UPSC-IAS

The Civil services exam is conducted in three phases:

Phase 1: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective Type)

Phase 2: Civil Services (Mains) Examination (Descriptive Type)

Phase 3: Personal Interview (Personality Test)

Check the UPSC Calendar 2020 at the linked article.

Phase 1: UPSC Prelims Exam

The UPSC Civil Services Prelims Examination is composed of two components:

1) General Studies

2) Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)

• Broadly, the UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination consists of two papers of objective type, each of 200 marks (hence totaling 400 marks) and of two hours duration. To qualify for the Civil Services Mains, a candidate must attempt both the papers.
• Further, the UPSC General Studies (GS) paper consists of 100 questions, while the CSAT paper consists of 80 questions. Both papers have negative marks for wrong answers marked to the tune of 1/3rd of the total marks assigned to that question.
• To further illustrate this, each correctly answered GS question will be awarded 2 marks. So, 0.66 marks would be deducted from the total for every question that is wrongly marked.
• Similarly, in the CSAT paper, since we have 80 questions for 200 marks, correctly answered CSAT question would attract 2.5 marks each, while every wrongly marked question would attract a penalty of 0.833 for each such wrong answer, which will be deducted from the total.
• Questions that are not attempted will not attract any negative marks.

The two papers of the IAS prelims are discussed in detail below:

1 – General Studies (Generally conducted between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM)

The General Studies test is the first paper of the preliminary examination. This test is intended to test the general awareness of a candidate in a wide range of subjects that include: Indian Polity, Geography, History, Indian Economy, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, International Relations and associated UPSC current affairs.

2 – Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (Generally conducted between 2:30 PM and 04:30 PM)

• This UPSC Prelims syllabus for CSAT intends to assess the aptitude of the candidate in solving ‘Reasoning and Analytical’ questions, apart from ‘Reading Comprehension’ and the occasionally asked ‘Decision Making’ questions.
• The ‘Decision Making’ based questions are generally exempt from negative marks.
• Preliminary examination is only meant for screening a candidate for the subsequent stages of the exam.
• The marks obtained in the Prelims will not be added up while arriving at the final rank list.

UPSC Prelims Syllabus

IAS Syllabus – Urdu (Literature)

UPSC Mains Exam (1750 Marks)

• The Mains examination constitutes the 2nd phase of the Civil Services Examination. Only after successfully qualifying in the prelims exam would the candidates be allowed to write the IAS Mains.
• Mains exam tests the candidate’s academic talent in depth and his/her ability to present his/her understanding according to the requirements of the question in a time-bound manner.
• UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers, out of which two are qualifying papers of 300 marks each.
• The two qualifying papers are:
• Any Indian Language Paper
• English Language Paper

The papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject of only such candidates who attain 25% marks in both the language papers as a minimum qualifying standard in these qualifying papers, will be taken cognizance of, for evaluation.

In case a candidate does not qualify in these language papers, then the marks obtained by such candidates will not be considered or counted.

Structure of the language papers:

The types of questions asked are –

1 – Essay – 100 marks

2 – Reading comprehension – 60 marks

3 – Precis Writing – 60 marks

4 – Translation:

(A) – English to compulsory language (e.g. Hindi) – 20 marks

(B) -Compulsory language to English – 20 marks

5 – Grammar and basic language usage – 40 marks

The rest of the seven papers can be written in any of the languages mentioned under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India or in English.

Please check the detailed UPSC Mains General Studies Syllabus here.

