UPSC CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS

COMPLETE STRATEGY NIRAV DA

H V DESAI COMPETITIVE EXAMS CENTRE

BEHIND SHANIWAR WADA NEAR SAKAL PRESS PUNE
9511635931
 UPSC Civil Service Examination
UPSC conducts the Civil Services Exams every year. The Civil Services exam
is conducted in three tiers
Prelims
Mains.
Personality Test (Interview)

Eligibility Criteria
Minimum Age: 21 years
For General category candidates, upper age limit is 32 years with a
maximum of 6 attempts.
For OBC candidates, upper age limit is 35 years with a maximum of 9
attempts.
For SC/ST candidates, upper age limit is 37 and the number of
attempts is up to the age limit.
For physically disabled candidates, upper age limit is 35, 38 and 40
for General category, OBC and SC/ST respectively with the number
of attempts being 9 for General category and OBC candidates; for
SC/ST up to age limit.
Candidates from J&K domicile, upper age limits are 37 years, 40
years, 42 years and 50 years for GC, SC/ST, OBC and physical
handicapped respectively and upper age limit is same as stated above
for specific categories.
For disabled servicemen, upper age limit 35 years, 38 years and 40
years respectively for GC, OBC, SC/ST respectively and upper age limit
is same as stated above for specific categories.

Eligibility criteria for UPSC Civil Service Examination

The candidate must hold a degree from Government recognized

Universities or possess an equivalent qualification.
Candidates who are in their final year or awaiting results are also
eligible to appear for UPSC preliminary Examination. All such
candidates who are eligible to appear for UPSC exams must produce
proof of having passed the said examination along with the application
for the main UPSC examination.
Candidates having professional and technical qualifications recognized
by the Government as equivalent to professional and technical degrees.
Medical students who have passed final year of MBBS, but are yet to
complete their internship also have eligibility for UPSC CSE. Although,
along with the Main Examination application, a certificate of course
completion (including internship) from the concerned authority of the
University/Institution must be submitted.
Other Eligibility Criteria for UPSC Civil Service Examination:

Nationality: To appear for UPSC Civil Service Examinations, a candidate

must be a citizen of India.
Fitness: Candidate must be physically and mentally fit.
The percentage eligibility for UPSC exams: A candidate should have
completed degree in the graduate examination or equivalent.

Vacancies and Selection:

Generally, the number of vacancies varies every year. The number of
candidates that pass the preliminary examination is generally 11 or 12
times the number of vacancies, and the number of candidates selected
for the final interview is thrice the number of vacancies. As per existing
policies, reservation for SC/ST/OBC is applied to each level of the selection
process.

LIST OF SERVICES
All India Services (Group A)
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Indian Police Service (IPS)
Central Services (Group A)
Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS)
Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
Indian Corporate Law Service (ICLS)
Indian Defense Accounts Service (IDAS)
Indian Defense Estates Service (IDES)
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Indian Information Service (IIS)
Indian Ordnance Factories Service (IOFS)
Indian Post & Telecommunication Accounts and Finance Service
(IP&TAFS)
Indian Postal Service (IPoS)
Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS)
Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS)
Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS)
Indian Revenue Service (IRS-IT)
Indian Revenue Service (IRS-C&CE)
Indian Trade Service (ITrS)
Railway Protection Force (RPF)
Group B Services
Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (AFHCS)
Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS)
Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Police Service (DANIPS)
Pondicherry Civil Service
Pondicherry Police Service
 UPSC Civil Services Schedule & Year Calendar

Preliminary Mains
Preliminary Mains
UPSC Examination Examination Oral Final
examination Examination
Notification of objective Descriptive Interview Result
result result
type type test

FEBRUARY in APRIL-
EMPLOYMENT JUNE AUGUST OCTOBER FEBRUARY MAY at MAY/JUNE
NEWS New Delhi

PRELIMS
There are two papers in Prelims exams
Paper I
Paper II.
Qualifying Paper I lets you appear for Mains exams.
Paper II is only to analyze you.
Final scores of Mains exams and Personality Test determines the
qualification of Civil Services.
Knowing thoroughly about the syllabus of UPSC prelims is the first step
towards the preparation of the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Thus, its very
crucial to be aware of the syllabus at every step of the whole process.
To crack one of the toughest exams like this, you need to get ready for the
race right away. Concrete idea about the prelims syllabus would lay the
foundation of your dream of becoming a Class one officer one day. After all,
they say Well begin is half done.
The Civil services Exam Prelims examination is objective in nature and it
consists of two papers.

