The UPSC Civil Services Examination, commonly referred to as the IAS exam, is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for various administrative positions in the Indian Civil Services. The exam is conducted in three stages: the Preliminary Examination (Prelims), the Main Examination (Mains), and the Personality Test (Interview).
Here's a detailed explanation of each stage:
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims):
- The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
- It consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (CSAT - Civil Services Aptitude Test).
- General Studies Paper I covers topics such as current events, history, geography, Indian polity, economy, general science, and environmental ecology.
- General Studies Paper II (CSAT) assesses candidates' comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not counted for determining the final merit. It serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
- Candidates who qualify the Prelims are eligible to appear for the Main Examination.
2. Main Examination (Mains):
- The Main Examination is the second stage of the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
- It consists of nine papers, out of which two papers are qualifying in nature, and the remaining seven papers are counted for merit.
- The qualifying papers are Indian Language Paper (Paper-A) and English Paper (Paper-B), in which candidates have to score a minimum qualifying mark as prescribed by the UPSC.
- The seven papers counted for merit include Essay Paper, General Studies Papers I, II, III, and IV, and Optional Subject Papers I and II.
- The Essay Paper requires candidates to write essays on multiple topics, covering current affairs, philosophical themes, etc.
- General Studies Papers cover a wide range of topics such as Indian heritage and culture, history, geography, polity, governance, international relations, technology, economics, environment, ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
- Optional Subject Papers allow candidates to choose one optional subject from a list of approved subjects. Each optional subject has two papers.
- The marks obtained in the Main Examination determine candidates' eligibility for the final stage, the Personality Test (Interview).
3. Personality Test (Interview):
- The Personality Test, also known as the Interview, is the final stage of the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
- It is conducted by a panel of UPSC members to assess candidates' personality traits, communication skills, leadership qualities, and suitability for a career in the civil services.
- The Interview carries a weightage of 275 marks.
- The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained by candidates in the Main Examination and the Interview.
- Candidates who qualify the Interview are recommended for appointment to various administrative positions in the Indian Civil Services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and others.
Overall, the UPSC Civil Services Examination is a rigorous and comprehensive process designed to select candidates with the necessary skills, knowledge, and aptitude to serve as civil servants and contribute to the governance and development of the nation.
Comentários