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CONTENTS
1. About the Civil Services Examination 4-12
Nature of The Exam
All India Services
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
Indian Police Service (IPS)
Indian Revenue Service (IRS)
Indian Railway Services (IRaS)
The Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
Training
Civil Servants: Pay Scales
Every aspirants has its dream to become an IAS officer, it is one of the coveted service in the country, yes
there are private sector which are offering high perks and benefits but still Civil Service has its own charm.
Over the number of aspirants are very high and accordingly the vacancies are very low, in any year of
notification the vacancies is only about 800-1000. So here to understand the nature of the exam is
significant. Aspirants before get into the preparation should be very sure about the pre-requisites and the
very requirements of the examination. As the nature of the exam suggests that whole full time preparation is
required. The exam has its competitiveness that comes with hard work. Aspirants needs to start there
preparation at least one year before for the first attempt, as the whole exam process takes one year thus two
year of completely rigorous and devoted preparation are very much required for the exam.
Every competitive exam has its own nature, understanding the nature of the exam is half way towards the
success. Our preparation should be focused on what exactly examination expects from the aspirants rather
what aspirants expects from the exam. The nature of exam suggests that your preparation should be relative
instead of absolute. Aspirants are required to be better than the other aspirants. So before preparation I
would suggest the aspirants to have clear idea and understanding of the exam and contemplate thoroughly.
First of look yourself at evaluate that are you fit for the job or not, if yes then go ahead. Read as much as you
can for the understanding of the exam, there are several articles, blogs are available. Make a realistic
assessment of the effort that is required for the exam and put yourself accordingly. Rational self assessment
always helps. Remember do not set you target which is based on your past laurels and achievements as this
exam is not testing intelligence as defined in the conventional sense. The exam is looking for broad-based
individuals with opinions. It is important to know the exam, what is the nature of exam. For instance it is an
All India Exam; it has three tier, prelims, mains and Interview. What is the exam process is also required to
know before opting to get into the preparation.
Thus think twice before taking the plunge. But make sure that if once you have made the choice to become
an IAS, there should be no looking back. During the whole process you might face failure, sometimes you
will doubt your ability, may have to start from square one after reaching up to the last stage. Here is the real
test of your mental strengths rather than your intellectual abilities. In one way or another the whole process
of exam is a life changing one, whether you come out successful or unsuccessful. It matters a lot for the life
of yours and your loved ones. You have to sail through each and every aspects of all these events.
At the same time it becomes essential to make a realistic assessment of your potential otherwise the
optimum years of your career are lost in chasing a subtle target. It is advisable to prepare yourself for the
civil service in the graduation years by identifying the weak and strong points and familiarizing yourself
with the syllabus and pattern of examination. It is seen that those who have taken the exam as soon as they
What is UPSC?
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Indianisation of the superior Civil Services became one of the major
demands of the political movement compelling the British Indian Government to consider setting up of a
Public Service Commission for recruitment to its services in the territory. The first Public Service
Commission was set up on October 1st, 1926. The Constituent Assembly, after independence, with the
promulgation of the new Constitution for independent India on 26th January, 1950, this Public Service
Commission was accorded a constitutional status as an autonomous entity and given the title - Union Public
Service Commission.
Constitutional Provisions: the UPSC is an constitutional body in the sense that it is directly created by the
Constitution of India. It has been established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. Usually, the
Commission constitutes 9 to 11 members including the Chairman.
The UPSC is the central recruiting agency in India. The major role played by the Commission is to select
persons to man the various Central Civil Services and Posts and the Services common to the Union and
States (viz. All-India Services). Under the Constitution one of the functions of the Commission is to conduct
examinations for appointment to Civil Services/Posts of the Union. The Commission usually conducts over
a dozen examinations every year on an all India basis. These include Examinations for recruitment to
services/posts in various fields, such as Civil Services, Engineering, Medical and Forest Service, etc.
At present the Union Public Service Commission conduct their examinations at numerous venues spread
over 42 regularcenters throughout the country. There are several other Public Service Commission i.e. Uttar
Pradesh(UPPSC), Bihar(BPSC), Jharkhand(JPSC), Madhya Pradesh(MPSC), Rajasthan(RPSC), etc. public
service commission.
The civil service has always attracted the best in the country. This is a three stage recruiting process. The
Civil Services Examination (CSE) offers the widest range of jobs in our country and is conducted by the
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). There are about twenty-six (24) services offered through this
single examination.But, most popular among them are Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police
Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) , Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Customs & Central
Excise Services, etc. along with the other central services. Recruitment is made in the following services
through Civil Services Exam
Courtesy: upsc.gov.in
The work definition of an IAS officer would encompass framing, modifying, interpreting and
Implementation of policy matters in the Government of India (i.e. in the ministries). Implementation entails
disbursement of funds, which calls for personal supervision. In each Ministry you will supervise the
allotment and utilization of funds by the field officers in your Ministry.
Half of an IAS career has spent in the State where they have allocated. During the initial year of two years
probation you will be attached to various training schools, to the Secretariat and field offices and to a district
collector's office. After the completion probation an IAS be appointed as a Sub Divisional Magistrate
(SDM). Here you will look after law and order, general administration, revenue work and such
developmental work as may be assigned to you. In the next three scales i.e.. Senior Scale, Junior
Administrative Grade and Selection Grade an IAS have to serve as District Magistrate, Director of any
government department, Chief Managing Director of a Public Sector Unit. In the super time scale they
appointed as Secretaries or Divisional Commissioners. The highest post in the State is that of the Chief
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Secretary. At the top of the hierarchy of IAS officers is the Cabinet Secretary followed by Secretary/
Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, Director, Under Secretary and then the Junior Scale Officers.
After completing the academies, candidates go through a year of on-the-job field training in the state to
which he or she is assigned. There is a probationary period three years during which they are posted as
Assistant Conservators of Forests. On completion of this,and after a total period of four years of service in
the junior scale, officers are appointed to the Senior Time Scale and are entitled to be posted as the Deputy
Conservators of Forests or Divisional Forest Officers in charge of districts/forest divisions.
With the passage of time Indian Police Service's objectives were updated and redefined, the rules and
functions of an Indian Police Service Officer are as follows:
Under the service of Indian Revenue Service your major work is to earn money for the exchequer. The
nature job is officer oriented as you are involved in all the processes from investigation to decisions and
policy planning. Starting with Assistant Commissioner (AC), members of the IRS usually rise up to the
designation of Chief Commissioner (CC). Some senior-most members serve as Chairpersons or Members of
Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBDT), Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), Customs, Excise and
Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) and Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT). IRSs training
conducted in the National Academy of Direct Taxes, Nagpur. Being Central Government Servants, The
members of the service are liable to be posted anywhere in the country and are thus truly national in
character. The respective Boards are authorized by the statute to regulate the transfer and promotion policies
governing the members of the service. This helps in keeping the services highly apolitical and their technical
nature keeps them more professional and skill oriented.
In the supertime scale, many I.F.S. Officers become Ambassadors of medium sized countries. In the
Additional Secretaries Grade, I.F.S. Officers are made ambassadors in relatively big embassies of Deputy
High Commissioner in London. The biggest Indian Embassies / High Commissions like Moscow,
Washington and London are headed by Ambassadors of the rank of Secretary.
