UPSC

The essential ingredient of succeeding on

an exam is the knowledge of the contents
and structure of the exam and the
process. The UPSC (Union Public Service
Commission) of India conducts the IAS
exam. The three-step process is:
Preliminary Exam (Prelims), Main Exam
(Mains), and Interview.

 The Prelims are composed of two tests of two

hours each. The General Studies (GS) test contains
150 objective, multiple-choice questions. It
primarily covers six topics: the constitution of
India, history, geography, economics, science, and
current affairs. The second test is on a subject
chosen, from among the 23 subjects, by the
candidate. This objective, multiple-choice test
contains 120 questions. The GS and second test are
worth 150 and 300 points, respectively.

 The Prelims are used as a screening

mechanism for reaching the next phase
of the Mains. Approximately 200,000
candidates appear for the Prelims and
less than 20,000 qualify for the Mains.
The number of candidates for the
Prelims is about 10 times larger than
the number of vacancies available.
Obviously, getting an IAS job in India is
extremely competitive and thus highly
regarded.

 The Mains consists of 9 tests. The first

two are language tests: first is the English
Test and the second is the Language Test
in any one of the languages included in the
Eighth Schedule of the Indian
constitution. Each test is worth 300
points. These tests are at the high school
level. The candidates are expected to only
qualify; the score from these tests is not
included in the aggregate.

 The Language Test is not required

for candidates from the North-East.
The third test is an Essay Test,
worth 200 points. The candidate can
write the essay in English or in any
other language included in the Eighth
Schedule of the constitution.

 The next two tests, each worth 300

points, are on General Studies. The
syllabus for each test is different.
These tests aim to judge your
awareness and well as your
understanding and analysis of
contemporary events. The remaining
four tests, each worth 300 points, are
on two of the optional subjects chosen
by the candidate. The subject matter is
consistent with the college level
education.

Interview
The interview, worth 300 points, is
the last stage of the selection
process. Nearly twice as many
candidates are invited for Interview
as the number of vacancies.

 As you can see, the process consists of

mandatory and optional subject matter.
For optional subjects, you should choose
those subjects in which you have the
most knowledge and greatest interest.
Obviously, you need to master the
constitution, history, geography,
economic, science, and current affairs.

 Another critical dimension is the

thought process, analytical skills,
ability to articulate thoughts
coherently and strong writing skills,
both in English and in the language of
your choice.

 . Given a particular emphasis on the

general knowledge, you must become an
avid reader of newspapers and magazine
that deal with Indian and international
affairs, political, economic and business
issues, and other current events

 Remembering the facts is necessary but

not sufficient. You must develop a good
understanding of the facts and their
implications in the larger context of
India and the world. You should start
preparing now. Of course there is the
subject matter at the college level for
which you do not have knowledge. But
there are plenty of other subjects for
which you can start preparing now.

 You should buy guide-books on the

IAS exams to practice and prepare.
May services are also available that
offer interactive online preparation
service. Approximately one year
before taking the test, you can
consider taking coaching classes. Your
strategy for success must include:
early, continuous, and serious
preparation, starting right now