Print It Out

How to Crack the Civil Services Examination : Master the Syllabus and Exam Pattern

What is Civil Services Examination Conducted By UPSC ?

The Civil Services Examination Conducted By UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) is considered to be one of the most challenging and prestigious examinations in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, a constitutional body responsible for recruiting candidates for various government services and posts.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was established on October 1, 1926, by the Government of India Act, 1935. However, the roots of UPSC can be traced back to the colonial era, where the British Government in India used to conduct civil service examinations to recruit officers for the Indian Civil Service (ICS). After India gained independence, the Constitution of India provided for the establishment of an independent UPSC to conduct examinations for recruitment to various civil services of the Indian Government. Since then, UPSC has been playing a crucial role in recruiting and selecting the best candidates for the country’s civil services.

What is the UPSC Exam Pattern ?

The UPSC examination is held in three stages – Prelims, Main, and Personality Test/Interview. The Preliminary stage is a screening test that consists of two papers – General Studies and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude Test). The Main stage consists of 9 papers, including Essay, General Studies I, II, III, and IV, and Optional Papers I and II. The Personality Test/Interview is the final stage of the examination.

The UPSC examination is known for its vast syllabus and the high level of competition it entails. It covers various topics such as History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Science and Technology, Environment and Ecology, International Relations, Ethics and Integrity, and Current Affairs. The examination demands a deep understanding of these subjects, as well as excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.

Stage 1. UPSC Prelims

UPSC Prelims, also known as the Civil Services Preliminary Examination, is the first stage of the UPSC examination. It is conducted to screen candidates for the Main Examination, which is the second stage of the UPSC examination.

The UPSC Prelims comprises two papers, Paper I and Paper II, and both are conducted on the same day.

Paper I tests the candidates’ knowledge on subjects such as history, geography, economics, polity, and current affairs, whereas Paper II tests their comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical skills.

The UPSC Prelims is a multiple-choice question-based exam, and the candidates who qualify for the Prelims will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination. The UPSC Prelims is a highly competitive exam, and it requires rigorous preparation and dedication to crack.

Table For UPSC Prelims

• The questions in the IAS Exam (Prelims) are of the objective type or (MCQs) Multiple Choice Questions
• There is ‘Negative Marking’ in the UPSC Exam for each incorrect answer but only in the Prelims stage. The negative marking for incorrect answers will be 1/3rd (0.66) of the allotted marks of that question.
• The GS Paper II (CSAT) in UPSC exam is of qualifying nature and candidates should score a minimum of 33% in this paper to qualify to the next stage of the UPSC exam i.e. the Mains.
• Blind candidates are given an extra time of 20 minutes for each paper in the UPSC Exam (Prelims).
• It is mandatory for the candidates to appear in both the papers of civil services prelims exam for the evaluation.
• The marks scored by the candidates in the preliminary examination are not counted for the final score. It is only a screening test where candidates not securing the cut-off marks are eliminated.

Stage 2. UPSC Mains

The UPSC Mains is the second stage of the Civil Services Examination, which is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The UPSC Mains exam is considered one of the toughest exams in India and consists of nine papers. In this article, we will discuss the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation tips for the UPSC Mains.

Exam Pattern for UPSC Mains

The UPSC Mains is a written exam that consists of nine papers. The first two papers are language papers, which are qualifying in nature, and candidates need to score a minimum of 25% marks in each paper to qualify for the interview. The other seven papers are counted for ranking purposes.

Syllabus for UPSC Mains

The syllabus for the UPSC Mains exam is vast and covers a wide range of topics. The following is a brief overview of the syllabus for each paper:

Paper-A: Language (Qualifying)
This paper tests the candidate’s proficiency in any one of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The paper tests the candidate’s ability to understand and comprehend the language and write it accurately.

Paper-B: Language (Qualifying)
This paper tests the candidate’s proficiency in English. The paper tests the candidate’s ability to understand and comprehend the language and write it accurately.

Paper-I: Essay
The essay paper requires candidates to write an essay on a given topic. Candidates are expected to write an essay that is clear, concise, and coherent. The essay paper tests the candidate’s ability to express their thoughts in a logical and coherent manner.

Paper-II: General Studies-I
This paper covers a wide range of topics such as Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society. The paper tests the candidate’s understanding of the Indian society, culture, and its impact on the world.

Paper-III: General Studies-II
This paper covers topics such as Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations. The paper tests the candidate’s understanding of the Indian Constitution, governance, and the social and political structure of the country.

Paper-IV: General Studies-III
This paper covers topics such as Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management. The paper tests the candidate’s understanding of the various issues related to economic development, technology, and the environment.

Paper-V: General Studies-IV
This paper covers topics such as Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. The paper tests the candidate’s ability to analyze and solve ethical and moral dilemmas, and their aptitude to make decisions in a given situation.

Paper-VI and Paper-VII: Optional Subject Paper-I and II
Candidates are required to choose an optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. The optional subjects include Literature, History, Political Science, Sociology, Geography, Anthropology, Psychology, Philosophy, and Law, among others. The paper tests the candidate’s knowledge of the subject they have chosen.