Papers Duration Questions Marks

PaperI 2 Hours 100 200

General
Studies

PaperII 2 Hours 80 200

Aptitude

TOTAL 400
Complete syllabus of the Prelims Exam.

General Studies Paper I Syllabus

1. Current events of national and international importance
2. History of India and Indian national movement
3. Indian and World Geography- physical, social, economic geography of
India and the world
4. Indian Polity and governance constitution, political system,
panchayati raj, public policy, Rights issues, etc.
5. Economic and social development sustainable development, poverty,
inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives etc.
6. General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate
change-that do not require subject specialization
7. General science.

Aptitude Syllabus
1. Comprehension
2. Interpersonal skills including communication skills
3. Logical reasoning and analytical ability
4. Decision making and problem solving
5. General mental ability
6. Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude etc.)
(Class X level), Data Interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data
sufficiency etc. Class X level)
7. English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level).
8. Questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of Class
X level. (will be tested through passages from English language only
without providing Hindi translation) There are 80 questions carrying
200 marks. Each question carries 2.5 marks. There is a penalty of 33%
marks or 0.83 marks for every wrong answer. Though decision making
and problem solving section doesnt have negative marking.
 MAINS

UPSC Civil Services New Mains Exam pattern:

The written examination consists of Nine papers, Two qualifying papers and
seven papers counted for ranking

Paper Subject Marks

(One of the Indian languages listed below, to be selected by

Paper A the candidate (from the languages listed in the Eighth 300
Schedule to the Constitution of India) (Qualifying)

Paper B English (Qualifying) 300

Paper I Essay 250

General Studies I (Indian heritage and culture, history and

Paper II 250
geography of the world and society)

General Studies II (Governance, constitution, polity, social

Paper III 250
justice, and international relations)

General Studies III (Technology, economic development,

Paper-IV biodiversity, environment, security and disaster 250
management)

Paper V General Studies-IV (ethics, integrity, and aptitude) 250

Two papers on subjects to be selected by the candidate from

Papers
the list of optional subjects below (250 marks for each 500
VI, VII
paper)

TOTAL (WRITTEN TEST) 1750

List of optional subjects for UPSC Mains Examination

1. Agriculture 14. Management

2. Animal Husbandry and 15. Mathematics
Veterinary Science 16. Mechanical Engineering
3. Anthropology 17. Medical Science
4. Botany 18. Philosophy
5. Chemistry 19. Physics
6. Civil Engineering 20. Political Science and
7. Commerce and Accountancy International Relations
8. Economics 21. Psychology
9. Electrical Engineering 22. Public Administration
10. Geography 23. Sociology
11. Geology 24. Statistics
12. Indian History 25. Zoology
13. Law

The papers on Indian Languages and English (Paper A and Paper B) 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.

Evaluation of the papers, namely, Essay, General Studies and Optional

Subject of all the candidates would be done simultaneously along with
evaluation of their qualifying papers on Indian Languages and English but
the papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject of only such
candidates will be taken cognizance of who attain such minimum standard
as may be fixed by Commission at their discretion for the qualifying papers
on Indian Language and English.

The paper A on Indian Language will not, however, be compulsory for

candidates hailing from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim

Personality test: 275 marks

Total:
Mains Exam (1750 Marks) + Personality Test (275) Marks = 2025
Marks.

NOTE: The technique of the interview is to reveal the mental qualities of the
candidate.
 PHASE-WISE PREPARATION STRATAGY
UPSC Civil Services Examination is known as mother of all examinations not
because of its vast syllabus but it tests your temperament, the ability to
handle stressful situations, your presence of mind and above all how much
you are willing to get out your comfort zone to achieve success.

