Are you ready to take the Civil Services Exam
Soumya Banerjee, CEO, Attano, talks about General Studies paper in Civil Services 2013 examination.
How suited are you to a life in the Civil Services? It’s a critical question, because 2013 marks a change in the pattern of the Civil Services Mains examinations, your gateway through the UPSC, which conducts the prestigious examinations to select IAS, IPS and IFS officers from across the county.
The Civil Services Mains is a complex and layered examination. It is designed to test the academic talent of the aspirant, your ability to present knowledge in a clear and coherent manner. It assesses your overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding, rather than merely the range of your information and memory.
Now, there is no mandatory English language paper in the main test. There are nine, descriptive type papers, and two qualifying papers of 300 marks each (any modern Indian language, and English, whose marks will not be counted in the main examination). The total marks for the written examination is 1750, the Interview/Personality Test for 275 marks, and a total therefore of 2025 marks.
According to the new pattern there are four General Studies paper each valued at 250 marks, attaching greater weight-age to General Studies. A breakdown of the changes in these papers follows:
General Studies Paper I
(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society)
A shift in emphasis to Indian Heritage and Culture, World History, and Post-Independence History mark the changes in this paper. World Geography too has gained prominence. A focus on society and social issues finds an extension from the earlier syllabus.
General Studies Paper II
(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations)
A glance at previous years’ papers will reveal that most of what is covered in the new syllabus was previously covered as well. How the government works and related topics are in focus, your knowledge is expected to be comprehensive and up –to-date. Pay special attention to International Relations and Social Justice issues.
General Studies Paper III
(Technology, Economic Development, Bio?diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
The new format focuses on contemporary issues and an extensive coverage of current developments in economy. This includes current and relevant knowledge of agriculture, food and related subjects. In Science & Technology, newly-added security issues touch more on the state of current affairs such as the role of media, social networking sites and issues relating to cyber security. Do not ignore the Environment, Bio-diversity and related issues, and Disaster Management.
General Studies Paper IV
(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
This paper seeks to ensure that people with the ‘right attitude’ are selected for government service, especially at the senior level. The introduction of psychological aptitude and value system tests in the examination reinforces this approach, and as stated by the UPSC: “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 utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects.”
There are, of course, a number of resources available to every aspirant in various formats; from individual coaching and centres of study to weighty textbooks and compilations of past years’ papers. Seriously consider the online, eBook alternative. The texts are interactive, up-to-date, and allow you to study on the go, irrespective of where you are. And now, you don’t even need to purchase entire textbooks, but can select from various eBooks at the chapter level!
All the best!