Training
In the present form, the identified institutions offer training programmes designed in consultation with the
Department of Personnel and Training. The civil service system at the Centre provides for induction training
to probationers. All new entrants called probationers (IAS,IPS,IRS etc.) first undergo a 4-month Foundation
Course(common to all officers recruited through CSE) at Lal Bhadur Shastri National Academy of
Administration, Mussoorie. After the completion of the foundation course, the probationers are sent to their
respective institutes for professional training, while the IAS probationers continue to stay at the Academy
for their professional training. The probationers of the Indian Foreign Service are trained at Delhi. After
completing the foundation the probationers of the Police Service are trained at Sardar Vallavbhai Patel
National Police Academy, Hyderabad. The probationers of the Indian Revenue Service are trained at
National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), Nagpurfor the officers of IRS (IT) and at National Academy of
Customs, Excise and Narcotics (NACEN), Faridabad for the officers of IRS (C&CE).
In addition to the salary civil servants receive various allowances such as Dearness Allowance, City
compensatory Allowance, Leave Travel Allowance, Medical and subsidized housing.
Hierarchy: The members of the All-India civil service start as Deputy Secretaries and normally go up to the
level of Joint Secretaries. There is no lateral entry in the All-India services. Only at the level of Secretary to
the Government of India, specialists are taken as Secretaries. Only 5% of the members of the All-India
services reach the top position of Secretary to Government. The post of Cabinet Secretary to the
Government of India, the highest in the Indian civil service, has remained the privilege only of the officers
of the IAS.
Equivalent Ranks:
S Indian Administrative Service Indian Police Indian Forest Indian Revenue
No (IAS) Service (IPS) Service (IFoS) Service (IRS)
Assistant Assistant
Assistant Commissioner
1 Assistant Collector Superintendent of Conservator of
of Income Tax
Police Forests
2 Collector/Deputy Additional Deputy Deputy Commissioner
Junior Scale
Pay Band: Rs 15600-39100 Grade Pay Rs 5400
This would be the salary of new recruits. Along with this basic pay a civil servant is also entitled to HRA,
DA and other allowances.
Senior Scales
(i) Senior Time Scale: An IAS Officer is promoted to the Senior Time Scale usually after 7-9 years of
service.
Pay Band: Rs 15600-39100 Grade Pay Rs 6600
The IAS officers in the Super Time Scale includes Senior Secretaries, Chief Secretaries, Secretaries in the
Central Government and the Cabinet Secretary, the highest position an IAS officer can aspire for in life.to
work with the people whom we belongs to. Apart from all the to become an engineer certain qualities are
Nature of Works
The nature of work attached to a Civil servant officer is administration in nature. It involves interaction with
people at each and every levels of the society. The work and decision taken by an IAS has been affected to
many lives, thus responsible decision-making is another important aspect of this work. Civil servant are also
required to travel extensively as their nature of job demands all these, both during inspection tours of the
areas under their jurisdiction in the country, or as in the IFS, the world. In general rule, the initial years of an
officers career are spent in the districts and small towns. Over year they have promoted to the senior grades,
where the area of responsibility is wider, posting are usually to bigger cities, state capitals or at the center.
Other important tasks of Civil Servants are Policy Formulation and implementation, supervision and its
assessment, Planning etc.
Academic Eligibility
A degree of any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in
India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be a
Deemed University under the UGC Act, 1956, or an equivalent qualification.
Candidates who have appeared or intend to appear for the qualifying examination and are awaiting
results are also eligible to appear for the Preliminary Examination. All such candidates who qualify
to appear for the Civil Services Main Examination must produce proof of having passed the said
examination along with their application for the Main Examination.
a. a citizen of India,
b. a subject of Nepal,
c. a subject of Bhutan,
d. a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962 with the intention of permanently
settling in India, or
e. a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Burma, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Pakistan, Sri Lanka,
Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Vietnam, Zaire or Zambia with the intention of permanently settling
in India.
Candidates belonging to either categories of b., c., d. or e. must produce an eligibility certificate issued by
the Government of India. Those who belong to either of b., c. or d. categories are not eligible for
appointment to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Age Limit
A candidate must have attained 21 years and not be over 30 years on August 1 of the year of
examination.
The upper age limit for the post of Assistant Commandant - Group A in CISF is 28 years only.
The upper age limit is relaxed in specific cases as mentioned below:
c. upto a maximum of 5 years if the candidate had been domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir during the period
between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1989.
d. upto a maximum of 3 years in the case of Defence Services personnel disabled during hostilities with
foreign countries or in a disturbed area and consequently released.
on completion of assignment (including those whose assignment is due to be completed within one
year from August 1 of the year of examination) otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on
account of misconduct or inefficiency, or
on account of physical disability attributable to Military Service, or
on invalidment.
f. upto a maximum of 5 years in the case of ECOs / SSCOs who have completed an initial period of
assignment (5 years Military Service) as on August 1 of the year of examination and whose assignment has
been extended beyond 5 years. Such candidates will have to provide a certificate from the Ministry of
Defence stating that they can apply for civil employment and they will be released on a notice of 3 months,
upon selection, from the date of receipt of offer of appointment.
g. upto a maximum of 10 years in the case of blind, deaf-mute and orthopaedically handicapped candidates.
The date of birth accepted by the Commission is that entered in the Matriculation or Secondary School
Leaving Certificate or in a certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or in
an extract from a Register of Matriculates maintained by a University, which extract must be certified by the
proper authority of the University or in the Higher Secondary or an equivalent examination certificate. These
certificates are required to be submitted only at the time of applying for the Civil Services (Main)
Examination.
No other document relating to age like horoscopes, affidavits, birth extracts from Municipal Corporation,
service records and the like will be accepted.
The expression Matriculation/Secondary Examination Certificate in this part of the instruction includes the
alternative certificates mentioned above.
Number of attempts :
Every candidate appearing at the examination who is otherwise eligible, shall be permitted four attempts at
the examination. Provided that this restriction on the number of attempts will not apply in the case of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates who are otherwise eligible. Provided further that the
number of attempts permissible to candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes, who are otherwise
eligible shall be seven. The relaxation will be available to the candidates who are eligible to avail of
reservation applicable to such candidates.
Provided further that a physically handicapped will get as many attempts as are available to other non-
physically handicapped candidates of his or her community, subject to the condition that a physically
handicapped candidate belonging to the General Category shall be eligible for seven attempts. The
relaxation will be available to the physically handicapped candidates who are eligible to avail of reservation
applicable to such candidates.
NOTE :
An attempt at a Preliminary Examination shall be deemed to be an attempt at the Examination.
How to Apply:
There is two ways to apply: Offline and Online.
OFFLINE
The UPSC have developed an application form common for all their examinations, which will be processed
on computerised machines. This application form alongwith an Information Brochure containing general
instructions for filling up the form, an acknowledgement card and an envelope for sending the application is
obtainable from the designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices throughout the country as against cash
payment of Rs. 30/- (Rupees twenty only). Form should be purchased from the designated Post Offices only
and not from any other agency. This form can be used only once and for only one examination. Candidates
must use the form supplied with the Information Brochure only and they should in no case use photocopy /
reproduction / unauthorisedly printed copy of the Form. Since this form is electronically scannable, due care
should be taken to fill up the application form, correctly. While filling up the application form, please refer
to detailed instructions given in the Notice. The duly filled in Application Form with the acknowledgement
card should be sent to - Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, New Delhi - 110011.
ONLINE
Candidates may apply online using the website http://www.upsconline.nic.in Detailed instructions for filling
up online applications are available on the above mentioned website.
