CIVIL SERVICE

What are the dimensions of available writing space in UPSC Civil Services (mains) Examination answer sheets?

2015-03-21T14:40:00.000+05:30

This question is asked with a genuine intention, because UPSC Main exam sheets have questions followed by a fixed space thereafter.
I appeared in Main 2013 and I did not care about this aspect at all. Let me assure you that enough space is provided for each answer. Each answer (in Main 2013) was expected within 100 words and keeping in view a normal human being's handwriting, the space provided could accommodate at least 500 words (per answer!)

For your quick reference, the first line is my normal handwriting. Considering is smaller than average, nearly 70% space remained unused after each answer.

Compare your handwriting size with a 3.5 mm audio jack
If you write as big as in the last sentence, you might have to worry.

Strategy for GS (Advanced- Unit Wise) by Ms. Rukmani Riar

2012-07-07T17:12:00.000+05:30

Vote of Thanks

First, I must thank Ms. Rukmani Riar (Rank-2) for being very kind to spare some time and share her strategy for GS preparation. She will try and reply to any queries you post. She has scored exceedingly well in GS (311 marks) and so I feel she will be able to guide the candidates much better. I thank her on behalf of all the candidates once again.

How to prepare for GS

General Studies is the most crucial paper of CSE. With the news taking rounds thatUPSC is planning to do away with the optionals the importance of GS has increased manifold.

Newspaper the best friend!

First and foremost reading a newspaper (I read Hindu) is the starting point. Now the question is how to read the paper. Initially one must spend 45 minutes to one hour on the paper. With time the duration can come down to half an hour. The national news, international news and the economy sections of the paper must not be ignored. One can choose to make notes from the paper daily and keep the editorials which can help immensely to answer essay, bilateral and international sections with ease and efficiency. As science and technology section of UPSC is very unpredictable therefore newspaper will be most handy means to answer this section. One more point to be kept in mind is that not to stop reading the paper at any time of the preparation, as this helps the aspirants to write up-to-date answers which will give them that extra edge needed to clear the exam with eminence. The notes made from the newspaper must be revised at least 2-3 times before the prelims and editorials be read once before the mains. You can separate the editorials subject wise (if they are on topics in optional syllabus) which will make the revision more organised.

Monthly Magazines

After the newspaper, reading of two magazines is a must. I recommend you to pick fromPritiyogitaDarpan (PD), Competition wizard and Civil services times. The special editions of these magazines are very helpful in attempting the CSE. For example the economy edition of PD, Geography and history special of wizard are very comprehensive and detailed.Yojna and Kurukshetra should be selected edition wise, if the topic is very contemporary or useful for the optionals, as the entire magazine is on one topic so magazines like these need not be read in entirety and only two articles can be selected to prepare oneself adequately on the topic of that edition. Some of the yojna issues last year on rural development, urban migration, Agriculture helped me immensely for my optionals and GS.

When magazines are read it’s advisable to mark on the outset the points for P.T and the sections for Mains (you can use different pens or just write PT, Mains on the side) this will help in quicker revision at a later stage and help you to save very crucial time.

Indian Polity

For Indian Polity I read D.D Basu along with bare act from P.M Bakshi. Each topic must be read along with the articles which makes the preparation more through. Indian Polity Wizard book (ALS Publication) is available in the market it can be consulted along with the books mentioned. Any news with regard to Indian polity (elections, political and democratic institutions) must be read on the internet to have more factual information for prelims and in depth analysis for the mains. (e.g from the last month news following questions need a clear understanding: should we move towards a presidential form of government?, what are the advantages of having parliamentary form of democracy, when was lokpal bill first introduced what is its composition as proposed by government at present? Details of Electoral College for Indian President’s elections).

Indian History

For history I recommend NCERT books (6^th to 12^th) for ancient, medieval and Morden sections. The modern history is most important from the point of view of CSE hence it requires additional effort. You can refer to wizard book on Modern History or General Studies manual (Tata McGraw) for the same. Apart from this solving previous year question papers and expected questions must be practiced to give oneself a fair idea about the level of preparation. For Indian culture any book can be picked up which covers Indian festivals, art and literature forms, Architecture, poetry, literature and drama history of India.

Geography

In Indian geography section, physiology, drainage, population, location of all scientific institutions, mineral distribution, industries, environment, ecology and wildlife, energy need special emphasis. Energy chapter in India year book can be consulted to update the information if time permits. Industry must be studied from both geography and economy point of view. Ecology and wildlife is very crucial and hence must be updated regularly from the newspapers. Small maps in the atlas on soil types, scientific institutions, mineral deposits etc can be looked at to memorise easily.

For general geography and world geography the same wizard book on geography will be more than sufficient. Special editions on these topics are published in Competition Wizard magazine which can be helpful for quick revision (only for prelims). Any place which is in news should be looked up on the map to understand its exact location and surrounding areas.

Indian Economy

Indian economy needs special emphasis. I recommend reading a basic book for clearing the concepts (for those of non-economic background), it could be 12^th level economics book. These concepts need to be regularly updated from the economic sections of newspapers and magazines. The fundamentals need to be clear and for that one should make a list of all basic terms of economics that one comes across on daily basis and discuss with teachers or friends e.g what is the difference between FDI and FII or between fiscal deficit and revenue deficit. I also would recommend the CSE aspirants to read the following chapters in economic survey

Social Security
Agriculture

Sciences

For the prelims the order of preference must be biology > physics> chemistry. General Studies manual (tatamcgraw) serves the purpose or one can refer to 10^thand 12th standard books of these subjects (ncert).

Statistics

One must focus on statistics as they are sure shot marks in the mains. Statistics must not be ignored as they can make a difference of 50 marks to the final total.

Bilateral and International relations

The reason I have put this under a separate head is because for the mains bilateral and international relations form veryimportant part of GS paper 2, in which candidates tend to have a low score. It is important to keep all updates on this topic from the newspapers and monthly magazines. Towards the mains a special wizard book (mains special) comes out which I referred to update this section. Civil services times (magazine) constantly updates the development on this front which proved very useful. Also, this section must be prepared with a equal focus on factual information and its analytical part. (e.g. How are regional organisations impacting the geopolitical canvas of South Asia?)

Science and technology

Science and technology section is very vast and unpredictable. I would not advice non science students to spend too much time on this section. Whatever can be covered from newspapers should be done. Defence, environment, nuclear and space science are some important sections which need special emphasis.

Is there a difference between mains and prelims preparation?

Many have their own views on this question, but if you were to ask me, there isn’t much of a difference as one needs factual and analytical information for mains as well as the prelims. Based on my experience one should start GS preparation from the mains point of view at the onset (about 8 months prior to prelims). The detailed and exhaustive preparation for mains helps CSE candidates to become adequately prepared to tackle all kinds of questions in prelims. 2-3 months prior to the prelims ones focus for GS preparation should only be prelims, which includes fast repeated revisions, solving previous year questions or some test series available in the market, going back to the notes from the newspapers, re-reading the marked sections for PT in monthly magazines and practicing mathematics for CSAT .

The last word!

Revision is the key to score well in GS. I made a consistent effort to revise conventional GS at least 4 times before the mains, and also go back to newspaper notes and magazines (marked portions).

When it comes to attempting the GS mains two things are important one, stick to the word limit and second attempt 250 plus in both the papers.

Goodluck!

Basics of GS preparation

2012-07-07T17:07:00.001+05:30

BY PRINCE DHAWAN(AIR:3,2012)

The following are some points that may be useful for GS preparation in general. A more detailed unit wise strategy will be uploaded in another post.

As we all know, these days UPSC has made the GS paper very very challenging. It has become dynamic and more opinion based. Students need to do an extensive coverage of current affairs and they can’t neglect the conventional aspect.

It is important to know the difference between a generalist and a specialist. A generalist is a person who knows “less and less of more and more”, while a specialist is a person who knows “more and more of less and less”. The Civils Exam in the GS paper is testing the Generalist approach.

One point that I would like to emphasize upon is how to use YOUR coaching class in your preparation. Please understand this very carefully that given the current trend of GS paper, everything cannot be served on a platter. The student will have to make a lot of effort from his side apart from attending the classes and memorizing the class notes. The coaching will certainly help you in many ways:
- Gives you an approach to the subject. When you see the kind of questions being asked in Test Series and you try and pin-point from where they were asked, you understand what all to read in newspapers and magazines from exam point of view. You understand how to study GS.
- It strengthens your fundamentals. The conventional part of GS is more or less static and you can pick that up at a faster pace with coaching classes.
- It highlights issues of current importance. This way it does cover a lot of portion of current affairs too. But the students will still have to cover a lot on their own.
- You will certainly be able to move at a faster pace with the coaching class.
- Finally you can easily clarify your doubts with the faculty members in the class.

Some points from my personal experience in GS:
- Study your class notes and Yellow Books multiple times. The current affairs material that would now be given for the Main Exam is especially very good and should be studied carefully.
- NCERT books for classes XI and XII (History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Sociology and World Politics). Try to attempt questions given at back.
- You can refer to DD Basu, Economic Survey, India Year Book (especially important for Mains exam these days), Economy issue of PD, Atlas and Manorama Year Book.
- Newspaper reading is crucial given the current trend. You must try and make your own hand-written notes. While reading newspapers observe the following- abbreviations; new terms; organisations; quotes and examples, which can be used elsewhere; etc. It is very effective for retention and you are able to revise very quickly. Read the editorials carefully and try and understand the main points. After reading, write a summary of the editorial in your notebook. This would help you build your own opinion.
- You can read selective articles from Frontline and Yojana. If you want to, then you may also look at some competitive magazine.
- Internet can prove very useful especially for Science and Tech.
- You may join a Test Series to practice writing and organizing answers. Also in test series, you learn to control your nervousness when faced with questions that you do not know.
- For India and the World- Understand the core issues between India and various nations. The external relations can be structured into political, economic, defence, cultural, S&T, etc. so prepare in these dimensions.

Answer writing in the Exam
- You must form original opinions on matters of current interest around you. Try and organize your answer in such a way that it appeals to the examiner.
- You can use an intelligent mixture of paras and points in your answers.
- You can make intelligent guesses to answers of questions you don’t know but do this in the end.
- When direct questions come from conventional areas, you MUST attempt them very well since such questions would be attempted well by many other candidates. You cannot afford to lose unnecessary marks in this area. For instance, even though less questions may be asked from History recently, that doesn’t mean you can now ignore History. In fact that means, you now need to be all the more careful because if any direct question comes, you should be able to answer it correctly.
- For current affairs, apart from current events in national and international sphere, focus on Govt. Policy decisions. Try and understand the rationale behind the decisions. You must know both the positives and negatives of each action of government.
- For Paper-II, international affairs questions, it is useful if you first give some historical aspect of the relations between the nations and then talk about the current aspect. You can cover this area well from the Yellow Book.
- Please remember that analysis of issues rather than mere memorization of facts is becoming more and more important and that is what the examiner is looking for. Even if the question is factual, it is always a good idea to give some analysis along with it.

Effort from your side
- Earlier, I talked about the need to make a lot of effort from your side. By that I mean, you must not only have a mastery over the class notes, but you must always be open to new information from other sources. You cannot rely only on material given in the class.
- You must also try and visit the websites of ministries, spend a little time on the Internet surfing for information of interest, read some news magazines and try and read at least the editorials from one other newspaper apart from The Hindu.
- Newspaper Reading- This is very important.

In the end I just want to say, that for GS especially, do not judge your coaching class by the fact as to how many questions in the exam finally came from your class discussions. Instead, you must judge the class based on whether it taught you how to approach and handle the GS subject. Even though, the class will steer you in the right direction, the hard-work has to be yours.

Getting in the right frame of mind

2012-07-07T17:02:00.002+05:30

BY:PRINCE DHAWAN (AIR:3,2012)

Hello everyone,

Before I actually start sharing some experiences about the exam, I wish to write a post about the mind set with which one must approach this exam. I feel before anyone starts preparing for the Civil Service Exam (CSE), he/she must have clarity on some fundamental issues in his/her mind.

Firstly, as I have mentioned elsewhere too, the CSE is not just an exam, it is a journey. This journey is long and you must have a lot of patience and dedication to traverse it.

Do not rush through your attempts. Spend time with your subjects before you appear in the exam. Keep in mind that there are no shortcuts to success. Each individual has his/her own pace of studying. Some people like me, take more time to grasp things as compared to others. You must know yourself well. Know what timings of study suit you; know what inspires you; what motivates you; know what relaxes you; know what you ultimately want to do as a civil servant; know what are your strengths and your weaknesses. If you know yourself well, then things will get easier.

When you are walking on the road of the CSE, keep in mind that there will be highs and lows. Just like all fingers of our hand are different, so will be your days. Some days you will study more, some days you will study less and on some other days you will not study at all. But you must thoroughly enjoy all your days and each moment of your study as well as free time.

Never ever think about your marks or probable rank in the exam, just think about answers to the questions in-front of you. Choose your optionals keeping in mind your interest in the subject. All subjects are equally scoring but you must be able to study YOUR subjects for long hours. Keep your cool and peace of mind.

Another important point to be kept in mind is that this journey is a long one. Shortcuts may work but the only sure way to reach your destination is to take the longer route. So do not be in a hurry to give your attempt. Spend a lot of time doing each of your subjects and then GS. I would advice to do everything sequentially i.e. one after the other and not simultaneously. This way, one would realize that at least 1.5 to 2 years of dedicated preparation is must before you give your first attempt. However, I must say that for some people a shorter route works whereby they do some subjects simultaneously. It is risky but may take you to your final destination. The longer route on the other hand is safe and will surely take you to your destination. The choice between the two is subjective and is a decision best taken by YOU and no one else.

Finally believe in your hard-work and in GOD. Whenever you do something, believe that YOU can actually DO it. This is true for any task in life and not just CSE. Self confidence and self-belief is crucial.

Always remember- Preparation will only take you to a certain extent; beyond that you will have to take some leaps of faith.

A BOOK FOR BASIC NUMERACY

2012-06-27T22:04:00.001+05:30

How to Pass the QTS Numeracy Skills Test

READ AND DOWNLOAD THE DISCOVERY OF INDIA BY JAWAHARLAL NEHRU

2012-06-27T21:58:00.002+05:30

The Discovery of India -Jawaharlal Nehru

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE Civil Services Exams REFORM?

2010-03-19T13:24:00.002+05:30

VIDEO OF THIS
The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had last month approved the revamp of the preliminary exam on lines suggested by the Union Public Service Commission. The UPSC is further expected to push for changes in the Civil Service (Mains) Examination. But this will be only after examining the response to changes in the preliminary exam.
The UPSC had told the government two years ago there was a need to test not just the knowledge of aspirants in particular subjects but their aptitude for "a demanding life in the civil services". It had also recommended bringing down the number of attempts a candidate could take. But Dr. Singh has kept this aspect on hold.
Now the government has decided to replace the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination with the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT), which will test candidates on their aptitude and analytical abilities rather than their ability to memorise.

“The CSAT is expected to come into effect from 2011,” Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Prithviraj Chavan, told Lok Sabha on Wednesday 10 March – 2010.Confirming the change for the first stage of CSE, he told the Lok Sabha that the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has approved the proposal for introduction of CSAT in place of the existing CS (Preliminary) Examination.
In his written reply, he said: "CSAT is expected to come into effect from CSE, 2011." The proposal to this effect was sent to the PMO last year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) which conducts CSE every year to select candidates for elite all-India services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and others Group 'A' and Group 'B' central jobs.
As of now, the change will be effective only for the first stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) from 2011 onwards. The second and third stages — CS (Main) Examination and interview respectively — may remain the same till a committee of experts goes into various aspects of the entire system and submits its report.
Officials familiar with the proposal which has got the PM's nod explained that the changes were suggested by various committees, including the second Administrative Reforms Commission, in their reports submitted over the years. Most of the panels had advocated laying greater emphasis on the "aptitude" of candidates than their knowledge of a subject, arguing that specialists or experts in any particular subject may not necessarily be good civil servants.

A top government official said UPSC chairman Professor D.P. Agrawal has constituted a high-powered committee - under former University Grants Commission vice-chairman Professor S.K. Khanna - to work out the details of the two papers. “The committee has been given time till April-end. Then the UPSC will discuss its recommendations with the government and finalise the content of the paper,” the official said.
Referring to introduction of CSAT, an official said: "The new system will also provide a level-playing field and equity, since all candidates will have to attempt common papers unlike the current format which provides for only one common paper.

Accordingly, the candidates will have to appear in two objective-type papers having special emphasis on testing their "aptitude for civil services" as well as on "ethical and moral dimension of decision-making" under a Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Both these papers — “having equal weightage” — will be “common to all candidates.”

At present the prelims consist of two papers: the first is on general studies and common to all; candidates can then choose the second paper from a list of two dozen-odd subjects. But now it is the second paper that will undergo a major change.

In Conclusion
- There shall be two objective type-papers carrying equal marks unlike present, in which General-Studies paper carries 150 marks and optional paper carries 300 marks. So now, it shall be like two papers carrying 150 marks each.

- Therefore, instead of one compulsory paper of General-Studies and one Optional paper, both the papers shall be compulsories.

- Therefore, both the papers will be common to all candidates and the UPSC gets rid of current scaling system which was challenged on one ground or other. The matter has been pending in Supreme Court for long. So now even the court also need not deliver her verdict on the matter. The problem of scaling is over and now no candidate will take any undue advantage over others because of particular optional of his or her choice.

- The compulsory paper other than General-Studies, will test “aptitude for civil services”. It means testing the ability of decision making without compromising with moral and ethical values. Therefore it is ability of value based decision making instead of taking just facts based decision. It will reflect the candidates ability to analyse than ability to memorise.
More clearly, it will be the test to sideline bookish candidates. The decision making ability or ability to analyse may be mostly judged from the topics of Public Administration. The moral and ethical aspects, of decision making may be judged from psychological parts like Motivation, Conflict-management, Administrative behaviour, Human behaviour, Psychology of individual as well as Social-psychology to understand crowd behaviour, Management by objectives and so on.

Altogether, the second objective paper may clubbed form of Pulic Administration, Psychology, Sociology, different economic situation, geographical conditions and technologies needed in the areas of security, intelligence, law and order, Revenue in regulating and controlling administration. It is to ensure result oriented civil servants rather than efforts oriented. The profile of this paper, as hinted by the UPSC, will be a very good blend of Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology, Information and Communication Technology, Economy, International deals and Diplomacy.
Finally, there shall not be any change in the Main Examination including Interview in 2011, as clarified by the minister concerned, on the floor of Lok-Sabha. The change in Main Examination will be made after examining the response to changes in the Preliminary Examination. This is, really, in accordance to “demanding life in presented civil services”.

INTERVIEW TIPS

2010-03-13T10:07:00.001+05:30

The Kothari Committee of the UPSC, has listed the qualities that should be rated in the interview as, ''clarity of expression, grasp of narrative and argument, reasoning ability, appreciation of different points of view, awareness and concern for socio-economic problems, ranges and depth of interests and personal attributes relevant to interaction with people.''

