20. IAS & Allied Services Examination:
The IAS and Allied Services examination conducted by the UPSC is one of
the most challenging examinations in the country, which is popularly
known as IAS IPS, IFS, Civil Services etc. Those who finally qualify will
be appointed as District Collectors, Divisional Commissioners etc. After a
few years of service. Candidates with no technical degrees or good
academic record can also emerge as toppers with dedicated efforts.
As a whole, the Civil Service Examination (CSE) is a test of a candidate‟s
perseverance and hard work.
21. The Merit of Civil Services: In India, Civil Services have been
attracting young talents across the country, due to the unique job profile
offered. It provides professional and personal growth, diversified job
content, authority, social status, public contact, and job satisfaction.
Eventually, a person is getting a chance to serve the country‟s
betterment.
a) Eligibility Criteria:
(i) An Indian citizen.
(ii) A graduate in any discipline/faculty.
(iii) Candidate should be at least 21 years and not more than 32 years of age
on August 1, of the respective year of exam. Relaxation in age is allowed
to the candidates belonging to reserved categories i.e. SC/ST/OBCs as
per the policy of Government of India. Candidates are required to apply
through online in the website www.upsc.gov.in.
22. Preparation for the Civil Service Examination:
Aspirants have to devote themselves fully for the preparation, for at least
18 months, starting from July of the year of the exam. With dedication,
rigorous and systematic approach, both the Prelims and the Mains can
be easily cleared. A candidate should study for a minimum of 10 hours
per day from the beginning.
23. Plan of Examination:
The examination is conducted in three-stages:
a) Civil Services Prelims will be conducted during the month of June, 2018
b) Civil Services (Main) Examinations will be conducted during October,
2018, for the candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination.
c) Candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the Main
Examination are called for a Personality Test at UPSC, New Delhi. The
number of candidates called for personality tests is about twice the
number of vacancies. Besides, the Government Gazette Notification,
Employment News and almost all national dailies publish the notification
with full details rules and regulations, syllabi and format of online
application form for the preliminary examination etc. Further details can
be obtained in the website www.upsc.gov.in
24. The Preliminary Examination:
Civil Services Prelims comprises two compulsory papers of 200 marks
each. Both question papers will have objective type questions. The
papers will have negative marking for wrong answers (one third marks
are deducted for every wrong answer). The question papers will be set
both in Hindi and English. However, questions relating to English
Language will not be provided with Hindi translation. Each paper will be
of two hours‟ duration. Both papers are held on the same day. The
purpose of this examination is to shortlist the dedicated candidates and
to eliminate those candidates who take the CSE casually. Although the
marks of the Prelims do not count for the selection, it is the door to
appear in the Mains.
PART - III
25. Syllabus for
• English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level)
• Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. (Class X
level).
Note 1: Questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of
(Class X level) (1st item in the Syllabus of Paper I) will be tested through
translation.
Note 2: The questions will be of objective type in multiple choices.
Note 3: It is mandatory for the candidates to appear in both the Papers
of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for the purpose of evaluation.
Therefore, a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not
appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.
c) Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT): Since the CSAT score does not
carry forward to the main exams, preparation should be sufficient to
pass the CSAT. Here is the list of suggested books, News Papers and
magazines for UPSC Prelims.
26. Text books:
Class 9 and 10 ICSE books on environment
Class 9 NCERT Economics text book
Class 9 NCERT Science text book
Class 9 NCERT Geography (Contemporary India -I) text book
Class 9 NCERT Science text book
Class 9 NCERT Polity (Democratic Politics - I) text book
Class 9 NCERT Polity (Democratic Politics - I) text book
Class 9 NCERT Polity (Democratic Politics - I) text book
Class 10 NCERT Economics (Understanding Economic Development) text
book
Class 10 NCERT Geography (Contemporary India -II) text book
Class 10 NCERT Science text book
Class 11 NCERT Geography (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) text
book
Class 11 NCERT Geography (India: Physical Environment) text book
Class 11 NCERT Geography (Practical Work in Geography - I) text book
Class 11 NCERT Economics (Indian Economic Development) text book
Class 12 NCERT Polity (Indian Constitution at Work) text book
Class 12 NCERT History (Indian History - I) text book
Class 12 NCERT History (Indian History - II) text book
Class 12 NCERT Geography (Fundamentals of Human Geography) text
book
Class 12 NCERT Geography (India: People and Economy) text book
You may login to the link as below:
http://www.ncert.nic.in/ncerts/textbook/textbook.htm
27. Newspapers:
The Indian Express, The Hindu,
28. Magazines/Journals:
Yojana (monthly) (for free issues go to: www.yojana.gov.in), Civil Services
Chronicle/Civil Service Times/Competition Wizard (monthly), Frontline,
Kurukshetra (monthly), Pratiyogita Darpan.
