Title: The UPSC Exam - A Comprehensive Guide to Crack India's Toughest Exam
Introduction
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most challenging exams in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants apply for the exam, but only a handful of them can crack it. It is the gateway to some of the most prestigious positions in the Indian civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). In this essay, we will discuss everything you need to know about the UPSC exam, including its structure, eligibility criteria, preparation strategy, and tips to crack it.
Structure of the UPSC Exam
The UPSC exam is conducted in three stages - Preliminary, Mains, and Interview.
Preliminary Exam:
The preliminary exam is the first stage of the UPSC exam. It is conducted in two papers - Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Paper 1: General Studies (GS)
This paper consists of 100 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks. The duration of the paper is two hours, and the maximum marks are 200. The paper covers topics such as Indian polity, history, geography, economics, science, and technology.
Paper 2: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
This paper consists of 80 questions, with each question carrying 2.5 marks. The duration of the paper is two hours, and the maximum marks are 200. The paper covers topics such as comprehension, interpersonal skills, decision-making, problem-solving, and data interpretation.
It is important to note that the Paper 2 (CSAT) is a qualifying paper, and candidates need to score a minimum of 33% marks in this paper to qualify for the Mains exam.
Mains Exam:
The Mains exam is the second stage of the UPSC exam. It consists of nine papers, out of which seven are counted for ranking.
Paper 1: Essay
This paper consists of one essay of 250 marks. Candidates can choose to write the essay in English or any of the Indian languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Paper 2: General Studies 1 (GS 1)
This paper consists of Indian heritage and culture, history, and geography of the world and society. The maximum marks for this paper are 250.
Paper 3: General Studies 2 (GS 2)
This paper consists of governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations. The maximum marks for this paper are 250.
Paper 4: General Studies 3 (GS 3)
This paper consists of technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, and security. The maximum marks for this paper are 250.
Paper 5: General Studies 4 (GS 4)
This paper consists of ethics, integrity, and aptitude. The maximum marks for this paper are 250.
Paper 6 and 7: Optional Papers
Candidates need to choose any one subject from the list of optional subjects provided by the UPSC. Each paper carries 250 marks, and the maximum marks for this section are 500.
Interview:
The interview is the final stage of the UPSC exam. It is conducted by a board of competent and unbiased experts who ask questions related to the candidate's personality, interest, and hobbies. The maximum marks for the interview are 275.
Eligibility Criteria for the UPSC Exam
The UPSC has set certain eligibility criteria for the candidates who wish to apply for the exam. The criteria are as follows:
0 Comments