QUALIFYING PAPERS ON INDIAN LANGUAGES AND ENGLISH: Syllabus

The aim of the paper is to test the candidatess ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express his ideas clearly and correctly, in English and Indian Language concerned. English: The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows: (i) Comprehension of given passages (ii) Precis Writing (iii) Usage and Vocabulary (iv) Short Essay. Indian Languages: (i) Comprehension of given passages. (ii) Precis Writing (iii) Usage and Vocabulary. (iv) Short Essay (v) Translation from English to the Indian language and vice versa. Note 1: The Papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking. Note 2 : The candidates will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the respective Indian language (except where translation is involved).

English Comprehension & English Prcis - Syllabus

As per the modifications in the exam-plan, UPSC has removed this Paper from the new format for Main Examination.
It is the Section 2 of Paper I in Civil Services (Main) Examination. It carries 100 Marks weightage. English Comprehension & English Prcis will be to test the English language Comprehension and English prcis writing skills (at 10th standard level).

Essay - Syllabus
In the new scheme of Civil Services (Main) Examination, Essay paper gain more value i.e. 250 marks thus has a little more share in the pie.

General Studies- I : Syllabus Paper II of Civil Services (Main) Examination is

General Studies-I. It has 250 Marks attached to it.
General Studies- I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues

The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. Role of women and womens organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Effects of globalization on Indian society Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism. Salient features of worlds physical geography. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).

Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

General Studies- II: Syllabus Paper III of Civil Services (Main) Examination is
General Studies-II. It has 250 Marks attached to it.
General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. Salient features of the Representation of Peoples Act. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. Issues relating to poverty and hunger. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures. Role of civil services in a democracy. India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias interests Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on Indias interests, Indian diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

General Studies- III: Syllabus

Paper IV of Civil Services (Main) Examination is General Studies-III. It has 250 Marks attached to it.

General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Government Budgeting. Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing. Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management. Land reforms in India. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Investment models. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Disaster and disaster management. Linkages between development and spread of extremism. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

General Studies- IV: Syllabus

Paper V of Civil Services (Main) Examination is General Studies-IV. It has 250 Marks attached to it.
General Studies- IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude 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. The following broad areas will be covered.

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity; Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizens Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption. Case Studies on above issues.

Tips To Tackle Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 In New Format

After a long gap there is some calm and encouraging atmosphere for Civil Services Examination aspirants as for past many years, expectations of change for pattern were keeping rumour mills running and dilemma about the proposed changes kept them quite anxious.
For analyzing the new format for Civil Services (Main) Examination you dont need a crystal ball. Use your mind to evaluate the changes and try to read the psyche of UPSC to bring in such modifications. No doubt, when changes occur there are some apprehensions that lead to pressure and stress among candidates. My goal is to make an attempt with the purpose of removing all impediments from your preparation-path and make them uncomplicated so that you can focus all your energies on the goal career in IAS. A new face of Civil Services Examination has emerged With gradual changes in Prelims (from 2011) and now, in Main Examination, the face of Civil Services Examination has changed completely. While changes in Preliminary Examination altered the quality of candidates reaching the next level (Main Examination) by introducing Aptitude based testing; and now, the modification at Main Examination level will test capabilities of the candidates with greater precision. As the clarity has emerged regarding the newly introduced format for Main Examination, now it is up to you to understand the changes thoroughly and in what way these are going to impact your preparation strategy. For the beginners as well as the candidates who have taken attempt earlier, the new format have certain aspects that require a complete new look at the preparation strategies. Now, some radical changes have come at Main Examination level Some can say that almost all components of earlier scheme have been present with only difference in with worth. So, where is need of any new strategy?

Some of you may feel so. But, the fact is that this re-jig has made it a new-ball game. Compulsory Papers: After the removal of newly-added contentious English Comprehension & English Prcis paper, two compulsory qualifying papers (Indian Language & English) are back. These are worth 300 marks each and the marks secured in these would not be considered for ranking purpose. Candidates need to care for these qualifying papers on Indian Language and English and try to cross the minimum standard set for these by Commission. Otherwise, your all effort can go in wane as the notification says, the papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject of only such candidates will be taken cogn izance of who attain such minimum standard as may be fixed by Commission at their discretion for the qualifying papers on Indian Language and English. Essay: The increase in its role in overall examination set-up indicates that UPSC has clear intentions to check the range of thoughts, expression and writing skills of the candidates. After all, the purpose of this exam is to recruit the suitable candidates for 21st century Civil Servants. The increased share of Essay Paper would require some skills as if taken lightly; it can hinder your chances of success. On other hand, a well written Essay can enhance the prospects and can play a vital role in selection and rank. General Studies in IAS 2013 new pattern: identify basic needs So, we had to go a long way to understand the value of General Studies. Yeah; it is right there in the new-format for Main Examination as the domain of General Studies get the might it deserved. Now, General Studies has become the "worthy" from the "Less worthy" and all attention seems to be shifting towards it. While framing the new syllabus, UPSC has gone a step ahead and come out with highly structured syllabus defining it in detail. A boon for the candidates as earlier, with two General Studies paper only, they had to run around to cover everything under the sun. It is not only that number of papers for General Studies has doubled or worth has been increased but, the fact is that complete balance of preparation has undergone a dramatic shift.