Salient features of the system of Online Application Form are given hereunder :
Detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the above mentioned website.
Candidates will be required to complete the Online Application Form containing two stages viz. Part-I and
Part-II as per the instructions available in the above mentioned site through drop down menus.
The candidates applying Online are required to pay a reduced fee of Rs. 50/- (Rupees Fifty only)
(excepting Female/SC/ST/PH candidates who are exempted from payment of fee) either by remitting the
FEE :
(a) Candidates applying Online (exempting Female/SC/ST/PH Candidates who are exempted from payment
of fee) are required to pay a reduced fee of Rs. 50/- (Rupees Fifty only) either by remitting the money in any
Branch of SBI by Cash, or by using net banking facility of SBI or by using Visa/Master Credit/Debit Card.
(b) Candidates applying Offline (through Common Application Form) are required to pay a fee of Rs. 100/-
(Rupees One Hundred only) through a single Central Recruitment Stamp. Central Recruitment Fee Stamp
(NOT Postage Stamp) of the requisite denomination may be obtained from the Post Office and affixed on
the application form in the space provided therein. The stamp must be got cancelled from the issuing Post
Office with the date stamp of the Post Office in such a manner that the impression of the cancellation mark
partially overflows on the application form itself but within the space provided on the Application form
itself. The impression of the cancellation mark should be clear and distinct to facilitate the identification of
date and the Post Office of issue.
Candidates residing abroad should deposit the prescribed fee in the office of India's High Commissioner,
Ambassador or representative abroad as the case may be for credit to account head "051-Public Service
Commission-Examination Fees" and attach the receipt with the application.
All female candidates and candidates belonging Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/ Physically Handicapped
categories are exempted from payment of fee. No fee exemption is, however, available to OBC candidates
and they are required to pay the prescribed fee in full.
Physically disabled persons are exempted from the payment of fee provided they are otherwise eligible for
appointment to the Services/Posts to be filled on the results of this examination on the basis of the standards
of medical fitness for these Services/Posts (including any concessions specifically extended to the physically
disabled). A physically disabled candidate claiming fee concession will be required by the Commission to
submit along with their Detailed Application Form, a certified copy of the certificate from a Government
Hospital/
Medical Board in support of his/her claim for being physically disabled.
Center of Examination:
AGARTALA CHANDIGARH IMPHAL LUCKNOW RANCHI
AHMEDABAD CHENNAI ITANAGAR MADURAI SAMBALPUR
AIZAWL CUTTACK JAIPUR MUMBAI SHILLONG
ALIGARH DEHRADUN JAMMU NAGPUR SHIMLA
ALLAHABAD DELHI JODHPUR PANAJI (GOA) SRINAGAR
AURANGABAD DHARWAD JORHAT PATNA THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
BANGALORE DISPUR KOCHI PUDUCHERY TIRUPATI
BAREILLY GANGTOK KOHIMA PORT BLAIR UDAIPUR
BHOPAL HYDERABAD KOLKATA RAIPUR VISHAKHAPATNAM
The centres and the date of holding the examination as mentioned above are liable to be changed at the
discretion of the Commission. While every effort will be made to allot the candidates to the centre of their
choice for examination, the Commission may, at their discretion allot a different centre to a candidate, when
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circumstances so warrant. Blind candidates will, however, be required to take the examination at any one of
the seven centres viz. Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Dispur and Mumbai. Candidates
admitted to the examination will be informed of the time table and place or places of examination.
Preliminary Examination is an objective type (four alternatives for every question) exercise meant to serve
as a screening test/qualifying paper only. The exam is usually held in the month of May every year and it
consists of two objective type papers which carry a maximum of 400 marks. Previously, it carried a total of
450 marks and the total number of questions that were asked used to be 270. These included:
150 questions based on General Knowledge, each carrying one mark, and
120 questions based on the Optional Subject chosen by the candidate, each carriying 2.5 marks.
Now, in the changed pattern, CSAT 2011 or Civil Services Preliminary Exam 2011 onward only
carried 400 marks. Only 180 questions were asked this year. Out of this:
Paper 1. 100 questions based on General Knowledge were asked, each carrying two marks and,
Paper 2. 80 questions based on Aptitude Test were asked.
Except for Question Nos. 73 to 80 in the General Studies Paper II, all the questions both papers had negative
marking. For each wrong answer, 1/3 mark were deducted from the total scores of the candidate. Trend
nowadays has shifted more towards current issues, hence a thorough awareness of recent events/happenings
is mandatory.
Earlier,
Now,
Those who passed the Preliminary examination are only eligible for the next stage of the examination. The
Preliminary exam consists 400 marks but the marks obtained in this level examination by the candidates will
not be counted for determining their place in the final order of merit.
Main Examination
(B) Main Examination | Descriptive/Essay Type
The Mains consists of 9 tests. The first two are language tests: first is the English Test and the second is the
Language Test in any one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian constitution. Each
test is worth 300 points. These tests are at the high school level. The candidates are expected to only qualify;
the score from these tests is not included in the aggregate. The Language Test is not required for candidates
from the North-East. The third test is an Essay Test, worth 200 points. The candidate can write the essay in
English or in any other language included in the Eighth Schedule of the constitution. The next two tests,
each worth 300 points, are on General Studies. The syllabus for each test is different. These tests aim to
judge your awareness and well as your understanding and analysis of contemporary events. The remaining
four tests, each worth 300 points, are on two of the optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The subject
matter is consistent with the college level education.
Thus, the Main examination comprises a total of nine (9) papers of two types:
Two papers of non-ranking type include one paper of an Indian language, to be selected by the candidate out
of languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution, and the second paper is of English, which
is a compulsory paper. Both these papers are very simple in nature (10th standard) and, in a way, mentally
prepare the candidate for writing the subsequent exams.
Among the ranking or scoring papers, there are three groups of papers, which are:
Two optional subjects with two papers each 4 papers in all (comprising a total of 1200 marks)
Essay 1 paper (200 marks)
General Studies 2 papers (total 600 marks)
Interview Test
Personality Test or Interview Test is the last level of the Civil Services selection process. It carries 300
marks, though it doesnt carry much marks but it plays decisive role for the final ranking. One can get more
marks than the other candidates, here it makes difference. Aspirants cannot afford it lightly. The number of
candidates to be summoned for interview will be about twice the number of vacancies to be filled. The
interview test is sometimes called and also known as the personality test because of its nature of the Exam.
Purpose of the exam The Preliminary Examination tests the numerical ability, awareness of current events,
and the state of mind of the candidate to grapple with administrative issues. The Main Examination tests
his/her grip on the language, general knowledge, and expertise on subjects which he/she takes as options.
The candidates also have to write an essay. The personal interview is final stage of the exam it is considered
as a deciding stage. The Interview is conducted by various boards constituted by the Union Public Service
Commission composed of board chairmen, subject experts, psychologists, and reputed civil servants.
A. Preliminary Examination
This is the first stage of the exam and should never be taken lightly. Candidate should clear it to keep
himself in the race. But its never been easy; it is a hard nut to crack. The preparation should be such that
you should not have any doubt about clearing the exam. The prelims should only be a passing phase. If you
prepare well for the mains exam and be clear about the basics, then prelims should not be problem. Now, we
have a brand new syllabus for PRELIMS with two papers, the nature of syllabus requires a candidate more
to concentrate on the General Studies section. Though we have Paper 2 which is more or less an extension of
Paper 1. The new Recruitment Process of Civil Services Exam conducted by the UPSC is called the CSAT
or the Civil Services Aptitute Test. The CSAT has in effect from the Civil Services Examination, 2011.