The Interview for the civil services examination also known as the Personality Test is exactly that. It is aimed at assessing the candidate’s personality, whether he is suitable to be a competent administrator or not. The candidate is tested not only for his/her intelligence but also for his/her overall personality development, his/her attentiveness, balance of judgement and qualities of honesty, integrity and leadership. Therefore preparation for the Interview requires proper planning.

The selectors look out for some attributes in the candidate and decide whether he/she is suited for a career in civil services or not. For this,the candidate should have a positive attitude, should have an alert mind with quick reflexes, should be free from any sort of prejudice, should be good at making quick decisions and should have the ability to act under stress and to handle difficult situations.

Preparation for the Interview is a continuous process. This involves a wide reading of books, journals, magazines and at least two newspapers. One should try to improve his/her conversational skills with the right pronunciation. The candidate should be prepared to answer questions on his background, hobbies and extra curricular activities. It is a good idea to discuss current affairs and recent issues with friends. One good way of rehearsing possible questions would be to have mock interviews and discussion groups. The candidate should make a self analysis of his strengths and weaknesses and make a conscious effort to play on his strengths.

Some useful tips for a successful interview at UPSC are:

To have a positive body language
To have a good personal turnout and ensuring the right posture
To answer questions clearly and confidently
Try to remain calm and composed even when faced with provocative questions
Try not getting into long winded explanations and answer to the point.

Things To Be Avoided at the UPSC Interview

Avoid the expression, 'I am sorry.'
Avoid conversational cliches, like: 'as you know', 'that's correct', 'of course', 'indeed', 'obviously', etc.
Avoid technical jargon. However, if a member continues to probe you in any technical field, you can use technical expressions.
Maintain a cheerful disposition. Now and then you can appear serious; but most of the time keep smiling or look cheerful and composed. One caution here: if the board laughs, you should only smile. It is only when you maintain some amount of distance that the board begins to wonder about the depth of your personality.
Do not give long introductions. Come straight to the heart of the matter.
Show human concern whenever possible in your answers.
You should be logically consistent and analyse things rationally while talking. You are supposed to defend what you say, but with due respect to the views of the board. Stop trying to defend an answer if it becomes difficult to do so logically and fairly.
Do not make hasty or sweeping generalisations.

According to UPSC report, it has been observed that from 1979 onwards, 90 percent of the candidates who qualify for interview hover around the minimal percentage of 55 percent that is prescribed for the test. However to be assured of a Class I service, one has to generally obtain about 58 percent marks. It has been noticed that only those, securing 60 percent and above are sure of getting a service of their own choice. The figures clearly reveal that the marks in the interview test play a determining role in final selection of candidates.

More....

Types of questions asked at the UPSC interview.

Relating to your name. Any famous personality who has a similar or same name or surname.
Your career choice. Why you want to opt for the civilservices.
Your Hobbies. Why you pursue such a hobby or questions related to your hobby. So reasearch well on your hobby.
Hot topics of recent days like the Bird Flu and Tamiflu, Office of Profit, Sahara airlines deal and the growing airlines,Terror attacks in India, India US Nuclear deal, Commonwealth games, Saurav Ganguly etc.Keep reading and watching the news. If the recent headlines have something to do with your subject then specially revise those portions. For example if you are a veterinary doctor, Bird flu may go on to other animal diseases that can infect men. If you are an MBBS, then you might be asked about human to human spread of epidemics or any other epidemics and precautions etc. You may even be asked about the influence of MNC or drug manufacturers responsible for the spread of fear etc. If you are from an economy background, the same topic will veer towards the economic implications of the Bird flu.
How you are going to use your specific knowledge(like if you are a doctor, lawyer, engineer etc) in the services.
Situational questions. Like If you were the collector/SP of Varanasi, what would you do after the Bomb Blast?
Choice of services. The order of your choice of services can raise questions too.
About your institution and related.If you have studies at IIM you may be asked about the rising salaries, if from IGNOU then even about Indira Gandhi and so on.
From your form. You must go through the form you have filled because most questions will arise from there. If you have changed subjects, mentioned anything out of the way, watch out for questions on them. Interviewers take cue from the form you have filled.

Some actual questions asked of UPSC candidates.

Don't you think you can serve your country better by remaining a doctor and treating poor patients? Why do you want to be a civil servant?"
It would be best to answer this question very practically rather than emotionally saying you want to serve the country, because even a doctor serves the people. A doctor from Kerala was asked this Question and her reply was - "Because I want to treat the primary malady that afflicts our country, that creates so many poor in India. As a doctor I can treat only secondary maladies." She even came up with exact statistics and suggestions on a rubber plantation for poverty alleviation indicating that she had spent considerable time and thoughts on her future plans. She was awarded a score of 85 per cent.
"What are the problems faced by wheat cultivators in your state?" an M.Sc. (Agriculture) student from Palanpur was once asked. "The problem is not so much to do with agronomy but with the lack of a seed bank in Palanpur," came the reply and the candidate walked away with an 80 per cent score.
"Is there a law in physics, which is relevant to administration?" a law graduate was prompted. "Yes. Newton's third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." He scored a cool 80 per cent.

The above questions can give you an idea of how relevant questions are asked from your subjects even as they are not directly from the syllabus.

Over View of Civil Services Examinations

2010-03-12T13:26:00.002+05:30

CS (Preliminary)

(A) Tentative Schedule
(i) Notification of Examination	November/December of previous year
(ii) Conduct of Examination	May

(B) Age - limits:	21-30 years as on 1st August of the year of Examination.
	Certain categories of persons as specified in the Commission's Notice as published in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar are eligible for age relaxation.

(C) Educational Qualification

Degree of a Recognised University or equivalent.

Candidates appearing in the requisite Degree qualification are also eligible for appearing in the examination, however, they are supposed to submit proof of passing the requisite qualification along with with Detailed Application Form for Civil Services (Main) Examination.

Scheme of CS (Preliminary) Examination

The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers of objective type (multiple-choice questions) carrying a maximum of 450 marks.
The Question Papers (Test Booklets) are set in English & Hindi

Paper - I	General Studies	150 Marks
Paper - II	One of the optional subjects to be selected from the prescribed optional subjects	300 Marks

List of Optional Subjects CS (Preliminary) - Total 23

Agriculture	Mathematics
Animal Husbandry & Vetinary Science	Mechanical Engineering
Botany	Medical Science
Chemistry	Philosophy
Civil Engineering	Physics
Commerce	Political Science
Economics	Psychology
Electrical Engineering	Public Administration
Geography	Sociology
Geology	Statistics
Indian History	Zoology
Law

Statistical Data CS (Preliminary)

Year of Exam	No of Candidates
Year of Exam	Applied	Appeared
1997	2,65,761	1,30,198
1998	2,71,517	1,22,363
1999	3,09,501	1,35,086
2000	2,25,555	1,19,398
2001	2,56,673	1,38,240
2002	3,01,585	1,57,486

Note : For further details, please refer to the Commission's Notice when it is published in the Employment News and some of the leading newspapers.

CS (Main)
Tentative Date of Examination : October - November

Scheme - CS (Main)

Paper-I	One of the Indian Languages to be selected by the candidate from the 18 languages included in the VIIIth Schedule to the Constitution (Qualifying Paper)	300 Marks
Paper-II	English (Qualifying Paper)	300 Marks
Paper-III	Essay	200 Marks
Papers IV & V	General Studies (300 Marks for each paper)	600 Marks
Papers VI, VII, VIII & IX	Any two subjects (each having 2 papers) to be selected from the prescribed optional subjects (300 marks for each paper)	1200 Marks
Total Marks for Written Examination		2000 Marks
Interview Test		300 Marks
Grand Total		2300 Marks

List of Optional Subjects - CS (Main) - (Total 25)

See Note below List of Optional Subjects (Literature)

Agriculture	Management
Animal Husbandry & Vetinary Science	Mathematics
Anthropology	Mechanical Engineering
Botany	Medical Science
Chemistry	Philosophy
Civil Engineering	Physics
Commerce & Accountancy	Political Science & International Relations
Economics	Psychology
Electrical Engineering	Public Administration
Geography	Sociology
Geology	Statistics
Indian History	Zoology
Law

List of Optional Subjects (Literature) - CS (Main) - (Total 26)

Arabic	Gujarati	Manipuri	Sanskrit
Assamese	Hindi	Nepali	Sindhi
Bengali	Kannada	Oriya	Tamil
Chinese	Kashmiri	Pali	Telugu
English	Konkani	Persian	Urdu
French	Marathi	Punjabi
German	Malayalam	Russian

Note : Total Optional Subjects : 51

Note (i) :	Candidates have the option to answer all the question papers, except the language papers, viz, Paper-I and Paper-II, in any one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution or in English
Note (ii) :	Candidates who have opted for an Indian Language as language medium for the Main Examination have an option of being interviewed either in English or in the same language which they have opted for the Main Examination

Statistical Data - CS (Main)

Year Of Exam	Vacancies					Candidates Recommended
Year Of Exam	SC	ST	OBC	GEN	TOTAL	SC	ST	OBC	GEN	TOTAL
1995	98	49	165	333	645	101	49	192	303	645
1996	125	57	174	383	739	138	59	212	330	739
1997	89	43	166	323	621	94	46	215	266	621
1998	53	28	114	275	470	60	30	142	238	470
1999	53	27	97	234	411	63	30	127	191	411
2000	54	29	100	244	427	58	34	128	207	427
2001	47	39	97	234	417	52	42	131	192	417
2002	38	22	88	162	310	38	22	88	138	286

General Information

Courtesy: UPSC.G

IAS INTERVIEW 2010

2010-03-12T13:03:00.002+05:30

Friends, Results for Mains examination has been declared by UPSC and I congratulate those who got the golden chance to appear in Interview. I would like to give some suggestions form my side based on my experiences-

1.Formalities- You have to take certificates in regard of your Educational qualification, Caste Certificate(if u belong to SC/ST or OBC community) and No Objection certificate from your employer if u r already working. Before interview, your certificate will be checked by upsc officials. Read carefully all instructions in this regard in interview form.

2.Dress- Your dress should be decent and formal. Use dark colour pant(preferrably black and blue) with plain or simple sriped shirts. Tie is optional but if u r comfortable with it then use it. It adds to your look. Use formal shoes and belt. The most important thing is that you should be comfortable and confident about your dress. Use your dress at least 2-3 times to be fully comfortable with it.

3.Salutation-
Either use Good Morning/afternoon/Evening Sirs/Madom or in Indian Tradition Use Namsakar/Namate with hand gesture. Your eye and face movement should be towards all the board members in one go. Greeting chairman and each board member separately is not needed.

4.Biodata- Normally, candidates remain in doubt that they need bio-data and their certificates with them in interview room or not. That is not required. Board will have your bio-data based on details filled by u at the time of Mains examination. So, take your certificate folder with you but leave that outside interview room with gateman their.

5.Preparation-
list out all the possible questions on the following area-
-Your Optional subjects
-Current affairs and important topics, Indian Economics, Important public debates going on at present in India and abroad
-HOBBIES given by you in the mains form, their importance and significance in your life, any important development related to that hobby (I'll discuss this topic in detail in my next post because somtimes your hobby may be most important segment or your interview)
-Your home state, home district and all related and important matters
-If you are working, then important things about your job
Also acquire some knowledge about your Work state and District.
-Regarding extra-curricular activities if You have mentioned them in Your mains Form
-Your Inspiration for joining this service
-Service preference given by you
-Cadre preference given by you
-Hypothetical questions Suppose if you are holding this post, what will you do for this problem...

Prepare all possible questions on these topic and then conduct mock interview sessions with your friends, relatives, teachers, good institutions with all seriousness. Always remember UPSC's motto of Interview-

"The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a record of his career. He will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms this is really an assessment of not only his intellectual qualities but also social traits and his interst in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.

2. The technique of the interview is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.

3. The interview test is not intended to be a test either of the specialised or general knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through their written papers. Candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are happening around them both within and outside their own state or country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new discoveries which should rouse the curiosity of well educated youth."
(From UPSC website http://www.upsc.gov.in/)

I'll come with specific guidance on some topics like hobbies, Hypothetical questions, using your sense of humour in a positive way, reading the mind of Interview board in coming days. I wish good luck to all the candidates who are going to appear for this year's interview.
With best wishes and Good Luck,
Yours,
Keshvendra

HOW TO READ A NEWSPAPER:

2010-03-12T12:57:00.000+05:30

Readers and reading are of two broad types: skimming (scanning) and reading. There are different styles of reading for different situations. The technique of reading depends on the purpose of reading. So first of all, you should have the purpose of reading very clear in your mind. For example, one might be reading for enjoyment, information, or to finish a task. If you are researching or reviewing, you might skim through a document. Reading speed depends on the purpose of reading. Skimming is usually done four-five times faster than normal reading. Many people consider skimming and scanning to be search techniques, rather than reading strategies. Skimming is usually resorted for quick identification of the main contents of any given material.

Some people read the first and last paragraphs using headlines, sub-headings, summaries, searching for keywords. But while scanning, it is advisable to read the first sentence, for it gives a fair and a broad idea of the contents of that paragraph.

Newspaper reading can be easily compared to long-distance running. You should start jogging in the beginning, let the muscles warm up and accelerate a little bit at the halfway mark and sprint only at the last lap of the race. It is thus, strongly advised that if you are a beginner at serious reading of a newspaper, do not skim, or scan to start with. Skimming requires trained movement of eyes from one word, sentence, or paragraph to another. This will come with sustained practice and one must increase the speed of reading gradually.

Reading requires careful attention to every word and detail. However, anyone can increase the speed of reading while maintaining equal, or even higher comprehension. If you subscribe to a particular newspaper, slow reading in the beginning is a must to train the eyes for the type and size of the font. There are three factors which can help in enhancing reading speed: (1) willingness to improve, (2) keenness to try out new techniques and (3) motivation levels to practice reading regularly. With practice – and gradually, try to develop a wider and broader eye-span. This will help in reading more words and later on, even sentences, at one glance. Try to increase the eye-span from one sentence to two, then to three, four and then the whole paragraph. For, even physiologically, the movement of the eye is amongst the fastest movements of our body. Hence, it is of utmost importance to control eye movement while reading, for eyes have a peculiar habit of not being fixed at one place and the gaze just keeps shifting to see and visualize more and more.

One major difficulty in reading, or even scanning, is that the eyesight, if not trained, has the habit of jumping and skipping words that are difficult to read, or not familiar to the eye. This leads to problems in reading and retention. Often one may misread, or misunderstand a word while reading fast. Thus it is all the more important to read slowly and at a comfortable pace and increase the speed only when the eyesight is properly trained. Certain write-ups like editorials, main stories of the day have to be read carefully. Skimming can be practiced in cases where one is reading for leisure on a weekend, or vacation and perfect it before applying to daily reading. One can of course, formulate own reading techniques for speed-reading with practice.

Therefore, start reading by applying these techniques, for being a prospective mass communicator, you will be required to read/scan tonnes of material. However, one major must for reading is that you must not take it as a burden and have to enjoy the entire process. For, as they say – “Bon Chance” (Wish you all the best).

CIVIL SERVICES PREPARATION:

Civil Services preparation point of view is important in this place, when an aspirant reads a newspaper. If one goes through the previous years questions of Current Affairs, it will give broad idea about the pattern. Normally asked questions are about Personalities, Places, News of National and International importance. Bilateral issues relating to India and other Nations, Visit of Head of the States of other Countries, Visit of Indian President and Prime Minister to other Countries, Important agreements etc.

One should concentrate on above items and avoid every day politics, gossip news, crime reports, unimportant corporate news, local issues etc. One should concentrate on the first page for Latest development, Edit page for Editorial and analysis, ‘Op-ed’ (Opinion-cum-editorial pages) for the views of commentators, analysts, opinion-makers on a particular issue.

WHILE READ NEWSPER

2010-03-12T12:55:00.002+05:30

Based on previous experience, i would like to urge :
1) News Paper : The Hindu or Indian Express prefer The Hindu.
2) Give one hour to the news paper readings
3) make a diary or note book and have brief of that day

what to study :
-------------------
4) National Events : Awards (Khela Ratna etc.), Business & Economic (RBI
Policy, Budget & its impact analysis in editorial), Sports (Common wealth,
Olympic), Cultural, Government Plan, like Bharat Nirman, NREGA, Petroleum
etc.
5) International Events : Foreign tour of any indian authority or India
tour of any foreign minister. Point out the discussion held with like
Defense, Education, Cultural, Trade & Business (import/export), Sports

Actually news paper describes the entire event from the past and present,
this emphasis the whole situation rather than a note. You may also cut
the details topic and may file.

Read Pratiyogita Darpan of the next month. You will find almost 60% of current events are noticed by you, then see what you have missed. Spontaneously you will get the right approach, how to read news paper.

Hope this will work.

Thanks & Regards,
Arpit

*******************************************************************************

Newspaper reading is an art in itself. It is always advisable to get hooked on to newspaper reading very early in the school days. Before familiarizing yourself with reading a newspaper, it is advisable to get acquainted with the broad contours and some technical terms related to the newspaper.

Front page: As the name indicates, is the first, or the front page of the newspaper. The top left hand and the right hand corners on the front page are known as the ‘Ear Panels’. The ‘Ear Panels’ contain advertisements in small boxes. The name of the newspaper, along with the date, place of publication and the ear panels are known as the ‘Masthead’.

Lead Story: The lead story of the newspaper is the main, first, or the most prominent story on the front page. It is given in bold letters with big fonts and is the most important story of the day.

‘Banner headline’ - Often in the case of a major natural disaster, or death of a head of State or Government, a ‘banner headline’ is given. Banner headline means a headline spread across the top of the front page.

Columns – Every newspaper and every page of a newspaper has eight columns – from left to right. That is, the first column on the left and the eight column on the right.

Pages – The number of pages in a newspaper varies from one to another. Leading dailies have between 16-24 pages on weekdays and 32-48 pages on weekends.

Supplements – Supplements are also known as magazines. These are separate from the main newspaper. Each day, newspapers have supplements, or magazines. These supplements cover special issues such as fashion, health, cuisine and other material for light reading over the weekend.

Layout of the newspaper – This again varies from newspaper to newspaper. But in a standard format, the first page of the newspaper is known as Front page. A front page normally has five-six prominent news stories on issues of national and international importance.

Pages second to fourth page are normally reserved for local news stories, though it depends upon each newspaper. If the newspaper is published from Delhi, the local pages would have news reports about Delhi (or any other city) if a newspaper is published from that city. Pages fifth to seventh contain news from various States.

Pages eight and nine, are normally the most important pages of the newspaper. These two pages combined form the ‘heart and soul’ of the newspaper and are together known as ‘Centrespread’. These contain, most importantly, editorials (usually two in number), two edit page articles and Letters to the Editor. The page on the left is the ‘Editorial page’ and the one on the right is now known as the ‘Op-ed’ (Opinion-cum-editorial pages) and contains columns written by well-known commentators, analysts, opinion-makers and experts on a particular issue. The editorial page conveys the broad policy of the newspaper management – i.e whether the newspaper is pro-government, anti-government or neutral in the coverage of the news and views that it carries.