29. References:
India Year Book 2018, The Economic Survey of India, India's Struggle for
Freedom by Bipin Chandra, Indian Polity by L. Laxmikanth, Indian
Economy by Ramesh Singh.
30. C.S. Main Examination:
The main examination will consist of 9 papers of conventional Essay
Type in the subjects mentioned below, out of which two papers will be of
qualifying nature. Candidates who obtain minimum qualifying
marks in the written part of the Main Examination as may be fixed by
the Commission at their discretion, shall be summoned by them for an
Interview - cum Personality Test. The number of candidates to be called
for interview will be about twice the number of vacancies to be filled. The
interview will carry 275 marks (with no minimum qualifying marks).
Marks obtained in all the compulsory paper (Paper I to Paper VII) and
marks obtained in Interview/Personality Test will be counted for ranking.
Candidates will be allotted various services keeping in view their ranks in
the Examination and the preferences expressed by them for the various
services and posts.
31. The written examination will consist of the following papers:
Qualifying Papers:
(i) Paper A: Indian Language 300 marks
(One of the Indian Languages to be selected from the Languages included
in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution).
(ii) Paper B: English Language 300 Marks
32. Merit Papers:
(i) Paper I: Essay Writing 250 Marks
(ii) Paper II: General Studies – I 250 Marks
(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and
Society).
(iii) Paper III: General Studies – II 250 Marks
(Governance, Constitution of India, Polity, Social Justice and
International relations).
(iv) Paper IV: General Studies – III 250 Marks
(Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment,
Security and Disaster Management).
(v) Paper V: General Studies – IV 250 Marks
(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude).
(vi) Paper VI: Optional Subject – Paper 1 250 Marks
10
(vii) Paper VII: Optional Subject – Paper 2 250 Marks
[Optional Subject: Any one of the subjects mentioned below in 35]
(viii) Total marks for the Written Test: 1750 Marks
(ix) Total marks for the Personality Test: 275 Marks
(x) Grand Total: 2025 Marks
NOTE:
(i) The papers on Indian Languages and English (Paper A and Paper B)
will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying
nature. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for
ranking.
(ii) Evaluation of the papers, namely, „Essay Writing‟, „General Studies‟
and Optional Subject of the candidates would be done simultaneously
along with evaluation of their qualifying papers on „Indian Languages‟
and „English‟. However, the papers on Essay Writing, General Studies
and Optional Subject of only such candidates will be taken cognizance
of those who attain such minimum qualifying marks as may be fixed by
UPSC at their discretion for the qualifying papers on „Indian Language‟
and „English Language‟.
(i) The Paper A on Indian Language will not, however, be compulsory for
candidates hailing from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim.
(iv) Marks obtained by the Candidates for the Paper I - VII only will be
counted for merit ranking.
(v) For the Language medium/literature of languages, the scripts to be used
by the candidates will be as under:
Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi Devanagari, Kannad, Kashmiri
Persian, Konkani Devanagari, Malayalam, Manipuri Bengali, Marathi
Devanagari, Nepali Devanagari, Oriya, Punjabi Gurumukhi, Sanskrit
Devanagari, Sindhi Devanagari, Arabic, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Persian,
Bodo Devanagari, Dogri Devanagari, Maithilli Devanagari, Santhali
Devanagari or Olchiki.
Note: For Santhali language, question paper will be printed in
Devanagari script; but candidates will be free to answer either in
Devanagari script or in Olchiki.
33. List of optional subjects for Main Examination:
(i) Agriculture, (ii) Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, (iii)
Anthropology, (iv) Botany, (v) Chemistry, (vi) Civil Engineering, (vii)
Commerce and Accountancy, (viii) Economics, (ix) Electrical Engineering,
(x) Geography, (xi) Geology, (xii) History, (xiii) Law, (xiv) Management, (xv)
Mathematics, (xvi) Mechanical Engineering, (xvii) Medical Science, (xviii)
Philosophy, (xix) Physics, (xx) Political Science and International
Relations, (xxi) Psychology, (xxii) Public Administration, (xxiii) Sociology,
(xxiv) Statistics, (xxv) Zoology, (xxvi) Literature of any one of the following
languages.
34. Languages:
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri,
Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi,
Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.
NOTE:
(i) The question papers for the examination will be of descriptive type.
(ii) Each paper will be of three hours duration.
(iii) Candidates will have the option to answer all the question papers, except
the qualifying language papers, Paper-A and Paper-B, in any of the
languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India or
in English.