Some of the topics in General Studies syllabus are new; but, major portion is facets that are newly re-defined. If you talk about the addition, it would be approx one third of the complete syllabus and in that too, the major share has come in shape of Paper IV (Ethics, integrity and Aptitude). A glance over the syllabus for Paper I, II and III gives a feel that UPSC has blended two different themes traditional as well as dynamic in such a way that it would require a candidate to be well informed. General Studies Paper I (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) From History, a lot of new topics like Indian Heritage and Culture and World History have come. Post-Independence History has got significance that would make this quite challenging for the candidates. Some extension from Prelims syllabus is visible as World Geography has found place here. Geographical topics are going to be in more prominence. Inclusion of Society, social issues is just an extension of the syllabus that existed earlier. In all, this paper is bound to give confidence to lot many candidates as presence of many traditional parts would boost confidence. But, one should not just stick to conventional portion only; a lot of questions can be raised from the contemporary developments as well. General Studies Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) Indian Polity has always been an integral part of syllabus and is more dynamic in nature that truly echoes in more significance to current developments. There is nothing that could raise eyebrows; a glance at previous years papers would reveal that most of the aspects covered in new syllabus were in focus earlier as well. Role, working of the government/institutions and related topics a re in focus and syllabus duly outlines the examiners expectations that require comprehensible knowledge as well as updated information base. Very timely focus on International Relations and Social Justice Issues make it look contemporary and forward looking. General Studies Paper III (Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management) Economy has again been important constituent and now, in new format should continue to get prominence. It is more of contemporary issues and a vast coverage of current economy developments. Agriculture, food and related subjects have caught the attention and requires serious look at related news flow. This area is quite significant that would require any candidate to prepare it effectively. Science & Technology is area that requires attention and newly added security issues will touch more of current problems our country face right now. Role of media, social networking sites and issues relating to cyber security are to be taken care. You will not be able to ignore Environment, Bio-diversity and related issues and Disaster Management has come as priority addition. General Studies Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) We need to go back to understand the need of this paper as three years back when reforms in recruitment process for higher post like Civil Servants initiated, UPSC and even the Government had talked about the moral and ethical dimensions With introduction of psychological aptitude and value system tests in examination scheme, endeavour is to attract the brightest candidates who can perform the functions through the lens of integrity and ethics. It is an attempt to ensure that people with right attitude are taken in the government service, especially at the senior level post and services. A glance at the syllabus for this paper clearly reflects the present theme where we are witnessing rapid changes due to liberalization and globalization. The role of the Government is more of a facilitator than a regulator. With an aim to recruit the right person for the right job, UPSC is looking out for candidates possessing effective qualities to perform the task for carrying forward the complex and diverse agenda to meet challenges that arise in front of a Civ il Servant.

So, be ready to face some situational questions that will require overall understanding as UPSC has clearly mentioned 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. So, clearly the objective would be to assess the personal attributes like attitude, leadership, identifying and addressing problems, decision-making abilities, sense of responsibility, emotional stability, communication skills, moral skills, capacity to take professional stand and meeting dead-lines etc. Do you know what examiners expect of you? Before drawing any conclusion about the syllabus, candidates should give pay attention to the points included in the notification and should consider these while formulating preparation-strategies: The main Examination is intended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidates rather than merely the range of their information and memory. The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers (Paper II to Paper V) will be such that a welleducated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will be such as to test a candidates general awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have relevance for a career in Civil Services. The questions are likely to test the candidates basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers. Optional Subject Now, in new format, candidates have to pick only one optional subject. We will touch related aspects in details separately.

