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QUALIFYING PAPERS ON INDIAN LANGUAGES AND ENGLISH: Syllabus

The aim of the paper is to test the candidates s ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to express his ideasclearly and correctly, in English and Indian Language concerned.

English:

The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:

(i) Comprehension of given passages(ii) Precis Writing(iii) Usage and Vocabulary(iv) Short Essay.

Indian Languages:

(i) Comprehension of given passages.(ii) Precis Writing(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.(iv) Short Essay(v) Translation from English to the Indian language and vice versa.

Note 1: The Papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will be of qualifyingnature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.

Note 2 : The candidates will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the respective Indianlanguage (except where translation is involved).

English Comprehension & English Prcis - Syllabus

As per the modifications in the exam-plan, UPSC has removed this Paper from the new format for Main Examination.

It is the Section 2 of Paper I in Civil Services (Main) Examination. It carries 100 Marks weightage.

English Comprehension & English Prcis will be to test the English language Comprehension and English prcis writing skills (at10th standard level).

Essay - Syllabus

In the new scheme of Civil Services (Main) Examination, Essay paper gain more value i.e. 250 marks thus has alittle more share in the pie.

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General Studies- II: Syllabus Paper III of Civil Services (Main) Examination isGeneral Studies-II. It has 250 Marks attached to it.

General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to thefederal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges

and issues arising out of these. Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and

Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role inthe Polity.

Salient features of the Representation of Peoples Act. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various

Constitutional Bodies. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of

their design and implementation. Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and

associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,Education, Human Resources.

Issues relating to poverty and hunger. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications,

models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability andinstitutional and other measures.

Role of civil services in a democracy.

India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting Indias

interests Effect of policies and pol itics of developed and developing countries on Indias interests, Indian

diaspora. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

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General Studies- III: Syllabus

Paper IV of Civil Services (Main) Examination is General Studies-III. It has 250Marks attached to it.

General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security andDisaster Management.

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, developmentand employment.

Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. Government Budgeting. Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and

irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and relatedconstraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers

Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public DistributionSystem- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security;Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream anddownstream requirements, supply chain management.

Land reforms in India. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial

growth. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Investment models. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing

new technology. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and

issues relating to intellectual property rights. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Disaster and disaster management. Linkages between development and spread of extremism. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social

networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention

Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime withterrorism

Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

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Tips To Tackle Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 In New Format

After a long gap there is some calm and encouraging atmosphere for Civil Services Examination aspirantsas for past many years, expectations of change for pattern were keeping rumour mills running and dilemmaabout the proposed changes kept them quite anxious.

For analyzing the new format for Civil Services (Main) Examination you don t need a crystal ball. Use your mind toevaluate the changes and try to read the psyche of UPSC to bring in such modifications.

No doubt, when changes occur there are some apprehensions that lead to pressure and stress among candidates. Mygoal is to make an attempt with the purpose of removing all impediments from your preparation-path and make themuncomplicated so that you can focus all your energies on the goal career in IAS.

A new face of Civi l Services Examinat ion has emerged With gradual changes in Prelims (from 2011) and now, in Main Examination, the face of Civil Services Examination haschanged completely.

While changes in Preliminary Examination altered the quality of candidates reaching the next level (Main Examination)by introducing Aptitude based testing; and now, the modification at Main Examination level will test capabilities of thecandidates with greater precision.

As the clarity has emerged regarding the newly introduced format for Main Examination, now it is up to you tounderstand the changes thoroughly and in what way these are going to impact your preparation strategy.

For the beginners as well as the candidates who have taken attempt earlier, the new format have certain aspects thatrequire a complete new look at the preparation strategies.

Now, some radica l chang es have come a t Main Examinat ion l eve l Some can say that almost all components of earlier scheme have been present with only di fference in with worth. So,where is need of any new strategy?

Some of you may feel so. But, the fact is that this re-jig has made it a new-ball game. Compu lsory Papers :

After the removal of newly- added contentious English Comprehension & English Prcis paper, two compulsoryqualifying papers (Indian Language & English) are back. These are worth 300 marks each and the marks secured inthese would not be considered for ranking purpose.