(iv) Candidates exercising the option to write answer in any one of the above
mentioned languages may, if they so desire, provide English version
within brackets of the description of the technical terms, if any, in
addition to the version in the language opted by them. Candidates
should, however, note that for the improper use of the above rule, a
deduction will be made from the total marks otherwise accruing to them
and in extreme cases their script(s) will not be valued for being in an
unauthorized medium.
(v) The question papers will be set both in Hindi and English languages
(except the literature of language papers).
(vi) The details of the syllabi are set out below:
The candidates should start preparing first for the Main Examination, at
least 8 months before the examination. They should not wait for the
declaration of Prelims results. The candidate should never forget that the
Prelims is only a qualifying examination, whereas the Main requires
greater attention and its marks help in securing good positions if they
are finally selected. The main examination is intended to assess overall
intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates. The nature
and standards of questions in the general studies subjects (paper II to
paper V) will be such as to test candidate‟s general awareness of a variety
of subjects, likely to test his basic understanding of all relevant issues,
ability to analyze and take a view on conflicting socio economic goals,
objectives and demands and that a well-educated person can answer
them without any specialized study. The scope of the syllabus for
optional subject papers (paper VI and VII) for the examination is broadly
of the honors degree level i.e. a level higher than the bachelors‟ degree
and low than the masters‟ degree. In the case of Engineering, Medical
Science and Law, the level corresponds to the bachelors‟ degree included
in the scheme of Civil Services (Main) Examination.
35. QUALIFYING PAPERS ON INDIAN LANGUAGES AND ENGLISH:
The aim of the paper is to test the candidate‟s ability to read and
understand serious discursive prose, and to express their ideas clearly
and correctly, in English and Indian Language concerned. The pattern of
questions would be broadly as follows:
12
(i) Comprehension of given passages, (ii) Precise Writing, (iii) Usage and
Vocabulary and (iv) Short Essay.
36. Indian Languages:
(i) Comprehension of given passages. (ii) Precise Writing (iii) Usage and
Vocabulary (iv) Short Essay, (v) Translation from English to the Indian
language and vice versa.
Note 1:
The papers on Indian languages and English will be of matriculation or
equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks
obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.
Note 2:
The candidates will have to answer English and Indian languages
papers in English and the respective Indian language (except where
translation is involved).
37. PAPER - I:
Essay Writing: Candidates will be required to write an essay on a
specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given. They are expected to
keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly
fashion, and to write concisely. Weight-age will be given for effective and
exact expression.
38. PAPER - II:
General Studies - I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and
Geography of the World and Society.
• Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of art forms, Literature and
architecture from ancient to modern times.
• Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century
until the present-which includes significant events, personalities.
• The Indian Freedom Struggle will include its various stages and
important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
• History of the world will include events from 18th century such as
industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries,
colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism,
capitalism, socialism etc, their forms and effect on the society.
• Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India,
• Role of women and women‟s organization, population and associated
issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems
and their remedies.
• Effects of globalization on Indian society.
• Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
• Salient features of world‟s physical geography.
13
• Distribution of important natural resources across the world (including
South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the
location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various
parts of the world (including India).
• Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami,
Volcanic activity, cyclone etc, geographical features and their location,
changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and icecaps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
39. PAPER - III:
General Studies - II: Governance, Constitution of India, Polity,
Social Justice and International relations.
• Functions and duties of the Union and the States, issues and challenges
pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up
to local levels and challenges therein.
• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India
and/or affecting India‟s interests.
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
India‟s interests, Indian Diasporas.
• Important International institutions, agencies and forum, their structure,
mandate.
• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
• Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs,
SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional
and other stakeholders.
• Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of
business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
40. PAPER - IV:
General Studies - III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
• Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of
resources, growth, development and employment.
• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
• Government Budgeting.
• Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different
types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and
marketing of agricultural produce and related constraints, e-technology
in the aid of farmers.
14
• Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum
support prices, Public Distribution System objectives, functioning,
limitations, revamping, issues of buffer stocks and food security,
Technology missions, economics of animal rearing.
• Food processing and related industries in India - scope and significance,
location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain
management.
• Land reforms in India.
• Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and
their effects on industrial growth.
• Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
• Investment models.
• Science and Technology -developments and their applications and effect
in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology,
Indigenization of Technology and developing New Technology.
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and issues relating to Intellectual Property
Rights.
• Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental
impact assessment,
• Disaster and Disaster Management.
• Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to
internal security.
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of
media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics
of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention.
• Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of
organized crime with terrorism.
• Various security forces and agencies and their mandate.
