The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for various administrative roles in the Indian government. The exam consists of three main stages:
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
Purpose: This is a qualifying round to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam.
Format:
General Studies Paper I : 200 marks, multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper II : 200 marks, MCQs (qualifying paper, candidates need to score at least 33%).
Duration : Each paper is 2 hours long.
Subjects:
General Studies Paper I includes topics such as History, Geography, Economy, Polity, Current Affairs, etc.
CSAT Paper II tests aptitude, reasoning, decision-making, basic math, and English language comprehension.
2. Main Examination (Mains)
Purpose : This stage assesses a candidate’s detailed knowledge and understanding of various subjects.
Format:
9 Papers in total, which include:
Essay (250 marks)
General Studies Papers I-IV (1000 marks total)
Optional Subject Papers I & II (500 marks total)
Language Paper (Qualifying; candidates must secure 25% marks)
English Paper (Qualifying)
Duration: Each paper lasts 3 hours.
Subjects:
General Studies covers topics like Governance, Social Justice, Technology, Environment, etc.
The Optional Subject is chosen by the candidate from a list of available subjects (e.g., Geography, History, Political Science, Sociology).
The Essay paper assesses writing skills and clarity of thought.
3. Interview/Personality Test
Purpose: To assess the candidate's personality, suitability for administrative positions, communication skills, and overall temperament.
Format: It consists of a panel of interviewers who ask questions based on the candidate's background, general knowledge, and issues of national and international importance.
Marks: 275 marks.