CSAT will not only enable us to choose civil servants with right aptitudes but also end the use of scaling
system for varying subjects that has been a matter of concern for many. Earlier it used to be one paper of
General Studies and other is one of the 23 optional subjects offered by the UPSC now the paper 2 has
changed to a new Paper called CSAT. There are no optional subjects as both the subject is common to all
candidates. In one way we can say that preliminary exam is a test of recognition. You have to recognize the
correct answer from given options. So if you are strong in basics this should not be problem. Do not spend
too much time in memorizing facts. Its fine if you can recognize it. Prepare some mnemonics, which will
help you in recognizing the right answer. One should do as many previous year papers as possible. It will
help you in time management and also in identifying the weak areas. Please remember that this practice
should be right from the beginning and not in the final stages. As the new pattern suggests that aspirants
should focus more on the language skills along with other disciplines.
There are four alternatives for the answers to every question. For each question for which a wrong
answer has been given by the candidate, one third (0.33) of the marks assigned to that question will
be deducted as penalty.
If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of the
given answers happens to be correct and there will be same penalty as above for that question.
If a question is left blank i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that
question.
The preparation strategy for Paper I involves various things among good knowledge base, extensive reading,
thorough practice, regular test are important one. The prelims is going to be relatively easier to those
candidate who is adopting integrated. Isolated study approach is no more useful to crack the exam. Isolate
study will land you in isolation. Prelims 2011 confirms this trend. Interdisciplinary learning is the best way
to go forward instead of insolation approach.
We should understand that main objective of Prelims is to test candidates range of information. So this
needs to read extensively. And its time to give up traditional way of studying and take up fresh challenges
that has emerged and emerging day by day. The nature of question of Prelims exam is factual as well as
analytical, we must keep this aspect in mind. Preliminary examination intends to focus on analytical abilities
and understanding rather than the ability to memorize.
General Studies (GS) has to be prepared with great ease. Because the very nature of this paper any issue
both major and minor can be asked. This means that studying NCERT is good but not sufficient as the
candidate has to cultivate the concepts beyond the conventional perspective. Therefore the preparation of GS
Prelims requires to identify the he most important aspect for the preparation of GS Prelims, therefore, is to
identify the ambiguities of the subject and and plug always them as soon as possible. The books available in
the market is good but the skill which requires nowadays is lacking there are which is incorporated with
each other.
Though UPSC has given the syllabus of both the papers but we cannot measured merely by it. We have to
understand that anything that exists in the Universe can be a part of UPSC Prelims syllabus, as nothing is
very mention in syllabus. Sticking to the syllabus is good, you feel that the preparation is good, but certain
new trends have been emerging in the examination. So we should go beyond the given syllabus. It is
challenging but not impossible.
It always helps to understand the trend in this changing scenario. Go through previous years' questions
again-and-again and identify the areas from where most of the questions are being asked. To tackle the
menace of the General Studies you have to give up the traditional way of studying and follow the new way.
More time should be devoted to GS. General Studies is as vast as an ocean. It cannot be measured merely on
the basis of topics or sections.
Union Public Service Commission is not following any sort of standard pattern of allotment of questions in
the examination. Hence, it is wise to stress on those subjects, which are common for Main Examination. The
areas to be taken care are Modern India, Polity, Indian Economy, Geography, Current Events and General
Science. We can bifurcate whole General Studies into :
Conventional topics.
General knowledge and current affairs.
Traditional topics comes under the traditional parts of General Studies, for instance history of India and
Indian national movement, Indian and World Geography, Indian Polity and governance, Economic and
social development, environmental ecology, biodiversity, climate change and general science are the
traditional areas of the General Studies. Whereas another part of General Studies is composed of General
Knowledge and Current Affairs. Recent trend of the examination suggests that latter part is more
comprehensive and important than earlier one. As the whole scenario has change with the introduction of
new syllabus, the new syllabus requires a candidate more focused and up-to-mark study.
We will discuss this Paper with the help and important takeaways of 2011 PRELIMS Question, it will help
us to find out what the new trends are adding in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.
Conventional Topics:
It is composed of:
Ancient History 7 1 0 3 2 3
Medieval History 6 1 1 1 2 0
Topics
Modern History 9 14 12 13 11 10
Total 22 16 13 17 15 13
The Analysis clearly shows that our focus should be on Modern India. Especially Indians Struggle for
Independence part is important for prelims point of view. Now take some examples:
1. Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942?
(PRELIMS 2011)
a. It was a violent movement
b. It was led by Mahatma Gandhi
c. It was a spontaneous movement
d. It did not attract the labour class in general
Ans: The Wardha Propsal of Quit India Movement was passed in historical Tank Ground in Bombay on
August 8, 1942. Mahatma Gandhi gave the sologan for the Movement Do or Die. The Quit India
Movement attracts all classes from the society despite one or two, the labour class was also part of the
movement. Though, many contemporary labour organizations didnt actively participated in the movement.
2. With reference to Indian Freedom Struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for-(PRELIMS 2011)
a. Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement
b. Participating in the Second Round Table Conference
c. Leading a contingent of Indian National Army
d. Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
The questions requires a candidate in-depth study of any topic and interconnects it to another topic, if any
interconnection. The interdisciplinary approach of study will always helpful to crack it.
The NCERT books (Class XI and XII) are good enough for the purpose.
2. Geography:
There is significant change in the Geography syllabus, several new areas has been added. Major inclusion is
the Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate. As we are in the era of Global Warming and Climate
Change, we can expect most of the questions on this topics. A significant number of questions are being
asked from these topics every year. Students should concentrate on human and economic geography. Human
section includes issues related to population. There will be questions based on the Human Development
Report prepared by United Nations Development Programme. The World Development Report of World
Bank deals in different aspects of economic geography like safe drinking water. Students should emphasise
less on classical geography like types of soil and rocks. The stress should be on preparing cultural and
economic geography and issues related to it. But do not invest too much in the pure Geography rather focus
should be on issues like ecology, sustainable development, green living, environmental impact assessment
etc.
Suggested Reading:
For Indian Geography
For Both Indian and World Geography, follow Study Kit of UPSC Portal, it has covered those sections
which is useful for exam and covers the topic comprehensively. Chronicle Magazine or Competition Wizard
Magazine is also good. Candidate must go thorough suggested reading thoroughly. Map based questions and
questions on locations, lakes, rivers, mountain ranges etc. are being increasingly asked. Map of India
(particularly physical) should be properly studied. Same is true about world map albeit with lesser
intensity.Geography must be studied with the help of ATLAS, it will help you to understand the Geography
better. There are no. of Atlas available in the market I would suggest OXFORD School Atlas, along with
ORIENT LONGMAN. Internet resources could help in your study make it as a tool for your preparation.
Whenever you find any new term i.e. any new country, capital, river, strait, mountain, places etc Google it
right away. And make note of your finding. While reading newspaper always keep a Atlas with you as more
and more questions are getting location oriented e.g. instead of asking the venue of APEC meet they might
ask you to locate the place on world map.
Which one of the following states has all the above characteristics?
a. Andhra Pradesh
b. Gujarat
c. Karnataka
d. Tamil Nadu
Ans: Gujarat state is located on western coast. Its northern part is dry and semidry.