Pages 10 and 11 are often reserved for international news. The next three-four pages are for news related to Business, stock market and share prices. After these, three-four pages are dedicated to coverage of various national and international sporting events. The last page is often kept for important national and international human-interest stories, that is, stories that would interest any reader.

Hints of change

2010-03-12T09:40:00.000+05:30

PURNIMA S. TRIPATHI
In New Delhi

A reformatting of the civil services examination will hopefully increase transparency in the evaluation process.

R. RAGU

The Civil Services Preliminary examination in progress in Chennai; a May 2008 photograph.

AFTER years of dithering, the Government of India has finally agreed to change the format of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil services examination. The present format had come under severe criticism from both members of the public as well as from parliamentary committees, and there had been tremendous pressure on the government to review it. Its shortcomings, which have come to light following queries made under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, warranted urgent action.

To begin with, the Preliminary examination, which consists of general studies and optional papers, may be replaced with an aptitude test, to be called the Civil Services Aptitude Test. The test will comprise two objective-type papers, which will be common for all candidates appearing for the examination. A proposal to this effect has received the Union government’s approval.

Confirming this, Shantanu Consul, Secretary, Department of Personnel, Government of India, told this correspondent that the proposed changes would come into effect next year as the notification for this year’s examination had already come out. Refusing to disclose any other details about the new format, he said it was the prerogative of the UPSC, which conducted the examination, to notify the changes.

A senior UPSC official said that “some letter from the government regarding proposed changes in the system of civil services examination had indeed been received, but the exact nature of the changes approved cannot be disclosed yet”. But going by the speech of the UPSC Chairman, Prof. D.P. Agrawal, on the occasion of UPSC Foundation Day celebrations last year, there will be a change in the Preliminary examination format, a review of the contents of the Main examination by an expert committee, a lowering of the age limit for entry into the services, and a reduction in the number of attempts.

In his speech, Agrawal said that the UPSC had been endeavouring to develop a recruitment system that tested the aptitude and competency of candidates for an increasingly specialised public administration while ensuring social justice and adequate representation for all sections so that the government became more inclusive and participatory.

M. MOORTHY

D.P. Agrawal, Chairman of the UPSC.

In this connection, he said: “One of the recommendations made by the Commission to the government is that a Civil Services Aptitude Test replace the existing Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination. The proposal is to have two objective-type papers that are common to all candidates.”

Explaining why this was needed, he said: “The emphasis is on testing the aptitude of the candidate for the demanding life in the civil services as well as on ethical and moral dimensions of decision-making. The proposed scheme will also provide a level playing field and equity since all candidates will have to attempt common papers.” He said the Commission wanted the Main examination to remain the same until an expert committee appointed by the Commission went into various aspects of it.

Regarding the lowering of the age limit for entry into the civil services, he said it was desirable but cautioned that such a decision could affect the interests of rural candidates, who often complete their graduation later than their urban counterparts.

Besides, he said, the number of attempts – four at present – should be reduced. “A reduction in the number of attempts allowed at the examination is, however, called for so as to remove the premium on cramming and memorisation that a large number of attempts provides.”

He said a natural corollary of these proposed modifications was the need to ensure that the performance of the officers selected through the examination was tracked, particularly during the initial years.

Other than direct recruitment, another mode of entry into the civil services is by promotion from State services. At present, this is done on the basis of annual confidential reports prepared through selection committee meetings. The Commission proposes to make changes in the promotion quota by introducing a three-tier recruitment process that involves a limited competitive examination, interview and assessment of service record. “This would have the salutary effect of encouraging competition and privileging merit. The States will also benefit from the scheme. Such a system could, in time, be extended to promotions within the Central services as well,” the Chairman said.

If all of these proposals are put into effect, this will have a major impact on the system of recruitment for the civil services. Over a million applications come to the UPSC for its 14 regular examinations and also other recruitments it conducts every year. On the basis of the tests, the Commission recommends the appointment of about 5,000 officers to various services. In addition, it deals with the promotion of 600 Central service officers and the induction of about 300 officers from the State services to the all India services. In such a mammoth exercise, it is only natural that grievances arise. Until recently, complaints against the UPSC failed to get highlighted. But now, with the RTI Act in place, more and more complaints, especially about irregularities, are coming to light, and the government will have to deal with them sooner or later.

R.V. MOORTHY

The UPSC headquarters in New Delhi.

One frequently voiced complaint is regarding the system of evaluation of answer papers and the scaling\moderation formula applied by the UPSC to remove inter-subject and inter-examiner variability. There is no transparency about how this is achieved. The refusal of the UPSC to disclose model answers and cut-off marks for various subjects or how it brings parity among subjects as varied as Pali literature and mechanical engineering or medical science and Dogri literature has made the selection process suspect. The UPSC itself has admitted that there is no standard system to evaluate subjects as diverse as Marathi literature and animal husbandry.

Repeated petitions of applicants in various courts and with the Central Information Commission (CIC) have yielded no results. According to experts, the opaqueness has given rise to serious doubts about the credibility of the entire selection process. The parliamentary standing committee headed by Rajya Sabha member E.M.S. Natchiappan in 2008 had questioned the refusal to disclose cut-off marks as well as the scaling/moderation formula used to bring parity. The committee, while studying the demands for grant by the UPSC, had looked into the functioning of the Commission and come across a horde of complaints by members of the public. Though the committee failed to elicit an explanation from the UPSC, it did manage to push the UPSC into reviewing the examination format to some extent.

“I fail to understand what is so sacrosanct about the scaling/moderation formula that the UPSC refuses to disclose it. This disclosure will make their system all the more credible as students will know exactly where they stand and why,” said Natchiappan.

Strengthening the doubts about its evaluation process is the UPSC’s own stand on the issue. In reply to a petition in the CIC by an applicant seeking disclosure of the cut-off marks, the scaling formula and model answers, vide appeal no. CIC/WB/A/2007/00694 of 2008, the UPSC said that the Commission did not maintain any model answers for descriptive papers, that the evaluation methodology adopted by the examiners were purely informal and were not maintained in the UPSC’s records, that no instruction sheets as an alternative to model answers were maintained, and only general instructions common to all subjects for marking scripts and which referred to general issues/standards/precautions to be followed during the evaluation process were sent to the examiners. According to the UPSC, these general instructions are “secret” and their disclosure will lead to a “deleterious effect on the system/procedure being followed that has proved to be time-tested”.

What, however, raises a question mark over the UPSC’s “time-tested” claim is the fact that even randomisation of roll numbers by the UPSC, which is a basic computer-based function with no scope for any mistake as the applications are computer-readable, has been found to be faulty.

In another RTI query, it has been brought to light that almost every year since 2003 the total number of candidates as per the roll numbers allotted is more than the total number of those who applied. According to a reply filed by the UPSC (No.9\7\2007-EIII), the total number of applicants in the 2003 Civil Services Preliminary examination was 3,16,495; the first roll number allotted was obviously 000001 but the last roll number was 316587, meaning thereby that 92 was the difference in those who applied and those who got their roll numbers. Similarly, 3,49,025 candidates applied for the Preliminary examination in 2004, but the last roll number allotted was 349464, which is 439 more. In 2005, the difference was 172, and in 2006, it was as huge as 7,867. In a letter written on May 31, 2008, again in reply to an RTI query, the UPSC explained the difference in the roll numbers and the total number of those who applied thus: “It is informed that roll numbers are allotted randomly and due to transfer of mix-up of applications of other examinations, the number of total candidates applied may not match with that of the last roll number.”

When such incongruous mistakes come up in even its basic functioning, it is natural that doubts will be raised about more complicated procedures such as the scaling/moderation of marks or the methodology of evaluation. But so far these subjects have been treated like a holy cow both by the UPSC and by the Government of India, and this has resulted in a plethora of writ petitions in various courts. At least six such petitions are pending in the Delhi High Court.

UPSC recommends changes in civil services preliminary test with Aptitude Test

2010-03-12T09:34:00.002+05:30

Convinced of the need to bring about changes in the method of recruitment, theUnion Public Service Commission has recommended to the government that a Civil Services Aptitude test replace the existing Civil Services (Preliminary) examination. It has proposed two objective-type papers common to all candidates.

“The emphasis will be on testing the aptitude of the candidate for the demanding life in the civil service, as well as on the ethical and moral dimensions of decision-making,” UPSC Chairman D.P. Agrawal said here on Thursday. The scheme would test the candidate’s decision-making skills and aptitude for civil services, and provide a level-playing field and equity, as all candidates would have to take common papers. A reduction in the number of attempts at the civil servicesexamination was needed, Prof. Agrawal said. The Chairman emphasised the need to track the performance of selected officers during the formative years. The UPSC should also be kept posted of the feedback so that the selection process could be modified in the near future.

Zee News: With a view to focus on aptitude of candidates to meet challenges of demanding life in civil services, the UPSC on Thursday advocated replacing the existing Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination with an Aptitude Test.

"UPSC is convinced of the need for important changes in the method of recruitment to the higher civil services that are the vehicle for public service delivery. One of the recommendations made by the Commission to the government is that a Civil Service Aptitude Test replace the existing Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination," UPSC Chairman, Professor D P Agrawal said.

The proposal is to have two objective type papers that are common to all candidates. The emphasis is on testing the aptitude of the candidate for the demanding life in the civil service, as well as on ethical and moral dimensions of decision-making, he said.

"It has also been proposed that the structure of the Civil Services (Main) Examination may remain the same till a Committee of Experts, that may be appointed by the Commission, goes into various aspects," Agrawal said during the inauguration of UPSC lecture series on governance, here.

The UPSC chairman said "Careers in public service have become more attractive in the context of a better emoluments regime, as also on account of the changes in the global economic scenario. This places a responsibility on the government system to tailor procedures and careers to suit the newer vistas."

Exam on computer : The UPSC received over one million applications for all 14 regular examinations and other recruitment examinations it conducted every year. The Commission would switch to examination through computers once it got the government nod, he said.

Courtesy: The Hindu

2011: A NEW TYPE OF EXAM

2010-03-12T09:29:00.000+05:30

For Prelims, Candidates Will Have To Appear In Two Objective-Type Papers

Aspirants for the civil services will face a different pattern of examination from next year as the government has approved a proposal to introduce an aptitude test in place of the existing preliminary examination to shortlist candidates for the main exam. Accordingly, the candidates will have to appear in two objective-type papers having special emphasis on testing their “aptitude for civil services” as well as on “ethical and moral dimension of decision-making” under a Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).

Both these papers — having equal weightage — will be common to all candidates in place of the one common paper (general awareness) and one optional paper (any particular subject of choice) under the existing system which lays greater emphasis on subject knowledge.

As of now, the change will be effective only for the first stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) from 2011 onwards. The second and third stages — CS (Main) Examination and interview respectively — may remain the same till a committee of experts goes into various aspects of the entire system and submits its report.

Confirming the change for the first stage of CSE, minister of state for personnel Prithviraj Chavan told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has approved the proposal for introduction of CSAT in place of the existing CS (Preliminary) Examination. In his written reply, he said: “CSAT is expected to come into effect from CSE, 2011.” The proposal to this effect was sent to the PMO last year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) which conducts CSE every year to select candidates for elite all-India services, including IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and others Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ central jobs.

Officials familiar with the proposal which has got the PM’s nod explained that the changes were suggested by various committees, including the second Administrative Reforms Commission, in their reports submitted over the years. Most of the panels had advocated laying greater emphasis on the “aptitude” of candidates than their knowledge of a subject, arguing that specialists or experts in any particular subject may not necessarily be good civil servants. Referring to introduction of CSAT, an official said: “The new system will also provide a level-playing field and equity, since all candidates will have to attempt common papers unlike the current format which provides for only one common paper.”

Though a scaling system is currently used in the preliminary examination in order to ensure that no candidate who has opted for any particular optional paper gets undue advantage because of varying degree of difficulty of any paper or inherent scorability, the government has received a number of complaints objecting to the method on one ground or the other. One related matter has even been pending in Supreme Court for long.

TESTING SKILLS :

Candidates to appear for two objective papers having emphasis on aptitude and ethical and moral dimension of decision-making.
Both the papers to have equal weightage.
Change to be effective only for the first stage of the CSE from 2011.

Source: Timesofindia.com

YOU CAN BECOME IAS!!

2010-03-09T11:47:00.005+05:30

Guys, you want to come into the civil service, his wish to create a destination, the country's most prestigious service by coming in to change society and the country's image. It's a matter of joy in your mind's desires.

Sad that you are upset, surprised, you do not personally believe that you can change your dreams into reality or not?Your problem may be many, many questions may be on your mind.

Q. I get a good rank can be Ais?

* What English Medium those who get more numbers?

* From what brings success to coaching? toppers Coaching recommend some toppers Dikte all are!

* What job could be preparing for this test while?

Where can I find information about * this test?

* How to prepare essays and interviews?

\* General Studies to be prepared detailed sylllabus How?

* Main exam questions how to write?

With all these questions and you also get plenty of answers on this blog spot.

Instructions for Objective Type Tests

2010-03-08T10:12:00.000+05:30

1. Articles permitted inside Examination Hall

Clip board or hard board (on which nothing is written), a good quality H.B. pencil for making responses on the Answer Sheet, eraser, pencil sharpener and a pen containing blue or black ink. Answer Sheet and sheet for rough work will be supplied by the Invigilator.
2. Articles not permitted inside Examination Hall
Do not bring into the Examination Hall any article other than those specified above, e.g., books, notes, loose sheets, electronic or any other type of calculators, mathematical and drawing instruments, Log Tables, stencils of maps, slide rules, Test Booklets and rough sheets pertaining to earlier session(s), etc.
Mobile phones, pagers or any other communication devices are not allowed inside the premises where the examination is being conducted. Any infringement of these instructions should entail disciplinary action including ban from future examination.
Candidates are advised in their own interest not to bring any of the banned item including mobile phones /pagers to the venue of the examination, as arrangements for safekeeping cannot be assured.
3. PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS
THERE WILL BE PENALTY (NEGATIVE MARKING) FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY A CANDIDATE IN THE OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTION PAPERS.
(I) 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.
(ii) 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 thatquestion.
(iii) If a question is left blank i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.
4. Unfair means strictly prohibited
No candidates shall copy from the papers of any other candidate nor permit his papers to be copied nor give nor attempt to give nor obtain nor attempt to obtain irregular assistance of any description.
5. Conduct in Examination Hall
No candidates should misbehave in any manner or create disorderly scene in the Examination Hall or harass the staff employed by the Commission for the conduct of the examination. Any such misconduct will be severely penalised.
6. Answer Sheet particulars
(i) Write in ink or ball point pen your Centre and subject followed by test booklet series (in bracket), subject code and roll number at the appropriate space provided on the answer sheet at the top. Also encode (in pencil) your booklet series (A, B, C or D, as the case may be), subject code and roll number in the circles provided for the purpose in theanswer sheet . The guidelines for writing the above particulars and for encoding the above particulars are given in Annexure. In case the booklet series is not printed on the test booklet or answer sheet is un-numbered, please report immediately to the Invigilator and get the test booklet/answer sheet replaced.
(ii) All corrections and changes in writing the roll number must be initialed by the candidates as well as by the Invigilator and countersigned by the Supervisor.
(iii) Immediately after commencement of the examination please check that the test booklet supplied to you does not have any unprinted or torn or missing pages or items etc. If so, get it replaced by a complete test booklet of the same series and subject.
7. Do not write your name or anything other than the specific items of information asked for, on the answer sheet/test booklet/sheet for rough work.
8. Do not fold or mutilate or damage or put any extraneous marking in the Answer Sheet. Do not write anything on the reverse of the answer sheet.
9. Use HB pencil to mark answer
Since the answer sheets will be evaluated on computerised machines, candidates should exercise due care in handling and feeling up the answer sheets. They should use HB pencil only to darken the circles. For writing in boxes, they should use blue or black pen. Since the entries made by the candidates by darkening the circles will be taken into account while evaluating the answer sheets on computerised machines, they should make these entries very carefully.
10. Method of marking answers
In the “Objective Type” of examination, you do not write the answers. For each question (hereinafter referred to as “Item”) several suggested answers (hereinafter referred to as “Responses”) are given. You have to choose one response to each item.
The question paper will be in the Form of Test Booklet. The booklet will contain item bearing numbers 1, 2, 3 ………… etc. Under each item, Responses marked (a), (b), (c), (d) will be given. Your task will be to choose the correct response. If you think there is more than one correct response, then choose what you consider the best response.
In any case, for each item you are to select only one response. If you select more than one response, your response will be considered wrong.
In the Answer Sheet, Serial Nos. from 1 to 160 are printed. Against each numbers, there are circles marked (a), (b), (c) and (d). After you have read each item in theTest Booklet and decided which one of the given responses is correct or the best, you have to mark your response by completely blackening with pencil to indicate your response. Ink should not be used for blackening the circle on the Answer Sheet.
For example, if the correct answer to item 1 is (b), then the circle containing the letter (b) is to be completely blackened with pencil as shown below :-
Example : (a) ● (c) (d)
To change a wrong marking, erase it completely and re-mark the new choice.
11. Signature on Attendance List
Your are required to write the serial number of the Answer Sheet and Test Booklet and Series of Test Booklet issued to you on the Attendance List and to sign in appropriate column against your name. Any change or correction in these particulars should be authenticated by the candidate by putting his signatures.
12. Please read and abide by the instructions on the cover of Test Booklet. If any candidate indulges in disorderly or improper conduct, he will render himself liable for disciplinary action and/or imposition of a penalty as the Commission may deem fit.
Annexure
________________________________________
How to fill in the Answer Sheet of objective type tests in the Examination Hall
Please follow these instructions very carefully. you may note that since the answer sheets are to be evaluated on machine, any violation of these instructions may result in reduction of your score for which you would yourself be responsible.
Before you mark your responses on the Answer Sheet, you will have to fill in various particulars in it.
As soon as the candidates receives the Answer Sheet, be should check that it is numbered at the bottom. If it is found un-numbered he should at once get it replaced by a numbered one.
You will see from the Answer Sheet that you will have to fill in the top line, which reads thus :
Write in Ink
Centre Subject S. Code 0 0 Roll Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
If you are, say, appearing for the examination in Delhi Centre for the General Studies Paper and your Roll No. is 081276, and your test booklet series is `A’ , you should fill in thus, using ink or ball point pen.
*This is just illustrative and may not be relevant to the Examination concerned.
Write in Ink
Centre Delhi Subject General Studies(A) S. Code 0 0 Roll Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
You should write in ink or ball point pen the name of the centre and subject in English or Hindi.
The test Booklet Series is indicated by Alphabets A, B, C, or D at the top right hand corner of the Booklet.
Write your Roll Numbers exactly as it is in your Admission Certificate in ink in the boxes provided for this purpose. Do not omit any zero(s) which may be there.
The next step is to find out the appropriate subject code from the Time Table. Now encode the Test Booklet Series, Subject Code and the Roll Number in the circles provided for this purpose. Do the encoding with H.B. Pencil. The name of the Centre need not be encoded.
Writing and encoding of Test Booklet Series is to be done after receiving the Test Booklet and confirming the Booklet Series from the same.

