General Science.
Current events of national and international importance
History of India and Indian National Movement
Indian and World Geography
Indian Polity and Economy
General Mental Ability
Questions on General Science will cover general appreciation and understanding
of science including matters of everyday observation and experience, as may be
expected of a well educated person who has not made a special study of any
particular scientific discipline. In current events, knowledge of significant
national and international events will be tested. In History of India, emphasis
will be on broad general understanding of the subject in its social, economic
and political aspects. Questions on the Indian National Movement will relate to
the nature and character of the nineteenth century resurgence, growth of
nationalism and attainment of Independence. In Geography, emphasis will be on
Geography of India. Questions on the Geography of India will relate to physical,
social and economic Geography of the country, including the main features of
Indian agricultural and natural resources. Questions on Indian Polity and
Economy will test knowledge of the country’s political system and Constitution
of India, Panchayati Raj, Social Systems and economic developments in India. On
general mental ability, the candidates will be tested on reasoning and
analytical abilities.
The Question Papers (Test Booklets) are set in English & Hindi. The course content of the syllabi is of degree level.
Duration of each paper is 2 hours. Blind candidates are allowed an extra time of 20 minutes for each paper.
There is no negative marking and the score in the Prelims does not affect the
ranking in the final merit list.
Cut Off Marks for Prelims Exam
Optional subject |
Minimum number of questions need
to be correct for optional subject |
Minimum number of questions need
to be correct for General Studies |
Geography |
84-95 |
90+ |
Indian History |
95-98 |
95 |
Mathematics |
68 |
95 |
Political Science |
90+ |
95+ |
Public Administration |
84-98 |
90 |
Statistical Data of Preliminary
Year of Exam |
No of Candidates |
Applied |
Appeared |
1997 |
2,65,761 |
1,30,198 |
1998 |
2,71,517 |
1,22,363 |
1999 |
3,09,501 |
1,35,086 |
2000 |
2,25,555 |
1,19,398 |
2001 |
2,56,673 |
1,38,240 |
2002 |
3,01,585 |
1,57,486 |
II: Main Examination
The Main Exam consists of a written exam and an interview test. The
written exam has 9 papers of conventional essay type. Marks obtained in the Main
Exam will determine whether a candidate is called for the interview. Marks
obtained in the Main Exam plus interview determines the final ranking.
Candidates are allotted various services keeping in view their ranks in the
examination and preferences expressed by them. The written examination consists
of the following papers:
Paper-I |
One of the Indian Languages
to be selected by the candidate from the 18 languages included in
the VIIIth Schedule to the Constitution (Qualifying Paper) |
300 Marks |
Paper-II |
English (Qualifying Paper) |
300 Marks |
Paper-III |
Essay |
200 Marks |
Papers IV & V |
General Studies (300 Marks for each paper) |
600 Marks |
Papers VI, VII, VIII &
IX |
Any two subjects (each
having 2 papers) to be selected from the prescribed optional
subjects (300 marks for each paper) |
1200 Marks |
Total Marks for Written
Examination |
2000 Marks |
Interview Test |
300 Marks |
Grand Total |
2300
Marks |
Note (i) The papers on Indian Languages and English 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) The papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subjects of only such
candidates will be evaluated as attain such minimum standard as may be fixed by
the Commission in their discretion for the qualifying papers on Indian Language
and English.
(iii) The paper-I on Indian Languages will not, however, be compulsory for
candidates hailing from the North-Eastern States of Arunachanl Pradesh, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland and also for candidates hailing from the State
of Sikkim.
(iv) For the Language papers, the script to be used by the candidates will be as
under
(v) Candidates who have opted for an Indian Language as language medium for the
Main Examination have an option of being interviewed either in English or in the
same language which they have opted for the Main Examination.
List of optional subjects (Literature): Arabic, Assamese, Bengali, Chinese,
English, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Marathi,
Malayalam, Manipuri, Nepali, Oriya, Pali, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit,
Sindhi, Tamil, Telegu, Urdu.
Optional subjects for Main Examination (any two): Agriculture, Animal Husbandry
and Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce and
Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, History,
Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering,20Medical Science,
Philosophy, Physics, Political Science and International Relations, Psychology,
Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology.
The following combinations not allowed are:
Political Science & International Relations and Public Administration
Commerce and Management Anthropology and Sociology Mathematics and Statistics
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry &Veterinary Science Management and Public Administration
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science and Medical Science
Any two branches of engineering.
The question papers for the examination will be of conventional (essay) type. Each paper will be of three hours duration. Blind candidates will, however be
allowed an extra time of thirty minutes at each paper.
Sequence of papers
General Studies Essay, followed by English Language Indian Language (1, 2 and 3 are on three consecutive days)
History Mathematics/Statistics Sociology/Anthropology
Geography Civil Engg./Electrical Engg./Mechanical Engg./Medical Science
Political Science and International Relations/Public Administration
Literature (literature in all languages) Physics Commerce and Accountancy/Management
Zoology Economics Botany Law Philosophy Agriculture/Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
Psychology Chemistry Geology
General Studies
Paper-I (a) History of Modern India and Indian Culture
The History of Modern India will cover history of the Country from about the
middle of nineteenth century and would also include questions on important
personalities who shaped the Freedom Movement and Social reforms. The part
relating to Indian Culture will cover all aspects of Indian Culture from the
ancient to modern times.