2.La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El
Nino?
i. La Nina is characterised by unusually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino
is characterised by usually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Topic
Polity 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Indian Constitution and its various Concepts 6 4 5 6 3 8
Indian Political History 2 4 4 4 1 1
Current Constitutional News 2 1 1 2 1 1
Total 10 9 10 12 5 10
Any good book on the constitution is fine. The Indian Polity by Lakshmikanth and NCERT books are
sufficient. Also refer, DD Basu. Read it also cover to cover.
4. Indian Economy:
Candidates are required to know about some basic terminology of economics like repo rate, reverse repo,
CRR, SLR etc. Indain Economy by Dutt & Sundaram is good book for the Indian Economy it can be read.
The book by Uma kapilais also a good one. Economic Survey and Budget should be followed with
comprehensively. Read some business newspapers at that time and also read the summary of the budget
which will be posted in the net.
UPSC Portal has come up with a comprehensive study on Govt. Policies and Programmes. In this Study Kit
they have incorporated all the major Progammes and policies into one booklet and have given gist for the
same. It is must for an Civil Services aspirant, go through it.
Percentage of questions has increased in recent years. In prelims 2011 there were 25 questions on this
section out of a total 100 questions. This undoubtedly shows the importance of this subject. General Science
basically include-Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Among these Biology contains more weightage. The
syllabus broadly covers Human Anatomy and Physiography. In Physics and Chemistry, basic concepts
related to combustion, optics, energy, nuclear physics, basic chemicals etc. are asked.
In Physics, almost all the questions might be application oriented. Thus, understanding of basic principles is
very important. Ares like Newtons laws, heat, sound, optics etc. are important. One must know the practical
application of subject.
For example, in 2010 questions asked on the principle by which a cooling system in a motor car works.
In 2011 the questions in this topic was : the surface of a lake is frozen in severe winter, but the water at the
bottom level is still liquid. What is the reason?
In Chemistry, important minerals and their ores, etc. are important from prelims point of view. Maximum
questions will be pertaining to chemicals which are of economic significance. Thus characteristic of
different compound like plaster of paris, bleaching powder, etc are also important.
The question that came in 2010 was: Chlorination is a process used for water purification, is mainly due to?
In 2011 it was Microbial fuel are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why?
Biology, in general, has important section in science. In Botany, plant physiology, plant tissues, etc. In
Zoology, human physiology,, genetics, various disease, and their control measures occupy the most
important place.
Pervious questions: At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or
DNA sequence on a chromose. How does this knowledge benefit us? (PRE 2011).
Science and Technology are another major area. This generally include the application parts of the science
as space technologies, IT, electronics, biotechnology, nuclear science, defence etc. recent trends showed that
this part is growing significance.
The questions in this sections in 2011 are related to Bluetooth, wi-fi, CFL, LED lamp?
Use wikipedia extensively for the section of Science and Technology section. Daily newspaper The Hindu
also published supplement on Science and Technology. Also, keep an eye on emerging technologies and
recent Nobel winning technologies
It is not so important area as quite a few questions are being asked from this section. For this section India
Year Book is one of the encyclopedia. This is important for the prelims and for mains as well. Manorama
Year book and othe such year book is also helpful.
Current Affairs:
This is perhaps the most important part because if you see the trends of questions that has been asked over
the years it will show you how important it is. I recommend The Hindu and Frontilne. The Hindu has less
unwanted news and has a balanced perspective on issues and is pro people. You shouldnt be an ultra leftist
or a right-wing hawk. The editorials and Op-eds present a very balanced picture on issues. Newspaper could
become guide and to broaden your General Knowledge. Every day we find lots of new things in the
newspaper just whenever you come across something these new in the newspaper google it up and make a
note on it. Newspaper reading should be done on a daily basis without any gap until the interview is over.
Suggested Reading:
The Hindu News paper
Frontline Magazine
Yojana Magazine
Competition Wizard or Pratiyogita Darpan or UPSC Portal Monthly Magazine. This is just to make
sure that you have covered all the current affairs issues in News Paper.
Newspaper is best to prepare for Current Affairs and General knowledge. One has to follow at least one
newspaper to keep abreast of National and International developments. It will keep your current affairs up-
to-date.
CSAT has came into effect from Civil Services Exam, 2011. As of now, the change is effective only for the
Preliminary Test, i.e., the first stage of the Civil Services Exam from 2011 onwards. The second- Civil
Services Main Exam and third stages- Interview will remain the same.
The syllabus of second Paper is to test the candidates' skills in comprehension, interpersonal skills,
communication, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision making, problem solving, basic numeracy,
data interpretation, English language comprehension skills and mental ability. With the new pattern, more
stress is on language skills and analysis and decision making capacities, so work on these on a consistent
basis as these are skills that are developed over years and not just in a few months. It would be advisable to
start focusing on your problem solving and language skills as soon as you decide to take these exams.
Note:
A Hindi equivalent / translation will be available for the initial six tested areas, while the seventh
area , English Language Comprehension skills, will be available exclusively in English language,
indicating a need of understanding of English language in prospective IAS officers as English is the
Lingua Franca of our country.
The duration of the paper will be of two hours.
The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type.
Moreover, there are sections in the paper 2 which a candidate thinks that it is more or less like on the lines of
banking or MBA but this is a mistake we should understand that the very purpose of this examination is to
select Civil Servants, thats why the syllabus adds decision making and problem solving.
Comprehension 28
English Comprehension 9
Quantitative Aptitude 13
Logical Reasoning 13
Data Interpretation 9
Decision Making and Problem Solving 8
1. Comprehension
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In terms of Comprehension Candidate needs to improve their comprehend power as comprehension consists
half of the paper. It is bilingual, hindi and English both, daily newspaper reading could keep you in safe. The
paper also gave importance to testing English language skills. A comprehension exercise consists of a
passage upon which questions are set to test to candidates ability to understand the content of the given text
and infer information and meaning from it. English Language Comprehension skills. Questions relating to
English Language Comprehension skills of Class X level (last item in the Syllabus of Paper-II) will be tested
through passages from English language only without providing Hindi translation thereof in the question
paper.
For doing best in comprehension one should keep few points in mind while attempting this. Firstly, read the
passage thoroughly and carefully, if the meaning of the passage is not clear in very first reading then quickly
go through the passage again. The meaning of the passage should be very clear and one should understand
what the writer is trying to convey. Understanding of vocabulary, rhetorical tools, hunting for the required
information while keeping the holistic picture in mind, etc are essential comprehension skills at play in this
area. Here we can find that paper one is helpful to solve, for instance in the the Passage section questions
like inclusive growth, creative society ecosystems are the part of 2011 paper second, which is very
much part of paper one. English Language Comprehension is a major concern for hindi medium candidates
they should take it seriously, a basic english grammar such as High School English Grammar &
Composition by Wren and Martin could be useful.
This section tests a candidates understanding of the language that a candidate uses.
2. Interpersonnel Skills
Inter-personal skills is basically a skill of communication that entails face-to-face communication which is
best tested in a Personal Interview or a Group Discussion format. It is people skills the ability to work with
and get on with other people. Questions reflecting the ability to understand and manage the dynamics of
social interaction can be tested such as Fill in the Blanks, Analogy, Synonyms, Antonyms, Jumbled
Paragraphs, Single word substitutions, Meaning Equivalence of sentences, etc.
Logical reasoning and analytical ability has as many as 13 questions, there were 4 questions on Syllogism
which were slightly difficult than the usual syllogism and did require a good concentration to solve them.