Candidates need to care for these qualifying papers on Indian Language and English and try to cross the minimumstandard set for these by Commission. Otherwise, your all effort can go in wane as the notification says, the papers onEssay , General Studies and Optional Subject of only such candidates will be taken cogn izance of who attain suchminimum standard as may be fixed by Commission at their discretion for the qualifying papers on Indian Language and English .

Essay: The increase in its role in overall examination set-up indicates that UPSC has clear intentions to check the range of thoughts, expression and writing skills of the candidates.

After all, the purpose of this exam is to recruit the suitable candidates for 21st century Civil Servants.

The increased share of Essay Paper would require some skills as if taken lightly; it can hinder your chances of success.On other hand, a well written Essay can enhance the prospects and can play a vital role in selection and rank.

General Studies in IAS 2013 new pa t t e rn : ident i fy bas ic needs

So, we had to go a long way to understand the value of General Studies. Yeah; it is right there in the new-format for MainExamination as the domain of General Studies get the might it deserved.

Now, General Studies has become the "worthy" from the "Less worthy" and all attention seems to be shifting towards it.

While framing the new syllabus, UPSC has gone a step ahead and come out with highly structured syllabus defining it indetail. A boon for the candidates as earlier, with two General Studies paper only, they had to run around to cover everything under the sun.

It is not only that number of papers for General Studies has doubled or worth has been increased but, the fact isthat complete balance of preparation has undergone a dramatic shift.

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Some of the topics in General Studies syllabus are new; but, major portion is facets that are newly re-defined. If you talkabout the addition, it would be approx one third of the complete syllabus and in that too, the major share has come inshape of Paper IV (Ethics, integrity and Aptitude).

A glance over the syllabus for Paper I, II and III gives a feel that UPSC has blended two different themes traditional aswell as dynamic in such a way that it would require a candidate to be well informed.

General Studies Paper I

(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society) From History, a lot of new topics like Indian Heritage and Culture and World History have come. Post -IndependenceHistory has got significance that would make this quite challenging for the candidates.

Some extension from Prelims syllabus is visible as World Geography has found place here. Geographical topics aregoing to be in more prominence.

Inclusion of Society, social issues is just an extension of the syllabus that existed earlier.

In all, this paper is bound to give confidence to lot many candidates as presence of many traditional parts would boostconfidence. But, one should not just stick to conventional portion only; a lot of questions can be raised from thecontemporary developments as well.

General Studies Paper II

(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations) Indian Polity has always been an integral part of syllabus and is more dynamic in nature that truly echoes in moresignificance to curre nt developments. There is nothing that could raise eyebrows; a glance at previous years paperswould reveal that most of the aspects covered in new syllabus were in focus earlier as well.

Role, working of the government/institutions and related topics a re in focus and syllabus duly outlines the examiner sexpectations that require comprehensible knowledge as well as updated information base.

Very timely focus on International Relations and Social Justice Issues make it look contemporary and forward loo king.

General Studies Paper III(Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)

Economy has again been important constituent and now, in new format should continue to get prominence. It is more of contemporary issues and a vast coverage of current economy developments.

Agriculture, food and related subjects have caught the attention and requires serious look at related news flow. This areais quite significant that would require any candidate to prepare it effectively.

Science & Technology is area that requires attention and newly added security issues will touch more of currentproblems our country face right now. Role of media, social networking sites and issues relating to cyber security are tobe taken care.

You will not be able to ignore Environment, Bio-diversity and related issues and Disaster Management has come aspriority addition.

General Studies Paper IV(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude) We need to go back to understand the need of th is paper as three years back when reforms in recruitment process for higher post like Civil Servants initiated, UPSC and even the Government had talked about the moral and ethicaldimensions

With introduction of psychological aptitude and value system tests in examination scheme, endeavour is to attract thebrightest candidates who can perform the functions through the lens of integrity and ethics. It is an attempt to ensure thatpeople with right attitude are taken in the government service, especially at the senior level post and services.