Must Needed Things in Your Preparation

1. A perfect non-idealistic Study Plan (min 8 to 10 hrs. Quality Study)

2. Stage wise preparation Strategy (Break the syllabus into different
chunks before you go for it)
3. Correct Guidance in each Phase.
4. Strong Foundation in Basics (Basic NCERTs)
5. Answer Writing Practice (UPSC Exam is all About how well you write
your Answers; because 87% of total marks is based on your answer
writing.
6. Basic level of English (Must needed in any Competitive Exam)
7. Strong Hold on Current Events
8. Revision (Min 3 times full Syllabus)
9. Most important: Self-belief and Self Confidence

PHASE I (Span of Three months)

BASIC READINGS
Geography:
th
The Earth Our Habitat (Class 6 )
th
Our Environment (Class 7 )
Resource & Development (Class 8th)
th
Contemporary India (Classes (9th &10 )
th
Fundamentals of physical Geography & Indias Physical Environment (Class 11 )
th
Fundamentals of Human Geography & India-People & Economy (12 )
History:
Old Ncerts Ancient (By R.S. Sharma)
Medieval (By Satish Chandra) & Modern (By Bipan Chandra). Our pasts1, 2 & 3
th th
(Class 6 to 8 )
th th
India & contemporary world 1&2 (Class 9 & 10 )
th
Themes in world History (class 11 )
th
Themes in Indian History 1,2&3(Class 12 )
 Polity:
th th
Social & Political life (Class 6 & 8 )
th
Democratic Politics (Class9th & 10 )
th
Indian Constitution at work (Class 11 )
th
Contemporary world Politics (Class 12 )
th th
Political Science 1&2(Classes 11 & 12 )
Economy:
Economics (9th)
th
Understanding Economic Development Class (10 )
th
Indian economic Development (Class 11 )
th
Introductory Macro Economics (class 12 )
Sociology:
th th
Class 11 & 12
Psychology:
th
Introduction to Psychology 11
Art & culture:
th
An introduction to Indian Art (Class 11 )
General Sciences:
Biology for VIII-X Std,
Physics for VIII-X Std,
Chemistry for VIII-X Std

NOTE:
Basics should be revised at least 3 times
No Notes should be made in first two readings
No current events in first phase (no Newspapers and magazines)
Notes should be made in 3rd & 4th reading
All the books should be compulsory read in English irrespective of medium
of exam
 Phase II (Span of 7 months)
Phase II of UPSC Civil Services Preparation is a crucial and most important
phase.
Second phase consists of Preparation for Mains Examination i.e. GS I to GS
IV, Optional, Current Affairs, Essay Writing and Answer Writing Practice.

SYLLABUS OF PHASE II
General Studies Paper - 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
or 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, redraw 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 waterbodies and
ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
General Studies Paper 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 or
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 Paper - 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 Paper - 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 utilize 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 behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence
and persuasion.
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity,
impartiality and non-partisanship, 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.
 ANSWER WRITING and ESSAY WRITING:

Again, Success in Civil Service Exam is based on how well you write
your answers. 87% of Marks depend on answer writing.
Answer Writing skill should be developed in this phase along with
strong knowledge base.
Minimum of 2000 Answers should be written by a candidate in this
phase.
All the answers should be checked by Experts for improving quality of
answers

WHAT IS ANSWER WRITING IS ALL ABOUT?

Understanding what is exactly asked.

Answering the question completely.
Use key words and phrases
Manage your time for each answer properly.
Articulate the answer well.
Use relevant facts/data to substantiate your answer.
How to go for Questions of different styles (e.g.: Analyze or Critically
Analyze, Narrate, Discuss, Comment, Enumerate, Define, Give your
Views, Evaluate, Asses, Examine, Elucidate/Elaborate / Expand /
Exemplify,Implications/Consequences/Outcomes/Results,
Contrast/Distinguish).
Drawing: Tables, Maps, Flowcharts, Diagrams, Structures, Graphs,
Pie charts etc.
Words Management.
Presentation: (Beginning/Introduction, Content/body of Answer,
Conclusion/Ending, References etc.)
Connectivity: Developing the knack of connecting ideas from different
domains. For example, a topic on technology can use contents from
Ancient History, Mythology, Medical Science, Ethics, Philosophy etc.
Multidimensional Answer: advocating SPELTE strategy.
Imaginative and Innovative answer writing

Current Affairs:
From analysis of past 4 years question papers shows that the weightage for
current affairs question is increasing every year and in past two years, it has
increased tremendously, hence, aspirants should give more importance to
current affairs yet giving the same importance to other subjects as well.
Guidance for current affairs is much needed because current events section is
like vast ocean and students tend to get drifted in the flow.

How to begin reading the newspapers? How to make notes out of a

Which newspaper should I read? newspaper?
What exactly should be read in the What else must be referred to apart
papers? from the newspapers?
How to read The Hindu? How to use current facts in answer
How to read The Indian Express? writing?
 PHASE III (Span of Three Months)
This phase is an important phase as it focuses on prelims preparation.
Though marks in prelims does not determine your rank but clearing prelims
is the first stepping stone.
Extensive Multiple Choice Answer Writing Practice should be done in
this phase.
Components of Paper I, Paper II, C-SAT and Current Affairs are covered.
Techniques of MCQ solving are practiced
Sessions on Budget and Economic survey.