41. PAPER - V:
General Studies - IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
This paper will include questions to test the candidates attitude and
approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his
problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him
in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach
to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.
• Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences
of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and
15
public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and
teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family,
society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
• Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with
thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and
persuasion.
• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality
and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy,
tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
• Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in
administration and governance.
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
• Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status
and problems, ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private
institutions, laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical
guidance; accountability and ethical governance, strengthening of ethical
and moral values in governance, ethical issues in international relations
and funding, corporate governance.
• Probity in Governance: Concept of public service, Philosophical basis of
governance and probity, Information sharing and transparency in
government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct,
Citizen‟s Charters, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of
public funds, challenges of corruption
• Case studies on above issues.
42. PAPER - VI & PAPER - VII:
Optional subject Papers I & II Candidate may choose any optional
subject from amongst the List of Optional Subjects given in Para 35
above.
43. Interview:
The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a
record of his/her career. He/she 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 caliber of a candidate. In broad terms, this is really an
assessment of not only his/her intellectual qualities but also social traits
and his/her interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged
are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical
exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for
social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
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. The interview
test is not intended to be a test either of the specialized or general
knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through their
16
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.
44. Number of Attempts:
(a) Every candidate appearing at the examination who is otherwise eligible,
shall be permitted six attempts at the examination. Provided that this
restriction on the number of attempts will not apply in the case of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe candidates who are otherwise
eligible.
Provided further that the number of attempts permissible to candidates
belonging to the Other Backward Classes, who are otherwise eligible,
shall be nine. The relaxation will be available to the candidates who are
eligible to avail of reservation applicable to such candidates.
Provided further that a physically handicapped will get as many attempts
as are available to other non-physically handicapped candidates of his or
her community, subject to the condition that a physically handicapped
candidate belonging to the General Category shall be eligible for nine
attempts. Necessary action make corresponding changes in respective
Rules/Regulations pertaining to various services is being taken
separately. The relaxation will be available to the physically
handicapped candidates who are eligible to avail of reservation applicable
to such candidates.
Note:
(i) An attempt at a Preliminary Examination shall be deemed to be an
attempt at the Civil Services Examination.
(ii) If a candidate actually appears in any one paper in the Preliminary
Examination, he/she shall be deemed to have made an attempt at the
examination.
(iii) Notwithstanding the disqualification/cancellation of candidature, the fact
of appearance of the candidate at the examination will count as an
attempt.
45. Methodology:
Those who appear for the Civil Services Examination have to keep in
mind that every answer should have a good beginning and a definite
conclusion. They should avoid making sweeping generalizations. All the
important points should be highlighted in their answers. Brief and
relevant answers help to fetch good marks. Answers should be presented
with flow charts, diagrams and pie charts which are bound to impress
the examiners. The last two months before the examinations should be
devoted to revision only. Students are advised to practice, solving mock
papers and cautioned against touching upon new topics. Any attempt at
expanding one‟s knowledge base in the run-up to the Mains may have a
17
negative effect. The candidates are also advised to avoid reading
unnecessary things, as what not to read is as necessary as what to read
during the limited time for preparation. By avoiding unnecessary topics,
one can save a lot of time and concentrate more on main issues. All
answers should be written in legible and easy-to-read handwriting.
46. List of IAS & Allied Services:
1. Indian Administrative Service.
2. Indian Foreign Service.
3. Indian Police Service.
4. Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service, Group „A‟.
5. Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group „A‟.
6. Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), Group „A‟.
7. Indian Defense Accounts Service, Group „A‟.
8. Indian Revenue Service (I.T.), Group „A‟.
9. Indian Ordinance Factories Service, Group „A‟ (Assistant Works Manager,
Administration).
10. Indian Postal Service, Group „A‟.
11. Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group „A‟.
12. Indian Railway Traffic Service, Group „A‟.
13. Indian Railway Accounts Service, Group 'A'.
14. Indian Railway Personnel Service, Group „A‟.
15. Post of Assistant Security Commissioner in Railway Protection Force,
Group „A‟.
16. Indian Defense Estates Service, Group „A‟.
17. Indian Information Service (Junior Grade), Group „A‟.
18. Indian Trade Service, Group 'A' (Gr. III).
19. Indian Corporate Law Service, Group „A‟.
20. Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group „B‟ (Section Officer‟s
Grade).
21. Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and
Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service, Group 'B'.
22. Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and
Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service, Group 'B'.
