What is UPSC civil service examination:
The Indian Administrative Services (IAS) Exam, officially known as the Civil Services Examination (CSE), is a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in India. It is considered one of the toughest and prestigious exams in the country. The purpose of the IAS exam is to select candidates for various administrative positions within the Indian Civil Services, including the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Foreign Service, and other allied services.
The IAS exam is conducted in three stages:
Preliminary Examination: This is the first stage of the exam and consists of two objective-type papers – General Studies (GS) Paper-I and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper-II. The GS paper covers topics such as current affairs, history, geography, polity, economy, and general knowledge. The CSAT paper evaluates logical reasoning, analytical ability, comprehension, and interpersonal skills.
Main Examination: Candidates who qualify the preliminary exam move on to the main examination. It consists of nine descriptive papers, out of which seven are counted for ranking purposes. These papers cover subjects like essay writing, general studies (four papers), and optional subjects (two papers).
Personality Test (Interview): Candidates who clear the main examination are called for a personal interview. The interview aims to assess the candidate’s personality, leadership qualities, communication skills, and overall suitability for a career in the civil services.
The final selection is based on the cumulative score of the main examination and the interview. Successful candidates are allocated various services based on their rank and preferences.
The IAS exam requires thorough preparation, extensive knowledge of a wide range of subjects, critical thinking skills, and effective time management. It attracts thousands of aspirants each year, and only a small percentage of candidates are able to clear the exam and secure a position in the Indian Administrative Services.
Syllabus for UPSC:
The syllabus for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination is vast and covers a wide range of subjects. The UPSC syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge, analytical skills, decision-making abilities, and overall suitability for a career in the civil services. Here is a broad overview of the syllabus:
Preliminary Examination:
General Studies Paper-I:
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and the Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography – Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the world
- Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
- Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
- General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
- General Science
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper-II:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills, including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.)
- English language comprehension skills (Class X level)
Main Examination: The main examination consists of nine papers, out of which two papers are qualifying in nature:
- Paper-A: Any Indian language (Qualifying)
- Paper-B: English (Qualifying)
The remaining seven papers are counted for ranking purposes:
- Essay
- General Studies-I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society
- General Studies-II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations
- General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
- General Studies-IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
- Optional Subject-Paper 1
- Optional Subject-Paper 2
Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. Some popular optional subjects include History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, etc.
Personality Test (Interview): The interview assesses the candidate’s intellectual abilities, social traits, and interest in current affairs. It also tests the candidate’s mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety, and depth of interest, leadership skills, and intellectual and moral integrity.
It’s important to note that the UPSC syllabus is quite detailed and candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC website or the detailed notification of the examination for the most accurate and updated information regarding the syllabus and exam pattern.
How to prepare for UPSC?
Preparing for the UPSC Civil Services Examination requires a systematic and disciplined approach. Here are some tips to help you with your preparation:
Understand the Exam: Familiarize yourself with the UPSC exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility criteria. Understand the stages of the exam, the subjects, and the weightage given to each.
Create a Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan that covers all the subjects and topics of the syllabus. Allocate sufficient time for each subject and set realistic study goals.
Read NCERT Books: Start your preparation by studying the NCERT books of relevant subjects for both the preliminary and main examinations. These books provide a strong foundation and cover the basic concepts.
Refer to Standard Reference Books: Alongside NCERT books, refer to standard reference books recommended by toppers, subject experts, and coaching institutes. Make sure to choose books that provide comprehensive coverage of the syllabus.
Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs on a regular basis. Read newspapers, magazines, and online sources to understand national and international events, government policies, and socio-economic issues. Make notes and revise them periodically.
Practice Answer Writing: Answer writing is a crucial aspect of the UPSC exam. Practice writing answers to essay questions, as well as descriptive questions from previous years’ papers. Develop a clear and structured writing style.
Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers: Take regular mock tests to assess your knowledge and improve your time management skills. Solve previous year question papers to understand the exam pattern, identify important topics, and gain familiarity with the type of questions asked.
Join a Coaching Institute: Joining a reputed coaching institute as Genius Institute can provide guidance, study material, and a structured approach to preparation. However, it is not mandatory, and many candidates have cleared the exam without coaching as well.
Optional Subject Selection: Choose your optional subject based on your interest, aptitude, and availability of study material. Ensure that you have a good understanding of the subject and its syllabus.
Revision and Consolidation: Regularly revise what you have studied to reinforce your knowledge. Make concise notes, mind maps, or flashcards for quick revision. Focus on consolidating your learning and connecting different subjects and topics.
Stay Motivated and Maintain a Positive Attitude: The UPSC exam is a long and demanding process. Stay motivated, believe in yourself, and maintain a positive attitude. Surround yourself with a supportive study group or mentors who can provide guidance and motivation.
Take Care of Yourself: Maintain a healthy lifestyle, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet. Take breaks, pursue hobbies, and relax to avoid burnout.
Remember, each candidate has a unique preparation style. It’s important to find an approach that suits you best. Stay focused, persevere, and learn from your mistakes. With consistent effort and dedication, you can increase your chances of success in the UPSC exam.