2 stages of IAS exam with their trend

In the previous article I gave you an idea regarding when you should start preparing for IAS examination. But mere preparation is not enough if you are not aware of the trend of the examination and the areas where you need to put in most efforts. I am writing this article with the hope that after reading it you will be able to ease your preparation for IAS.

The Preliminary Stage

The Preliminary stage of IAS exam comprises two compulsory papers of 200 marks each. Questions are of objective types (Multiple Choice Questions) carrying penalties for wrong answers. For each incorrect answer one-third of the marks allotted for that particular question will be deducted. Paper 1 is prominently based on Indian History, Indian and World Geography, Indian Political System, Environment, Current affairs and General Science. The current trend of the preliminary exam is a clear proof that mugging up is not going to help you in cracking the exam. Questions are mostly applied and practical in nature to judge the candidates overall understanding on various issues. One needs to be strongly updated regarding recent issues on society and the causes behind enactment of different environmental policies.

Paper 2 mostly judges the creative and analytical skills of candidates. Maximum marks are allotted in Comprehensions and Verbal Reasoning. Passages on several topics along with related questions are provided and candidates are supposed to comprehend the passages and answer the questions accordingly. Basic Numeracy and English language portions are entirely of class X level. This is entirely a practice- oriented paper which also aggravates the skill of decision making.

The Mains Stage

This Mains stage consists of one paper on Essay, English, Regional language, three papers on General studies and two optional papers. Questions on essays are mostly related to Indian culture, politics, economy, education system and the recent scientific developments. Choice of subjects will be given. Candidates are expected to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion and write precisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression. Since each essay carries 200 marks, expert knowledge on these areas is must.

Papers 2, 3, and 4 on General Studies are comparatively difficult in the sense that candidates are asked to explain in 250,150, 100, and 50 words  certain issues concerning Indian History, Indian Constitution, Indian National Movement, International Relations, Technology, Environment, Indian and World Geography, etc. For this one must develop deep understanding into these subjects and enrich oneself with vast knowledge.

UPSC offers a long list of subjects to be taken as optional for papers 5 and 6. The scope of syllabus for these papers is broadly based on honors degree level i.e a level higher than bachelor’s degree and lower than the master’s degree. However in case of Engineering, Medical Science and Law, the level corresponds to the bachelor’s degree. My article “Curriculum of IAS examination with new UPSC changes” contains the entire list of optional subjects.

This is an overall idea on the trend and syllabus of IAS examination based on previous year’s question paper. For the entire syllabus you can refer to my article “Curriculum of IAS examination with new UPSC changes”. For learning more about the trend of papers refer to the previous year’s question papers.

Good Luck!