FAQ ABOUT TIME MANAGEMENT

2010-03-08T09:57:00.000+05:30

I am working and not finding enough time to prepare. Tell me the proper time management and right strategy.
The time management is a real problem for most of the aspirants. When you are working, on working days you have to study atleast 3-4 hours per day. You have to stick to it on holidays, you have to study atleast 10-12 hours. In these preparatory period you have to forego some entertainment. you have to follow some time table and lead a disciplined life. Each and every minute is to be used properly. should not waste even a single minute. Always carry a book on notes with you Wherever you go. If you are a travelling person, read it in a bus. If you have to wait for some one in the office, use that time also. Even office break hours should be utilized effectively.

What strategy should I follow? Should I focus more on my optionals to get good rank?
Please don't fall in this trap especially during your mains. During the prelims it pays to divide more time to your optional due to the following reasons.

The high weightage of the optionals (300 marks) compared to the GS, which is of 150 marks.
The exhaustive nature of the GS syllabus as compared to the well-defined syllabus of the optional.
During mains one should devote equal time to both the optionals as well as GS.

It is evident that success in IAS it needs hard work. I am keen to know what kind of marathon is needed to sit for long hours.
You are right. It is really a marathon race for the aspirant. The reality of the Civil Services Exam is not known to many of us. It is also mystery for most of the Indians

If you read our section "SECRET OF SUCCESS" , which will give the reality also.

The UPSC receives about 3 lakh applications for the Preliminary and only 50% of them appear in the exam. Among this lot 25% of them will be really serious about the exam. !0% of them are really hard working serious contenders. Total number of posts are around 400 only. Among this 80 seats( It varies from year to year) are IAS. Now, you can realize the competition

Out of 1.5 lakh Prelims aspirants, around 4000 are selected for the mains. Out of this lot only 800 are selected for the Interview. From this only 400 are recommended for the Services. Then the services are allocated based on the rank and their preference given during the Main Exam.

This above facts must have given a fair idea about the selection procedure invoved in the Civil Services.
So Civil Services Exam is a running race with different hurdles. One has to cross all these to get in to IAS
One has to put hard work and extra hard work. From the date of notification, it is 18 months process to get the final out put. This is applicable only for those who clears the exam in one attempt. If the success postponed in one year means, another one year hard work. One has to maintain the tempo of hard work and patience till the SUCCESS is achieved.

I want to know that what is the optimal time required for preparing for CSE?
There is no optimal time for the preparation of the Civil Service Exams (CSE). Every individual has his /her talent, limitations and other barriers. There are students who have the capacity to read a subject within a short period. The same subject needs more time for other students. The time frame is also a subjective one. As the study/reading has different connotations, there is qualitative and quantitative study involved in the Civil Services preparations.

If you go through the previous years' questions and answers, it will give an idea about your standing in the subject. If you follow the strategy given by us on our website, which will also give a measurable scale about your capability and where you stand. So the time frame for the preparations varies from individual to individual. Thus, you are the best judge to decide on the time frame for your study.

There are instances of students preparing for hours together for two to three years and still failing in the exam. But there are others who used to study for 6 to 8 hours a day for just one year and are successful. This is because of their own talent, basic knowledge, intelligent study, proper strategy, reading appropriate books and other factors. However, the factor which comes above everything is hard work in the right direction.

I am MCA from NIT, my age is-24 and now working in WIPRO tech. Generally I have to work for 12 hrs a day. But I am very much serious to join civil services. I can give utmost 3 hrs for preparation every day. Please give your feedback whether this much time is sufficient? Kindly suggest how much time, in your opinion is required to crack IAS?
Success in CSE depends on so many factors. If your basic education is really good, three hours per day is also good. At the same time, you have to capitalize on your holidays, or whatever little free time you have at your disposal. Once you have decided to crack civil services, you have to forego so many other forms of entertainment, which normally attract you at this stage. If you use your working days 3 hours and holidays fully, it is enough in the first instance. But you have to take at least one month leave before prelims and three months leave before mains. Get hold of proper and standard books for all the subjects and put in hard work. It will yield definite results.

There are about 90% aspirants, who prepare 24 hours of the day. The Civil Services competition is a running race, not a university exam. Keep this in mind and work for it. One cannot give an exact answer to how many hours of preparation is needed for this exam. It varies from individual to individual and optional to optional and scores of other factors. Luck of course, too, has its own role to play.

What Should be the time allocation for prelims of both G.S and optional.

One should calculate the total time availability at his/her disposal. Working persons should do the calculation for both the working days and holidays.

One should not study for too many hours continuously at one go. This will reduce the memory power also. The human brain also get tired after some mental work. When a person start preparing/studying a subject, the memory shoots up from the base to the maximum in few minutes. This memory plateau remains in the top form for an hour.( It varies from person to person). Then it starts to recede. If there is a break after the MENTAL FATIGUE the mind gets ready to accept new items. So, intelligent students would mix the subjects to break the monotony. Every individual has some SUPER MEMORY time in a day and this time should be used for the most important subjects, which needs to be discovered by the person only. One should devote more time ( double than GS)to the optional as it contributes 2/3 of the total marks. One more thing, one can not improve the GS drastically in short period of time.

How to read newspapers and Magazine to take maximum advantage in the least time.

Most of the aspirants are confused about the newspaper reading and other magazines. It is really an art. It has to be practiced. Very important is what to read and what not to read. Other important item is, what is really a news, and what not. Civil Services aspirants are not journalists to get the real news

To solve this problem go through the article "HOW TO READ A NEWSPAPER" and "HOW TO GLANCE THROUGH A NEWSPAPER" in the book.

Regarding the memory point of view you can take small notes, but the same thing should not take more than 30-40 minutes in a day. To recollect the same before the exams, you can follow some competitive magazine, which are exclusively meant for the Civil Services Exams. There are books on current affairs also published ( Normally released just before the exam) by various publishing houses in India targeting the Civil Services Prelims and Mains.

I would like to know how to go about reading newspapers for general studies? Please suggest me what to read and what are the sections I should concentrate on?

One Should concentrate on the main page, editorial and Open page.
One should be careful in selecting and reading News items.
During the preparation one should not waste too much time on Newspapers.
Every National Newspaper has its own way of putting stories. An experienced reader can differentiate between the news worthy and non news worthy stories.

I want to know whether the age limit will be reduced. If so then what happens to the old students
The age reduction is being debated at different levels. It may happen or may not happen. But there will be sufficient time frame so that all the stake holder's interests are taken care of. Whenever, Government comes with such a decision, normally there will be notification. There will be a deadline with sufficient time frame/gap. So, no need to worry about it. But the number of chances may go down for those who are in the late twenties. But every one will have a chance if they are in the old age group.

Arrange the following services chronologically according to their powers, facilities and prestige of IAS, IPS, IRS.IRTS, IRPS, IAAS, ICCES. IFS(Forest), IFS( Foreign), IRAS, ICAS etc.
The question is really subjective to many consideration. There are many factors involved. The choice and the priority also vary from individual to individual. It is like mathematical formula, where many factors involved such as Minus, Plus etc. These factors also vary from person to person. For example, one factor may be Plus point for him and the same may be negative for another person. It is the intertwining of different services under one umbrella called Government. Mostly, it is led by IAS. Railways another empire of their own, there no IAS at all. The Foreign Affairs run by IFS only. Other services integrated with one another. Normally people give their preference in this order IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS, IRTS, IAAS, IRPS after that it varies from year to year.

I hear from someone that there is no prescribed syllabus for IAS EXAMS. Is the syllabus only for reference? Does the question go beyond the syllabus in this exam.
• The syllabus is prescribed by UPSC. For any exam, there will be some syllabus ie we have to draw some line.
• Civil services exam is not an University exam, there only pass or fail is important. Civil services exam is a competitive exam, ie it is a running race. Who will come first, will be selected.
• In UPSC, questions are not asked directly like University exams, it is more than that. UPSC tests not only candidate's grasping power but also getting inference, correlating subjects, analytical capacity and more.
• Whoever told must have seen the question, which is not direct. The questions are very much from the prescribed syllabus and they are indirect. So syllabus is the same.

How many marks are needed in total (inclusive interview) to crack IAS exam. I know, it differ from subject to subject but I want a general idea. Which is the best optional combination for sure success?
• It is above 60% marks. Normally, if one scores about 1400 / 2300 he / she definitely gets IAS even tops the list.
• There is not best optional combination for ever. The trend also changes every year. To get a great success, one has to perform well in all subjects.
• Normal combinations in recent years are
• Geography + Psychology, medical science + Psychology, Public Administration + Geography, Agriculture +Geography, medical science + Anthropology. The list goes on.
• To understand the reality, please read the Column "SECRET OF SUCCESS" in the Book.

I would like to know that if I clear the prelims, but am not able to clear the mains, do I have give the prelims again in my second attempt, or is it only the main?
You have to write Prelims again in the next attempt. Even if one fails in the start - i.e from the prelims, one has to sit for Prelims in the next attempt. So every attempt is a fresh one in this exam.

Is it necessary to submit degree certificates while applying for preliminary itself?
There is no need to submit the degree certificate at the prelims stage. You have to just fill the application in the preliminary stage. You have to submit the photocopies of the eligibility and other supporting certificates at the Mains stage. You have to show your original certificates only at the stage of the personality test. UPSC will verify the original documents and return them before the interview. You need not carry any certificates to the interview board.

Are there any penalty marks in CSE. How is it imposed and for what mistakes? Please explain.
Yes. There are .33 negative marks per one mark in CSE at preliminary stage of the examination, if the question is wrong.

How is it that SC/ST candidates have achieved ranking with general candidates? I thought all were given last few ranks in the list.
Reservation starts from the Prelims and it is carried forward till the Interview. The 15% and 7.5% reservation for SCs/STs is available at all the stages. If someone clears the Prelims with /reservation, he/she will be considered as a reserved candidate even they top the list in the final result. If a person from the 'reserved' category clears the exam in the General category in the Prelims and he/she carry forward till the Interview with the same status, then he/she will be considered from the General Category. The same person can avail of reservation in cadre allotment etc also.

What is the age limit for a Muslim candidate?
Age relaxation is based on Community and not by the Religion. Please go through the Model notification and Scheme of the Examination for more details

This is my first attempt. I have been reading interviews of few toppers, I see that most of them take 2-4 attempts to achieve their target. Do they prepare for so many years in a row, or do they find a job after the first attempt and then try their luck with gained knowledge from earlier preparations.
There are toppers who clear their exams in the first attempt itself. About 10% candidates qualify the exams in the first attempt itself. If we talk the total qualification about 28% of successful candidates clear the exam in their 3rd attempt . As far as, preparation during the job is concern, there are aspirants do work in a firm / govt. and prepare for the exams simultaneously.

courtesy:civilserviceanalyst.com

OPTIONAL SUBJECT SELECTION FAQ 2

2010-03-08T09:54:00.000+05:30

I am Homoeopathy student wanted to appear for UPSC. I had undergone splenectomy (removal of spleen) due to accident 2 yrs back now I am perfectly alright. Do I fulfill physical requirements for CSE?
No problem. If you are normal and carry out other activities it will not affect your prospect in the civil services. Thy physical fitness is must for only few technical services such as Indian Police Service, Indian Railway Traffic Service and Indian Customs and Central Excise in some extent for other services; it is only a formality in the medical examination

I am a third year engineering student. As I am not comfortable with the engineering subjects I had lost a year. whether I am eligible to take up the civil service exam ? can I take prelim exams when i am in my final year? i am very much interested in geography and history.shall i take these as my optionals and start preparing myself. kindly suggest me.
You are eligible to write civil services even though you have lost one year. only thing is, you have to complete your degree before filling the main application. You can attend your prelims & ming your final year also, provided you are qualified by age wise. If you are not sure, don't waste one attempt.
Normally, we suggest the aspirants to write civil services, after completing degree if they are in UG. If they are in master's degree, they can go for the exams during PG.
As far as optionals are Concerned, it is fine. But you have to remember the following if you are going for these two subjects.
1. The syllabus is vast for both the subjects.
2. Both will be back to back exams where you won't find time to revise the subjects.
3. All the exams will be held continuously without break.
4. History is not scoring well. The success ratio also Poor Compared to many other optionals.
In our opinion Geography is ok. You can go ahead with your preparation. You may think of some other optionals from the given following list. Sociology/ Psychology / Any Indian Literature. We also suggest you to go through the detailed syllabus and previous years question papers, which will give an idea to take an appropriate decision.

What is the success ratio of ratio in History in recent years? This was one of the leading subjects in previous years, but not in recent years, why? How to study this subject in scientific way? Why has it been becoming tougher and tougher year by year? For this the only reason is to avoid Engineering /science stream students? Are any specific reasons to make it tough even in mains.
The success ratio of History in recent years is about 1:25 to 1:32 in the mains. Of course, this was one of the leading subject of civil services. This was a good subject as there was no problem in getting resource materials. Earlier, other subjects were not so much developed. Now, there are many subjects. History questions are normally answered directly if there is a Question about evaluation, elucidating, examining, comments etc. So students are not in a position to give proper write ups up to the standard of UPSC. History is where it was decades ago, other subjects have developed lot. Science has developed a lot. Normally science stream students do well in history, than a humanity background student. One more thing is that the evaluator cannot know about the student's background. When students have started developing themselves to face the UPSC with the help of coaching institutes, UPSC also has started making the papers tougher in setting, as well as at the time of evaluation.

Can I choose zoology with anthropology?
Yes. Both are really good combination also. The success ratio of Zoology is about 1:9 and Anthropology also has the same success ration.
Anthropology is a good subject for Zoology students to understand the terminologies and definitions. So you can go ahead with these two optionals.

I' m a student of veterinary sciences doing the last semester. I want to prepare for CSE. Can I prepare for it while pursuing my post graduation, or I have to drop one year?
You can very well prepare for your Civil Service preparation simultaneously with your post graduation. If your optional is same as in your graduation, it will be an added advantage for a consolidated preparation. Technical subjects like veterinary sciences will have questions of UG level only. The PG level papers are on specialization it may help if you have expertise in that particular area. As far as veterinary science aspirants are concerned , they are at both UG & PG levels . The post graduation will help you get more job opportunities because the Civil Services exams are more uncertain than any other exam.

I want to take History as first optional and English Literature as second optional in CSE . Though I did not study History in Graduation but I have great interest in it. How does Public Administration ,History and Anthropology fare in comparison to each other?
It is not necessary to take the same subject as an optional in the civil services. In India, most of us join a course which is not interesting to us or liked by us most of the time peers and family member's influences than our own decisions. After joining the course we feel that it is not suitable for us. Once we understand the reality and stand of our own, we come up with our wishes.
The civil services exams should be based on interest and liking because it needs intensive and continuous study for at least a year. The tempo can be kept if we choose subject interesting to us.
You may have a liking for History and English literature. In our opinion, both are not advisable because the History's success ratio is really very poor for English literature, one should be really talented and should have some base.
As per the subjects given in the last line, we advise you to go for public Administration and Anthropology. Public Administration is really doing well. It will be easy for you to read and understand.
As far as Anthropology is concerned, it is a good subject for science graduate who studied botany, zoology at the college level, even school level will also do.

I am student of Law. How should I go about my preparation for CSE?
We hope you are aware of the pattern and scheme of the examination. If you don't know, go through these items in the Book first.
Once you have decided to write Civil services, the next step is to select the optional selection of optional is the crucial one in the Civil services.
As you are from the Law background, you may or may not like to take your subject one should select the optional based on his/her interest, understanding ability of the subject, availability of proper / standard books, Previous years trend closeness/relevance of two subjects. If you are keen in opting for law, the other optional may be Public Administration / Sociology / Psychology.
We suggest you to go through the detailed syllabus and previous years questions after you have decided / sorted out some subjects. Among the sorted subjects. something will be interesting and easy for your nature and mental make up. Because Civil services exam preparation not an university exam, which needs one of two days preparation only but CSE preparation needs similar or more hard work through out the year.
Then follow the strategy given in the Book, which will guide you for your success.

What type of mapping questions are asked in the mains exam of geography subject?
The map question may be city, Industrial area, Physical geographical structures like sea, stream, peak, etc. The questions are from Physical, Political & economic geography.
These are available in the previous year question booklet. It is available in the market/ leading shops all over India.
Map reading is there in both the papers one is world map & the other is India Map. Total 120 marks i.e. 60 marks each. You have to mark 10 spots. There are choices also. The map reading should be done / located accurately and 25 words write up also will follow. The evaluation has few break ups out of 6 i.e. Correct map reading / location, write up, key words in the write up etc.

I am 2nd year physiotherapy. I have opted "Public Administration" for prelims AND "Psychology" for mains, how should I start preparing?
Your optional selections are really good. Both are promising and scoring also. The preparation strategy for General studies is already available in the website. The Psychology preparation is already available in the toppers Interview. The book list for Public Administration will be put up soon.
We suggest you to go for General Studies preparation at the first instance.

What books should I follow for "Public Administration" & "Psychology" & "G.S"? When should I take coaching?
Coaching is not necessary. But Coaching institutes make the aspirants to interact with fellow Competitors. A healthy competition makes a person to get ready for any eventuality. Good institutes also shape up the students to written exams well. This also has a drawback that every student in a classroom will follow the same pattern of answer because of the influence of the teachers originality gets good marks in the UPSC. So one should not loose his / her originality even after joining coaching Institutes. So joining in a coaching Institute is purely a personal decision.

Can I choose "English" for Indian Language?
No. You have to take both the papers. You have to qualify in both the exams also. If you don't qualify in the language papers, optional papers will not be evaluated. So English and one Indian Language of matriculation standard is must for qualification.

I am a student of Architecture, presently doing 2nd year of the course. Can I give the CSE if so what subject is suitable for me?
Yes. You can give the CSE. There are set of subjects given by the UPSC. This is available in the book also.
If you have gone through the previous questions & answers of this section have got an idea.
In our opinion, you can go for Geography / Public Administration / Sociology / Psychology. In the prelims, it may be Geography. In the mains one of the remaining suggested subject may be selected. To select the optional, first go through the detailed first go through the detailed syllabus and questions papers.

I am from IIT. I think that in IAS main exam taking physics as optional, good student can get above 400+marks but normally student those taking physics getting very less marks near about 300. What is the reason behind this?
This is same for maths........
Why are engineering student normally not taking physics, chemistry and maths? They are taking arts subject. What is your view about scaling?
You are right. This was true in 90s. IITians used to take maths & physics or maths & chemistry and crack it. It was in early 90s technocrats started to top the civil services and the students from arts / humanities front left behind.
The Satish Chandra Committee recommended an introduction of Essay in the Civil services in 1993 as a level playing field for humanities also. IITians found difficulty in writing essay.
Even after the introduction of essay in the CSE mains, the humanities left behind. IITians were ruling the reign again.
In the year 2001, the syllabus of maths, physics & chemistry were revamped. This made IITians left behind the race. The exam pattern of maths being made tough, aspirants don't opt for it.
In fact there is no scaling in the mains. It is there only in the prelims.
These exam reforms made humanities subjects in the driver seat. The justification given for giving importance to humanity subjects are many. So it is the time for humanity / arts subjects in the civil services.

