1 positions (Deputy Collector, DSP, Assistant Commissioner) are senior officer roles that come with significant administrative authority. A Class 2 post like Mamlatdar or DYSO is the bedrock of Gujarat's revenue administration — directly serving citizens at the taluka level. Both classes are recruited through the same exam, with Class 1 posts going to higher-ranked candidates.
GPSC has a strong Gujarat-focus in its exam pattern: History, Geography, Culture, Current Affairs, and Governance of Gujarat feature prominently in both Prelims and Mains. Unlike UPSC, GPSC requires candidates to write language qualifying papers in Gujarati and English — making language preparation a critical part of the strategy.
Important Dates 2026
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 Advt. 23/2024-25 Notification | December 2024 | ✅ Released |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 2024-25 Application Last Date | January 2025 | ✅ Released |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 2024-25 Prelims Exam | April 2025 | ✅ Released |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 2024-25 Prelims Result | June 2025 | ✅ Released |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 2024-25 Mains Exam | September–October 2025 | ✅ Released |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 2024-25 Mains Result | January 2026 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 2024-25 Interview | March–April 2026 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
| 🆕 GPSC Class 1 & 2 2025-26 Notification (New Cycle) | July–August 2026 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 2025-26 Prelims Exam | November–December 2026 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 2025-26 Mains Exam | April–May 2027 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 2025-26 Interview & Final Result | September–October 2027 (Expected) | ⏳ TBN |
⚠️ All 2025-26 cycle dates are estimated. Always verify from gpsc.gujarat.gov.in before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
Vacancies & Posts
Posts Under GPSC Class 1 & 2
| Post Name | Class | Department | Pay Level | Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Collector | Class 1 | Revenue | Level 14 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police | Class 1 | Police | Level 14 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Deputy District Registrar | Class 1 | Registration | Level 14 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Asst. Commissioner (State Tax) | Class 1 | Finance / Tax | Level 14 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Mamlatdar | Class 2 | Revenue | Level 10 | ₹39,900 – ₹1,27,600 |
| Dy. Section Officer (DYSO) | Class 2 | General Admin | Level 10 | ₹39,900 – ₹1,27,600 |
| Asst. Programme Impl. Officer | Class 2 | Panchayat / Rural | Level 10 | ₹39,900 – ₹1,27,600 |
| Block Development Officer (BDO) | Class 2 | Rural Dev. | Level 10 | ₹39,900 – ₹1,27,600 |
| Nayab Mamlatdar | Class 2 | Revenue | Level 9 | ₹34,800 – ₹1,10,400 |
| Taluka Development Officer (TDO) | Class 2 | Development | Level 10 | ₹39,900 – ₹1,27,600 |
Vacancy History
| Cycle | Vacancies | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | ~200 | Sep 2021 | Feb–Mar 2022 |
| 2022-23 | 231 | Apr 2022 | Sep–Oct 2022 |
| 2023-24 | 270 | May 2023 | Oct–Nov 2023 |
| 2024-25 (Advt. 23) | 171 | Apr 2025 | Sep–Oct 2025 |
| 2025-26 (upcoming) | 150–270 (Expected) | Nov–Dec 2026 (Expected) | Apr–May 2027 (Expected) |
Exam Pattern 2026
Stage 1 — Preliminary Exam
| Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 200 | 200 | 2 hours | Merit-based; no negative marking in most cycles |
Stage 2 — Mains Exam + Interview
| Paper | Marks | Type | Nature | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarati Language | 300 | Descriptive | Qualifying (30%) | Essay, Precis, Translation, Comprehension, Grammar |
| English Language | 300 | Descriptive | Qualifying (30%) | Essay, Precis, Translation, Comprehension, Grammar |