23. Pondicherry Civil Service, Group 'B'.
24. Pondicherry Police Service, Group 'B'.
The IAS and Allied Services examination conducted by the UPSC is one of
the most challenging examinations in the country, which is popularly
known as IAS IPS, IFS, Civil Services etc. Those who finally qualify will
be appointed as District Collectors, Divisional Commissioners etc. After a
few years of service. Candidates with no technical degrees or good
academic record can also emerge as toppers with dedicated efforts.
As a whole, the Civil Service Examination (CSE) is a test of a candidate‟s
perseverance and hard work.
21. The Merit of Civil Services: In India, Civil Services have been
attracting young talents across the country, due to the unique job profile
offered. It provides professional and personal growth, diversified job
content, authority, social status, public contact, and job satisfaction.
Eventually, a person is getting a chance to serve the country‟s
betterment.
a) Eligibility Criteria:
(i) An Indian citizen.
(ii) A graduate in any discipline/faculty.
(iii) Candidate should be at least 21 years and not more than 32 years of age
on August 1, of the respective year of exam. Relaxation in age is allowed
to the candidates belonging to reserved categories i.e. SC/ST/OBCs as
per the policy of Government of India. Candidates are required to apply
through online in the website www.upsc.gov.in.
22. Preparation for the Civil Service Examination:
Aspirants have to devote themselves fully for the preparation, for at least
18 months, starting from July of the year of the exam. With dedication,
rigorous and systematic approach, both the Prelims and the Mains can
be easily cleared. A candidate should study for a minimum of 10 hours
per day from the beginning.
23. Plan of Examination:
The examination is conducted in three-stages:
a) Civil Services Prelims will be conducted during the month of June, 2018
b) Civil Services (Main) Examinations will be conducted during October,
2018, for the candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination.
c) Candidates who obtain minimum qualifying marks in the Main
Examination are called for a Personality Test at UPSC, New Delhi. The
number of candidates called for personality tests is about twice the
number of vacancies. Besides, the Government Gazette Notification,
Employment News and almost all national dailies publish the notification
with full details rules and regulations, syllabi and format of online
application form for the preliminary examination etc. Further details can
be obtained in the website www.upsc.gov.in
24. The Preliminary Examination:
Civil Services Prelims comprises two compulsory papers of 200 marks
each. Both question papers will have objective type questions. The
papers will have negative marking for wrong answers (one third marks
are deducted for every wrong answer). The question papers will be set
both in Hindi and English. However, questions relating to English
Language will not be provided with Hindi translation. Each paper will be
of two hours‟ duration. Both papers are held on the same day. The
purpose of this examination is to shortlist the dedicated candidates and
to eliminate those candidates who take the CSE casually. Although the
marks of the Prelims do not count for the selection, it is the door to
appear in the Mains.
PART - III
25. Syllabus for
• English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level)
• Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. (Class X
level).
Note 1: Questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of
(Class X level) (1st item in the Syllabus of Paper I) will be tested through
translation.
Note 2: The questions will be of objective type in multiple choices.
Note 3: It is mandatory for the candidates to appear in both the Papers
of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination for the purpose of evaluation.
Therefore, a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not
appear in both the papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination.
c) Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT): Since the CSAT score does not
carry forward to the main exams, preparation should be sufficient to
pass the CSAT. Here is the list of suggested books, News Papers and
magazines for UPSC Prelims.
26. Text books:
Class 9 and 10 ICSE books on environment
Class 9 NCERT Economics text book
Class 9 NCERT Science text book
Class 9 NCERT Geography (Contemporary India -I) text book
Class 9 NCERT Science text book
Class 9 NCERT Polity (Democratic Politics - I) text book
Class 9 NCERT Polity (Democratic Politics - I) text book
Class 9 NCERT Polity (Democratic Politics - I) text book
Class 10 NCERT Economics (Understanding Economic Development) text
book
Class 10 NCERT Geography (Contemporary India -II) text book
Class 10 NCERT Science text book
Class 11 NCERT Geography (Fundamentals of Physical Geography) text
book
Class 11 NCERT Geography (India: Physical Environment) text book
Class 11 NCERT Geography (Practical Work in Geography - I) text book
Class 11 NCERT Economics (Indian Economic Development) text book
Class 12 NCERT Polity (Indian Constitution at Work) text book
Class 12 NCERT History (Indian History - I) text book
Class 12 NCERT History (Indian History - II) text book
Class 12 NCERT Geography (Fundamentals of Human Geography) text
book
Class 12 NCERT Geography (India: People and Economy) text book
You may login to the link as below:
http://www.ncert.nic.in/ncerts/textbook/textbook.htm
27. Newspapers:
The Indian Express, The Hindu,
28. Magazines/Journals:
Yojana (monthly) (for free issues go to: www.yojana.gov.in), Civil Services
Chronicle/Civil Service Times/Competition Wizard (monthly), Frontline,
Kurukshetra (monthly), Pratiyogita Darpan.