Test Series:
1. Component wise Test series
2. CSAT Test Series
3. Comprehensive Test Series
4. Current Event Tests
5. Economic Survey and Budget Tests
6. Mock Prelims (5 Tests) (UPSC Pattern, UPSC Timing, UPSC
Toughness)

PHASE IV (Span of four months)

This phase is time between prelims and mains. As Mains marks determine
your rank in Civil Service Exam this period plays a crucial role in an aspirants
preparation.

As Knowledge base and answer writing of aspirants is already done in phase

II. Phase IV is dedicated to revise and re- revise

Current Affairs should be thoroughly covered in this phase.

More Answer Writing Should be done on GSI to GSIV, Essay writing, Optional
and Current Events.

Sessions
10 sessions on Current Events
30 Sessions on General Studies I-IV
6 Sessions on Essay Writing

Test Series
1. Component wise Test Series
2. Optional subject Test Series
3. Current Affairs Test Series
4. Comprehensive Test Series
5. Mock Mains (3 Tests) (UPSC Pattern, UPSC level, and UPSC Timing).
 PHASE V

UPSC Civil Services interview is a half-an-hour exercise which can change

your life. A high score in UPSC interview can sometimes create a difference
of more than 100 marks with fellow candidates in just under 30 minutes.
Being the last round, this would give one, an unassailable lead in Indias
toughest competition UPSC Civil Services Exam. Though the final rank list
is prepared by taking the sum of UPSC mains marks and interview marks,
very often we see that interview high-scorers top the final selection list too.

Types of Questions Asked in Interview:

The candidate appearing for the interview will be given questioners to

be filled up and submitted at the time of your interview. The
candidates are advised to formulate their answers carefully because
questions can be asked from your form that you have filled and
submitted to the UPSC before your interview. You must go through
the information you have filled because some questions are surely to
be asked from there.
Relating to your name, any famous personality who has a similar or
same name or surname
Your career choice, why do you want to be a civil servant.
Choice of services, the order of your choice of services can raise
questions too.
What are your Hobbies, why you pursue such a hobby or questions
related to your hobby etc.
Questions about your academic institution and related to them. If
you have studied at the IIM or IIT, you may be asked about the brain
drain or fat salaries, if from IGNOU then even about Indira Gandhi
and so on.
Question from your educational qualification. If you are an MBBS
or from an economy background, question can be asked how you are
going to use your specific knowledge in the civil services. Don't you
think you can serve your country better by remaining a doctor and
treating poor patients or joining civil services?
General Studies that forms the four papers of the Mains examination
is the prime area from where questions can be asked. It includes
Current Affair topics recent days and policy analysis like "Note ban"
Surgical strike etc. So, make a list of topics and prepare thoroughly to
answer them verbally.
You should be prepared to answer question on your optional
subjects, especially if that is not the discipline in which you have
graduated. If you have changed your optional subject in the next
attempt, you may be ready with the questions why you did that.
There could be situational questions like, if you were the
collector/SP of certain place where terrorist have struck with a Bomb
Blast, what would you do in its aftermath?
Qualities to be tested in the Personality test

The Personality Test is aimed at assessing the candidate's personality suitable

to be a competent administrator. The candidate is tested for intelligence,
attentiveness, balance of judgement and human qualities like honesty,
integrity and leadership.

The Kothari Committee constituted by the UPSC has listed the qualities that
should be rated in the personality test. They are as follows;
Clarity of expression
Grasp of narrative and argument
Reasoning ability,
Appreciation of different points of views
Awareness and concern for socio-economic problems
Range and depth of interests and personal attributes relevant to
interaction with people

What is Covered in Phase V

How to face the interview board

Personal Traits to face the Interview
How to answer your question during the interview
Working on your confidence level
Keeping up to date with current affairs
Improving Communication Skills
Preparing Questions bio-data, hobbies, optional subject,
Going through graduation/post-graduation books
Giving Mock interview.
WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN CIVIL SERVICES (IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS OR LIKE) IN INDIA?

