UPSC Exam Preparation: Notification, Application Procedure, Eligibility, Pattern,

UPSC conducts Civil Services Examination (CSE) to select the best of the best in the country for the post of IAS. It is considered as one of the toughest exams in the world.

The strength of a nation depends on how effectively it administers itself. For India, this has been the key strength, thanks to its many Indian Administration Service (IAS) officers.

To become such officers of key importance is not an easy task. One has to pass through the grueling examination process of the Union Public Services Commission (UPSC).

What are the Stages of UPSC CSE Exam Pattern?

The CSE or commonly called IAS exam pattern involves three stages. The first stage is the Preliminary stage.

This stage is generally known as the elimination stage where the majority of the applicants for the exam are eliminated. The examination consists of two papers. Paper I is the General Studies Paper and Paper II are the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Both the papers consist of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). Eligibility for the next stage is only after crossing the cut-off marks laid down by the Commission in Paper I and getting qualifying marks in the second paper.

The next stage is known as the Mains Examination. This is a descriptive type. There are a total of nine papers including two language papers which are qualifying in nature. Selection to the next stage is based on merit. Here, the analytical ability of the candidate, their capacity to be innovative, their understanding of the detail, their ability to connect the dots, etc., are tested.

The final stage is the Interview Stage where candidates who qualified Mains are interviewed by the members of the UPSC Commission. By aggregating the marks from Mains and Interview, the final selection list is released by the Commission. Based on one's rank and category, IAS posts are allocated.

The eligibility Limit of UPSC Civil Services Exam.

UPSC notification clearly mentions the eligibility for the exam. The lower age limit for all category candidates is 21 years as of 1st August. The upper age limit for general category candidates is 32 years. For OBC, it is 35 and 37 years for SC and ST candidates.

As for the number of attempts one can give for the exam are - six for general category candidates, 9 for OBC candidates and for SC/ST candidates, the attempts are unlimited till the age of 37 years.

The minimum educational qualification for the exam is graduation. Even students in their final year can appear for the exam.

Top 10 Recommended Books for UPSC/IAS Examination Preparation?

IAS Exam needs a vast understanding of day-to-day issues and knowledge on diverse topics. To acquire such knowledge, candidates have to read a lot of books.

There are some recommended books and magazines that a candidate preparing for CSE should not miss. They include:

• NCERT Books
• Indian Polity by Laxmikant
• Introduction to the Constitution of India by D.D. Basu
• Indian Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra
• Certificate Physical and Human Geography - Goh Cheng Leong
• Economic Survey
• India Year Book
• Yojana Monthly Magazine
• Kurukshetra Monthly Magazine
• Economic and Political Weekly

Apart from all these, the most important source for acquiring the necessary information for the exam is a newspaper. Subscribing to a good newspaper is thus essential.

What is Application Procedure of UPSC/IAS Examination?

Every year in February, UPSC releases the notification for the Civil Services Examination. After the release of notification, the application process for the examination begins. The application procedure is entirely done online and a fee of Rs. 100/- is charged (which is exempt for SC/ST/Women candidates).

Why IAS Mock Test Services Important?

The old saying 'Practice Makes Man Perfect' is absolutely true in case of IAS examination. The vast knowledge one acquires during the preparation process needs to be tested. It is here Mock Tests are important.

For both Prelims and Mains,

Ripan Choudhary is An Seo Executive at Wezen Education, Delhi. A Leading firm Upsc Civil Services Examination Preparation or Best Ias Coaching in delhi and Overseas Education Consultant.