What is the pattern and syllabus of the Civil Service Exam ?

The Civil Service Exam, also known as the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam in India, consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
2. Main Examination (Mains)
3. Personality Test/Interview

Here's a brief overview of each stage:

1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims):

   • Objective type questions (MCQs) are asked.
   • Consists of two 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 of India and Indian national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environmental ecology, biodiversity, and general science.
   • General Studies Paper-II (CSAT) tests comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning and analytical ability, decision-making and problem-solving, general mental ability, basic numeracy, and English language comprehension skills.

2. Main Examination (Mains):

   • Descriptive type questions are asked.
   • Consists of nine papers: a. Paper-A: Compulsory Indian Language b. Paper-B: English c. Essay d. General Studies Paper-I e. General Studies Paper-II f. General Studies Paper-III g. General Studies Paper-IV h. Optional Subject Paper-I i. Optional Subject Paper-II
   • The Indian language and English papers are qualifying in nature. Candidates need to secure a minimum qualifying mark in these papers.
   • The essay paper requires candidates to write essays on multiple topics.
   • General Studies papers cover a wide range of topics similar to those in the Prelims but in more depth.
   • Optional Subject Papers are based on the subject chosen by the candidate. Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC.

3. Personality Test/Interview:

   • Candidates who qualify the Mains examination are called for a personality test or interview.
   • The interview assesses the candidate's personality, suitability for a career in the civil services, mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety, and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.

The syllabus for both Prelims and Mains is extensive and covers a wide range of topics. Candidates need thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the subjects to excel in these exams. Additionally, current affairs play a significant role in both stages of the examination.