1: Prestige

Imagine that you are passing on a road of a city like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai or any
major city of India and you see several vehicles passing by. There are expensive vehicles
like Mercedes, BMW, or Jaguar and there is a Government vehicle with the name plate
of the office/officer. Which vehicle people look at?
I am sure that most people look at the vehicle with the name plate. The traffic constables
become alert on duty and may give a crisp salute to the officer sitting in the vehicle. A
government vehicle is a sign of authority, which immediately attracts the attention of
people. Similarly, a government officer immediately gets attention in big galaxies of
important people.
Contrary to popular perception in urban India and media, the civil servants are highly
respected by the people of India. It is because they serve people like no one else. Further,
their selection process has always been transparent and fair. UPSC had always been
above board for selection of candidates for top services. A PM/CM can make anyone a
Cabinet Minister, Supreme Court Collegium can make anyone a High Court or Supreme
Court Judge; and anyone can be made the CEO/CMD of a company but nobody can
make you an IAS, IPS or IRS officer except your own merit. Hence, people of India never
doubt the ability of a civil servant. When you become part of any function of an
organization, its prestige goes up and you become the central point of the function and
get all the attention.

2: Power
A civil servant is the epitome of state power. You are not a government servant but the
government itself. The laws may be passed by the Parliament, but are executed only
through civil servants. For example, IRS officers sign so many documents on behalf of
President of India. Please remember that you exercise the power of the Government in
India pertaining to your department. You have the authority to decide cases worth
hundreds of crores and conduct search, seizure of arrest of the people who are breaking
the law of the land. No wonder, the law breakers dont want to mess with you and the
law abiders look at you for taking on the law breakers. You have the original powers to
implement the rule of law in this country. Only when you fail, others come into picture.

3. Job Security and Political Interference

If you are in a private sector job, you can be removed with one day notice. You are always
at the mercy of the company and its top bosses. The service conditions of civil servants
are determined by the Parliament and cant be changed to his disadvantage. Their service
is protected by Article 311 of the Indian Constitution according to which, he cant be
dismissed from service without an enquiry where he would be given opportunity to defend
himself. He also has the option to approach the Courts, in case he has been treated
unfairly. The promotion of a civil servant is not in the hands of politician, which is either
time bound manner or based on seniority. The promotion committees are headed by
UPSC Member/Chairman and hence you can expect utmost objectivity in
promotion. You dont have to fear anyone, if you are on the right side of the law.
Similarly, for posting in sensitive intelligence/investigation originations like DRI and
DGCEI, the names must be proposed by the Director General for being considered for
posting. Thus, the CBEC/CBDT has a sort of veto power over transfer and postings of
IRS officers. If you find it unbelievable, please read the policy yourself by visiting the link.
4: Decent Salaries and Excellent Perks

The salaries of the government officers have become very decent in recent years In
addition, you also get free house, car, phone, medical, Leave Travel Concession,
Children Education Allowance and pension. Most of the allowances are tax free. You
require at least Rs 50 lakhs of CTC to enjoy the same lifestyle in corporate. Sometime,
the rental value of your government accommodation itself may be much more than the
CTC of several big corporate CEOs. Who can afford to stay in Lutyens Delhi bungalows
on rent?
5: Work Life Balance

While it is common to hear the ply of the civil servants that they dont have a good
personal life, it is not absolutely true. Every government department has different types
of postings. Some posts (like DM, SP) require long hours of work while several posts are
such where you have to find work. The salaries in both the cases are exactly the same.
Hence, if you give priority to personal life, you can always request the government to give
you such assignments, where you can have more free time for yourself and the family.
You also get 2/3 years of fully paid study leave, using which you can do PhD or any
further studies. You can choose to study abroad in top university of the world and the
government may finance most of the expenses.
A female government officer gets additional 2 years of fully paid Child Care Leave to take
care of their children, in addition to the maternity leave. Each government officer is also
entitled to upto 5 years of Extra Ordinary Leave (Unpaid) for taking care of personals
needs in addition to the 20 days of Half Pay Leave and 30 days of Earned leave every year
besides 5 day a week work-schedule and numerous gazetted holidays. You have lots of
flexibility to choose the postings according to your needs and temperament.
6: Job Satisfaction

You must remember that civil services is not an ordinary job where you work for an
organization or for a person. You work for the country and its people. The revenue
collected by an IRS officer is used for the benefit of the poorest and needy and for
development of infrastructure and nation.
As a police officer, you control crime in the country and hence create an atmosphere for
security, growth and prosperity.
As an IAS officer, you make and implement the developmental schemes for the growth of
the nation. Your job is in the nature of social service. Many billionaires like Bill Gates,
Azim Premji spend billions from their own pocket to get the satisfaction of doing the
social work. You have the opportunity to do so while in service and you are even paid for
it decently.

