Overview of UPSC Exam

A BRAIN WORK INTO THE UPSC SYLLABUS

Introduction:

A strong desire to become a bureaucrat, intending to bring major policy changes is the core aspect needed to attempt and crack the UPSC exam/ the civil services exam.
A close look at the UPSC Syllabus reveals that a candidate has to cross three hurdles to achieve the dream of becoming an IAS/IPS/IFS officer.
The analytical and verbal skills as well as the societal awareness of the candidate is tested in this examination. The main features of the syllabus are dissected and discussed in an uncomplicated way in this article.

The Trio:

The three stages of the exam are:
·         UPSC PRELIMS
·         UPSC MAINS
·         UPSC Personality Test/Interview

The Prelims:

The prelims exam further has two subsections namely, General Studies (GS) and CSAT (Civil Services Aptitude test).
As suggested by the name the GS section assesses the general awareness of the candidate.
This section demands from the candidate a complete 360 degree view of the activities in the world. It covers a broad range of subjects from Polity, Geography, History, Indian Economy, Science and Technology, Environment, Ecology, International relations and even more.
The CSAT is solely intended to test the reasoning, analytical, comprehension and decision making skills of the aspirant. A strong fundamental knowledge of Math and the habit of reading widely would suffice to get through the prelims exam.

The Mains:

Once the first roadblock is cleared, the aspirant is eligible for the Mains exam, which evaluates the candidate’s depth of knowledge in academic subjects in a time bound manner.
Mains exam also encompasses language tests. The candidate has to select an Indian language paper along with English. There is a provision for an optional subject and the candidate can choose it according to his/her interests.

The Interview:

The final stage is the interview. And after clearing the UPSC exam the candidate is ready for postings which are primarily divided as,
·         Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
·         Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
·         Indian Police Service (IPS).

Furthermore, based on hierarchy, the posts are classified into Group A services and Group B services. The interview panel is appointed by the UPSC and comprises a group of qualified members.
The personality test/ the interview aims to assess the mental qualities and the emotional quotient of the candidate and aids in appointing the candidate for the appropriate post.
Clear articulation of thoughts and honesty are the key aspects required to ace this test.

Perception and Perspective:

A positive frame of mind with a clear cut short term and long term goals are vital to crack this exam.
Often people say, UPSC is the mother of all exams, meaning the toughest. This mind-set breeds discouragement and knocks the candidate out of the race.
Every year, over 4 lakh candidates appear for this exam and naturally the fear of competition creeps in and makes one bogged down, so a motivating source is essential.
Many candidates clear the exam in their very first attempt, however some candidates fail to do so. Although the failure aspect breaks the candidate’s morale, the attitude to buckle up for yet another attempt is very much needed.

Conclusion:

As discussed already the desire to bring policy changes and serve the nation is the foundation stone for an UPSC aspirant, the syllabus of the exam tests the inherent as well as developed skills of the aspirant. The journey is arduous and involves leaps and bounds in our motivation but when the task is accomplished, the pain flies away.

A sincere and genuine passion to serve in the Indian Government will help the candidates sail through the storm. Above all, perseverance and grit makes one smell the sweet of victory in this exam.

A BRAIN WORK INTO THE UPSC SYLLABUS

UPSC Study Materials​MCQs for Competitive Examinations

UPSC Study Materials
MCQs for Competitive Examinations