| Essay | 150 | Descriptive | Merit | Two essays — one social/national, one regional/Gujarat topic |
| General Studies 1 | 150 | Descriptive | Merit | History, Culture, Heritage of India & Gujarat |
| General Studies 2 | 150 | Descriptive | Merit | Geography, Environment & Ecology (India & Gujarat) |
| General Studies 3 | 150 | Descriptive | Merit | Polity, Governance, Constitution, Public Administration, Gujarat Administration |
| General Studies 4 | 150 | Descriptive | Merit | Economy, Technology, Social Issues; Ethics & Integrity (from 2024 cycle) |
| Optional Subject | 150 | Descriptive | Merit | 1 paper from 20+ options: Geography, History, Sociology, Public Admin, Economics… |
| Interview / Personality Test | 50 | Viva | Merit | Personality, awareness of Gujarat affairs, administrative aptitude |
Detailed Syllabus
📜 General Studies 1 – History, Culture & HeritagePrelimsMains
- Ancient, Medieval & Modern Indian History with emphasis on Gujarat
- Gujarat's Cultural Heritage – Somnath, Modhera, Champaner, Rani ki Vav
- Socio-religious Reform Movements in Gujarat – Swami Dayanand, Vallabhbhai Patel
- Freedom Struggle – Dandi March, Bardoli Satyagraha, Gandhi's role in Gujarat
- Post-Independence India – Integration of States; Gujarat State Formation (1960)
- Art, Architecture, Literature of Gujarat; UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Gujarat
🌏 General Studies 2 – Geography & EnvironmentPrelimsMains
- Physical Geography of India and World
- Gujarat Geography – Rann of Kutch, Gir Forest, Gulf of Khambhat, rivers
- Agriculture in Gujarat – cotton, groundnut, tobacco, Amul model
- Natural Resources, Biodiversity, Wetlands of Gujarat
- Environment & Ecology – Climate Change, Disaster Management, Cyclone preparedness in Gujarat
- Urban-Rural Development; Smart Cities Mission; AMRUT in Gujarat cities
⚖️ General Studies 3 – Polity, Governance & ConstitutionPrelimsMains
- Indian Constitution – Fundamental Rights, DPSPs, Fundamental Duties
- Parliament, State Legislature, Governor & CM – Gujarat-specific powers
- Panchayati Raj in Gujarat – District Panchayat, Taluka Panchayat, Gram Panchayat
- Urban Local Bodies – Municipalities, AMC, VMC, SMC
- Gujarat Administrative Structure – Collector, Mamlatdar, Taluka system
- Government Schemes – PM Awas, PMGSY, Sagar Mala, Gujarat schemes
- Public Policy, Social Sector, RTI, Public Grievances
💡 General Studies 4 – Economy, Technology & EthicsPrelimsMains
- Indian Economy – GDP, fiscal policy, Union Budget, monetary policy
- Gujarat Economy – GSDP, industrial corridors (DMIC), Vibrant Gujarat Summit
- Agriculture & Allied Sectors; MSP, cooperative movement, Amul
- Science & Technology – Space (ISRO-Ahmedabad), Defence, AI, Digital India
- Social Justice – Scheduled Areas in Gujarat, tribal welfare, SEBC
- Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude – case studies for administrators; Gujarat lokayukta
📊 Prelims General Studies – Quick TopicsPrelims
- Current Affairs – National & International (last 12 months)
- Gujarat Current Affairs – Chief Minister, Governor, key govt. decisions
- General Science – Biology, Physics, Chemistry basics
- Mental Ability, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation
- Sports, Awards, International Days, Persons in News
- Gujarat-specific: Schemes, Wildlife, Census, DANG, Kutch Geography
Note: Verify the latest detailed syllabus from the official GPSC notification at gpsc.gujarat.gov.in as topics may be revised each cycle.
Previous Year Cut-offs (Indicative)
| Category | Prelims 2024-25 | Mains 2024-25 | Prelims 2023-24 | Mains 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | ~110/200 | ~580/950 | ~115/200 | ~600/950 |
| OBC / SEBC | ~100/200 | ~545/950 | ~106/200 | ~560/950 |
| SC | ~88/200 | ~490/950 | ~90/200 | ~510/950 |
| ST | ~78/200 | ~460/950 | ~80/200 | ~475/950 |
⚠️ These are indicative/estimated cut-offs based on available data. Actual cut-offs vary by post category and number of vacancies. Always refer to the official GPSC merit list.