A glance at the syllabus for this paper clearly reflects the present theme where we are witnessing rapid changes due toliberalization and globalization. The role of the Government is more of a facilitator than a r egulator.

With an aim to recruit the right person for the right job, UPSC is looking out for candidates possessing effective qualitiesto perform the task for carrying forward the complex and diverse agenda to meet challenges that arise in front of a Civ ilServant .

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So, be ready to face some situational questions that will require overall understanding as UPSC has clearlymentioned This paper will include questions to test the candidates attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity,

probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing withsociety. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects.

So, clearly the objective would be to assess the personal attributes like attitude, leadership, identifying and addressingproblems, decision-making abilities, sense of responsibility, emotional stability, communication skills, moral skills,capacity to take professional stand and meeting dead-lines etc.

Do you know what examiners expec t of you? Before drawing any conclusion about the syllabus, candidates should give pay attention to the points included in thenotification and should consider these while formulating preparation-strategies:

The main Examination is i ntended to assess the overall intellectual traits and depth of understanding of candidatesrather than merely the range of their information and memory.

The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers (Paper II to Paper V) will be such that awell educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will be such as to test acandidate s general awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have relevance for a career in Civil Services.

The questions are likely to test the candidate s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and takea view on conflicting socio economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.

Optional Subject Now, in new format, candidates have to pick only one optional subject. We will touch related aspects in details

separately.

With Clarity Emerging On Changes In Civil Services (Main) Exam Pattern; IdentifyYour Challenges

The recent news of some modification in the new scheme for Civil Services (Main) Examination has at lastcleared all doubts surrounding the minds of aspirants. Hope this will help in clearing the path and getting allrelated doubts out of aspirant's way.

Fresh pattern for Main Examination, over and above some modifications create the setting that is little uncertain for thecandidates planning to appear in Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013.

Although a lot of clarity has emerged and almost all doubts surrounding the minds of aspirants have been cleared; still,limited time for preparation, and many more such apprehension surround the mind of the candidates. But, it is time to move all fear to the side. Instead of confronting with the emerging situation, it is time of taking purposeful

action with aim to achieve the goal. Take purposeful ac t ion

The emerging scenario requires you to identify the challenges you are going to face in new environment. By now, you must have observed the escalating role of General studies and Essay and thinning influence of optional

subjects in the new format. Some of you can think that these is no major change and almost all question papers have some resemblance with the

outgoing pattern; but, don t forget that reincarnation has some smart and radic al changes that will necessitate newer strategies to counter the challenges these knit.

There i s noth ing tha t can be t aken l ight ly First, to talk about the compulsory papers; these are of qualifying nature; but, if complacency sets in, these can prove tobe a bigger threat than English Comprehension and English Prcis paper that just got scrapped. You need to be careful

as in past also, many candidates have paid heavy penalty for taking these lightly. Coming to Essay; the role of Essay paper has become significant and high marks scored in Essay have a major role to

play in your success and rank. Now, General Studies i s going to be game changer

With four (4) General Studies papers having weightage of 1000 marks you have a big task in hand. In new format for Main Examination, the General Studies will prove to be the decider.

The first three papers I, II and III are more or less extension of the previous General Studies syllabus with some newadditions. Paper IV is fresh initiative to test candidates psychologically.

There is greater clarity and less ambiguity as syllabus majorly defines topics and realm each paper has. Having a strongfoundation is very essential in facing fresh challenges. Think about it seriously while preparing for all the topics domain of General Studies covers; and conceptual clarity with updated knowledge would help you in facing these effectively.

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Once that is taken care off, every thing else will look easy and as you advance, you will have better understanding and astronger grip over the topics you read.

Opt ional Subjec t s have a s ide ro le to p lay The game-changer in erstwhile pattern Optional subject has a limited but, again a vital role to play. The existence of optional subject has given a new life to a large number of candidates who were indulged in preparation for quite sometime.

However, the task of choosing the optional subject is going to be tougher and the basis of choosing optional subjects willchange in new environment.