I am from the North-Eastern region domiciled in Assam. Is it mandatory for me to take up a language other than English in the mains?
Those students who are from North East, don't have any scheduled Indian Languages, they need not write the exam for the qualifying purpose. They have to write
English exam and they are exempted from the Indian Language paper exam. If you go through the detailed to notification, it is given.

I've done my graduation in Botany, Zoology& Chemistry Now I'm pursuing my post graduation in Biotechnology What are the possible combination of subjects can I take? Can I opt for Public Administration and History? I'm in 2nd year When is the right time to start the preparation?
There is no need to worry. It will be easy for you, once you start preparing. But these two exams will come back to back i.e. next day like that you will not have time for revising the subject. Though History is easy, it is not & scoring well. The success ratio of History is also poor Compared to many subjects.
We suggest you to take Public Administration and other optional may be zoology / Botany. If you are not comfortable with one of the two, you can think of opting Anthropology. As you are a Science student, Anthropology will be easy for you. It is scoring and the success ratio also very good.
If you have a problem in selecting these two, please go through the detailed syllabus and old questions, which will give an idea to select an appropriate optional.
As far as starting the preparation is concerned, you can start now itself. If you go through the tips given in the Book, which will give you an idea about the preparation also.

Can Indian literature be taken as one of the optionals for Prelims?
Indian literature cannot be taken as an optional in the preliminary. You can take one Indian literature as an optional in the mains only.

I am a B.E in Computer Science. Should I take maths as the second optional? My first optional is Chemistry.
After the change in the syllabus in 2001, maths has become really difficult. Even IITians do not opt for maths The maths result is also not good after 2001. You can take geography as a second optional. Otherwise (if you have good command over language) you can go for public Administration / Sociology / Psychology.

How is maths as a optional subject?
We assume that you must be an Engineering graduate or Maths graduate.
After the new Maths syllabus the Maths score has come down drastically. Normally IIT graduates used to opt for Maths and Physics or Maths and Chemistry or Maths and one of the Engineering subject. Now, they are also changing their plans. It has become tough in fact it is being made tough to compensate Humanities. Please keep this in you mind.
Still students opt for the subject. As we always say that it is the perception by the individual. It also varies from person to person. If you are really interested and determined, you can go ahead with your decision. But you have to keep something in your mind. ie While working for some success, one should keep all angles in the mind. That is the complete strategy and key to the SUCCESS. Hear from all sources but take decision of your own because you are the one going to appear in the Examination.

I am doing B.H.M.S. Our syllabus is same as MBBS except three subject. Medicine, Pharma, Philosophy. Am I eligible for IPS? if yes please tell me that what will be the optional subject.
You are very much eligible . There is no separate exam IPS. It is through combined civil services conducted by UPSC. If you go through the model notification and scheme of examination, you will get answer for all your questions
First go through the tips given in the site.
If your syllabus matches with medical sciences, you can go for it. But you have to be in top among medical optional students. You can only decide about your capabilities. As far as main exam is concerned medical science is the best performing optional.
If the medical science doesn't fit, you can opt for zoology / sociology / psychology for prelims. For mains, you can go for anthropology it will be easy for you.

I'm a pharmacist (B-pharm) and am not able to decide what subject to opt for the prelims 2006. Please guide to choose my subject.
Zoology should be a good choice, as you have some basic idea about the subject. This will be easy for you. If you are not comfortable with Zoology, you can think of Geography/ Sociology/ Psychology / Botany. The second optional may be Anthropology, as it has some concurrence with your subject. You can think of taking Chemistry also as a first optional.
Before selecting the subject, first go through the detailed syllabus and previous years' questions of sorted subjects, which will give you an idea about your knowledge levels for appropriate selection.

I am a pharmacy graduate. I want to appear for CSE. I have not started preparation for the exam. Please guide me how I can start my preparation and in which subject I can apply. Please help me on this point.
For the basic strategy and the preparation, you can go through the tips given in the Book. From General Studies to optional preparation strategy is given in the book.
As far as you are concerned, you can select Zoology/Sociology/Psychology as an optional. If you are not comfortable with Zoology, you can go for either of the two. For the Mains, you can select Anthropology as you can understand the subject well. If you are well-versed with any Indian Literature, you can opt for one of the Indian Literatures as an optional.
We also suggest you to go through the detailed syllabus of the subject and old questions before taking the decision. While selecting the subject, you have to consider your interest also so that the year-long preparation doesn't get hampered. The preparation tempo is maintained throughout till you achieve success.

Please tell me about cut off marks in physics in Prelims
It is about 90-95. It is also to be noted that there is no cut off for an individual subject. The cut off is worked out after totaling both the optional and general studies marks

Is there is alphabetical order of papers in mains scheme?
It is based on number of students. Those subjects with most number of students will be the first paper. Then it follows the order. All the Literature papers are held in one day.

My friends are telling both the IAS and IES exams are same. Is it true?
No. The Engineering services Exam ( IES ) Question papers are more direct and strictly syllabus oriented academic in Nature. With the same syllabus the civil services exams - UPSC exam are more applied , analytical and inferred nature. For this one has to understand the concepts well and able to correlate different subjects in a presenting the answer.

What subjects are advisable for an MBA graduate for IAS exams?
If you are good at Management, you can go for Management. Otherwise you can go with Public Administration. This can be of your first optional. The second optional may be Psychology/ Sociology/ Geography -in the order of preference.

How do the chances to qualifying differ if you take a subject like Management which very few people take? Also why is management taken by only few people even though if is less complicated than other subjects?
The competition is among management students only in the first instance. You have to be in the top among Management students. Normally specialised subjects like Management, Medical Sciences, Engineering, Agriculture are opted by the students from the same background only. Other popular subjects like History, Geography, Public Administration. Sociology are opted by students with different background, When the number of candidates increases, the chances of selection also increases. In the Preliminary selection the percentage of candidates selected from various subjects are more or less the same out of total appearances. There may a little variation. The person scores top in his subject including general studies has the bright chance of selection in the Preliminary. There is a scaling/Normalisation system in the Preliminary Exam, which gives fairness in getting selected from all optionals. In the mains there is no such criteria.
I am doing my final year in MBA. I am keenly interested in CSE. What are the steps I have to take in deciding the papers for the exam?
First of all, you should select a subject which is interesting to you.

Then see whether you have any idea about the subject or not. That will help you to understand the subject easily.
Availability of proper and standard books.
If possible, previous success, or the history of a particular subject
Select a second subject whose exam will come after some gap in the Mains examination, so that you can revise the subject.

Can you give the success rate of management subject and the scoreability and popularity of management in civil services exams vis-à-vis other subjects. Also please guide regarding the time to be allocated for preparing management optionals provided I have already studied management during my PGDM at IIM.
The success ratio varies from year to year and from subject to subject. As per the UPSC record one year it is 1:6. The next year it was 1:31. These are the subjects taken by the specialists only. It depends upon the evaluator also. In the first instance, the number of Main appearance was 59. Next year there are 31 persons. Only one qualified. So, there are many factors involved in it. If you see the Interview of Topper - Manish Kumar, you can see the good score. So, it all depends on the individual's performance.
Regarding the time allotment, if you go through the common strategy given by us, you will get an idea where you stand. Accordingly, you have to allot the time. If you are week, give more time and if you are comfortable, give normal time. However, you should not neglect the subject even you have studied well.

I am doing 1st B.Sc(agri). I have much interest in physics. Can I take it as one of the optional?
Don't get in to the problem. You may have interest but it is not practical. it will be suicidal. In Civil Services one should have practical approach.
We suggest you to take Botany or Geography as your second optional. Because these two subjects are related to Agriculture. In fact , if you take geography, it will be useful in the General Studies also. So one should adopt a practical and workable strategy

What is success ratio of Chemistry and Telugu literature as optional in mains?
The success ratio of Chemistry is 1:10 and Telugu Literature is about 1:6. This may vary from year to year.

Is Hindi Literature subject good for CSE?
Compared with other Literatures, Hindi is not doing well at all. The success ratio of Hindi Literature is about 1:38.The success ratio of most of the Indian Literatures are about 1:6 to 1:8.

I am graduating in commerce (first year) and I intend to opt for Commerce & Public Admn. as my optionals. I am confused whether to do my CA or PG.
Yes. You can go with commerce and Public Administration. In our opinion, you should go for CA, which has good future. If you compare M.com and CA., CA has better future. Even after completing CA, you can go for Civil services exam.
Civil services exams have lots of uncertainties. It is very difficult to as certain the result. Civil services exam is also like a running race. We don't know about other fellow runners. There are many factors involved in one's success most of the factors are uncontrollable.
So, first do your CA, then go for Civil Services.

I have done my graduation in Commerce stream and now I wanted to opt for Civil Services Exam is that easy for me to opt for it.
If you are strong in your Commerce Subject you can opt for it as a first optional. Otherwise you can think of taking Public Administration. Lots of study of material is available for the subject. Second optional may be Sociology/ Psychology/Geography (If you can do physical Geography well).Please go through the syllabus old questions before taking decision.

what is the success ratio of students of Commerce & Accountancy, Public Administration, Geography as per the UPSC? I had commerce stream in my class XII. So giving 3-4 months time to the syllabus of Commerce & Accountancy which has not been covered by the class XII Syllabus of CBSE is sufficient for good preparation of the subject. Is the level of toughness of the IAS exam of Commerce & Accountancy is equivalent, less or more tough when compared with C.A. & I.C.W.A exams? Please Advice.
The Success Ratio also varies from year to year. The analysis is based on the latest available record. These all are for the Main Exam only.
The Success Ratio of Commerce and Accountancy is 1:9.75; Public Administration is 1:12.69 ; Geography is 1:9.1
The syllabus of Civil ervices Exam is of M.Com standard. We don't think that can be compared with 12th Commerce stream.
Regarding the Exams of CA, ICWA one has to pass, so it is tough in that aspect. In the Civil Services, it is the score matters. Here, it is a running race, one has to compete with many for few posts. So, first go through the detailed syllabus and previous years question papers, that will give an idea. Read the Strategy column in the book. We hope your doubt is cleared.

I am doing 1st year in agriculture. Which choice are better Agriculture and Botany or Agriculture and Geography. Please tell me the ratio of these two combinations.
Both the Combinations are fine. There is about 150 marks out of 600 marks is common in both Geography and Botany, with agriculture. The success ratio of Agriculture is about 1:6 Geography is about 1:10, Botany is also the same, or little more.
There is an added advantage if an agriculture student takes geography as a second optional.
1. Geography is a main component in the general studies.
2. Agricultural geography, climatology, Indian agriculture will be easy for agriculture graduates.
3. Geography is scoring and safe optional.
4. If you read geography, you will have wider knowledge base.
5. Very good material is available.

I want to know about Medical Sciences as an optional paper. I am a dental Graduate, currently doing my internship, and my knowledge of medical subjects is confined to in and around the mouth (at the max. about head and neck) even though we read about all the main medical Subjects. I don't want to change my optionals.
There is a strategy already available in the site. First go through it. Then go through the detailed syllabus and the previous years question papers of Medical Sciences. This will give an idea about the subject, whether to select a particular subject or not.
Here you have to keep one thing in the mind - only Medical Graduates will appear with this subject. Can you withstand with them? When there is a competition among the specialists, one has to double sure before opting for the subject. One has to top among the fellow optional holders, so that the chances of getting selected is bright. This is a running race, not the qualifying exam/University exam.
As far as your second optional is concerned, Kannada will be a better chance because of its high success ratio.
For the first optional, you have to think about it. The success ratio of History is far below standard. You can think of opting for Sociology/ Zoology (As this subject will be easy for you as you have some background). Still, whenever you have a doubt, you are always welcome to clear them with us.
Please follow the common strategy (Litmus Test ie Reading the detailed syllabus and previous years question papers before jumping into any conclusion) before selecting the subject.

I want to take Maths and Medical Science as my optional subject.
It is really a rare combination medical person opting for maths. It is really interesting. As you have stated that you are comfortable with maths and can give long quality working hours.
In our opinion, medical science is the best among all optionals. The success ratio also 1:3. This is highest among all optionals.
After 2001, syllabus change maths becomes really tough and tough. Even IITians don't go for this optional. So, you have to revisit your decision. Please go through the previous years questions and try to solve it. If you can perform it well, you can go ahead.
If you find it difficult, follow one of the following optionals. Anthropology / Psychology / Sociology. Normally medicos go with medical sciences and one of the above.

I have completed diploma in optometry (3yrs) and I received a certificate from FOREC. I have also done my fellowship (1yr) from. Am I eligible to appear for CSE?
Diploma may not be taken as a degree. You have to have a degree to appear for the exam. Even diploma holders in Engineering do AIME to write civil services. You can do a degree in an arts subject, which will be easy for you. There are Institutes giving course / degree in one sitting exam also.

Can we opt management as a subject for prelims?
No. It is an optional in the Mains only.

I have done B.Sc Medical and MSc Biotechnology. I am thinking of taking botany and zoology as optionals. How do you rank NCERT books regarding these subjects?
You can go ahead but NCERT books are for basics only. They are really good.

I am not comfortable in writing essay. Please suggest the way to improve.
Practice marks perfection. If you go through the previous year questions, you will get an idea. Normally the essay covers all spheres of General studies like, society, Women, current Affairs, science etc. One has to have good writing skills and to know correlating facts.
The UPSC tests a person's writing skills, diction, presentation, facts & figures, arguing capacity discussion, problem solving etc. So, the essay should have introduction, body of contents and good conclusion.
There are books available in the market, which may give small tips but you have to have your originality.

Please suggest the topics to be prepared for general essay paper or any books for reading.
There are books in the market for Essay preparation. But these books can be taken as an guide and that is not the entire spectrum of essay preparation. Normally these topics are based on some theme and it should be supported with the latest trends. For example, there is a topic on Women Empowerment, the question may be any form i.e. direct/ indirect/twisted/inferred. Here one should synthesize his/her thought and how to go about/present about. If you read the tips given in the book, you will get some idea.
Essay writing is not memorizing something and vomiting in the exam hall. One should give proper and sufficient examples for his/her arguments. These supporting points will not be available in one place. This has to be consolidated with lots of reading. This will not come overnight. So, Essay doesn't need any special preparation. If you are preparing the General Studies well, that is more than enough. Essay is nothing but consolidating the facts and figures studied in the General Studies, present it in a cohesive and orderly manner. In the Essays, not only the base knowledge of a person is tested but also synthesizing power, presentation skills, coherence of thoughts, argumentative power with supporting facts, diction etc.

On what topics should one concentrate while preparing for essay?
The essay is a test of ones world view and orientation in life besides ones ability to express things in clear perspective. One should not cram /mugup topics for the essay but try to develop a holistice view about isssues in life and ones surrounding as a educated and socially conscious youth of India would.

I am a computer engineer & currently pursuing my MBA from the top Business school in India. I am planning to take CS examination in 2007. I plan to opt public administration & pschology as my optional subjects. Kindly compare psychology with Geography. Kindly also let me know the best subject for prelims among public ad, pschology & geography.
Your choice is fine. Public Administration and Psychology are really doing well. The success ratio of Public Administration is about 1:14. Psychology is about 1:6 and Geography is 1:10
All three subjects are popular optionals. It is opted by the candidates from different streams of Educational background.
For Public Administration, one should have good command over Language. This will be little useful in the General Science Preparation. One can score 350 plus in the mains if he/she do it well.
Psychology needs an understanding and logical conclusion. So, one should have good understanding of theories and its application and inferences. It also needs relatively good command over Language. It is also scoring.
As for as Geography is concerned, it is little easy compared to above two subjects. If one does the map reading well, score will be high. It is useful in the General studies paper also

Please give some reference books for Bengali compulsory paper for CSE (mains)
There is no special book for language, compulsory paper. The questions are Matriculation standard only. But it covers all the classes from 6th to 10th. You can just glance through the State Bengali Language Text book.

I am a student of MBA with specialization in HR and I am graduate in B.Sc.(M). I want to appear for CSE. Please Guide me. Please also help me in choosing the best study material.
The details about the Preparation and tips are available on the book. First go through the details of model notification and scheme of Examination. Then select the optional subjects for the Prelims and Mains. Once you are clear with it, go to the strategy for preparation given in the book. Follow the steps given in it.
As you are a Maths and Management person, you can think of taking Management as one of the optional subjects. If you are not confident in Management, you can think of taking Public Administration as a first optional. If you are strong in any Indian Literature, you can opt for that Literature as a second optional. Otherwise, you can think of taking one of the following as a second optional. i.e Geography (you may opt this as a first optional also)/ Sociology/ Psychology/ Anthropology (If you have interest in Genetics, evolution etc).
Above all, you should go through the detailed syllabus and previous years' questions papers and your interest towards the subject. If you decide the optionals based on the above facts, it will be easy for your Success in the Civil Services Exam. For the preparation strategy, read the tips given in the book.

I am a software engineer working in a top notch s/w products company. I did B.Tech in Electronics & Communications branch. I have planned to go for History & Geography.
Both History and Geography are fine but you have to consider the following before going for these two.
1. Both has vast syllabus
2. Both are useful in General studies
3. Both exams ( in the mains ) will be back to back or just two days gap.
4. Approach to both the subjects are different.
5. Both are general and popular optionals, it is easy to read. But Geography will be little tougher ( Physical Geography ) than History.
6. Geography is better scoring than History.
7. Past years shows, the success ratio of Geography is three times higher than History.
8. One has to have good analytical capacity to give Scientific approach to arts subject like History.
As far as Correspondence course is concerned, History has more outlets than Geography. But we suggest you to go through the previous years questions and come to a Conclusion.
Other subject for optional may be Public Administration/ Sociology/ Psychology.

I am in the first year BA (History) from Distance education. I also work in night shift (8-4) for an IT company. How should I prepare that I build up my base strongly because I want to clear CSE the very year I become a graduate. Also, I wish to choose Geography as an optional subject. Is it the right choice though it is not on my BA course? How should I begin, right from the timetable to the study doses? I am even ready to give up my job for the preparation. How should I prepare for civil services exams?
You have not mentioned your age. You are still in the first year of degree (History). History & Geography as optional, are good, but taxing due to the vast syllabus and these two exams will follow each other just after General Studies exams. If you can manage revision without any time gap for your before the exams, it is fine; Otherwise you may think of taking some other optional like Psychology/Sociology or one of the Indian literatures you are well versed with.
Regarding the job, don't leave it at any time because Civil services exams are highly uncertain. If you clear Prelims, you can take three months leave for the Mains preparations, you can even take one month leave for the prelims.
Regarding time management, it is difficult as you have odd duty hours. It is only you who can decide about the time management - like how many hours for rest, entertainment, and other core activities. Keep your priorities on top and design a time table and follow it sincerely. Don't waste your holidays.
On what basis candidates will be selected for mains through prelims if one subject say (geography) opted by more people and other subject by less people what will criterion for selection
There are many theories we heard from different sources. There are two methods it is highly possible.
1. Proportionate method
2. Normalization / standardization method
In the proportional method, for example, the total selection to be made is about 10,000 out of 3,00,00 students means.1:30 will be the selection. i. e. one out 30 candidates in every subject will be selected irrespective of their score.
In the second theory, one optional (highest appearance) will be taken as a standard optional and the scores of this optional kept as it is. Then the score of other optionals are normalized / standardized with that optional. For example, the top mark of the standard optional is 270/300 means. One optionals top score is 250/300 then it will be equaled with that score of 270. If any another optional score is 290/300 means. The score is bought down to 270/300. Then the score of General studies is added to it. Then final ranking is given. UPSC is saying this selection process, as secret one. So, nobody knows the reality except the UPSC's Exam department.
In our opinion the second process is the standard one. But whatever the process, one should be in top among his/her own optional holders.