29. References:
India Year Book 2018, The Economic Survey of India, India's Struggle for
Freedom by Bipin Chandra, Indian Polity by L. Laxmikanth, Indian
Economy by Ramesh Singh.
30. C.S. Main Examination:
The main examination will consist of 9 papers of conventional Essay
Type in the subjects mentioned below, out of which two papers will be of
qualifying nature. Candidates who obtain minimum qualifying
marks in the written part of the Main Examination as may be fixed by
the Commission at their discretion, shall be summoned by them for an
Interview - cum Personality Test. The number of candidates to be called
for interview will be about twice the number of vacancies to be filled. The
interview will carry 275 marks (with no minimum qualifying marks).
Marks obtained in all the compulsory paper (Paper I to Paper VII) and
marks obtained in Interview/Personality Test will be counted for ranking.
Candidates will be allotted various services keeping in view their ranks in
the Examination and the preferences expressed by them for the various
services and posts.
31. The written examination will consist of the following papers:
Qualifying Papers:
(i) Paper A: Indian Language 300 marks
(One of the Indian Languages to be selected from the Languages included
in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution).
(ii) Paper B: English Language 300 Marks
32. Merit Papers:
(i) Paper I: Essay Writing 250 Marks
(ii) Paper II: General Studies – I 250 Marks
(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and
Society).
(iii) Paper III: General Studies – II 250 Marks
(Governance, Constitution of India, Polity, Social Justice and
International relations).
(iv) Paper IV: General Studies – III 250 Marks
(Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment,
Security and Disaster Management).
(v) Paper V: General Studies – IV 250 Marks
(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude).
(vi) Paper VI: Optional Subject – Paper 1 250 Marks
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(vii) Paper VII: Optional Subject – Paper 2 250 Marks
[Optional Subject: Any one of the subjects mentioned below in 35]
(viii) Total marks for the Written Test: 1750 Marks
(ix) Total marks for the Personality Test: 275 Marks
(x) Grand Total: 2025 Marks
NOTE:
(i) The papers on Indian Languages and English (Paper A and Paper B)
will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying
nature. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for
ranking.
(ii) Evaluation of the papers, namely, „Essay Writing‟, „General Studies‟
and Optional Subject of the candidates would be done simultaneously
along with evaluation of their qualifying papers on „Indian Languages‟
and „English‟. However, the papers on Essay Writing, General Studies
and Optional Subject of only such candidates will be taken cognizance
of those who attain such minimum qualifying marks as may be fixed by
UPSC at their discretion for the qualifying papers on „Indian Language‟
and „English Language‟.
(i) The Paper A on Indian Language will not, however, be compulsory for
candidates hailing from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim.
(iv) Marks obtained by the Candidates for the Paper I - VII only will be
counted for merit ranking.
(v) For the Language medium/literature of languages, the scripts to be used
by the candidates will be as under:
Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi Devanagari, Kannad, Kashmiri
Persian, Konkani Devanagari, Malayalam, Manipuri Bengali, Marathi
Devanagari, Nepali Devanagari, Oriya, Punjabi Gurumukhi, Sanskrit
Devanagari, Sindhi Devanagari, Arabic, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Persian,
Bodo Devanagari, Dogri Devanagari, Maithilli Devanagari, Santhali
Devanagari or Olchiki.
Note: For Santhali language, question paper will be printed in
Devanagari script; but candidates will be free to answer either in
Devanagari script or in Olchiki.
33. List of optional subjects for Main Examination:
(i) Agriculture, (ii) Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, (iii)
Anthropology, (iv) Botany, (v) Chemistry, (vi) Civil Engineering, (vii)
Commerce and Accountancy, (viii) Economics, (ix) Electrical Engineering,
(x) Geography, (xi) Geology, (xii) History, (xiii) Law, (xiv) Management, (xv)
Mathematics, (xvi) Mechanical Engineering, (xvii) Medical Science, (xviii)
Philosophy, (xix) Physics, (xx) Political Science and International
Relations, (xxi) Psychology, (xxii) Public Administration, (xxiii) Sociology,
(xxiv) Statistics, (xxv) Zoology, (xxvi) Literature of any one of the following
languages.
34. Languages:
Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri,
Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi,
Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.
NOTE:
(i) The question papers for the examination will be of descriptive type.
(ii) Each paper will be of three hours duration.
(iii) Candidates will have the option to answer all the question papers, except
the qualifying language papers, Paper-A and Paper-B, in any of the
languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India or
in English.
