OFFICIAL EXAM DATE ANNOUNCED
UPSC • MoD
UPSC Manager Grade-I
Section Officer (CSD)
Complete Syllabus for 2026 Examination
19 Posts | Ministry of Defence
Exam Date: 27 September 2026
Forenoon Session • 09:30 AM – 11:30 AM
19
VACANCIES
300
TOTAL MARKS
120
QUESTIONS
EXAM OVERVIEW
What is UPSC Manager CSD Exam?
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts a Combined Recruitment Test for the post of Manager Grade-I / Section Officer in the Canteen Stores Department (CSD), Ministry of Defence. CSD is responsible for running canteens for defence personnel and their families across India.
This is a prestigious Group ‘A’ Gazetted post (Pay Level-10). The selection is based on a Written Recruitment Test (75% weightage) + Interview (25% weightage). The 2026 exam will be held on 27 September 2026.
19 Vacancies
UR-7 | EWS-3 | OBC-4 | SC-3 | ST-2 (approx)
Educational Qualification
Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in Management/Commerce)
Age Limit
Not exceeding 35 years (relaxations applicable)
Exam Centres
Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru & 12+ cities
EXAMINATION SCHEME
Official UPSC Website
Exam Pattern 2026
Mode
Offline (Pen & Paper)
Duration
2 Hours
Total Questions
120 MCQs
Maximum Marks
300 Marks
Marking Scheme
+2.5 marks per correct answer
Negative Marking
−⅓ marks
for each wrong answer
Medium: English only
Selection Ratio:
Written Test (75%) + Interview (25%)
FINAL SELECTION WEIGHTAGE
Written Test
75%
Interview
25%
Minimum qualifying marks in RT for interview call vary by category
DETAILED SYLLABUS
Syllabus for UPSC Manager CSD 2026
Based on official UPSC Recruitment Test Notice (April 2026)
Tests the candidate’s command over English — essential for official correspondence, noting, and communication in a defence establishment.
Reading Comprehension (economy, defence & current affairs passages)
Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, One-word substitution, Idioms & Phrases
Grammar: Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the Blanks
Cloze Test, Para Jumbles & Sentence Rearrangement
Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech
Spelling & Word Usage in official context
Assesses logical thinking, problem-solving speed and decision-making ability — crucial for managerial roles.
Verbal Reasoning: Analogy, Classification, Series, Coding-Decoding
Blood Relations, Directions, Ranking & Order
Non-Verbal Reasoning: Figure Series, Mirror Images, Embedded Figures
Syllogism, Statement & Assumptions / Arguments / Course of Action
Logical Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Data Sufficiency
Basic Quantitative Aptitude: Percentage, Ratio, Time & Work, DI
National: Major Government Schemes, Budget & Economic Survey highlights
Defence & Security: New policies, DRDO, Armed Forces news, Veterans welfare
International: Summits (G20, SCO, BRICS, QUAD), Bilateral relations
Polity & Governance: Constitutional amendments, Supreme Court judgments, Elections
Science, Technology, Environment & Sports
Awards, Appointments, Books & Authors, Important Days
Basic Economic Concepts: GDP, Inflation, Fiscal & Monetary Policy, RBI functions
Sectors of Indian Economy: Agriculture, Industry, Services, Infrastructure
Government Schemes & Flagship Programmes (latest updates)
Developmental Issues: Poverty, Unemployment, Inequality, SDGs
Current Trends: Digital Economy, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Startup ecosystem, FDI
Economic Survey, Union Budget 2026-27 highlights & analysis
Computer Fundamentals: Hardware, Software, Operating Systems, Peripherals
MS Office (Advanced): Word, Excel (Formulas, Pivot Tables, Charts), PowerPoint
Internet, Networking & Cloud Computing basics
Cyber Security: Phishing, Malware, Data Protection, IT Act, Digital Signatures
e-Governance initiatives: DigiLocker, UMANG, GeM, Aadhaar, BharatNet
Database basics, AI/ML awareness & Digital India programme
Accounting Principles: Double Entry System, Journal, Ledger, Trial Balance, Final Accounts
Financial Statement Analysis: Ratio Analysis, Cash Flow Statement
Cost Accounting basics: Cost concepts, Marginal Costing, Break-even Analysis
General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 – Procurement, Contracts, Stores Purchase
Government Budgeting, Treasury Rules & Financial Control
Banking & Financial Markets awareness, Audit basics
Introduction to HRM: Functions, Strategic HRM, Role of HR Manager in Government
Human Resource Planning, Job Analysis, Recruitment & Selection Methods
Training & Development, Performance Appraisal Systems (360°, MBO, BARS)
Compensation Management, Job Evaluation, Incentives & Benefits
Industrial Relations, Trade Unions, Collective Bargaining, Grievance Redressal
Key Labour Laws: Industrial Relations Code, Code on Wages, EPF, ESI, POSH Act
Motivation Theories, Leadership Styles, Organisational Behaviour & Change
Introduction to Materials Management: Objectives, Scope, CSD context
Procurement & Purchasing: Methods, Tendering, Vendor Development, e-Procurement (GeM)
Inventory Management: EOQ, Safety Stock, Reorder Level, ABC / VED / FSN Analysis
Warehousing, Material Handling, Preservation & Storage of Stores
Supply Chain Management & Logistics basics
Quality Management, TQM, Inspection, Disposal of Surplus/Obsolete Stores
Relevant GFR provisions for purchase & stores management
Note: The above topic list is comprehensive and aligned with the spirit of the official UPSC syllabus. Always cross-verify with the latest official notification on upsc.gov.in.
CRACKTARGET RECOMMENDS
Smart Preparation Strategy
01 Phase 1: Foundation (45–60 days)
- • Master core subjects: HRM, Material Management & Financial Aptitude
- • Build current affairs habit (daily newspaper + monthly magazine)
- • Strengthen English & Mental Ability with daily practice
02 Phase 2: Intensive (30–40 days)
- • Solve previous year papers + mock tests (focus on speed + accuracy)
- • Deep dive into GFR, Labour Laws & Inventory Management
- • Revise economy & current events with notes
03 Final 15 Days
- • Full-length mock tests every 3rd day
- • Revise short notes & one-liners
- • Focus on weak areas + interview preparation
Pro Tip: CSD Manager role requires practical understanding of retail/supply chain + government rules. Focus more on applied aspects of Material Management & GFR.
Attempt Free Mock Test
Free Mini Mock Test
Manager CSD 2026 • 10 Questions
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