(b) Geography of India In this part, questions will be on the physical, economic and social geography
of India.
(c) Indian Polity This part will include questions on the Constitution of India, Political system
and related matters.
(d) Current National issues and topics of social relevance This part is intended to test the Candidate's awareness of current national
issues and topics of social relevance in the present-day India, such as the
following.
Demography & Human Resource & related issues. Behavioral & Social issues &
Social Welfare problems, such as child labour, gender equality, adult literacy,
rehabilitation of the handicapped and other deprived segments of the society,
drug abuse, public health etc.
Law enforcement issues, human rights, corruption in public life, communal
harmony etc.
Internal Security and related issues.
Environmental issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources
and national heritage.
The role of national institutions, their relevance and need for change.
Paper-II
(a) India and the World This part is intended to test candidate's awareness of India's relationship with
the world in various spheres, such as the following:- Foreign Affairs External Security and related matters Nuclear Policy Indians abroad
(b) Indian Economy In this part, questions will be on the planning and economic development in
India, economic & trade issues, Foreign Trade, the role and functions of I.M.F.,
World Bank, W.T.O. etc.
(c) International Affairs & Institutions This part will include questions on important events in world affairs and on
international institutions.
(d) Developments in the field of science & technology, communications and space In this part, questions will test the candidate's awareness of the developments
in the field of science & technology, communications and space and also basic
ideas of computers.
(e) Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams This part will include exercises to test the candidate's ability to draw common
sense conclusions from information presented in statistical, graphical or
diagrammatical form and to point out deficiencies, limitations or
inconsistencies therein.
Essay Candidates will be required to write an essay on a specific topic. The choice of
subjects will be given. They will be expected to keep closely to the subject of
the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely.
Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.
English The aim of the paper is to test the candidate's ability to read and understand
serious discursive prose, and to express his ideas clearly and correctly in
English/Indian language concerned.
The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows :-
(i) Comprehension of given passages. (ii) Precise Writing
(iii) Usage and Vocabulary (iv) Short Essay
Note 1 : The candidates will have to answer the English papers in English
language (except where translation is involved).
General Instructions (Preliminary as well as Main Examination): (i) Candidates must write the papers in their own hand. In no circumstances,
they will be allowed the help of a scribe to write the answers for them.
However, blind candidates will be allowed to write the examination with the help
of a scribe.
Note (1) : The eligibility conditions of a scribe, his/her conduct inside the
examination hall and the manner in which and extent to which he/she can help the
blind candidate in writing the Civil Services Examination shall be governed by
the instructions issued by the UPSC in this regard. Violation of all or any of
the said instructions shall entail the cancellation of the candidature of the
blind candidate in addition to any other action that the UPSC may take against
the scribe.
ii) The Commission have discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all the
subjects of the examination.
(iii) If a candidate’s handwriting is not easily legible, a deduction will be
made on this account from the total marks otherwise accruing to him.
(iv) Marks will not be allotted for mere superficial knowledge.
(v) Credit will be given for orderly, effective and exact expression combined
with due economy of words in all subjects of the examination.
(vi) In the question papers, wherever required, SI units will be used.
(vii) Candidates should use only international form of Indian numerals (i.e.
1,2,3,4,5,6 etc.) while answering question papers.
(viii) Candidates will be allowed the use of Scientific (Non-Programmable type)
calculators at the conventional (Essay) type examination of UPSC. Programmable
type calculators will however not be allowed and the use of such calculators
shall tantamount to resorting to unfair means by the candidates. Loaning or
interchanging of calculators in the Examination Hall is not permitted. It is also important to note that candidates are not permitted to use
calculators for answering objective type papers (Test Booklets). They should not
therefore bring the same inside the Examination Hall.
Statistical Data of Main Examination
Year Of Exam |
Vacancies |
Candidates Recommended |
SC |
ST |
OBC |
GEN |
TOTAL |
SC |
ST |
OBC |
GEN |
TOTAL |
1995 |
98 |
49 |
165 |
333 |
645 |
101 |
49 |
192 |
303 |
645 |
1996 |
125 |
57 |
174 |
383 |
739 |
138 |
59 |
212 |
330 |
739 |
1997 |
89 |
43 |
166 |
323 |
621 |
94 |
46 |
215 |
266 |
621 |
1998 |
53 |
28 |
114 |
275 |
470 |
60 |
30 |
142 |
238 |
470 |
1999 |
53 |
27 |
97 |
234 |
411 |
63 |
30 |
127 |
191 |
411 |
2000 |
54 |
29 |
100 |
244 |
427 |
58 |
34 |
128 |
207 |
427 |
2001 |
47 |
39 |
97 |
234 |
417 |
52 |
42 |
131 |
192 |
417 |
2002 |
38 |
22 |
88 |
162 |
310 |
38 |
22 |
88 |
138 |
286 |
III: Interview Test
The final stage of selection is the interview which is conducted in
April/May every year. The object of the interview is to assess the
suitability of the candidate for a career in public service. It is an assessment
of not only the intellectual qualities but also social traits and interest in
current affairs. Some of the qualities judged are: mental alertness, critical
powers of assimilation, logical exposition, balance of judgement, variety and
depth of interest, social cohesion, leadership and above all, intellectual and
moral integrity. There are cases where students clear the preliminary and the
mains but fail at the last stage. The secret is to start for preparations for
the interview along with the written test. To succeed in the interview,
candidates should take an intelligent interest not only in areas of their
subjects, but also in what is happening around them, both within and outside
their country. They should be aware of modern currents of thought and in new
discoveries which should arouse the curiosity of well educated youth. That is
why it is most important to read magazines and newspapers, watch television
programmes on current affairs and learn to organise thoughts the way the
participants do.
