FAQ (UPSC)
Frequently Asked Questions
UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission.
Civil Services Examination is conducted for the recruitment at Indian
Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police
Service (IPS) and other Central Services and posts in accordance with
the Rules published by the Government
IAS stands for Indian Administrative Service. It is the administrative
arm of the All India Services of Government of India.
IPS stands for Indian Police Service. The IPS deals with the criminal
and civil administration of the country. The major role of an IPS officer is to
ensure the safety of the people under their jurisdiction. They work along with
the IAS officers to maintain order and law.
There are three stages involved in the recruitment of an IAS ,IPS & IFS
Officer. These include:
1. Preliminary Examination
2. Mains Examination
3. Personality Test/Interview
Ans. Yes, there is a negative marking in the prelims General Studies(GS)
Paper I. Each incorrect answer would cost you 1/3rd of the marks allotted
to that question.
For prelims Paper-II, 1/3rd negative marking is applicable, also, you have
to score at least 33% or 66 marks in the exam
Yes, provided it is a recognized University and he possess the educational qualifications prescribed for the exam and is otherwise eligible.
No, Candidates have the option to write their answers either in English or in any one of the Eighth schedule languages.
Normally one should select optionals, which one is familiar with, or has at least studied till the graduate level. If you are not comfortable with the subject, you should not select the subject as an optional. But the choice should not only be as per your interests but also be baed on the study material available. Even science and engineering students take up subjects like history, sociology, anthropology, grography, political science, psychology and public administration because there is a huge amount of study material available in these subjects. Also keep in mind that you may have been proficient in a subject, but lack of touch may make it tougher to crack technical subject where freshers may do better. The competition is among the people who have opted for the same subject. One should top in his/her subject to succeed in the examination. The Point is, if you are an electrical engineer with 2 years of experience go for a new subject like pub adm or sociology.
Analyse the syllabus of previous years and the question papers, and analyse past trends. Get some feedback/advice from seniors and fellow students who are well versed in the subject. Remember no subject is bad. History is good if you can spend more than 4-5 hours everyday. Geography is a good option if you can spend at least 4 hrs every day. Pub Ad, more than 3 hours. Sociology, more than 2 hours and so on…. So, it all depends on how much time you can spend a day and your liking of the subject. You have a very good memory then a technical subject may help else a social subject would be better. Lastly look for overlap in subjects like, sociology and pubad; history and political science etc.
No. However physically handicapped candidates belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories will be eligible for relaxation in number of attempts provided to such categories.
Ans.: An attempt at the Preliminary Examination is considered an attempt at the
Civil Services Examination:
(I) If a candidate actually appears in any one paper in the Preliminary
Examination.
(II) (II) Notwithstanding the disqualification/cancellation of candidature, the
fact of appearance of the candidate at the examination is counted as an
attempt.