With the preliminary examinations for the Civil Services just round the corner, Jayanti Ghose details the entire process of entry to these services

The Civil Services administer the business of the government. The work affects virtually every aspect of modern life, be it health, education, environment, law and order, transport, agricul-ture, defence, foreign affairs, social welfare, energy, taxation, etc. No wonder then, that the public and the media look to the civil servants to put life back on track whenever there is a breakdown of law and order, of civic amenities, or in case of a natural calamity. 
The Civil Services examination is conducted by the UPSC, covering twenty odd services which include the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), etc.

DIFFERENT STAGES OF SELECTION

The preliminary examination is the first stage, and is in the nature of a screening process. It consists of two papers - one of which is compulsory (general studies) (150 marks) and the other optional (300 marks) (to be chosen from a list of more than 20 subjects including economics, commerce, physics, medical science, engineering, etc).The mode of testing is objective type.One third (0.33) of the marks assigned to a question are deducted as penalty in case of a wrong answer.This exam is held every year in May - June and the notification appears around November - December the previous year.
   Candidates shortlisted on the basis of merit in the preliminary exam may appear for the main examination held in October - November the same year.The main (written) exam consists of nine papers. Of these, there are two papers on general studies, one essay paper, one paper on English, one paper on any Indian language, two papers on the first optional subject chosen, and two more on the second optional subject.The main written examination carries 2000 marks and it is of conventional/ essay (non-objective) type questions. All the papers are of three hours and carry 300 marks each, except the essay paper which is of 200 marks.
   The interview is held in April-May of the next year. It carries a weightage of 300 marks and is conducted
by boards comprising of retired and serving senior administrators and academicians.
   The final result is announced in June, around a year after the preliminary exam is conducted.

STRATEGY FOR COMPETITION

The preliminary general studies paper has objective type questions from general science, important current national and international events, history of India and Indian national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and economy and general mental ability (including questions on reasoning and secondary school mathematics).
   The question papers are of two hours duration each (extra time of 20 minutes for blind candidates) set in Hindi and English.The syllabi of optional subjects are of the bachelor’s degree level of an Indian university.The preliminary exam is tough, keen and demanding. But well-planned preparation can make it easy for a candidate to clear the exam.
   The two general studies papers for the main exam cover different subjects, and the two optional subjects have to be selected from a list of around twenty five subjects and literature of twenty odd languages (including regional and foreign languages).
   Knowledge beyond the level of an honours degree is helpful for the optional subjects in the main exam. For law, engineering, animal husbandry and veterinary science, medical science and engineering papers, however, the first degree level of knowledge is sufficient.
   It is advisable to pay particular attention to presentation, expression and economy of words.Refer to
pattern of questions in earlier years, practise writing answers to the obvious questions in newer areas of exploration/ research, events, etc to develop expertise in handling the main examination.
   An overall awareness of events happening around us, healthy curiosity in new advances and achievements, and confidence in one’s personal background and motivation for public service would be sufficient preparation for the interview.The board looks for a well-adjusted personality with the social traits, integrity and qualities of leadership, balance of judgement required for public service. The examination is as much a test of stamina, determi-nation and will, as it is of the knowledge, awareness, intelligence and writing and speaking abilities of the candidates. It requires an integrated preparation exercise.While preparing and planning for the preliminary exam, one has to keep the main exam in view as well. Choice of optional subject should be made keeping in mind what would sustain one’s interest through the period of preparation, ability to score, and availability of books, other reading material and guidance.

CHOICE OF SERVICE

Top rank holders prefer to join the IAS, IPS and IFS.
   The civil services attract candidates from all disciplines including medicine, engineering, management, law, accountancy, etc. It offers a fair scope to climb to the highest post in every service, based on experience and performance.

A candidate can choose an optional subject, which he has not studied at graduate/ postgraduate level. Certain optional subject combinations are not allowed for the main exam.These are:   

Political science and international relations, and public administration
   Commerce and accountancy, and management
   Anthropology, and sociology
   Mathematics, and statistics
   Agriculture, and animal husbandry and veterinary science
   Management, and public administration
   Not more than one of the engineering subjects - civil, electrical and mechanical engineering
   Animal husbandry and veterinary science, and medical science