Develop the habit of debating and discussing issues with friends or parents.
Develop interests and hobbies so that you are able to answer convincingly
Understand the current affairs and the issues behind the events. Remember that
the interview is not a cross examination but a natural but purposeful
conversation. It is an opportunity to reveal the mental qualities of a
candidate.
The interview is not a test of specialised knowledge, as that has already been
tested in written examination. The idea is to see the social traits of a person
and his personality as suited to a career in the Civil Services. If a person
gives the impression of being a bookworm, the chances of his selection are
reduced. The candidate must exhibit an intelligent interest in events happening
around him so that he appears to be a complete personality.
Tips to improve your performance at the
UPSC Interview
-
There are generally 5 members at the board with the Chairperson seated at the
center. Enter confidently and greet the Chairperson, who will probably welcome
you, and pleasantly nod at other members. Wait till you are asked to sit. Have a
positive body language.
-
Intelligent listing is the mantra, and for this maintaining eye contact is very
important. You should not glare but all the same appear attentive and do not
glance at other members, it can be very distracting for the interviewer. However
if some other member asks you anything, look at that member and answer and turn
back to the first - this is what we do in normal attentive listening.
-
Do not fidget or throw your hands around, or shake your head. Less amount of
movement does not mean you should sit unnaturally stiff. Your posture should be
attentive and relaxed at the same time. Do not crouch/bend forward or place your
hands on the table.
-
Cut your answer short to the required patience shown by the member talking to
you. They usually like to talk more, so listen carefully and think for a few
seconds before you start answering the question. This will show that you are
organising your thoughts in mind before starting to speak.
-
Leave some room for difference in opinion. Do take a stand, but do not look
adamant or unwilling to appreciate the board's opinion.
-
Use couple of words from the question while answering any question. It shows you
have listened to the question carefully. But at the same time limit the use the
technical jargon.
-
Listen very carefully. Come to the central issue of the enquiry immediately.
Wild guessing or speculation are a complete no no. Answer questions clearly and
confidently.
-
Do not start evaluating your performance while still in the interview. Even if
you have committed mistakes in the beginning, do not think that you have already
lost the game. They are looking for warm, sensitive respectful and attentive
youngsters. They know you are good or you would not have come so far.
-
Talk humbly about your achievements and hobbies. You may have mentioned some
hobbies in the form without serious background in them, but before the interview
it would be useful to pick up some basic info on the hobby.
-
Say less to convey more. Try not getting into long winded explanations and
answer to the point.Less is more these days as per the minimalist creed. Argue
logically and generalise correctly. Do not try to read too much between the
lines.
-
Remember, while answering any question, what is easy to see is easy to miss. We
often tend to miss the obvious and go for some non-crucial aspect of the
subject.
-
Get up to leave only when the chairperson asks you to, not because you think
everyone has asked a question. Similarly, even if someone has not asked a
question and the chairperson asks you to leave then please leave. Some members
do not ask questions at all, due to various reasons like limited time.
-
Before leaving politely thank the chairperson and nod at the others politely.
Avoid saying "Have a good day sir". A "Thank you Sir/Madam" is enough.
Things To Be Avoided at the UPSC Interview
-
Avoid the expression, 'I am sorry.'
-
Avoid conversational cliches, like: 'as you know', 'that's correct', 'of
course', 'indeed', 'obviously', etc.
-
Avoid technical jargon. However, if a member continues to probe you in any
technical field, you can use technical expressions.
-
Maintain a cheerful disposition. Now and then you can appear serious; but most
of the time keep smiling or look cheerful and composed. One caution here: if the
board laughs, you should only smile. It is only when you maintain some amount of
distance that the board begins to wonder about the depth of your personality.
-
Do not give long introductions. Come straight to the heart of the matter.
-
Show human concern whenever possible in your answers.
-
You should be logically consistent and analyse things rationally while talking.
You are supposed to defend what you say, but with due respect to the views of
the board. Stop trying to defend an answer if it becomes difficult to do so
logically and fairly.
-
Do not make hasty or sweeping generalisations.
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