Preparation Tips for UPSC Mains

Preparation for the UPSC Mains exam requires a well-structured and organized approach. Here are some tips that candidates can follow to prepare for the exam:

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Candidates should thoroughly understand the exam pattern and syllabus to create a study plan that covers all the topics.
2. Time Management: Candidates should manage their time effectively and allocate sufficient time for each paper. Candidates should ensure that they have enough time for revision and practice.
3. Practice Writing: The UPSC Mains is a written exam, and therefore, candidates should practice writing answers to develop their writing skills.
4. Read Newspapers and Magazines: Reading newspapers and magazines can help candidates stay updated on current affairs and developments in different fields.
5. Take Mock Tests: Candidates should take mock tests to get an idea of the exam pattern, time management, and also identify their strengths and weaknesses.
6. Study Material: Candidates should refer to the recommended study material and books. They should also make notes and revise them regularly.
7. Revision: Revision is an essential part of preparation. Candidates should revise their notes regularly to retain the information.

In conclusion, the UPSC Mains exam is a challenging exam that requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Candidates should understand the exam pattern and syllabus, manage their time effectively, and practice writing to prepare well for the exam. Regular revision, staying updated on current affairs, and taking mock tests can help candidates improve their performance in the exam.

The UPSC interview, also known as the Personality Test, is the final stage of the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Candidates who have qualified the UPSC Mains exam are eligible to appear for the interview. The interview is conducted by a board of experts who assess the candidate’s personality, mental alertness, social traits, and overall suitability for the civil services.

Stage :3 Interview Process

The UPSC interview is a face-to-face interaction between the candidate and the board of experts. The interview usually lasts for around 30 minutes, and the board asks questions related to the candidate’s education, work experience, hobbies, interests, and current affairs. The interview aims to assess the candidate’s mental and intellectual abilities, as well as their social skills and personality traits.

Preparation Tips

Here are some tips that candidates can follow to prepare for the UPSC interview:

1. Research: Candidates should research and gather information about the current affairs, the civil services, and their own background. They should be well-informed about their education, work experience, hobbies, interests, and achievements.
2. Practice Mock Interviews: Candidates should practice mock interviews with friends, family, or mentors. Mock interviews can help candidates get familiar with the interview process and prepare for the types of questions that may be asked.
3. Work on Communication Skills: Communication skills are essential for the interview. Candidates should work on improving their communication skills, including their language proficiency, tone, and body language.
4. Stay Confident and Positive: Confidence and a positive attitude are essential for the interview. Candidates should stay calm, composed, and confident during the interview.
5. Dress Appropriately: Candidates should dress appropriately for the interview. They should wear formal attire and avoid loud colors, accessories, and perfumes.
6. Be Honest: Candidates should be honest and truthful during the interview. They should not try to exaggerate or misrepresent their achievements or background.

Interview Assessment

The UPSC interview is a crucial stage of the selection process, and the board of experts assesses the candidate’s personality, mental alertness, social traits, and overall suitability for the civil services. The interview carries a weightage of 275 marks out of the total 2025 marks, and the final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in the interview and the UPSC Mains exam.

In conclusion, the UPSC interview is the final stage of the selection process, and candidates should prepare well to improve their chances of selection. Candidates should research, practice mock interviews, work on communication skills, stay confident and positive, and dress appropriately for the interview. The interview assesses the candidate’s personality, mental alertness, social traits, and overall suitability for the civil services, and carries a weightage of 275 marks.

UPSC Career Opportunities

The UPSC examination offers a diverse range of career opportunities in various services and posts, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and various other Group A and Group B services. The services and posts offered by the UPSC are considered to be prestigious, challenging, and rewarding, providing candidates with opportunities to serve the nation and make a significant impact on society.

Preparation Tips For UPSC

Preparing for the UPSC examination requires dedication, discipline, and hard work. Candidates need to have a thorough understanding of the syllabus, regular practice, and time management skills. They can prepare for the examination through self-study or by joining coaching institutes, depending on their preferences and requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the UPSC examination is a highly competitive and prestigious examination that offers candidates an opportunity to serve the nation in various government services and posts. It demands a deep understanding of various subjects, excellent analytical and communication skills, and dedication and hard work. If you are aspiring to become a civil servant and make a difference in society, the UPSC examination is an excellent opportunity to achieve your goals.

Pro Tip

Looking to crack the UPSC exam? The General Studies Foundation course offered by Kandela IAS Academy is your ultimate guide. This course is designed to provide a strong foundation for candidates appearing for the UPSC exam.

The General Studies Foundation course covers all the essential topics in the UPSC syllabus, including Indian Polity, Economy, Geography, History, Environment, and Current Affairs. Our experienced faculty members provide in-depth knowledge of each topic with the help of interactive lectures, study materials, and practice tests.

Our course is designed to cater to the needs of both beginners and experienced aspirants. We provide personalized attention to every student and offer doubt-clearing sessions to ensure that every student is on the right track.

At Kandela IAS Academy, we strive to provide a holistic approach to UPSC exam preparation. Apart from the General Studies Foundation course, we also offer optional subject courses, essay writing courses, and interview guidance. We also provide mentoring sessions with successful UPSC candidates to help our students gain valuable insights into the exam.

Don’t let the UPSC exam intimidate you. Join our General Studies Foundation course and take the first step towards your dream career in the civil services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UPSC Civil Services Examination (IAS)

And Also Subscribe to Kandela IAS YouTube channel for expert guidance and valuable insights on cracking the UPSC exam.

Print It Out