How to prepare for the IAS Exam

The essential ingredient of succeeding on an exam is the knowledge of the contents and structure of the exam and the process. The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) of India conducts the IAS exam. The three-step process is: Preliminary Exam (Prelims), Main Exam (Mains), and Interview.

The Prelims are composed of two tests of two hours each. The General Studies (GS) test contains 150 objective, multiple-choice questions. It primarily covers six topics: the constitution of India, history, geography, economics, science, and current affairs. The second test is on a subject chosen, from among the 23 subjects, by the candidate. This objective, multiple-choice test contains 120 questions. The GS and second test are worth 150 and 300 points, respectively.

The Prelims are used as a screening mechanism for reaching the next phase of the Mains. Approximately 200,000 candidates appear for the Prelims and less than 20,000 qualify for the Mains. The number of candidates for the Prelims is about 10 times larger than the number of vacancies available. Obviously, getting an IAS job in India is extremely competitive and thus highly regarded.

The Mains consists of 9 tests. The first two are language tests: first is the English Test and the second is the Language Test in any one of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian constitution. Each test is worth 300 points. These tests are at the high school level. The candidates are expected to only qualify; the score from these tests is not included in the aggregate. The Language Test is not required for candidates from the North-East. The third test is an Essay Test, worth 200 points. The candidate can write the essay in English or in any other language included in the Eighth Schedule of the constitution. The next two tests, each worth 300 points, are on General Studies. The syllabus for each test is different. These tests aim to judge your awareness and well as your understanding and analysis of contemporary events. The remaining four tests, each worth 300 points, are on two of the optional subjects chosen by the candidate. The subject matter is consistent with the college level education.

The interview, worth 300 points, is the last stage of the selection process. Nearly twice as many candidates are invited for Interview as the number of vacancies.

As you can see, the process consists of mandatory and optional subject matter. For optional subjects, you should choose those subjects in which you have the most knowledge and greatest interest. Obviously, you need to master the constitution, history, geography, economic, science, and current affairs. Another critical dimension is the thought process, analytical skills, ability to articulate thoughts coherently and strong writing skills, both in English and in the language of your choice. Given a particular emphasis on the general knowledge, you must become an avid reader of newspapers and magazine that deal with Indian and international affairs, political, economic and business issues, and other current events.

Remembering the facts is necessary but not sufficient. You must develop a good understanding of the facts and their implications in the larger context of India and the world. You should start preparing now. Of course there is the subject matter at the college level for which you do not have knowledge. But there are plenty of other subjects for which you can start preparing now.

You should buy guide-books on the IAS exams to practice and prepare. May services are also available that offer interactive online preparation service. Approximately one year before taking the test, you can consider taking coaching classes. Your strategy for success must include: early, continuous, and serious preparation, starting right now.

The Civil Services Examination is used for recruitment for the Indian Foreign Service, IAS, and IPS, among others. It has three stages - a preliminary exam, a main exam, and an interview - and is known for being extremely challenging. Then Training begins at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, where members of many elite Indian civil services are trained. After completing a 15-week training. the probationers join the Foreign Service Institute in New Delhi for a more intensive training in a host of subjects important to diplomacy, including international relations theory, trade, India's Foreign Policy, History, International Law, diplomatic practice, hospitality, protocol and administration. They also go on attachments with different government bodies and defense establishments and undertake tours both in India and abroad. The entire training programme lasts for a period of 36 months. It is long process to clear IAS or IPS

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Step By Step Procedure to become an IAS officer

Step 1: Ensure Their Eligibility
Firstly candidates have to ensure their eligibility i.e. Applicants who wish to become IAS official are needed to acquire graduation in any discipline from a UGC identified university.
Bachelor's level is the minimum certification needed to require applying for the civil service examination.
There is no minimum percentage is needed to be qualified to this examination.
Final year applicants are also qualified to apply for this examination.
Age limitations of the contenders should be liable in between 21 to 30 years as on 1st August of the year of examination.

Step 2: Qualify the Civil Service Exam
The all India combined competitive examination for Civil Service comprises of three stages. They are:
Preliminary Examination
Main Examination
Interview

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   Revise two times before exam: Plan your studies carefully. Adequate time should be kept for revision. Both General Studies and Aptitude sections should be revised atleast twice, one week before the exam.

   
   


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   Focus on ecology, environment, art and culture: A large number of questions come from ecology, environment and art & culture. These areas should be prepared in detail from the best available sources.

   
   


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   Solve mock test papers: Candidates should attend mock tests and solve previous year papers. This will increase the accuracy and speed significantly. It also helps in picking out the most appropriate option in the exam.

   
   


4. 
   

   Get your basics clear: In the changed pattern, the stress is more on the concept clarity rather than simply mugging up the data. The prelims-2015 is still six months away; candidates must devote good time in understanding the basics.

   
   


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   Candidates from non-MBA and non-Engineering background should devote good time in preparing for CSAT paper as it has more weightage and becomes a game-changer for clearing preliminary round.

   
   

You will need to focus on stress and time management. In order to manage stress you have to manage your time wisely. <span style="background-color: transparent;">You have to set a routine for yourself and stick to it for the most part. Once you get into the groove of a routine it will be much easier for you to manage your time and have enough time for everything you need to do (including relaxing). Make yourself to-do lists on a weekly basis, use Google calendar or a planner to keep track of events, deadlines, and due dates. In addition to setting a routine and sticking to it, plan out relaxing activities into your day. Or set aside a time, after everything is done for the day, that you can have "me" time. I have also personally found it essential to not only find time for myself but also make use of that time in a way that is best for me and my holistic wellness. I have found the HeadSpace app to be an essential tool in helping me relax and generally feel more relaxed throughout the day, Guided meditation, even if you have a busy schedule, will make you feel more at ease and relaxed throughout the day as a whole (not just when you have the time to relax and focus on that "me" time).</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Set a routine.Use Google Calendar.Set aside Me TimeWrite weekly to-do lists and use a planner.Find a peaceful and restful activity that will help you feel relaxed.</span>

<span style="background-color: transparent;">Here is how to be successful in them:</span>

1. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Stay on track - do assignments early, finish things a head of time, and be aware of all of your deadlines</span>
2. <span style="background-color: transparent;">do all the the assignments and read all of the coursework required- do not cut corners</span>
3. <span style="background-color: transparent;">use Google calendar to keep track of deadlines</span>
4. <span style="background-color: transparent;">communicate with your professor early if something comes up</span>
5. <span style="background-color: transparent;">do not be afraid to ask for an extension if you need one</span>
6. <span style="background-color: transparent;">study, and study a lot! you don't have regular class sessions so you will need to put in more work at home.</span>
7. <span style="background-color: transparent;">Do your best and genuinely try hard to give it your all.</span>

The best way to score high on the test is to Google search an online program or book that will help you study. Once you find an online lesson plan for success you can use it as a road map for studying. Otherwise, find a book to help you study and spend 45 mins a night reading through it and studying. Depending on when you test is, the first thing you will want to do is organize a studying schedule for yourself. Target studying certain sections of the test and divide them up by the weeks/months you have until you have to take it.