I am in 2 nd year MBBS. I have studied in Kannada medium upto 10th std, so i am weak in English Speaking .But I am interested in science subjects. what are optionals suited for me. Don't worry. There are people who study in Vernacular medium till 12th standard and directly enter college (professional degrees like yours) in English medium. Believe in yourself, you can improve English:
1.Follow some standard English newspaper
2.Listen to All Indian Radio New and spotlight regularly.
3.Always try to speak in English with friends
4.Try to speak / open discussion in English in your class also
Initially, you may be committing mistakes. Don't worry about. Within some period, you will cope up the situation.
You can go with medical Sciences and Psychology / Sociology / Anthropology.

COURTESY:THREEAUTHORS.COM

OPTIONAL SUBJECT SELECTION FAQ

2010-03-08T09:51:00.001+05:30

I am a graduate on Computer Science. I am very much interested to appear for UPSC exam. But now I am in a dilemma to select my optional subject. Engineering and computer students can opt for geography will be easier for science students. If you do good map reading , you can score really well. Then there are some areas in geography , which will be useful for general studies also. The other subject may be sociology/psychology/public administration. To select the option. please go through the detailed syllabus and old questions. that will give an idea to select on appropriate optional.

Has Computer Science been added to the optional subjects in Main examinations?
Not yet. It may or may not come as one of the optionals. It is normally decided by UPSC - whether to include one subject or not.

I am an engineering graduate. I want to take Sanskrit Literature for mains. What difficulties will I face and is coaching necessary for it?
You have to be good in Sanskrit. Good writing skills. In the Literatures, only the writing skill is very important. Some people have this as an inborn quality. You can consult the person who opted for the same recently. To improve the skills, if you feel necessary, you can opt for coaching.

I am an engineering graduate. I want to take Geography as my optional but my medium is Hindi. I came to know that Hindi medium students cannot do well in Civil Service and their score is less than English medium students.
It is not like that. People may be saying that the original standard text books are in English only. It may be difficult for a language student to translate in to his/her language. The other mistakes students used to do that is writing in the language directly in the Exam hall only with out any prior practice.
It is the human tendency that why some one is writing the technical or Science subject in the Indian Language. So, the language person has the draw back in the initial stage itself.
But all are individuals opinion. It varies from person to person. If you believe in you, you can very take the exam in Hindi. Important thing is that you have to have a good practice. If you write/present it in an excellent manner, you are bound to get good marks. So, you can interact with some more candidates, if possible with the similar optional subjects and decide about it. There are many students who cleared the CSE in Hindi Medium after trying their luck in English for one or two failed attempt.
One more thing you have to keep in the mind is that the performance of optional subjects also varies from year to year.

I am student of IIT Delhi pursuing my B.tech in Civil Engineering. I am bit confused about the subjects for CSE , as people insist not to go with civil engg as a subject....and also to take one subject from arts. I have been good in quizzing and geography at my school.
For IIT students, geography will also be a cake walk. This is scoring and safe also. Your quizzing will definitely help here. Whatever you had studied in the schooling only will help you. But it is little advance and those things are really easy. You have to practice good map reading as it has 120 marks out of 600 in the mains.
What your friends say about civil engineering is true. The success ratio of civil engineering is really poor. The trend is humanity subjects. So select a good humanity subject which will be easy for you. When you study with full potential, humanity subjects are really easy. Need little logic that's all.

I am from economics background. I am confused in choosing the second optional whether to take Public Administration or Psychology?
Both psychology and public administration are doing well. You have to choose between the two based on your experience, interest, expertise etc. Read the full syllabus and previous years question papers of both, this will give an idea to select the better one.

I am a fourth year engineering student. I want to know the prospects of opting geography as a subject for the main examination. Also tell me something about the GS paper.
Geography is very good option for science students. Though it is a humanity subject, it has more relevance in science also. The physical geography will be really easy for science graduates have an edge over city/humanity students. If you can do a proper and intelligent map work, you can really score well. Geography study will be useful in general studies also in about 50-60 marks, so geography is a safe and scoring subject for all.
The general studies paper can't be explained in one sentence as paper can not be improved/ studied in short period. The general studies are nothing but whatever we have studied in our school days. Those studies are building blocks of our knowledge. The trend of the present general studies have changed lot. Earlier, the general studies questions were direct but the present day questions are more of an application oriented so one should understand the concept well and should be in a position to apply in practical sense.
For the above reasons, aspirants are first asked to read the NCERT books. Then go for specialized books. The general studies manuals are also nothing but the gist of NCERT books.

Could you please guide me in choosing my optionals between Geography and Psychology for the Prelims? I have studied Science upto 10+2 and BBA in Graduation. Also please tell the time-frame required to complete the course keeping in view the Optional for Pre and Mains (as you suggest) and the strategy to be followed for that?
Both subjects are equally good when we take your basic and degree, both are good combination - from the point of view of Mains. First, go through the syllabus and prelims questions of the previous year, which will give you an idea, as to which subject would be a better choice. Factors such as your interest, basic knowledge, attitude towards the subjects are to be taken care of properly, as that will give an edge to one subject over other.
The question regarding the completion of a subject is really subjective. It depends upon the individual and vary from one person to other. That is why people from the same background and opting for the same subject also get varied marks. It depends on various skills and other attributes of the aspirant as well as the mental make up of the evaluator. Strategy is the common strategy, which is given on the book.

I am a Hindi medium student. I have Public Administration and Geography as my optionals. Please tell me which one shall I opt for the preliminary exam.
For a Hindi medium student, we suggest geography will be a better optional than public Administration you will have good resources for geography also performs better than Public Administration in the civil services.

I am a Hindi medium student. I am an Engineering graduate. I want to know what optionals I should take that will suit my medium, as well as my background.
Geography and Hindi Literature. Geography is safe for you. As far as the second optional is concerned, you can think of taking Public Administration/Sociology/ Philosophy. But follow the strategy given by us properly, so that you select one of the best optionals suited for your success.

I am a Hindi medium student and an engineering graduate. I want to take Indian History in prelims and Philosophy and Sanskrit in mains.
There is no problem, if you can deal all these three subjects. Philosophy is doing well. Why do you want to go for Sanskrit? If you are really good in the Literature, go for it otherwise avoid it. Instead of confusing with History and Sanskrit, you can think of taking Geography. With your Science background, geography will be easier. If you feel, the chances of clearing the Prelims with the History is high, you can go ahead with your present decision.
Before taking the final decision, go through the general strategy given by us. That will clear your doubt.

What are the chances of Zoology subject in Hindi medium for an ordinary B.Sc student ?
The Civil Services Exam is concerned, for the Zoology subject, the Questions are masters level. You can write in Hindi / English. But availability of std books & materials For zoology may be little difficult because of its scientific nature.
As far as, Geography is concern you can very well write it in Hindi. Most of aspirants appear in the exams using Hindi medium.

It has been observed that many toppers are getting around 65% marks only at CSE. Is it not possible to score more than 70%?
If you observe the past record, even getting 60% in all the papers is really difficult. If you see the last year's trend also, the topper got around 60 plus percentage.
This is not the University exam, where you prepare notes and reproduce in the exams to get 90 plus. In the Civil Services, there are criteria fixed by the UPSC for the paper evaluation. UPSC gives a key with some instructions to the Evaluators. They can not award more than 60%. If they award more than that, they have to explain the case also. So, whoever writes extremely well and impresses the examiner, who is also human being will get an edge over others. To clear this, Please read our column "SECRET OF SUCCESS"

I am doing my graduation in Agriculture 3rd year. Help me in choosing the optional for prelim and the mains. What is the success rate of botany as optional and whether it is scoring or not? I am also considering optionals like Sociology and Public administration? Which of these optionals is best considering the fact that my first optional is Agriculture,
Agriculture graduates really perform well in civil services after medical sciences. Both the science and arts subjects are easy for the Agriculture graduates, as they study both in their graduation. So preparation of general studies won't be a problem.
As you are in third year you should start general studies as well. The tips are there in the Book. Just follow it as per the guidance.
As an optional Agriculture is really doing well. The success ratio of Agriculture is about 1:6. to score good marks, follow the strategy given in our website.
The success ratio of Botany is about 1:9 to 1:10.
While selecting the optional one should also consider the following factor.
1. Vastness/Coverage of these subjects.
2. Similarities in the syllabus.
3. Similarities in the question pattern
4. Exam time gap between the subjects. There are times exams are back to back. Persons who need little revision find it difficult if the exams are back to back
5. Usefulness in the general studies preparation.
If we consider all the factors Botany has more close relation with Agriculture as compared to other two. Public Administration is useful in General Studies. Sociology is neither similar nor useful in General Studies.
Other important subject, you missed is Geography. This has similarity with agriculture and useful in the General Studies. Normally agriculture students go for Botany or Geography in general. Other two subjects you have mentioned also are opted by Agriculture students.
Now it is you to decide based on the detailed syllabus, previous years questions and your interest. This will give an idea to select an appropriate subject as second optional.

Your comments on the subjects public Administration and Sociology.
Both the subjects are good. You can go ahead with your preparation. The number of candidates appearing with Public Administration are more than Sociology. In the prelims you have a good chance provided you prepare well. You have to be in top among the Public Administration candidates. As per the UPSC report the success ratio is more for Sociology in the mains than Public Administration. The trend keeps on changing. Now, it is upto you to decide. Even after going through the steps given by us, if you are not clear then do the following.
Just make positive and negative points for both the subjects. Just weigh the subject based on pure objective. ie your success. Study of the Public Administration may be useful in your General studies both in Prelims and Mains.

I am a B.Com Graduate. What subjects I should choose? How to start?
If you are good at, you can opt for Commerce and Accountancy as one of the optionals. It is also doing well
To test your knowledge base, first go through the strategy given in our site. In brief, detailed syllabus and previous years question papers one should be a topper in his own subject, so that the selection also becomes easier.
The second optional may be Public Administrator/Sociology/Psychology/Indian Literature, if you are really good at it. That is good written skills and analytical capacity in the Literature.
The starting can be at any stage. Regarding General Studies, you have to start from scratch if you don't have any idea. Subject also you can start based on the syllabus and previous years question pattern.

I am a 4th Year Law student (Of the five year Law course). How far is the combination of Law and History as optional is advisable? 2) What is the success ratio for these subjects?
Both Law and History are advisable but both have low success ratio. In fact Law is a better optional than History. Normally, 5 year course law graduates used to study History also in their graduation. That is why most of the Law graduates opt for History as this is familiar to them. But one should select some other optional.
The success ratio of History is about 1:35 and Law is about 1:15 there is no subject scoring or not scoring but some subjects have inherent characteristics to impress evaluators. Socially also there are subjects accepted as positive subject in scoralibity.
Law can be one of your optional as you make graduation in Law. You have to present your answer in unique way by proper analysis; expression, presentation etc which can attract the evaluator.
Other combination may be Sociology/Psychology/Philosophy with Law. Otherwise you can take public administration as first optional. Other optional may be sociology/psychology/any Indian literature provided you are good at it. If you are confident in Law, you can go for it also. This can be decided by going through the previous year questions.

I am student of B.A.; LL.B (Hons.), IV Year. I want to know what is the right time for me to start preparation for Civil Services? Which is the best combination with Law? I want to opt from either history or public administration.

Regarding the Civil Services Exam, there is no right time or apt time to start the preparation. In fact the preparation for the General Studies starts at the school level itself. The General Studies questions in the Preliminary are nothing but the basic concepts/applied aspect of the basic concepts studied in the school.
As far as you are concerned, you can start the preparation right now. Now, you can start the preparation for the Law and General studies simultaneously.
As far as the second optional is concerned, you may select Public Administration rather than History. The advantages are
1. Some of the chapters are similar for the both the optionals.
2. Public Administration will be useful for the Mains and Interview as well.
3.This subject will be safer compared to History. But the aspirant is the right person to decide on the optional based on the feedback from successful students, own interest, syllabus and previous years question pattern etc

I completed my B.Sc Biotechnology with Botany Biotechnology and Microbiology as subjects. Please help in choosing optional subjects.
You can select Botany as the first optional as most of the syllabus you must have covered during the graduation. The success ratio of Botany is about 1:9. The second optional may be Zoology. This is also doing well. There is some similarity between these two subjects. The syllabus may be vast. You may think of taking Anthropology. You can understand the scientific terms used in this subject easily. The success ratio is also at par with Botany.
If you feel like taking some humanity subject you can take one of the following subjects. Public Administration/ Sociology/ Psychology. If you are good in one of the listed Indian Literatures, you can also opt for it.

I am a graduate with B.Sc degree and subjects Psychology ,Botany and Zoology. I am planning for moving to Delhi for IAS preparations. Can we choose subjects other than what we had at graduation level. what should be the criterion for choosing the subjects? Also is it more important to finish with your PG before preparing for IAS or even graduates like me can go ahead.
You can select any two subjects from the UPSC's listed optional subjects. This need not be of the subject, which you have studied in the college. Preparation from Delhi will be definitely advantageous for the students, compared to those preparing from remote areas.
There is no basic criteria in the selection, but there are some combinations, which are not allowed. You can not take those two subjects together. The list available in the book.
Though there is no criteria given by the UPSC, students normally prefer to opt for few optionals. You can also keep these points in mind before the selection.
1. May opt for the subjects , which are interesting to you. So that you don't get bored of this year long preparation.
2. Informally people call some subject as popular and some are specialised and some are least popular. The popular subjects are opted by the candidate from any stream. These are like History, Geography, Public Administration, Sociology etc. Technical or specialised subjects are Medicine, All branches Engineering , Veterinary Sciences, Agriculture etc. There are subjects, which are not preferred by majority of the candidates.
3. You should also see that both the optional exams are not held back to back. Normally, the examination schedule drawn based on the number of candidates. Highest number will be held first followed by the next like that.
4. See the books and material availability. You can also see, if there is need for any coaching. If at all you need a coaching, will you get the good coaching centre and the teaching as well?
There are many Coaching Institutes run English medium coaching only. As per our policy, We don't recommend any coaching Institute to the aspirants/ visitors.

In the CSE main exam, on completion of each answer next answer has to be commenced on next page if by over sight this is not adhered to will it be penalized by deducting marks-
There are no such rules and regulations. In the main exam, students are asked to use a separate page for new question because of some technical reasons. ie one has to a fill the page number of a every new question in the first page. The first page with the page details sent to the examiner /evaluator. If the new question is answered in a separate page, it will be easy for the evaluator also to award marks properly. The examiner may make some comments inside the paper. But marks are given in the first page only. If you write two questions in one page, it may create some confusion. But the evaluator, normally doesn't deduct/penalise marks for this over sight

I am doing BA with subjects Education, English, and political Science, Can I appear in CSE with education as optional, is there enough study material available for this subjact, is it scoring? How is English as optional ? what other subject in your opinion is good for me?
There is no optional subject called education in the UPSC syllabus. The syllabus prescribed by the UPSC is available in the Book. First go through it. At BA level, we don't advise you to go for English. The questions are masters level, we suggest you go for Political science as one of the optionals second optional may be Psychology/Sociology one of the listed Indian literature if you are really good at it
We also suggest you to go through the detailed syllabus and previous years questions and decide about the second optional you should select the subject, which is interesting to you so that you can study the subject without any hindrance. You may not lose the tempo of preparation also.

I have secured 2 nd division marks in my 10th examination 48% . Am I eligible for CSE or not. Is it necessary to take coaching for preparation.
You are eligible to write civil services. As per the eligibility criteria prescribed by the UPSC, one should possess a degree, which should be UGC recognised . So your degree must be a recognised by UGC. The UPSC examiner, who will evaluate your main paper never will come to know about your degree and divisions.
As far as Coaching is concerned it depends upon the individual's decision. After selecting the optional, first go through the questions, which will give an idea. Follow the strategy given by us in the Book. This will give an idea where do you stand? Then find out the way to improve yourself. If you have more doubt, then you are welcome

I am working as a software engineer from last 5 years after completing my B.Tech. in Electronics Engg. First, Should I go for it because I am doing the job and can get 5-8 hours max a day for study? Second, which optionals should I go with? i have in mind Geography, Public Administration and Psychology.
It is really interesting that a person, even after working for 5 years coming forward for civil services.
The time of 5-8 hours or working days and 10-12 hours on holidays will be more than enough for an aspirant like you to succeed in the civil services. But we suggest you to go for one month leave before prelims and 2-3 months leave before mains, if you are serious about the exams.
As far as optionals are concerned, we suggest to Engineering graduates to go for Geography as a first option if they don't have any subject in their mind. A month other three optionals you can select either public Administration or Psychology you should select the optional based on your interest and availability of other resources. As per the UPSC record, psychology is better performing subject than public Administration.

Can you please tell me the success ratio of Geography, Sociology and which one is the best scoring subject among the two?
The success ratio of Geography is about 1:10. The success ratio of sociology is 1:9. This success ratio also varies from year to year.
The scoring or not scoring is again subject for discussion. It depends purely on the individual's talent and capacity. In the mains there are about 1000 students appear with Geography and 500 students with Sociology

I just want to know whether my focus should be only on prelims now or I should study for mains syllabus along with prelims .My first optional is Public Administration and second is Geography.
Yes. One's approach to civil services preparation should be holistic approach . The General studies and the optional should be prepared with both prelims, mains, Essay and even Interview point of view. But you can leave the Interview point of view at present once you study well for the mains, that will make you to do the essay part well. The Prelims needs an exhaustive and broad spectrum study but the mains needs intensive and topic oriented. First make a structure for prelims & mains preparation. Then follow it.
The prelims point of preparation needs recollecting capacity and mains preparation needs remembrance capacity. So, you have to blend both the talent. The preparation of Public Administration will help in the Polity part of General studies.

I am doing my 3rd year engineering in electrical and electronics. Suggest me some optionals and their success ratio. I am planning to take up Electrical Engineering and Public Administration as my optionals.
The success ratio of Electrical Engineering is not good. There are 2 - 3 people only clear main exam out of 100 aspirants wrote with Engineering as an optional. So you have to revisit you decision.
Public Administration a good optional and its success ratio is about 1:12. Other optional, you can think of Geography. Its success ratio is about 1:10. In fact, you can go for Geography as a first optional. Other optional you can think is either psychology or Anthropology ( being a science student, you will understand the subject well ). The success ratio of Psychology is about 1:6 The success ratio of Anthropology is about 1:9.