7: Freedom to Work

It may not be believable, but it is a fact that you have tremendous freedom to do your
work as a government officer. Each post in a government (SP, DM or Commissioner) is
created and empowered by Parliament. Hence as far as you are on that chair, you have
the full freedom to decide the things according to your judgment and discretion.
For example, as a revenue officer, if you get information of tax evasion and you are
empowered by law to conduct search, seizure or arrest; no one can give you any direction
to act or not to act. No senior officer or Minister can change the decisions taken by the
appropriate legal authority without following the procedures provided by the law. For
example, if the order of Commissioner is wrong, you have to approach the Tribunal, High
Court or Supreme Court to reverse the order. These agencies have tremendous freedom
and they decide the legality of the action independently without any intervention from
the government.
Even though media mostly highlights the conflicts between politicians and civil servants,
in reality they work with each other without much problem. It is because the goal of civil
servants and politician is one and the same. Politicians need good IAS and IPS officers
who can help the state grow and become free from crime. When there is a problem, often
both sides are responsible. You dont even hear any conflict in states like MP,
Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Rajasthan and even in Bihar (in Nitish Kumar regime). Most of the
states have no conflict at all between officers and politicians. Good politicians and good
bureaucrats always work together harmoniously and help each other. The problem
between them is more personal than professional, though it is always highlighted as
professional problem and politicians are blamed for the mess.
8: Diversity of Jobs

The civil services provide tremendous diversity of jobs. If you are in IAS, you can virtually
head any organization in India. As secretary, you can head different ministries of the
government and different public sector undertaking, educational and research
institutions.
As an IRS (C&CE) officer you work in Customs, Excise, Service Tax, Narcotics, Training,
Systems etc. You even work as advocate, when you are posted in Tribunals. You also
work in intelligence agencies like DRI, DGCEI, CEIB, IB or RAW. All officers may get
posting in Ministries and State/Central Government and work in the policy formation.
You can get posted to international organizations like WCO, UN, WHO, World Bank IMF
etc. You can take lien and become a professor or join an NGO or even start an NGO in
public interest. You can write books, make films and do several other activities with the
permission of government.

9: Widest Networking

The networks of civil servants are the widest in the country. When you join a service,
you join a family. You are like the new born baby, who is looked after by every elder of
the family. You have to just request and your wishes may be fulfilled. As you grow older
in service, your role is reversed and you take care of the young officers like your children.
There is also a brotherhood between all officers. You just have to pick up the phone and
request your colleagues in IAS, IPS or others, and they will usually extend all types of
help. Through your friends, you can approach anyone in the country, in case you need
their help. The businessman, actors, leaders are all interested in networking with you,
because you are always in positive to help others. It is you who have to restrict your
network due to time constraints and due to its effect on performing your job
professionally and impartially. Even when you retire, the network is not broken since
your juniors remain in the service till almost the end of your life.
10: Post Retirement Jobs

A civil servant get the experience of the government as no one else can. It is often said in
movies that an IAS (or IPS, IRS) officer can always choose to become a Minister but a
Minister cant become a civil servant. There is a great demand of such experience in the
corporate, who must deal several government departments, but they have no experience
of dealing them. The retiree officers usually get very good job officers by corporate, if they
choose to work later can even start your own consultancy firm and earn good
money. Since you learn how to run the government, you can also choose to join politics
and become an effective Minister or even Chief Minister (Arvind Kejriwal, Ajit Jogi) or
Prime Minister (Morarji Desai). You can also become Governor, CIC, CVC, CEC or
UPSC/CAT/Tax Tribunal Member/Chairman after retirement.

Conclusion
It may be a good idea to join civil services like IAS,IPS, IFS,IRS or like, if you appreciate
the value of the good things that government services have to offer. However, there is no
free lunch in this world. Hence there is a price to be paid for getting the good things.
Remember the old Hindi Song Kabhi kisi ko mukammal jahan nahi milta, Kabhi zamin
to kabhi asman nahi milta (No body gets a perfect world, sometime you dont get the
earth and sometime you dont get the sky).

HARDWORK + DREAMS + DEDICATION = SUCCESS!!

All THE BEST!

-NIRAV DA