There were 2 questions on counting where in the first question candidate were supposed to count the number
of triangles and in the second they were asked to find the missing number. There were one question on
direction, three on family tree which was not as easy as it used to come. There were 3 questions on
tabulation. These questions were decently easy and requires a candidate a good amount of practice. One
think should be cleared very clearly if we look at the question paper it is clear that the questions are not like
other CAT, MAT, Bank PO. Rather than the reasoning is innovative in itself. This shold keep in mind while
preparing for this section. You are required to solve problems related to blood relation, syllogism, sitting
arrangement, series completion, coding decoding, puzzle test, logical sequence etc. Verbal and nonverbal
Reasoning by R S Agarwal and General Mental Ability Section of Tata McGraw Hill Guide have good parts
in this section. Solve the Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning questions that come out in magazines like
General Knowledge Today, Pratiyogita Darpan etc
Although Decision making and Problem Solving section had less contribution in question paper but there is
difference, the questions asked in this section had no penalty for wrong answer. All questions are purely
application based. For example You are officer in charge for providing medical facilities to the survivors
of an earthquakes affected area. Despite your best possible effort, people put allegations against making
money out of the funds given for relief. You would. Student must attempt this section it is quite
scoring and the nature of questions is also practical, one must have experience the given situation at one or
another moment. Here again paper one will help you out as the questions being asked is socio-economic-
political in nature. There are books available in the market but as far as I am concern this books wont help
in your preparation, this section have to develop by yourself. Search Techniques of Decision making and
Techniques of Problem Solving in Google and Wikipedia and read some 30-50 pages on them. You can also
read chapters like Decision making from different books available in the market to have theoretical
knowledge. UPSC Portals book on this section would be added advantage.
6. Basic numeracy
It is also a major section. This section is to check numerical proficiency of a candidate involves solving
simple numerical problems. It will also include questions which require a candidate to sift through and
interpret data in tabulated or graphical format. We have Basic numeracy in syllabus but there is nothing
basic in questions paper, yes your basics should be clear but you should raise your level beyond the basics.
Number System, Average, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Time and
Distance are the important topics. Data interpretation has charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc.
Break up of questions on this topics which came in the Prelims 2011, there were a total 12 questions from
this section out of which 7 questions was from basic Arithmetic which included 3 questions from Time,
Speed and Distance. There were 2 questions on Permutation and Combination etc. In all this paper
constitutes 15% of the complete paper, this means a good amount of preparation should be devoted in this
section. The approach should like this, firstly understand the basics of any topics then focus on those topics
which is likely to come in the examination. One should never focus solving difficult problems of the topics
and mugging up questions and their answers. Main focus of the study should be Arithmetic which will
include Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Simple Interest and
Compound Interest and Profit and Loss. Permutation and Combination should be studied as well.
7. Data Interpretation:
Data interpretation, which covers questions based on data analysis. The data can be represented in different
forms such as tables, graphs, bar diagram, line graphs, pie charts etc. and Data Sufficiency, where one just
has to check the sufficiency of data for the question asked. It measures the numerical ability and accuracy in
mathematical calculations. The questions range from purely numeric calculations to problems of
arithmetical reasoning, graph and table reading, percentage analysis and quantitative analysis. In all, the
candidate are tested for their sharpness to analyze the given data in a short span of time.
In Data Sufficiency, a question is followed by two statements and you will be expected to answer whether
the information provided in the statements individually or collectively is sufficient to answer the question.
Taking a mock test of mathematics and general ability questions would be a good practice and help to pick
out the most appropriate option.
Develop the skill to solve mathematical & reasoning problems faster. It comes with practice. So the sooner
you start practicing, the better your chances of clearing CSAT.
The Civil services examination also tested the candidates' understanding of civic issues. In the Preliminary
examination of 2001there were questions that checked the understanding of rural development schemes,
fiscal stimulus, inflation and demographic dividend.
In the new format the traditional way of studying and the rote learning of concepts would no longer help to
crack the exam. In the CSAT paper only application of knowledge is required, there is nothing to mug-up.
The plan and examination standards make it very demanding in nature. You are supposed to catch and
collect newer information and fresh ideas whenever it comes to you.
More emphasis on understanding and analysis than memorizing
This is test of the candidate's aptitude for the prestigious civil services from the ethical and moral dimension.
Candidates with low moral and ethical aptitude will get weeded out. Spruce up your general awareness and
mental ability.
B. Mains Examination
Mains examination comprises two stages:
1. Written Exam
2. Personality Test (Interview)
The Mains consists of 9 tests. The first two are language tests: first is the English Test and the second is the
Language Test in any one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian constitution. Each
test is worth 300 points. These tests are at the high school level. The candidates are expected to only qualify;
the score from these tests is not included in the aggregate. The Language Test is not required for candidates
from the North-East. The third test is an Essay Test, worth 200 points. The candidate can write the essay in
The interview, worth 300 points, is the last stage of the selection process. Nearly twice as many candidates
are invited for Interview as the number of vacancies.
NOTE (i) The papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and
will be of qualifying nature; the marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.
NOTE (ii) Evaluation of the papers, namely,'Essay, 'General Studies' and Optional Subjects of all candidates
would be done simultaneously along with evaluation of their qualifying papers on 'Indian languages' and
English' but the papers on 'Essay', General Studies' and 'Optional Subjects' of only such candidates will be
taken cognizance of as attain such minimum standard as may be fixed by the Commission at their discretion
for the qualifying papers on 'Indian language' and 'English' and, therefore, the marks in 'Essay' 'General
studies and Optional subjects' will not be disclosed to those candidates who fail to obtain such minimum
qualifying standard in 'Indian language and 'English'.
NOTE (iii) The paper-I on Indian Languages will not, however, be compulsory for candidates hailing from
the North-Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland and also for
candidates hailing from the State of Sikkim.
NOTE (iv) For the Language papers, the script to be used by the candidates will beas under :
NOTE : For Santali language, question paper will be printed in Devanagari script; but candidates will be
free to answer either in Devanagari script or in Olchiki.
List of optional subjects for Main Examination (two subjects need to be chosen from the list given
below)
NOTES: (i) Candidates will not be allowed to offer the following combinations of subjects:
(ii) The question papers for the examination will be of conventional (essay) type.
(iii) Each paper will be of three hours duration. Blind candidates will; however, be allowed an extra time of
thirty minutes at each paper.
(v) Candidates exercising the option to answer papers III to IX in any one of the languages included in the
Eighth Schedule to the Constitution may, if they so desire, give English version within brackets of only the
description of the technical terms, if any, in addition to the version in the language opted by them.
Candidates should, however, note that if they misuse the above rule, a deduction will be made on this
account from the total marks otherwise accruing to them and in extreme cases, their script(s) will not be
valued for being in an unauthorized medium.
(vi) The question papers other than language papers will be set both in Hindi and English.
(vii) The details of the syllabi are set out in Part B of Section-III.
The interview is the last stage of the examination. Students who have cleared the main exam are called for
an interview, and their performance through the entire course of the examinations is taken into account.
Most successful interviews last 35- 45 minutes, and the aspirant is quizzed on issues concerning his or her
choice of subject, bio-data, professed areas of interest, and current and emerging issues. As is the case with
the rest of the exam process, aspirants are advised to provide analysis
As this stage is the final stage of the whole examination process, this stage has emerged as the most deciding
phase of the exam. Interview has been termed as a deciding stage for the entire examination process, it
decides your future. Though It carries only 300 marks but sometimes it decides in which service you get.
