Latest changes in UPSC exam pattern

The Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) has amended their answering booklet pattern. According to the latest change, candidates will receive a question paper-cum-answer book, wherein one has to write answers in the prescribed area after every question. Answers written outside the prescribed area will not be evaluated.

A notification posted on UPSC website states:

“Candidates should note that instead of separate Question Paper and answer book, a consolidated Question Paper-cum-Answerbook, having space below each part/sub part of a question shall be provided to them for writing the answers. Candidates shall be required to attempt answer to the part/sub-part of a question strictly within the pre-defined space. Any attempt outside the pre-defined space shall not be evaluated.”

According to experts, this new pattern will be beneficial for candidates with technical background who prefer a point-wise write up and those with limited English language skills.

Candidates will be provided a separate copy of the question paper to carry from exam centre.

Previous Updates on Civil Services paper pattern changes

Following a nation-wide controversy, the government has scrapped the English essay paper of 100 marks and made it an optional subject. The previous practice of attempting two qualifying papers in any Indian language has been reinstated.

“A candidate will be allowed to use any one of the regional languages under Schedule 8 of the constitution or English as the medium of writing the exam,” said V Narayanasamy, Minister of State for Personnel and Training in the Lok Sabha.

Stating in an official statement, V Narayanasamy, Minister of State for Personnel, said that from now the essay paper will be of 250 marks, which can be attempted in the language of the candidate’s choice.  According to the new changes, English (100 marks) from the essay paper will also be dropped and two qualifying papers of 300 marks each in any modern Indian language and English has been restored.

Latest format

As per a recent notification issued by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the Civil Services (Main) examination will be conducted in November/December this year and applications for the same will be called in August or September.

Subsequently, there is no change in the pattern of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, which is scheduled to be conducted  on May 26, 2013. The last date for filling online application for Civil Services preliminary examination is April 4, 2013.

Get Study tips for UPSC Civil Services exam. Check out 'Related Articles' below...