The IAS Exam is conducted every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The examination is known as the Civil Service Examination. This article will briefly share information about the IAS exam and the IAS Syllabus.
The IAS exam is conducted to recruit candidates not only to fill vacancies in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) but also in many other popular services such as Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Forest Service, etc. The prescribed age limit for this IAS exam is 21 years to 32 years (upper age relaxation for reserved candidates). IAS Exam – Prelims 2021 was held on 10th October, 2021. The IAS Exam – Mains 2021 is scheduled for a duration of 5 days from 7th January 2022. The three stages of IAS exam are Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and IAS interview stage. In the Prelims examination, both the papers are of 2 hours each. In the Prelims stage, blind candidates will be given an extra 20 minutes. In the CSAT paper, candidates should score a minimum of 33 percent, which is qualifying in nature. In the Prelims stage of the IAS Exam there is ‘Negative Marking’ for each incorrect answer. The Prelims are of the objective type or Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
The IAS Syllabus for General Studies (GS) Paper – I of the Preliminary stage is as follows: General Science, latest developments in the field of Climate Change, Biodiversity, Ecology, Environment. The IAS syllabus of GS Paper – I also includes Social Sector initiatives, Demographics, Inclusion, Poverty, Sustainable Development; these topics can be clubbed under Economic and Social Development. The Indian Polity and Governance section covers Public Policies, Panchayati Raj, Constitution, Political System, etc. The Geography section will cover Economic, Social, and Physical Geography of India and the World. History of India and Indian National Movement is an important part of the IAS Syllabus. This paper also covers current events of National and International Importance.
Civil Service Aptitude (CSAT) Paper is the General Studies Paper II of the IAS Preliminary examination. The IAS Syllabus for General Studies (GS) Paper – II of the Preliminary stage is as follows: Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. – Class X level), Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc. – Class X level), General Mental Ability, Decision-making and Problem Solving, Logical Reasoning and Analytical ability, Interpersonal skills including Communication Skills, and Comprehension.
The IAS Mains syllabus of General Studies Paper – IV covers subjects such as Probity in Governance, Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration, Contributions of Thinkers and Philosophers, Emotional Intelligence, Aptitude, Attitude, Ethics and Human Interface. In the Mains examination, the IAS Syllabus of General Studies Paper – III covers subjects such as Economy, Security, Science & Technology, Agriculture, Environment, Disaster Management, etc. The subject on Security will cover various topics such as terrorism, internal security challenges in different states, cyber security, money laundering, etc. The subject of Environment will cover issues related to conservation of flora and fauna, degradation of environment, initiatives to mitigate the impact of climate change, disaster management initiatives taken by the Governments. The Science and Technology section will cover topics such as progress made by India in Defense technology, Space technology, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence etc.
In the Mains examination, the IAS Syllabus of General Studies Paper – II covers subjects such as Polity, Poverty, Governance, and International relations. It covers Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Center and the States, issues related to poverty, governance, functions and powers of various quasi-judicial bodies, constitutional bodies, and statutory bodies. This paper also covers topics related to the effects on India due to developments taking place in different parts of the globe, relations between India and its neighborhood, multilateral relationships, intergovernmental organizations etc. In the Mains examination, the IAS Syllabus of General Studies Paper – I covers subjects such as Indian Culture, Indian History, World History, Geography, Society, etc. Geography will cover details on different types of industries, contributions of these industries to the nation, natural resources in India, across the globe, important geographical features, flora, fauna, etc. Indian culture will cover art forms, literature, and different types of architecture. Modern Indian History covers the freedom struggle of India, important contributions of different personalities, important events in history etc.