I am a B .Tech (I Year) student. I aspire to be an I.A.S officer. My question is that I have decided to take Geography as the preliminary subject & I am thinking of taking up Electrical as my second option. But the big question is that while I feel confident in Geography as I have been finding it quite easy, I am slightly hazy about
Electrical, as I am finding difficulty in applying the concepts in numericals. Time management is a big issue as I have huge course load.
Time management is a big problem for most of the aspirants. In fact this problem persists with others also. You are very clear about your objective. Then 50% of the problem is already solved.
Your decision about the optionals are really perfect. Geography is a very good optional, safe and scoring also.
Regarding your own subject, Electrical Engineering, good to stick to it for the present. As you are in the first year, there is lot of time to think of other subject. What you have to do now is to study the subject well. Read the full syllabus and have the old question papers also. Sort out the questions of mains as per your college syllabus, so that you can prepare the subject side by side in the UPSC standard. This will make lots of difference ie Normal student's approach and Civil Services' aspirants approach. This will make you an expert in Electrical Engineering also.
You find Geography easy because you had already studied Geography in the school. But, you have never had an exposure to Electrical Engineering. In the process of learning, it will also become easy in due course.
Regarding the General Studies preparation, you have to study the NCERT books again. As you are a Science student, you need not concentrate on Science. Geography is becoming another optional, so there is no need for GS preparation for Geography also. At present you have to concentrate on Polity, Economy, History. Current Affairs will develop automatically, if you keep abreast with latest national and international happenings. Read your tips and follow the same.
Regarding time management,. you have to target all holidays and vocations. Have a timetable for the whole day. One should make his/her own plan to follow it because they only know their positive and negative points. Don't be a bookworm always. Have time games and other entertainment also. These entertainments should be healthy. This should not be an obstacle to your objective. Have a good friends circle so that you can discuss various things. This age is really important, once you miss it, you will never get it back, but the same period of life is delicate, so "HANDLE WITH CARE" . So, one should have a judicious mixture of all the above. Morning hours are really very good for memorizing facts, for your brain is fresh after a good night's sleep. Still, if you find a problem to make a study Schedule, feel free to ask us.

I am an engineering student, doing my second year in electronic instrumentation and control engineering. How to select an optional and mains papers
For the General Studies you can go through the site and follow the tips.
As far as the selection of optional is concerned, you have to follow some basics.
If the subjects are of your interest, you can read the subject without any problem ie continue the same tempo throughout the preparation. Then you have to see the subject, which had some relevance in your career, so that there is no problem in understanding. In case, it is not so, select the subject, which you feel would be easy for preparation. The last and final criterion is - do you have the access to proper and standard books/ guides for your preparation?
Our advice to you in general, is that you can think of taking Geography as an optional. This will be easy for you because of your Science background. If you possess good writing skills, you can think of opting for some humanities subject like Psychology/Sociology/ Public Administration. For the Mains, you may think of opting for one of the Indian Literatures, if you are really good at that Literature. Hindi Literature is not doing well in comparison to other regional Languages.
Whatever the subject, you have to go through the detailed syllabus and the previous year question papers to decide the option. This will give a broad picture about the subject. If possible, you can interact with some successful students in the same subject.
But you are going to prepare, so apply your mind and decide on your own with the all inputs received from different quarters.

I am Hindi medium student . What is the success ratio of Hindi Literature? How can I get 100 % marks in mapping in Geography?
The Success ratio of Hindi Literature is about 1:31. The success ratio of Geography is about 1:9. One can get more than 60% if he/she does the exam well. The scoring of a subject is concerned, it is difficult to tell. If you read the "SECRET OF SUCCESS" Column in the Book. You will get the clear picture of the evaluation also.
As far as mapping is concerned, if depends on the exact marking, notes about the marking ( 25 words ) and key words relating to the point. For example, NARMADA river is asked, you have to mark it properly first. The other key words are west flowing, flowing between, source, length and other key details relating to it. If the key given by the UPSC is fulfilled the evaluator will give 5 out of 6 for one spot. Some one may give 5.5 also not 6 out of 6. Anyhow it is far better than other written answers, which will fetch you around 30-35 out of 60 marks.
The medium of exam is not at all a problem, how do you present your paper, which will make the difference.

INTERVIEW FAQ

2010-03-08T09:46:00.004+05:30

How should one prepare for the interview?
The UPSC interview is called the "Personality Test". While in the interview one exposes ones entire life conditioning one can still hone certain skills such as brevity as well as diplomacy. It helps to start developing an interview orientation from the very beginning of the preparation so that such traits become a comfortable part of your personality.
I have peculiar speech problem. I say the same word or letter repeatedly. It will hamper my chances in the Interview. Please advise.
First have a confidence in you. Talk before mirror and see how you are performing. Have a group of close friends and talk to them freely. Please avoid people, who criticize when you speak out. Welcome those who provide a healthy feedback. Still if you have a problem, please consult Speech Therapist. It is fully curable.
I have not done my 12th as I quit studying after 10std. now I have doing my Public Administration(B.A.) in open university system. Am I eligible to give Civil Services Exam. Will there be any problem in the Interview stage?
Yes. You are eligible to appear for the civil services exams. The UPSC Interview board has no preference towards to Regular students over the open University or Correspondent course students. Out of total 2300 marks which is taken for the final Ranking, 2000 marks are evaluated without seeing one's face. Don't feel hurt or carried away by other's remarks. Infact, the board may make different opinion ie Person has grown up from the roots and have the courage to appear for Civil Services and award good marks. Normally the board is unbiased and neutral. Just do hard work and extra hard work to achieve your goal.
I am a medical graduate. But have few problems in my bio-data because I have done twice class 11th and lost my mark sheet. Also I have 4 years gap for preparation of MBBS. Will all these factors affect my chances.
Not at all. In reality, out of 2300 marks, 2000 marks are evaluated without seeing anybody else face. Only 300 marks are there in the interview.
There are cases like you, who have done very well in the interview passed IAS successfully. So, don't worry about your past. Face the Interview confidently. Interview tests about your overall personality. Every human being has his / her ups and downs in life.
I have written my mains in sociology. In last attempts though I reached interview level, I could not make it due to low marks in sociology. This time, I want to know what is the highest one can hope to get in socio and generally what is the average score in sociology.
Normally, the marks are given to the candidates only. We have not made an attempt to give the detail. In our opinion, it varies from year to year and person to person. The person, who got good marks in one attempt, may go down in another attempt. It is due to many factors. To understand the reality, please go through the "SECRET OF SUCCESS" given in our website.

You need not compare others. First, you have to analyse your performance based on the exam. Why you have failed, what went wrong etc. Your way of presenting an answer has to be reviewed. Then only, one can give a proper guidance.
Can anyone choose different languages for mains & interview as for example mains in English & interview in Hindi?
No. one can take Hindi/ Indian languages as a medium for mains and appear in Interview in English/ the language written in mains. But a person can write main paper in English and cannot appear in interview in Indian language. He should appear in the interview in English only.
Is there any bribe required for CSE interview?
There are myths about civil services It is purely on the merit.
The civil services main examination contains 2300 marks. Out by which 2000 marks are awarded in the written paper without seeing the student's face. The last phase of 300 marks is only at the interview stage.
The board members are senior civil servants, professors, academicians and other experts from different field. The board contains five members headed by a chairman, who is the member of UPSC. The members / experts sit on the panel will test the persons Caliber, mentality, Suitability to the job. etc., the total personality of a person is tested by these experts by asking questions.
The candidates ability to handle the questions, analytical capacity, decision making ability in a given situation, leadership quality.etc., are tested.
So there is no doubt about the integrity of the board members.
Does smartness (physical appearance) matter in CSE? Do interview members count this?
It is not so. In reality, out of 2300 marks, 2000 mark is evaluated with out seeing anybody's face. The examination papers are evaluated by different professors/Lecturers. The Interview is only for 300 marks. The question asked is also to test a person's personality not beauty/smartness. This is to test individual's ability to answer a question, ability to handle a situation, decision making ability and more
Physical appearance is something hereditary and it is also influenced by race, climate and other socio economic factors The UPSC members are well learned/qualified persons with a greater degree of integrity and neutrality.
So, one's success is not decided by the Physical appearance. It is the personality, which we have mentioned above. So, face the exam with confidence and do hard work and extra hard work. That will bring success to you.

General Studies FAQ

2010-03-08T09:45:00.000+05:30

How to prepare for general studies in Prelims?
First go through the tips given on our Book. That will give you an idea. The General studies is nothing but whatever we have studied in school. Here the questions are somewhat basic and little applied. The questions are mixed with all aspects. 'One should understand the concept well first when the applied questions are asked, one should be in a position to answer them.
The General Studies comprises History, Geography, Science, Polity, Economics, general mental ability and current Affairs, one should read NCERT books to get the base idea.
After reading the NCERT books, you have to go through some standard guide, which is available in the market. If you read it, it will reinforce your knowledge.
Whenever you study some standard book, you should think that you are going to write the board exam next day. For prelims, one should refer to questions from the book.
One can frame one or more multiple choice questions from one sentence. So, one should read the sentence that may be asked as a question. Soon we will provide tips for "how to study for Prelims" on the website.
Subscribe to one or two competitive magazines meant for civil services. Work out the model questions given in it. If you score well, it will boost your confidence. If you score low, don't worry about it. Wherever you feel, & need attention do it / study the subject again.

I am facing problems in studying current affairs topics. Though I read Manorama Year Book, magazines like India Today, Times Of India newspaper and I follow Star News regularly. I find it difficult to remember all the details.
For current affairs, you can follow one national daily, one weekly/Fortnightly, one or two Competitive magazines exclusively published for Civil Services Exam and in Electronic Media you should follow All India Radio for one news and one TV channel for one news. Radio news can be heard while you are having food. So, some time is saved. In our opinion, selective study is needed in current affairs part. Don't waste too much time on Current Affairs. These stuffs will be readily available in the market books, which are normally released just before the exams. One has to be very careful in time management. In our opinion, you should not give more than one hour for the Current Affairs on daily basis.
The question of memory is concerned, it is more of personal and psychology oriented. One has to sharpen his/her memory by practice only. First, you should have a confidence in you, that you can memorize any subject. Have more concentration while preparing/studying the subject. More and more continuous practice will make you perfect.
As far as Science is concerned, read the NCERT books and understand the concept. If you are a arts student, you have to understand the scientific basics and concepts. Nowadays the questions are asked in the applied aspect of Science. Prepare accordingly.

What is the cut- off for the General Studies Prelims Exam?
There is no cut off for the Prelims General Studies. It is the total marks of the Optional and the General studies. Only the optional goes for some normalistion/ Standardisation. Then the General Studies is added with the optional.

Do I've to study all the NCERT books up to 12th std for General Studies or study only some selected books?? I've completed my schooling in Oriya medium. Though in college we study in English medium ,we don't follow the NCERT books.
Normally the questions are based on NCERT books because this is common to all. Every state has its own syllabus. But the question is not NCERT or STATE board, one should understand the concepts.

If you are from the Science background, it will be very easy to follow the NCERT also. But you have to concentrate on arts subject in a detailed manner. If you are from arts background, the Science subjects will be really tough. You have to read and understand it thoroughly. Usually, Science students don't find it difficult to study the Arts subjects. But at the same time, Arts background student find it difficult to study Science subjects.

Science books upto 10th standard is enough. For other subjects you have to read upto 12th standard. Nowadays the questions are in the applied aspect based on the concepts. So one should understand the concept well. The concept may be from Science or Arts.
There are some NCERT books may not be useful. So read the books of Science, History, Geography, Civics/Polity and Economics.
Ccortesy:threeeauthers.com

General Queries About Civil Services

2010-03-08T09:42:00.000+05:30

What is the pattern of civil services Examination?
The civil services examination consists of three stages-prelims, mains and interview. The preliminary test consists of two objective tests of two hours duration each. One paper of General Studies of 150 marks and one optional of 300 marks to be chosen from the list given. The main exam has nine papers of conventional essay type of 300 marks each except essay which is of 200 marks- two of G.S, two each of two optionals, one essay and two language papers, one English and one Indian language. The language papers are only of qualifying nature. The interview is of 300 marks and the final merit list is made from total of mains and interview marks, i.e. out of 2300.

Is there any minimum cutoff for General Studies (G.S.)?
It's a difficult question to answer as the marking pattern of the UPSC is a closely guarded secret and there are different theories about the same. A score of 85+ in GS can however be considered a safe score for this purpose.

Can I prepare from my home or should I come to some big center like Delhi for my preparation?
Most of the candidates who do qualify finally are based in a few selected places like Delhi, Hyderabad , Allahabad etc .Delhi seems to be the best place to prepare for the examination due to various factors such as

The presence of a large number of candidates provides a rich civil services examination culture.
In recent past the examination has become highly information based specially the GS papers. Delhi provides a rich base for such information.
Large numbers of good coaching institutes are present in Delhi.

How many hours should one study for the preparation?
With the right preparation material any thing between 7 to 8 hours of quality study is sufficient. Regularity in the preparation is most important. The essence being that it is not only important to study hard but also to study smart.

What strategy should I follow? Should I focus more on my optionals to get good rank?
Please don't fall in this trap especially during your mains. During the prelims it pays to divide more time to your optional due to the following reasons.

The high weightage of the optionals (300 marks) compared to the GS, which is of 150 marks.

The exhaustive nature of the GS syllabus as compared to the well-defined syllabus of the optional.
• During mains one should devote equal time to both the optionals as well as GS.

Does the choice of medium of language matter?
The only areas where the choice of your medium would matter would be in the case of availability of reading materials. Many of the optional might not have relevant study material and many times the candidates spend a lot of time translating the texts from English. In terms of marks one should not consider any form of bias positive or negative for choosing the medium

On what topics should one concentrate while preparing for essay?
The essay is a test of ones world view and orientation in life besides ones ability to express things in clear perspective. One should not cram /mugup topics for the essay but try to develop a holistice view about isssues in life and ones surrounding as a educated and socially conscious youth of India would.

Where can I get the UPSC syllabus?
Syllabus is issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) every year. It is normally published in the UPSC website and the same is published in the Employment News also. It is normally available in the market.

Where will I get the UPSC application?
It is available in the designated post offices through out India. The list of post offices are given in the website as well notification issued by UPSC in Employment News.

When will be the notification issued?
Normally it is issued in the month of November every year. There will be more than 30 days for filling up the application.

Is it necessary to take the subject studied at the college level to be taken as an optional?
Not necessary. Candidate is free to take any optional in the given list.

Can a person opt for one optional in the prelims and another one in the mains?
Yes.

What is the medium of writing the main exam?
One can write the main exam in any one of the Indian Languages in the 8th Schedule of the constitution. But the question paper will be either in English or Hindi only.

What is the medium of Interview if a person appears the exam with regional language?
If a person writes his/her exam in the regional language he/she can appear in the interview with the same language. There is an option available to appear in English also. But it is not vice versa if a person appears in the exam in English medium.

Is there any negative marking in the exam?
"YES"
"THERE WILL BE PENALTY (NEGATIVE MARKING) FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY A CANDIDATE IN THE OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTION"
(I) 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.
(ii) 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.
(iii) If a question is left blank i.e. no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.

When are UPSE exams for IAS held?
The Civil Services Prelims Exam is conducted in the month of May. The main exam may be around October-November of the same Year. The main exam will be in the next year April. The scheme and pattern of the exam is available in the Book.
The Notification advertisement for the exam will be issued by the UPSC in the month of November. Please check the Employment News and other leading National dailies. This Exam is conducted once in a year. Once you miss the opportunity, you have to wait for one more year.

I want to know the date of CS .
The date of Examination ( Preliminary)is the third Sunday of May every year. The main exam is in the month of October-November of the same year. The Interview is in the month of April, corresponging next year. For the authentic details, please go through the notification issued by the UPSC. Normally, it comes in the month of November. The same will be published by the Employment News and leading newspapers.
There is no separate exam for IAS and IPS. It is the combined Civil Services Examination conducted by UPSC for IAS, IPS, IFS. IRS, ICCES, IAAS, I RTS,IRAS, IRPS,ICAS,IDAS and some more services. The names of the services are also available in the model notification in the site.

I am doing my Mechanical Engineering in Tomsk Polytechnic University in Tomsk, Russia. I have another three years to complete my course. I am very eager to take up UPSC exam. Is the degree I get from here valid to take up the examination? And please let me know the best way to approach this examination in my present situation. I will not be coming to India for another two years and where will I get the study material. Please suggest some effective methods of preparing for the exam.
First of all, you have find out from UGC authorities, whether the degree you get from abroad is valid in India or not. As per the UPSC's notification, any degree should be UGC recognized degree. That's all.
As far as your preparation is concerned, first select the optional interesting to you. Then start the preparation for general studies and one optional. You can get some online sources as study material also. Good study material is concerned; you can get it from Delhi. Delhi is a hub centre for civil services exams.

Till what rank one will get IPS?
Normally, after the final result is cleared, successful candidates are allotted the service based on their rank and their preference given in the mains application.
Most of the students opt for IAS as a first choice, few may opt IFS or IPS also as a first choice. For example, if a person has given preference of IPS as a first choice, And he/she tops in the civil services, he/ she will be given IPS only not IAS.
Normally one has to come (General Category) in the top 100 in the list, there is a good chance of getting IPS.

What is the selection procedure for Preliminary exam? Is there same procedure for all optional subjects. Is there any negative marking?
In Preliminary, 300 marks are awarded for optional subject and 150 marks for General studies.
There are about 23 optionals are there in preliminary. The questions of all these subjects may vary in its easiness / toughness to the aspirant. One optional may be very easy same time other may be very tough. So, how to measure the talent of these two subjects?
So UPSC scales the scores of the optionals. The process is called normalisation / standardization. ie. One subject (Normally highest number of students appeared) taken as a standard paper. Marks of other optionals may go up or go down accordingly. In this process every subject has become normal. Equal treatment is being given. Then General studies marks are added with it. Then final ranking is fixed.
So, one need not worry about the standard of question paper. One should top in his own subject. So that selection in the prelims becomes easy. There is no negative marking in the Civil services exam.

courtesy: three authors.com

ELIGIBILITY ISSUES FAQ

2010-03-08T09:40:00.000+05:30

I want to know about the applications deadlines, cost of applications for UPSC exams. Do I need to buy different applications for different posts? I want to know about the optional subjects that should be taken by me because I have graduated in electronics and communications engineering .
The cost of the application is only Rs 20. This is available in the designated post offices through out India (List is available in the site). There is only one application form for all the services listed in the civil services ie, IAS , IPS, IFS (Foreign ) and other Central Services.
As your degree subject is not available in the listed subjects, you can follow the other engineering and computer faculties. Last date of receipt of the applications always mentioned in the notification issued by the UPSC. It is expected to be issued very soon. The notification is normally published in the Employment News (detailed) and other leading newspapers.