(iv) Candidates exercising the option to write answer in any one of the above
mentioned languages may, if they so desire, provide English version
within brackets of the description of the technical terms, if any, in
addition to the version in the language opted by them. Candidates
should, however, note that for the improper use of the above rule, a
deduction will be made from the total marks otherwise accruing to them
and in extreme cases their script(s) will not be valued for being in an
unauthorized medium.
(v) The question papers will be set both in Hindi and English languages
(except the literature of language papers).
(vi) The details of the syllabi are set out below:
The candidates should start preparing first for the Main Examination, at
least 8 months before the examination. They should not wait for the
declaration of Prelims results. The candidate should never forget that the
Prelims is only a qualifying examination, whereas the Main requires
greater attention and its marks help in securing good positions if they
are finally selected. The main examination is intended to assess overall
intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates. The nature
and standards of questions in the general studies subjects (paper II to
paper V) will be such as to test candidate‟s general awareness of a variety
of subjects, likely to test his basic understanding of all relevant issues,
ability to analyze and take a view on conflicting socio economic goals,
objectives and demands and that a well-educated person can answer
them without any specialized study. The scope of the syllabus for
optional subject papers (paper VI and VII) for the examination is broadly
of the honors degree level i.e. a level higher than the bachelors‟ degree
and low than the masters‟ degree. In the case of Engineering, Medical
Science and Law, the level corresponds to the bachelors‟ degree included
in the scheme of Civil Services (Main) Examination.
35. QUALIFYING PAPERS ON INDIAN LANGUAGES AND ENGLISH:
The aim of the paper is to test the candidate‟s ability to read and
understand serious discursive prose, and to express their ideas clearly
and correctly, in English and Indian Language concerned. The pattern of
questions would be broadly as follows:
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(i) Comprehension of given passages, (ii) Precise Writing, (iii) Usage and
Vocabulary and (iv) Short Essay.
36. Indian Languages:
(i) Comprehension of given passages. (ii) Precise Writing (iii) Usage and
Vocabulary (iv) Short Essay, (v) Translation from English to the Indian
language and vice versa.
Note 1:
The papers on Indian languages and English will be of matriculation or
equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks
obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.
Note 2:
The candidates will have to answer English and Indian languages
papers in English and the respective Indian language (except where
translation is involved).
37. PAPER - I:
Essay Writing: Candidates will be required to write an essay on a
specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given. They are expected to
keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly
fashion, and to write concisely. Weight-age will be given for effective and
exact expression.
38. PAPER - II:
General Studies - I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and
Geography of the World and Society.
• Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of art forms, Literature and
architecture from ancient to modern times.
• Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century
until the present-which includes significant events, personalities.
• The Indian Freedom Struggle will include its various stages and
important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
• History of the world will include events from 18th century such as
industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries,
colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism,
capitalism, socialism etc, their forms and effect on the society.
• Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India,
• Role of women and women‟s organization, population and associated
issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems
and their remedies.
• Effects of globalization on Indian society.
• Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
• Salient features of world‟s physical geography.
13
• Distribution of important natural resources across the world (including
South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the
location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various
parts of the world (including India).
• Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami,
Volcanic activity, cyclone etc, geographical features and their location,
changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and icecaps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
39. PAPER - III:
General Studies - II: Governance, Constitution of India, Polity,
Social Justice and International relations.
• Functions and duties of the Union and the States, issues and challenges
pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up
to local levels and challenges therein.
• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India
and/or affecting India‟s interests.
• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on
India‟s interests, Indian Diasporas.
• Important International institutions, agencies and forum, their structure,
mandate.
• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
• Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs,
SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional
and other stakeholders.
• Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of
business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.
40. PAPER - IV:
General Studies - III: Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
• Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of
resources, growth, development and employment.
• Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
• Government Budgeting.
• Major crops, cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different
types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and
marketing of agricultural produce and related constraints, e-technology
in the aid of farmers.
14
• Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum
support prices, Public Distribution System objectives, functioning,
limitations, revamping, issues of buffer stocks and food security,
Technology missions, economics of animal rearing.
• Food processing and related industries in India - scope and significance,
location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain
management.
• Land reforms in India.
• Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and
their effects on industrial growth.
• Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
• Investment models.
• Science and Technology -developments and their applications and effect
in everyday life. Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology,
Indigenization of Technology and developing New Technology.
• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and issues relating to Intellectual Property
Rights.
• Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental
impact assessment,
• Disaster and Disaster Management.
• Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to
internal security.
• Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of
media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics
of cyber security; money laundering and its prevention.
• Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of
organized crime with terrorism.