But an Interview can make or break, so it is imperative to take it seriously. Interview is never been the test
of knowledge merely but it is the test of overall Personality for this very reason this stage is called the
Personality Test. It is test of good communication skills with self-confidence; no doubt knowledge base
cant be ignored.
UPSC interview questions has wider areas so it is good to prepare as many areas as you can. Question on
hobbies could be expected. Questions relating to your name, your college or school name are also a big
possibility. If someone resembles with your name, get ready to have question. Questions are from the
situational type could be asked such as if there is situation of unrest in your district what will be your step to
tackle the situation.
There is a vast choice of optional subject. There are 24 optional subjects available to choose for the
aspirants. By the stream the whole optional may be broadly categorised as science subjects such as Physics,
Chemistry, Botany and Zoology; Humanities subjects like History, Political Science, Public Administration,
Geography and Sociology; and languages like Hindi, English, Urdu, and Pali. The UPSC also allows for
subjects like Anthropology, Psychology and Philosophy.
Among the optional subjects History, Psychology, Sociology, Public Administration etc has been widely
selected, the very reason for this is the nature of subject, any candidates those not having special or
additional educational qualifications have been doing reasonably well, whereas the optional subjects like
Mathematics, Physics, and Engineering are considered as tougher subjects and the candidates with
exceptionally good preparation only may expect to do well.
History is one of the optional subjects which are widely selected by the aspirants. Because of the nature and
resources available in the market this subject has been chosen as safe optional subject. One of the other
reason that candidates select this optional because it is easy to grasp, it doesnt matter what your background
is you can easily understand and do well in this optional.
Public Administration is another subject which is popular among aspirants. Public Administration can also
be coupled with other optional like History or Sociology etc. This optional also covers significant areas of
the General Studies papers. This optional subject does not require any previous background in the subject
this is added advantage.
Geography is another optional that is open to candidates from varied academic backgrounds. The nature of
the optional is objective - with its tables and maps it makes it highly scoring.
Economics is another optional that is often eschewed by candidates as it is considered as a difficult subject.
However in the past Economics has helped some students topped the rank list. However care should be
taken while selecting this subject. One subject is Sociology, which is very useful in the "social issues"
section of the General Studies paper and in answering essay questions.
However, it is believes that the primary criteria should not be the nature of the subject or whether it is
comprehended as scoring or not. Student interest in the subject should be given predominant importance. It
should be correctly understood that any optional can be scoring if the student approaches it strategically and
systematically.
If we see the statistics among the 50 per cent of the serious candidates, merely 20 per cent are hard workers,
and the real fight is between them. The number of vacancies are not stable it is changing year by year but
nowadays vacancies are around 900 posts in all. So, to come in the 900, one has to put the real hard work,
unique way of writing skills, above all better than the other aspirants. Hard work can be termed as one of the
pre-requisite for every sphere in life and in the Civil services exam it is indispensable.
Dedication
For me Dedication is sometimes doing things even if I didn't have to and doing it with passion. Understand
to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication.
Remember dedication towards our own duty always pays in life. One has to be totally dedicated even for the
minutest things in the life, finally its it which finally get you all along the long way. Yes dedication always
bundled with sacrifice. During you course of your preparation you have to sacrifice many of your favorites
like movies, parties, and entertainments etc. Without dedication it is impossible to achieve what you want to
be.
Patience
One famous quote is that "Good things come to those who wait." This quote applies everywhere. If one
needs favorable result it has to come with the patience. Take civil service exam it spans a year Preliminary
exam in the month of may-june to the interview in the month of march next year. The whole process of
exam requires patience. During your preparation at many times you may feel tired and jaded but it is the
time when you have to keep you going. Once you stop there are many others who are waiting to take you
place. The Civil service exam in one way is the psychometric test for the aspirants it is test for their patience
also. In all to keep going when the going is hard and slow - that is patience.
Self-Confidence
Faith in God/Luck
Everyone of us holds a different image of God. But at one instance we all belive that there is almighty who
is above us. There is nothing bad in it to have faith in such almighty. It is seen by the result of many exams
that most of the aspirants who have cleared the Civil Services examination add faith in God as a major key
to their success. Still, we should remember that there is no substitute to hard work. Faith in God will keep
you going.
Time Management
Time management is the act or process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of
time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency or productivity. Time
management may be aided by a range of skills, tools, and techniques used to manage time when
accomplishing specific tasks, projects and goals complying with a due date. This set encompasses a wide
scope of activities, and these include planning , setting goals , analysis of time spent. In the Civil Services
exam it is a tool to success. Time management is essential and one of the important tool in the Civil Services
Examination. In the first stage of examination that is called preliminaries, real-time testing is very important.
When it comes to Mains time management has become more important one has to solve the whole paper in
merely three hours. Here aspirants should allocate the time as according to the requirement of the question
paper. As the nature of Mains exam paper is that one need to stick to the word limits in all questions and
here need proper time management, aspirants should keep in mind that if one is devoting too much time to
one particular question will surely means that one miss out on others questions. The UPSC exams among
many other things, it also tests aspirants skill in time management, and how to organize the work in a
systematic and efficient manner.
Time management is important not just in writing the exam, but also while preparing for it. It is advisable to
break up long study sessions into a few compact ones with more breaks to refresh oneself. For example, two
four-hour sessions prove to be more beneficial than one long eight-hour stretch. Some students prefer to
study in short bursts of two hours, with 15-minute breaks in between.
Ultimately it is up to the individual to find his or her own unique time management strategy. It is also
possible to use "free time" effectively. Thus, time spent commuting, or relaxing can also be used to refresh
concepts or read different, if not completely unrelated, books. However, it is important to "switch-off" for at
least some time in a day.
Writing Skills
Writing skills are perhaps the most essential requirement in the main examination sections of the UPSC
exam. As the exam is also a test of an individual's analytical and interpretative ability, clear, coherent and
well-written answers in simple, effective English (or Hindi) are essential. Most students who clear the
Examination Tacties
A tactic is a specific action taken to address a specific situation. It is part of a specific plan or strategy. It is
subjective in nature one tactics will work for one and at the same time it wont work for the other. Tactics
take different shapes and forms in different situation. It is when you think about a plan to do something and
make a strategy for a big one. The very nature of Civil services exam the tactics must be applied at every
level of preparation and it should be focus on greater and intensive coverage. Civil Services examination
syllabus has a vast area of syllabus one is expected to know various disciplines at the same time like history,
polity, geography, economy, science apart from other curriculum. However, one need not to be master on
each disciplines only basics of each of the disciplines is needed. Hence, here the full examination tactics will
help you out.
Examination Tacties
A tactic is a specific action taken to address a specific situation. It is part of a specific plan or strategy. It is
subjective in nature one tactics will work for one and at the same time it wont work for the other. Tactics
take different shapes and forms in different situation. It is when you think about a plan to do something and
make a strategy for a big one. The very nature of Civil services exam the tactics must be applied at every
level of preparation and it should be focus on greater and intensive coverage. Civil Services examination
syllabus has a vast area of syllabus one is expected to know various disciplines at the same time like history,
polity, geography, economy, science apart from other curriculum. However, one need not to be master on
each disciplines only basics of each of the disciplines is needed. Hence, here the full examination tactics will
help you out.