I have long-sight problem. Am I eligible for IPS. If I am not can I take laser treatment for eyes.
No. You have to get the treatment first. Nowadays the laser treatment is available in the leading hospitals. First go through it , it will be helpful for you in the future also. But you have to consult the doctor properly in this regard. Some other services have this vision requirement.
Is there any physical requirement for IPS because I suffer from short-sightedness eye defect?
Those with colour blindness are not allowed. Long sight - 6/6 is the best and 6/12 worst. And 6/9 and 6/9 is also allowed. For Short Distance better eye J.I and worst eye is J II. For more details you can consult an ophthalmologist

Please tell me that how many seats are there in IAS and IPS respectively.
The number of vacancies of IAS and IPS varies from year to year. In the year 2004 Mains exam, there were about 89 IAS and 102 IPS seats.
It depends upon the requirements submitted by the various State Governments to the Department of Personal and Training, Government of India and also requirement by the Central Government itself.

I had done my graduation last year but my result was not good in two subjects I have to give papers again. Am I eligible for this examination?
You have to complete degree because you have to give your degree certificate during the main exam

A person belonging to SC (female) is appearing for CSE. She will mention "SC" in the prelim exam application form. By that Mains exam if that person gets married to an OBC person, then what to mention in the Main exam application form? In prelims application form it will be SC and in the Mains exam application form should that person mention SC or OBC? How to handle these types of conflicts.
If he/she is a SC candidate the category remains the same In this case she can retain the SC category and may shift to the OBC category. The shifting of category is allowed only in the case of girl. If it is a male candidate, he can not change his category. We feel above is correct even then you may get some expert opinion on this issue one more thing is that once a person gets nod for SC category in the prelims he/she remains SC through out the exam because the category reservation is carried forward.

Can a student who has done his graduation in correspondence from a recognized university take CSE?
Yes. They can take Civil services. As per UPSC's eligibility criteria one should have a degree, which should be recognized by the UGC. There is no discrimination in the Civil services between regular and correspondence course.

I have done my BE and am presently with the Navy. Other than the SC/SC/OBC age relaxations, are there any specific age relaxations for defence personnel as well? Or is it 30yrs only?
Defence Services Personels get 5 Year relaxation in all categories as ex-service person. If you read the model notification you will get an idea.

Are there any quotas for the defence personnel appearing for the UPSC exams?
There is no quota for defence persons in UPSC exams. But they are given relaxation in the ex-service man category in maximum age limit.

I m doing B.TECH 2nd year. I m handicapped having polio in right leg. Can I give IAS test?
Yes. You can go for civil services exam. Normally, Students with little handicap used to get IAS. Some years there is some reservation also for handicap students. For Example, in 2006 there are few seats (IAS) reserved for handicaped students. The Reservation also given in rotation basis from one service to another. Normally Physically Challenged persons are not allowed in few technical services like IPS , IRTS. For other services, you are very much eligible. If you read the model notification you will get an answer for your question.

I am studying B. Tech final year in ECE branch, my exams will be in April, am I eligible to write the exam
You are eligible if you fulfilled the age criteria. But you have to submit your degree certificate/ provisional certificate before the main examination if you clear preliminary. The photocopy of a certificate has to attach with the main application. It is in the month of August. So, you have to get your provisional/ course completion certificate before main application.

I am doing BBA final year through correspondence, am I eligible to write the .
Yes. You are very much eligible. You have to have a degree before the exams.

Am I eligible for certain relaxation in the upper age limit as my father is a central govt. employee
No. There is no such relaxation available in the government.

I was born in Tamil Nadu now I am in Gujarat, Where can I apply
You can apply from anywhere. In the main application, you have to mention about your preference for the cadre allotment in case of All India Services like IAS and IPS

Can we write any of civil services exam after intermediate?
`No. You have to have a Graduate degree, you can not go for Civil services directly before completing your degree.

I am poor in General knowledge/ General studies.
The General knowledge/ General studies is nothing but whatever one had studied in the schooling. The questions are in applied nature some years back the questions were more direct and factual. The Competitive world driven this model to be more of an application oriented.
So, you have to read NCERT books to improve your basic knowledge one should understand the basic concept of then only you can answer the, applied nature questions. Economiccs related questions may be difficult to you. If you go through the NCERT books, it will be help.

What goes on after the interview is over? How are the services and cadres allotted?. Can anybody get into his service and cadre of his choice according to rank? Or the cadre is allotted randomly.
After the Interview is over. The board discuses your performance and award marks. This mark is added with your written marks. Then final ranking is given based on the total marks taken by students.
The services are allocated/ allotted based on the final ranking and the preferences given by the students during main examination.
For example, if a person gives his top preference as IPS in the main application he/ she will be allotted IPS even he/ she tops in the final ranking. So one has to be very careful in filling up the main application.
Cadre allotment is applicable only in the case of IAS and IPS. Cadre is allotted based on the rank and availability of seats/ vacancies in a particular state. Number of vacancies and reservation also included in the allotment.
One has to fill his/ her Cadre choice also in the main application. So student's preference is also taken into consideration for cadre allotment.
There are occasions successful student with top rank also doesn't get his home cadre/ cadre of his/ her choice because of "No vacancy" Position.
So there are many factors involved in getting the Cadre of one's choice.

Can anyone choose different languages for mains & interview as for example mains in English & interview in Hindi?
No. one can take Hindi/ Indian languages as a medium for mains and appear in Interview in English/ the language written in mains. But a person can write main paper in English and cannot appear in interview in Indian language. He should appear in the interview in English only.

Is it possible to appear for Public Administration with Hindi medium along with Electrical Engineering in mains exam which is only in English.
No. All the papers should be written in the same Language only.

For the written exam can I give first optional subject i.e. civil engg in English and second optional subject i.e. History in Marathi ?
No. You can write in one medium only if you are selecting any Indian language as a medium. You have to write all the papers that is General Studies, Essay and the optionals in the same language. But you have choice at the interview stage. You can give it in English, or in the language, you have written the main exam. The same is not applicable to the students, who write their exam in English medium. In the interview board they have to answer in English only.

I am a Maths graduate. I want to appear in CSE can I write the exam in my mother tongue (Tamil).
Yes - at the Mains stage only. But the questions will be in English and Hindi only. You have to translate the Question and answer. Candidates can write the main exam in any Indian language as specified in the VIII schedule of the Constitution. The preliminary questions are multiple choice. If you have any more specific questions to ask, you are most welcome.

The eligibility criterion and duration for the IFS exams.
There is no separate exam for IFS ( Indian Foreign Service). It is through common civil services exam only, conducted by the UPSC every year go through the scheme, model notification in our Book. It will clear all your doubts.

I want to write CSE main examination in Telugu.
There is no problem in writing in Telugu medium. But the questions will be in English or Hindi only. You have to translate the question and answer the question. Normally 15% of students appear in Telugu medium among Telugu knowing students. As you have not mentioned about your optional, we are not in a position to give more detail in this regard.

What is the height requirement for IPS?
165cm

What is the age limit for Civils to write the exam?
General 30
OBC-- 33
SC/ST 35
The cut-off date for calculating the age is August 1 on the year of exams.

Can the candidates who have undergone LASER surgery for the removal of spectacles appear for civil services exam?
Yes.

I am an M.tech graduate born on 1st February'1980. Will I be eligible for May 2010 exam. Could you please explain the Age calculation procedure.
NO. You might have completed 30 years on 31st January 2010 itself. One should be less than 30 years and more than 21 years as on 1st August of the year of exam. i.e. the year of exam (attempt) you have asked is 2010, that time you would have completed 30 years and 6 months also. So 1st of August of the year of exam is the cut off date.

My date of birth is 27-11-1988 and I am doing 2nd year B.Tech from IITK. Now I do not know when I can give exam? I mean in which year
You can write in the 2010 attempt only though you will be completing 21 years in the month of Nov.26, 2009, you will be eligible to write the exam in the next attempt ie.2010

I am working in abroad (UAE), when exam time should I come in India or can I write here in Indian embassy or any examination centre?
You can only apply from abroad. For the Exams, you have to come to India.

I am an NRI wanting to write the IAS exam. Is it possible for me to compete or is it necessary to stay in India for a particular period of time to be eligible to write the exam?
If you are an Indian National ( Read the eligibility conditions given in the notification), you can very well write the Exam. You can apply from the country wherever you reside. For the Examination, you have to come to India.

Is there any bribe required for CSE interview?
There are myths about civil services It is purely on the merit.
The civil services main examination contains 2300 marks. Out by which 2000 marks are awarded in the written paper without seeing the student's face. The last phase of 300 marks is only at the interview stage.
The board members are senior civil servants, professors, academicians and other experts from different field. The board contains five members headed by a chairman, who is the member of UPSC. The members / experts sit on the panel will test the persons Caliber, mentality, Suitability to the job. etc., the total personality of a person is tested by these experts by asking questions.
The candidates ability to handle the questions, analytical capacity, decision making ability in a given situation, leadership quality.etc., are tested.
So there is no doubt about the integrity of the board members.

My B.E 8th semester result will be declared in September last week. By that time IAS main's forms will have been filled up. Should I present any provisional document in place of marksheet while filling the main's form. I don't want to waste my first attempt due to this technical problem.
If you clear preliminary you have to submit the records / certificates with mains application without final results declaration out, it will be difficult for you to submit course completion or provisional certificate so you have to forego this year attempt.

Does a student of Delhi have any advantage over others . I have been told that discriminatory policies are followed.
You can prepare for the exam from any where in India. There is no such discrimination in Civil Services exam.
Students of Delhi have an advantage of attending coaching classes. Most of the good coaching institutes are in Delhi only. A student, who joins for coaching has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantage
Get to know more students in the same competition
Can measure the ability in the tests
Comparison possible
Healthy competition among aspirants
Practice makes perfection

Disadvantage
Very costly affair for a poor student
All the students may follow similar style of a teacher
Originality may loose
How to make up
One can go through the coaching classes but should use his / her own way of presentation.
One more thing you should know is that out of total 2300 marks in the civil services, 2000 marks are evaluated without seeing any student's face

How does going to Delhi improves the chances of success in UPSC examination? And would prepare for prelims from my hometown hamper or downgrade my chances?
Preparing for civil services from home town will not hamper your success. There are number of Civil Servants who cleared civil services without even going to any coaching Institute. It depends on individual's capacity. One should get proper guidance and Standard books for the preparation. Coaching Institutes can only give some guidance like showing the way, it is the preparation by the candidate, which makes the difference. The Civil Services Exam is like running race. If you are preparing from your home town, you may not get to know about the real competition. The Coaching Institutes give little opportunity to know the competitive world. Coming to Delhi is also not a easy thing, because the expenditure per year will be around 75,000 - 1,00,000 rupees. How many Indian students can afford this cost? If you prepare from your hometown, only the book cost one has to bear. Real problem is getting good and standard books, which are available in Delhi. If a person can procure standard books, he/she can very well prepare from home. Here one can not evaluate himself/herself because there won't be any standard test one can conduct at home.

I am a first year MBBS student and I want to ask you that am I eligible for the IFS exam after completing my graduation in this field.
Yes.

Can we appear in CSE after marriage?
Yes.

Does smartness (physical appearance) matter in CSE? Do interview members count this?
It is not so. In reality, out of 2300 marks, 2000 mark is evaluated with out seeing anybody's face. The examination papers are evaluated by different professors/Lecturers. The Interview is only for 300 marks. The question asked is also to test a person's personality not beauty/smartness. This is to test individual's ability to answer a question, ability to handle a situation, decision making ability and more
Physical appearance is something hereditary and it is also influenced by race, climate and other socio economic factors The UPSC members are well learned/qualified persons with a greater degree of integrity and neutrality.
So, one's success is not decided by the Physical appearance. It is the personality, which we have mentioned above. So, face the exam with confidence and do hard work and extra hard work. That will bring success to you.

Do grammatical mistakes count in CSE?
If it is optional and scientific subject, there is no problem. If you are opting for some arts and social subject, grammar mistake may give wrong meaning The meaning should not change when you present your answer.
Small mistakes will not be taken in to account. You should not make any mistake in the English paper. In the optional papers, Grammar is not taken that serious. Still mistakes should be avoided at this level of competition.

What is the age relaxation for central government servant. I am working with Defence Electronics Research Laboratory as Admin Assistant. Can I avail age relaxation?
There is no age relaxation for civil post holders in the Defence. It is there only for the defence personnel. So , you will not get any relaxation.

I am presently in Central Government service and also under bond obligation? Will there be any problem from UPSC due to this? Will they ask for an NoC?
To write civil services, there is no need have NoC from government. You have to inform that "You will be appearing for the civil services examination 2006 " to the head of the department. There is no age relaxation for Central Government servants in UPSC.

What is the average age of selected candidates?
This vary from year to year. As per the latest UPSC report, 32% students cleared IAS before 24 year old. UPSC classification is 21 - 24, 24-26, 26-28 and 28 above. Maximum number of candidates cleared in age of 24 - 26.
The percentage of age group passed civil services also vary with community. The General candidate has lower age average. Maximum percentage cleared in General category is in 24 - 26 years. The OBC category is 26 - 28 years. SC / ST candidates is again 24 - 26 years.

Does a "PG Diploma in Management" from an institute(Symbiosis) approved by DEC (Distance Education Council) meet the eligibility criteria for appearing at the UPSC - CSE.
I have pursued this course after Diploma in Engineering from SBTET AP and about 7 years experience with reputed firms in Electrical Engineering industry.
What you had studied earlier also diploma & again you are going for PG diploma. It is again a diploma. It should be clarified with the Institute authorities. Normally Diploma students go for AMIE, that is considered as a degree.

I have done diploma in Mechanical Engg. and I am very much interested in appearing for IAS exams. As per the eligibility norms, I should have graduate degree to take up IAS exams and should be within 30 years. But, I don't have any graduate degree and now I am 28 years old (1977 born). Presently, I am working and I can resign my job to take up this exams. Please guide me through to achieve this dream.
As per the laid down rules, one should have a UGC recognized degree. Diploma is not considered as a degree. You can do AMIE, which is equivalent to Degree. If you can do some degree in one sitting/one year, do it. Don't quit the job, the Civil Services Exam is highly unpredictable one.

I live in Canada and wish to come back to India to give the exam, is it possible for people like me to score well in the prelims as I am not at well informed about the Indian current affairs etc.
Yes. You can very well write civil services. First go through the syllabus of different subjects. Select the optionals which are interesting to you.
You can develop current Affairs by reading the Hindu newspaper online.
After selecting the optional, you can get the books from India and read it there. There are magazines, which are specialized in civil services Exam that can be subscribed from India.
So, if you have the will power, you can achieve any feet. Distance doesn't matter.

Is there any maximum percentage of marks in degree level to be eligible for the exam?
You have to have a degree only. Eligibility is UGC recognized degree. Degree marks doesn't have any significance in the civil services. But if you have good marks, it will be fine.
What should be one's target (out of 2300) in CSE Mains examination in order to get the cadre of IAS.
The cut off marks vary from year to year. There are many factors involved in the increase or decrease of cut off marks. If you read our column "SECRET OF SUCCESS" you will get an idea.
The civil services exam is like a race. The time of the same runner differs from one race to another. The civil services marks/ score are also like that.
Even then we can give some cut off ie 1300/ 2300 - based on our experience.

I have done my BA in Economics. Even after working hard, I got 41%, but I still need to and want to succeed in CSE.
Always remember - failures are the stepping stones to success. You can write Civil services and succeed also. We have lots of examples like you. Don't worry about your past. Now think of future and work for success. People who have been failures have been successful in later stages.
Civil services needs hard work, intelligent study, patience and few other qualities. If you are determined to face it, nobody can stop you from succeeding. So go ahead with your preparation.
Regarding Optionals, Public Administration is fine. But you have to rethink about Economics as the first optional. First go through the detailed syllabus and previous years' question papers. That will give an evaluation about where do you stand? Accordingly you can go about preparing for the CSE. If you have more doubts, you are most welcome to clarify them.

Whether it is imperative to revise every week, or for that matter everyday, or one should safely study the whole course before revising what has been studied. My optional is Geography.
It depends from individual to individual. Every person has his/her talents in memorizing things. This can be decided only by the concerned person, as he/she is the right person to evaluate his/her ability.
Once you have prepared your subject, you may review it mentally on a daily basis. Whatever one studied in a day can be revised in 5 - 10 minutes. Based on this study, you can decide how often you have to revise to retain the subject in your memoryc.

Interview with Vinod Seshan (CSE - 2007 All India 3rd Rank )

2010-03-07T17:40:00.000+05:30

DOB: 18th May 1983

Native: Villupuram, Taminadu. Currently at Chennai

Father: Seshan.T.V, Divisional Manager, Ashok Leyland

Mother: S.Lakshmi, Housewife.

Brother: S.Vivek, Engineer, Wipro

Education: Schooling: Airforce School, Bangalore

PUC: Seshadripuram College Bangalore
B.E. in Electronics (2004 passout) from Siddaganga Institutue of Technology, Tumkur

Work Experience: Software Engineer by profession. 4 years experience. Currently working with HCL Technologies at Chennai Part time freelancer with a few websites. Write articles part time

Hobbies: Writing and Trekking
Have attached a photograph

2. Your interest in CSE:
Purely accidental. Had no ambitions of coming to Civil Services. Just wanted to give it a shot because I was interested in rural development affairs.

3. Subject Selection
I choose public administration and geography.
Choose them after discussions with friends. Both are scoring options

4. Coaching if any
I joined Prabha IAS Academy (www.prabhaiasips.com) at Chennai. Shifted to Chennai from Bangalore as family shifted some years before me.

5. Preparation Strategy
No thought-provoking strategy at all. Just gave 100% possible effort. Had to manage proper time management as I was working. That is a difficult point I had to work on.

6. Book List :: Read the following books for Public Administration.

Rajni Goyal : Indian Administration
D. D. Basu: An Introduction to the Constitution of India
Mohit Bhattacharya: New Horizons of Public Administration
Stephen P. Robbins : Organizational Behavior (5-6 chapters)
Lakshmikanth
Prasad and Prasad - Administrative thinkers
Rumki Basu: Public Administration, concept and theory
Ferrel Heady : Public Administration-A Comparative Perspective (First 2-3 chapters reference)
Nicholas Henry : Public Administration and Public Affairs (some 3-4 chapters)
and the following for geography
Certificate Physical and Human Geography - Goh Cheng Leong
NCERT books
Physical Geography by Savindra Singh
Geography through maps
Physical Geography by Strahler & Strahler (Reference book)
Climatology by D.S.Lal
Hindu's Survey on Indian Industry
Atlas

6. Examination Experience

Experience is worth documenting. One of those exams that require a high level of tolerance as it is a long process. Since it is a three step process, it is very challenging and requires persistent efforts. I reckon, I did that.

7. Interview Experience.

Interview is a scoring step and decides the rank to great extent.
I had never attended interviews with more than 3 members in the panel in private companies.
For UPSC I had a 5-member board and I was asked questions on Software management to wildlife to Economics.
I was throughly superfast-30 minute experience. Went at rocket-speed.
Close to 50 questions were asked and I could answer about 43-44 of them.

8. Tips to share:

Just give 100% effort. Civil Service exams are easy though they are very competitive. Read a lot and build a knowledge base. It shall help a lot. Have Plan-B for life and don't waste your youth taking n-number of attempts. Of course financial stability plays an important role while taking successive attempts.
Hope I have answered most questions. Please do get back for any details needed.
Wishes to the www.threeauthors.com team