• Various security forces and agencies and their mandate.
41. PAPER - V:
General Studies - IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
This paper will include questions to test the candidates attitude and
approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his
problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him
in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach
to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.
• Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences
of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and
15
public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and
teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family,
society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
• Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with
thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and
persuasion.
• Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality
and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy,
tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
• Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in
administration and governance.
• Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
• Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status
and problems, ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private
institutions, laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical
guidance; accountability and ethical governance, strengthening of ethical
and moral values in governance, ethical issues in international relations
and funding, corporate governance.
• Probity in Governance: Concept of public service, Philosophical basis of
governance and probity, Information sharing and transparency in
government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct,
Citizen‟s Charters, work culture, quality of service delivery, utilization of
public funds, challenges of corruption
• Case studies on above issues.
42. PAPER - VI & PAPER - VII:
Optional subject Papers I & II Candidate may choose any optional
subject from amongst the List of Optional Subjects given in Para 35
above.
43. Interview:
The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a
record of his/her career. He/she 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 caliber of a candidate. In broad terms, this is really an
assessment of not only his/her intellectual qualities but also social traits
and his/her interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged
are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical
exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for
social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
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. The interview
test is not intended to be a test either of the specialized or general
knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through their
16
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.
44. Number of Attempts:
(a) Every candidate appearing at the examination who is otherwise eligible,
shall be permitted six attempts at the examination. Provided that this
restriction on the number of attempts will not apply in the case of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe candidates who are otherwise
eligible.
Provided further that the number of attempts permissible to candidates
belonging to the Other Backward Classes, who are otherwise eligible,
shall be nine. The relaxation will be available to the candidates who are
eligible to avail of reservation applicable to such candidates.
Provided further that a physically handicapped will get as many attempts
as are available to other non-physically handicapped candidates of his or
her community, subject to the condition that a physically handicapped
candidate belonging to the General Category shall be eligible for nine
attempts. Necessary action make corresponding changes in respective
Rules/Regulations pertaining to various services is being taken
separately. The relaxation will be available to the physically
handicapped candidates who are eligible to avail of reservation applicable
to such candidates.
Note:
(i) An attempt at a Preliminary Examination shall be deemed to be an
attempt at the Civil Services Examination.
(ii) If a candidate actually appears in any one paper in the Preliminary
Examination, he/she shall be deemed to have made an attempt at the
examination.
(iii) Notwithstanding the disqualification/cancellation of candidature, the fact
of appearance of the candidate at the examination will count as an
attempt.
45. Methodology:
Those who appear for the Civil Services Examination have to keep in
mind that every answer should have a good beginning and a definite
conclusion. They should avoid making sweeping generalizations. All the
important points should be highlighted in their answers. Brief and
relevant answers help to fetch good marks. Answers should be presented
with flow charts, diagrams and pie charts which are bound to impress
the examiners. The last two months before the examinations should be
devoted to revision only. Students are advised to practice, solving mock
papers and cautioned against touching upon new topics. Any attempt at
expanding one‟s knowledge base in the run-up to the Mains may have a
17
negative effect. The candidates are also advised to avoid reading
unnecessary things, as what not to read is as necessary as what to read
during the limited time for preparation. By avoiding unnecessary topics,
one can save a lot of time and concentrate more on main issues. All
answers should be written in legible and easy-to-read handwriting.
46. List of IAS & Allied Services:
1. Indian Administrative Service.
2. Indian Foreign Service.
3. Indian Police Service.
4. Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service, Group „A‟.
5. Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group „A‟.
6. Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), Group „A‟.
7. Indian Defense Accounts Service, Group „A‟.
8. Indian Revenue Service (I.T.), Group „A‟.
9. Indian Ordinance Factories Service, Group „A‟ (Assistant Works Manager,
Administration).
10. Indian Postal Service, Group „A‟.
11. Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group „A‟.
12. Indian Railway Traffic Service, Group „A‟.
13. Indian Railway Accounts Service, Group 'A'.
14. Indian Railway Personnel Service, Group „A‟.
15. Post of Assistant Security Commissioner in Railway Protection Force,
Group „A‟.
16. Indian Defense Estates Service, Group „A‟.
17. Indian Information Service (Junior Grade), Group „A‟.
18. Indian Trade Service, Group 'A' (Gr. III).
19. Indian Corporate Law Service, Group „A‟.
20. Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group „B‟ (Section Officer‟s
Grade).
21. Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and
Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service, Group 'B'.
22. Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and
Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service, Group 'B'.
23. Pondicherry Civil Service, Group 'B'.
24. Pondicherry Police Service, Group 'B'.
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