Salary & Career Growth
| Salary Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Class 1 Basic Pay (Pay Level 14 – e.g., Deputy Collector, DSP) | ₹56,100/month |
| Class 2 Basic Pay (Pay Level 10 – e.g., Mamlatdar, DYSO) | ₹39,900/month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) – State Government rate | ~42% of Basic (Jan 2026) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) – varies by city tier | 8–24% of Basic |
| Travel Allowance & Other Allowances | ₹3,000–₹5,000/month |
| Class 1 Gross In-Hand (Deputy Collector / DSP) | ~₹90,000–₹1,05,000/month |
| Class 2 Gross In-Hand (Mamlatdar / DYSO) | ~₹65,000–₹78,000/month |
Career Progression Path
How to Apply 2026
6-Month Study Plan
Best Books for GPSC Class 1 & 2
| Book | Author | Subject | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| GCERT Textbooks (Std. 9–12) | Gujarat State Education Dept. | Gujarat Specific (All GS) | — |
| Gujarat ane Gujaratiyon ni Asmita (Know Gujarat) | Ankur Prakashan | Gujarat History & Culture | — |
| Indian Polity | M. Laxmikanth | Polity & Governance | Buy |
| Modern Indian History | Bipan Chandra | History (Mains) | Buy |
| Certificate Physical & Human Geography | G.C. Leong | Geography | Buy |
| Indian Economy | Ramesh Singh | Economy (Mains) | Buy |
| GPSC Class 1 & 2 Previous Year Papers | Kalpas Publication / GPSC Official | Prelims Practice | — |
| Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude | G. Subba Rao / Lexicon | GS 4 / Ethics | Buy |
Free Preparation Resources
Expert Tips from Toppers
Gujarat-specific content is GPSC's biggest differentiator from other State PSC exams. Every year, 30–40% of Prelims questions directly test Gujarat History, Geography, Culture, and Current Affairs. If you're scoring 70% on GS but only 40% on Gujarat topics, you will fail the Prelims cutoff. Prioritise GCERT books and a Gujarat-focused newspaper from Day 1.
GPSC has a two-language qualifying barrier in Mains — both Gujarati (300 marks) and English (300 marks) must be cleared at 30% each (90/300). Many aspirants fail here despite strong GS performance. Write 2–3 essays weekly in both languages from Month 2. Practice Gujarati essay especially — it is often under-prepared.
The Mains optional subject can be your biggest lever. Popular options include Geography, History, Sociology, and Public Administration — all have good study material overlap with GS. Choose an optional you genuinely enjoy: GPSC Mains requires deep analytical writing, not rote answers. Aim for 110+ out of 150 in your optional.
The Interview (50 marks) in GPSC tests your knowledge of Gujarat's administrative machinery, current district issues, and your own background. Know your own taluka, district collector, major schemes running in your district, and key industries. Panels often ask: "What is the biggest challenge in your district, and how would you solve it as a Mamlatdar?"
GPSC operates on an annual cycle but with delays of 3–6 months. Treat any 'expected' date as a guide only. Use the waiting period productively — write mock Mains answers, expand optional depth, and follow current affairs. Aspirants who maintain study discipline during delays consistently outperform those who 'wait to start'.
GPSC Prelims has no official negative marking in most cycles, but GPSC can change this in any notification. Always read the official notification before the exam. Even without negative marking, time management matters — 200 questions in 120 minutes means 36 seconds per question. Practice full-length mocks under strict time conditions.
For GPSC Geography, the map of Gujarat is as important as the map of India. Know all 33 districts (Gujarat had 26 districts until 2013, then expanded to 33), major rivers (Sabarmati, Mahi, Tapi, Narmada), wildlife sanctuaries, and the Rann of Kutch geography. GPSC has repeatedly asked location-based questions that trip unprepared candidates.
Join a GPSC study group — either local (Ahmedabad/Vadodara have active GPSC circles) or online (Telegram groups). GPSC current affairs is highly localised, and peers often catch important Gujarat government news you might miss. Share and test each other on Gujarat-specific facts weekly.