Use of Internet
We are in the era of internet revolution. A recent data shows that the broadband connectivity in India has
been on the rising. It is one of the information hub make use of it as much as you can. Most of the aspirants
has their own means of Information tools, those who dont have can access through it from Internet Caf. It
is an ever-bulging ocean of information. All the important information is available on the Internet, even you
can clear you doubts in this platform. Many important materials are available for instance, NCERT Books
are now available on its net. India Year Book published by Indian Govt., Complete Budget and Economic
Survey Book and Summary of all bilateral meetings are now available on the Internet. Wikipedia is one of
one source of all information it is free and at some extent it is authentic as well.
There are several myths about the Civil Services Exam it is some sort of hype around the examination. But
as a fresher try to ignore such myths. It is commonly seen that a fresher always starts with some Suggested
Reading here we should take care about who has suggested you, it really matters a lot because the whole
examination preparation will depend on it. The real foundation will build here. At many instances he starts
his preparation on a high note and works hard in the beginning but gradually he feels exhausted and the
momentum slows down. Here is the real problem one need to stop here and is to keep going. Aspirants
should be result oriented rather than exam oriented. In some disciplines selective study is helpful but it has
its limitation. Try not to take attempt as to check the pattern of examination as it wont help you in anyways.
It may keep you chasing the Civil service exam at your last attempt. Some aspirants have a funny idea that
Civil Services can be cleared only in multiple attempts. Ignore all and take many examples who have cleared
the exam in the very first attempt. Here are some suggestions for the freshers, firstly try to understand the
whole exam and the very nature of the exam, keep yourself ready the preparation, believe strongly in
yourself that you will clear the exam in the first attempt itself and never will compromise at any stage and if
required at any time will work harder than ever before, the preparation should be started at least one year
ahead of your first attempt, do not take your attempt unless you are confident of qualifying for the it all the
way. Make your first attempt as your best one.
Civil Services coaching Institute and any type of guiding portal like UPSCPORTAL play a crucial role
during the course of preparation of the aspirants. However here we should note that it is never been the
essential element for the preparation. There are plenty of examples where we can see that an aspirant get
through without any help of coaching institution. It is additional component of the preparation rather than
essential. Nowadays it has become fashion to join the coaching institute; it is considered that without joining
any coaching one hasnt get success. It is clear that it helps but at one point of preparation their role ends,
and the role of aspirants own effort has finally proved. There is a high competition in getting IAS here
coaching institute helps to keep you in the right path and will put you in the competition in the right way.
Coaching has many advantages, it helps to understand the nature of exam quickly, sometimes reduces the
efforts and focused more in the subject, provides environment for the competition, regular classes gives the
insight about the competition, many postal courses help in the preparation etc.
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IAS PLANNER for Freshers
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General Trend of Marks
The general marks is not any standard format it varies from year to year, it all depends on the vacancies in
the particular year and standard of questions which has asked in that year. Apart from this the marks also
vary from optional to optional. It is known that the first stage of the exam i.e. Prelims doesnt carry any
marks it is only to screen the candidate and select those who are eligible for the next stage i.e. Mains. Mains
comprise of Written Test and Personality Test which carries total 2300 marks. The following data about the
marks and the ranks will give a general idea about the efforts that are required.
Preliminary Marks
Trend of Qualifying Scores for Prelims with Negative Marking :
Category Marks
General 200-220
OBC 190-210
SC 190-200
ST 180-185
The scores for the mains are in the range of 50-55%. Usually, a score of above 1000 is better to ensure a
place in the final list.
Mains Marks
Trend of Cut-off Scores for Interview Call:
Category Marks
eneral 950
OBC 925-935
SC 910-920
ST 910-915
In the final stage i.e. interview, around 140-170 marks is a normal. Some aspirants get even 220-240 marks.
The interview carries 300 marks. One has to keep an eye on the interview as it is one of the stages where
final selection depends on. Interview is all about your personality so it makes personality development as
part of your preparation. One should keep in mind that the final rank is very much depending on the
interview marks.
Final Marks
General Trends of Final Scores for Selection
The actual final ranks and the service allocation of successful candidates can be obtained from the personnel
ministry.
Courtesy: persmin.nic.in
4. I am an engineering graduate. From scoring point of view you suggest the suitable optional for my
preparation.
There is an increasing trend that engineering graduates are shifting towards humanities. They preferably take
one of the optionals as the science and the other from humanities. As far as popular trend is concerned large
number of engineering students find it comfortable to opt either geography or public administration. Both
these optionals are having small seep in time and can be comfortably picked up in a short span of time.
7. Can a candidate who has completed his education from an open school/ University apply for
Commissions Examination?
Yes, provided it is a recognized University and he possess the educational qualifications prescribed for the
exam and is otherwise eligible.
8. Can a candidate who has completed his education from Foreign University for example Cambridge,
Oxford etc.apply for Commissions Examination
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No, there the degree must be approved with the UGC or the any other govt. organization that is mentioned in
the notification.
9. Is a candidate who has done his graduation without passing the class Xth and class XIIth eligible
for civil services examination?
Yes
10. Whether a candidate belonging to a community included in the OBC list of states but not in the
Central list of OBCs is eligible for age relaxation, reservation etc. for Commissions Examinations?
No. Only candidates belonging to communities which are included in the Central list of OBCs are eligible
for such concessions.
11. If a candidate has applied for the CS (P) Examination but has not appeared at any paper in the CS
(P) Examination will it be counted as an attempt?
No. An attempt is counted only if a candidate has appeared in at least one paper in CS (P) Examination.
12. Can a candidate write different papers of Civil Service (Main) Examination in different
languages?
No, Candidates have the option to write their answers either in English or in any one of the Eighth schedule
languages.
13. Can a candidate write the Civil Service (Main) Examination in English and take the interview in
Hindi or any other Indian language?
If a candidate opts an Eighth schedule language for the CS (Main) Examination he will have the option to
take the interview in same language or in English.
14. How one should start preparing for civil services examination?
The best way to start for this examination is by knowing the nature of examination. After having decided for
the optionals one should develop a keen interest in looking at the past years questions to get an idea as to
what one should be preparing for. One should also get a proper guidance for the channelization of its time,
energy and resources. Planning is very crucial. One must plan and work the plan in a disciplined manner.
There should be time frame and small targets fixed to work in this direction.
15. What is the minimum age at which aspirants should start preparing for the civil Services
Examination?
The preparation for IAS exam should start in a focused manner at 20 21 years of age. This is the time
student is able to focus on the goal properly and is in a position to peak at the right time. Starting too early
(immediately after school or early graduation) has the likelihood of aspirant tiring during the course of
preparation or loosing focus mid way whereas starting too late has disadvantage in terms of competitive
edge of early start. Preferably the preparation should start in a focused manner around 20 years of age. This
is the time student is able to focus the goal properly and is in a position to peak at the right time. Starting too
early has a likelihood of tiring at the right time or starting very late will disadvantage in terms of competitive
edge of early start.
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UPSCPORTAL Study Kits for IAS, Civil
Services & Other Exams
Study Kit for Preliminary Examinations:
IAS (Pre) GS Paper 1
http://www.upscportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-pre-csat-paper-1
IAS (Pre) GS Paper 2
http://www.upscportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-pre-csat-paper-2
GS Foundation Course (PT+ MAINS) for 2014
http://upscportal.com/civilservices/study-kit/ias-pre/general-studies-foundation-course