With Clarity Emerging On Changes In Civil Services (Main) Exam Pattern; Identify Your Challenges
The recent news of some modification in the new scheme for Civil Services (Main) Examination has at last cleared all doubts surrounding the minds of aspirants. Hope this will help in clearing the path and getting all related doubts out of aspirant's way.
Fresh pattern for Main Examination, over and above some modifications create the setting that is little uncertain for the candidates planning to appear in Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013. Although a lot of clarity has emerged and almost all doubts surrounding the minds of aspirants have been cleared; still, limited time for preparation, and many more such apprehension surround the mind of the candidates. But, it is time to move all fear to the side. Instead of confronting with the emerging situation, it is time of taking purposeful action with aim to achieve the goal. Take purposeful action The emerging scenario requires you to identify the challenges you are going to face in new environment. By now, you must have observed the escalating role of General studies and Essay and thinning influence of optional subjects in the new format. Some of you can think that these is no major change and almost all question papers have some resemblance with the outgoing pattern; but, dont forget that reincarnation has some smart and radic al changes that will necessitate newer strategies to counter the challenges these knit. There is nothing that can be taken lightly First, to talk about the compulsory papers; these are of qualifying nature; but, if complacency sets in, these can prove to be a bigger threat than English Comprehension and English Prcis paper that just got scrapped. You need to be careful as in past also, many candidates have paid heavy penalty for taking these lightly. Coming to Essay; the role of Essay paper has become significant and high marks scored in Essay have a major role to play in your success and rank. Now, General Studies is going to be game changer With four (4) General Studies papers having weightage of 1000 marks you have a big task in hand. In new format for Main Examination, the General Studies will prove to be the decider. The first three papers I, II and III are more or less extension of the previous General Studies syllabus with some new additions. Paper IV is fresh initiative to test candidates psychologically. There is greater clarity and less ambiguity as syllabus majorly defines topics and realm each paper has. Having a strong foundation is very essential in facing fresh challenges. Think about it seriously while preparing for all the topics domain of General Studies covers; and conceptual clarity with updated knowledge would help you in facing these effectively.

Once that is taken care off, every thing else will look easy and as you advance, you will have better understanding and a stronger grip over the topics you read. Optional Subjects have a side role to play The game-changer in erstwhile pattern Optional subject has a limited but, again a vital role to play. The existence of optional subject has given a new life to a large number of candidates who were indulged in preparation for quite some time. However, the task of choosing the optional subject is going to be tougher and the basis of choosing optional subjects will change in new environment. A shrewd strategy to pick the right optional can lend a hand in your success and honest efforts to prepare it would divulge the secret your smart choice plays. Dont be afraid, participate in examination with open mind The experts who track this examination closely and folks who are aware of examination stand ard and examiners expectation will agree with me that the big prospects awaits you as the changes always bring newer opportunities. The first stage Preliminary Examination has nothing new and most of the candidates would have been preparing for it diligently. Right now, this should be on top-of-mind as your good performance only will get you ticket to next stage Main Examination. This is an open competition and only a few among those who show the courage to appear in examination would figure in the final list of successful candidates who will accomplish their goal of life career in IAS.

Analyzing The Nature Of Changes Introduced For Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013
With the details about the changes in scheme for Main Examination, the confusion is out of air. The new pattern does not show any major surprise; it is more or less on expected lines, General Studies has got more prominence and still, optional subject is an integral part of exam-plan though the weightage has gone down a little.
The much-awaited new scheme for Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 is revealed. This issue had been top of mind and candidates were really eager to know the amendments UPSC is craving and with conflicting verdicts coming out from different quarters, candidates were facing a lot of uncertainty. As part of reforms process UPSC has introduced certain changes that are significant in nature and are bound to impact the way candidates prepare for Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013. In 2011, when changes were introduced at Preliminary Examination level, UPSC had made their intentions clear and now, with new scheme for Main Examination in place, one thing is for sure that it would be difficult for any candidate to cross the written part of examinations with relaxed/traditional approach. The emerging situation necessitates a serious endeavour It is an attempt of create a level playing field for all candidates and be it fresher or those who have taken attempt/s earlier, the changes pattern will be probing knowledge and intellect candidate possess and call for an urgent need to indulge in some serious planning. I hope that UPSC should come out with sample question as they did when changes were introduced at Preliminary Examination in 2011, to wipe out confusion among aspirants. The time has come when candidates should be serious with their study plan. The challenge is big and new scheme for Main Examination would require some serious planning. The following articles would help you in getting some insights about the changes that have come in Main Examination 2013: General Studies has got the maximum influence! Only one Optional Subject now! Will it favour candidates from any particular subjects? In new environment, which is the best optional subject?

General Studies Has Got The Maximum Influence!

With 4 papers and 1000 marks assigned to General Studies in new format of Civil Services (Main) Examination, it has the maximum weightage in total 1800 marks written examination.

With 4 papers of General Studies, the coverage has gone wider and now, candidates cannot ignore the magnitude and would have to take it seriously. Gone are the days when candidates were scoring less than 200 marks (out of 600) in General Studies and with very high scores in optional subjects were able to find place in top ranks. As such, General Studies had a vague syllabus and newly introduced first three papers (General Studies I, II and III) can be classified as extension of the previous syllabus with some odd additional topics like Disaster Management etc. The General Studies Paper-IV has some newer topics and would be exciting as UPSC has clearly hinted about leaning towards Case Studies on issues covered in the syllabus.