The UPSC Mains syllabus gives a list of 48 Optional Subjects which include Literature of different languages. Candidates need to choose any one of the ‘Optional Subjects’ from the list of subjects given below:

Civil Services Exam Syllabus For IAS Mains Optional Subjects:

• Agriculture – UPSC Syllabus
• Zoology – UPSC Syllabus
• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
• IAS Syllabus – Assamese (Literature)
• Anthropology – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Bengali (Literature)
• Botany – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Bodo (Literature)
• Chemistry – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Dogri (Literature)
• Civil Engineering – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Gujarati (Literature)
• Commerce & Accountancy – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Hindi (Literature)
• Economics – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Kannada (Literature)
• Electrical Engineering – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Kashmiri (Literature)
• Geography – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Konkani (Literature)
• Geology – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Maithili (Literature)
• History – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Malayalam (Literature)
• Law – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Manipuri (Literature)
• Management – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Marathi (Literature)
• Mathematics – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Nepali (Literature)
• Mechanical Engineering – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Odia (Literature)
• Medical Science – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Punjabi (Literature)
• Philosophy – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Sanskrit (Literature)
• Physics – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Santhali (Literature)
• Political Science & International Relations – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Sindhi (Literature)
• Psychology – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Tamil (Literature)
• Public Administration – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Telugu (Literature)
• Sociology – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – English (Literature)
• Statistics – UPSC Syllabus
• IAS Syllabus – Urdu (Literature)

Candidates can check the success rate of optional subjects at the linked article.

Phase 3: IAS Interview/UPSC Personality Test (275 Marks)

• Candidates who qualify the UPSC Mains Exam will be called for the ‘Personality Test/Interview’. These candidates will be interviewed by a Board appointed by the UPSC.

• The objective of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in the civil services by a board of competent and unbiased observers.

• Interview is more of a purposive conversation intended to explore the mental qualities and analytical ability of the candidate.

• Personality/Interview test will be of 275 marks and the total marks for written examination is 1750. This sums up to a Grand Total of 2025 Marks, based on which the final merit list will be prepared.

Cracking the UPSC-IAS Exam

Tips and Tricks for Success

Cracking the UPSC-IAS Exam is a dream for many aspiring civil servants in India. However, the competition is fierce, and the exam itself is notoriously challenging. With so much at stake, it's no wonder that candidates are constantly on the lookout for tips and tricks to help them succeed. As a highly skilled assistant with experience in digital marketing and content writing, I have had the opportunity to work with many successful candidates who have cracked the UPSC-IAS exam. Through my work with them, I have gained valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in this exam. In this article, I will share some of the most effective tips and tricks that I have learned over the years. Whether you're a first-time candidate or a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you prepare for the UPSC-IAS exam and increase your chances of success. So, let's get started!

Understanding the UPSC-IAS Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The first step towards success in the UPSC-IAS exam is to understand its pattern and syllabus. The exam consists of three stages - Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. The Preliminary stage has two objective-type papers, whereas the Mains stage has nine descriptive-type papers. The Interview is the final stage of the exam and is conducted to test the candidate's personality and suitability for a career in civil services.

The syllabus for the UPSC-IAS exam is vast and covers many subjects like History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science, and Technology, among others. It is essential to have a good understanding of the syllabus to crack the exam. The syllabus is available on the UPSC website, and candidates should go through it thoroughly to understand what is expected of them.

It is also important to note that the UPSC-IAS exam is not just about knowledge but also about analytical and writing skills. Therefore, candidates should focus on improving their analytical and writing skills along with their knowledge of the subjects.

Tips for Effective UPSC-IAS Exam Preparation

The UPSC-IAS exam demands a disciplined approach to preparation. Here are some tips that will help candidates in their preparation:

Make a Timetable

Creating a timetable is a crucial step in the preparation process. It helps candidates to organize their time and ensures that they cover the entire syllabus before the exam. The timetable should be realistic and should take into account the candidate's strengths and weaknesses.

Study Material

Candidates should select the study material carefully. It is better to stick to a few standard books rather than going through multiple sources. Standard books provide a solid foundation and cover the entire syllabus.

Mock Tests

Mock tests are an essential part of the preparation process. They help candidates to assess their strengths and weaknesses and also familiarize them with the exam pattern. Candidates should take mock tests regularly and analyze their performance to improve their preparation.

Revision

Revision is crucial in the UPSC-IAS exam preparation process. Candidates should revise the entire syllabus at least twice before the exam. Revision helps in retaining the information and also helps in identifying the areas that need more attention.