A shrewd strategy to pick the right optional can lend a hand in your success and honest efforts to prepare it woulddivulge the secret your smart choice plays.

Dont be afraid, participate in examination with open mind The experts who track this examination closely and folks who are aware of examination stand ard and examiner sexpectation will agree with me that the big prospects awaits you as the changes always bring newer opportunities.

The first stage Preliminary Examination has nothing new and most of the candidates would have been preparing for itdiligently. Right now, this should be on top-of-mind as your good performance only will get you ticket to next stage Main Examination.

This is an open competition and only a few among those who show the courage to appear in examination would figure inthe final list of successful candidates who will accomplish their goal of life career in IAS.

Analyzing The Nature Of Changes Introduced For Civil Services (Main) Examination2013

With the details about the changes in scheme for Main Examination, the confusion is out of air. The newpattern does not show any major surprise; it is more or less on expected lines, General Studies has got moreprominence and still, optional subject is an integral part of exam-plan though the weightage has gone down alittle.

The much-awaited new scheme for Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013 is revealed. This issue had been top of mind and candidates were really eager to know the amendments UPSC is craving and with conflicting verdicts comingout from different quarters, candidates were facing a lot of uncertainty.

As part of reforms process UPSC has introduced certain changes that are significant in nature and are bound to impactthe way candidates prepare for Civil Services (Main) Examination 2013.

In 2011, when changes were introduced at Preliminary Examination level, UPSC had made their intentions clear andnow, with new scheme for Main Examination in place, one thing is for sure that it would be difficult for any candidate tocross the written part of examinations with relaxed/traditional approach.

The emerging situation necessitates a serious endeavour It is an attempt of create a level playing field for all candidates and be it fresher or those who have taken attempt/searlier, the changes pattern will be probing knowledge and intellect candidate possess and call for an urgent need toindulge in some serious planning.

I hope that UPSC should come out with sample question as they did when changes were introduced at PreliminaryExamination in 2011, to wipe out confusion among aspirants.

The time has come when candidates should be serious with their study plan. The challenge is big and new scheme for Main Examination would require some serious planning.

The following articles would help you in getting some insights about the changes that have come in Main Examination2013:

General Studies has got the maximum influence! Only one Optional Subject now! Will it favour candidates from any particular subjects? In new environment, which is the best optional subject?

General Studies Has Got The Maximum Influence!

With 4 papers and 1000 marks assigned to General Studies in new format of Civil Services (Main)Examination, it has the maximum weightage in total 1800 marks written examination.

http://www.iaspassion.com/2662-ias-news-General_Studies_has_got_the_maximum_influence_.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2662-ias-news-General_Studies_has_got_the_maximum_influence_.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2660-ias-news-Only_one_Optional_Subject_now_.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2660-ias-news-Only_one_Optional_Subject_now_.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2659-ias-news-Will_it_favour_candidates_from_any_particular_subjects.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2659-ias-news-Will_it_favour_candidates_from_any_particular_subjects.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2658-ias-news-In_new_environment__which_is_the_best_optional_subject.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2658-ias-news-In_new_environment__which_is_the_best_optional_subject.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2658-ias-news-In_new_environment__which_is_the_best_optional_subject.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2659-ias-news-Will_it_favour_candidates_from_any_particular_subjects.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2660-ias-news-Only_one_Optional_Subject_now_.aspxhttp://www.iaspassion.com/2662-ias-news-General_Studies_has_got_the_maximum_influence_.aspx

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With 4 papers of General Studies, the coverage has gone wider and now, candidates cannot ignore the magnitude and wouldhave to take it seriously.

Gone are the days when candidates were scoring less than 200 marks (out of 600) in General Studies and with very high scoresin optional subjects were able to find place in top ranks.

As such, General Studies had a vague syllabus and newly introduced first three papers (General Studies I, II and III) can beclassified as extension of the previous syllabus with some odd additional topics like Disaster Management etc.

The General Studies Paper-IV has some newer topics and would be exciting as UPSC has clearly hinted about leaning towardsCase Studies on issues covered in the syllabus.