Importance of Current Affairs and How to Stay Updated

Current Affair is an essential part of the UPSC-IAS exam. The exam tests the candidate's understanding of current events and their implications. Candidates should stay updated with the latest news and events from India and around the world. Here are some tips for staying updated:

Newspapers

Newspapers are the best source of current affairs. Candidates should read at least one national daily and one regional daily. The Hindu, Indian Express, and Times of India are some of the popular newspapers that candidates can refer to.

Magazines

Magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and Frontline are excellent sources of information on current affairs. They provide in-depth analysis of various issues and are a great supplement to newspapers.

Online Sources

Online sources like PIB, PRS, and IDSA are great sources of information on current affairs. Candidates can also use social media platforms like Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and events.

Time Management During the UPSC-IAS Exam

Time management is crucial in the UPSC-IAS exam. Candidates have to answer a large number of questions in a limited amount of time. Here are some tips for effective time management:

Practice

Practicing mock tests helps candidates to manage their time effectively. They should practice answering questions within the given time limit to get a feel of the actual exam.

Prioritize

Candidates should prioritize the questions based on their strengths and weaknesses. They should answer the questions that they are confident about first and then move on to the others.

Avoid Overthinking

Overthinking can lead to wastage of time. Candidates should avoid overthinking and should move on to the next question if they are unable to answer a question.

Effective Strategies for Answering UPSC-IAS Exam Questions

Answering questions in the UPSC-IAS exam requires a strategic approach. Here are some strategies that candidates can adopt:

Read the Question Carefully

Candidates should read the question carefully and understand what is being asked. They should not make assumptions or jump to conclusions.

Use Examples

Using examples helps in providing a better understanding of the answer. Candidates should try to incorporate relevant examples in their answers.

Be Concise

Candidates should be concise in their answers. They should not beat around the bush and should come to the point.

Recommended Books and Resources for UPSC-IAS Exam Preparation

Here are some books and resources that candidates can refer to for UPSC-IAS exam preparation:

History

-India's Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra

- History of Medieval India by Satish Chandra

- Ancient India by R.S. Sharma

Geography

- Certificate Physical and Human Geography by Goh Cheng Leong

- India: A Comprehensive Geography by D.R. Khullar

- Oxford School Atlas by Oxford University Press

Polity

- Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

- Our Constitution by Subhash Kashyap

- Introduction to the Constitution of India by Durga Das Basu

Economy

- Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh

- Economic Survey by Ministry of Finance, Government of India

- The Hindu Business Line

Science and Technology

- Science and Technology in India by Kalpana Rajaram

- Science Reporter by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

- Science and Technology section of The Hindu

Guidance from Successful UPSC-IAS Exam Candidates

Here are some tips from successful UPSC-IAS exam candidates:

Time Management

Effective time management is the key to success in the UPSC-IAS exam. Candidates should practice mock tests and prioritize the questions based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Consistency

Consistency is crucial in the preparation process. Candidates should study regularly and revise the entire syllabus at least twice before the exam.

Positive Attitude

A positive attitude helps in dealing with the stress and pressure of the UPSC-IAS exam. Candidates should stay motivated and be confident in their abilities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the UPSC-IAS Exam

Here are some common mistakes that candidates should avoid during the UPSC-IAS exam:

Lack of Time Management

Poor time management can lead to incomplete papers and lower scores. Candidates should practice time management and prioritize the questions based on their strengths and weaknesses.

Lack of Revision

Revision is crucial in the UPSC-IAS exam preparation process. Candidates should revise the entire syllabus at least twice before the exam.

Overthinking

Overthinking can lead to wastage of time. Candidates should avoid overthinking and should move on to the next question if they are unable to answer a question.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Cracking the UPSC-IAS exam is challenging, but with the right approach and preparation, it is not impossible. Candidates should understand the exam pattern and syllabus, stay updated with current affairs, and adopt effective strategies for answering questions. They should also practice time management, avoid common mistakes, and seek guidance from successful candidates. Finally, a positive attitude and consistency are key to success in the UPSC-IAS exam. With these tips and tricks, candidates can increase their chances of success and fulfill their dream of becoming civil servants.

Read Also: Weekend programme for UPSC- IAS