The IAS exam pattern is divided into three stages : Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and the Interview/Personality Test.
Here's a detailed overview of the IAS exam pattern:
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
The Prelims exam is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Mains examination. It consists of two papers:
Paper I: General Studies (200 marks)
Duration: 2 hours
Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Syllabus: Includes topics like:
Current Events (national and international)
History (Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India)
Geography (Physical, Economic, and Social)
Indian Polity and Governance
Economic and Social Development
Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity, and Climate Change
General Science (Science and Technology)
General Issues on Environmental Ecology
Paper II: Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) (200 marks)
Duration: 2 hours
Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Syllabus:
Comprehension
Interpersonal Skills and Communication Skills
Logical Reasoning
Decision-making and Problem-solving
Basic Numeracy (Math up to 10th standard)
English Language Comprehension
Qualifying Paper: You must score at least 33% in CSAT to qualify for the Mains examination. However, Paper I (General Studies) is used for ranking.
2. Main Examination (Mains)
The Mains exam is a more detailed and comprehensive assessment, consisting of 9 papers in total. It tests a candidate's depth of knowledge, writing skills, and ability to express opinions clearly.
Paper 1: Essay (250 marks)
You have to write an essay on a given topic.
The essay will assess your writing skills, clarity of thought, and ability to develop a coherent argument.
Paper 2-5: General Studies (1000 marks total)
General Studies Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society.
General Studies Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations.
General Studies Paper III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management.
General Studies Paper IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude.
Paper 6 & 7: Optional Subject Papers (500 marks total)
You must choose one Optional Subject (from a list of 48 subjects).
There are two papers in the Optional Subject: Paper I and Paper II, each carrying 250 marks.
Paper 8: Indian Language Paper (Qualifying)
This paper is a qualifying paper, which is meant to test your proficiency in an Indian language.
You need to score at least 25% to qualify, but the marks do not count toward your total score.
Paper 9: English Language Paper (Qualifying)
This paper tests your proficiency in English.
You need to score at least 25% to qualify, but these marks are not counted for the final ranking.
3. Interview/Personality Test (275 marks)
Purpose: The interview is meant to assess your personality, decision-making skills, presence of mind, and general awareness. It helps the board understand whether you have the qualities needed for an administrative role.
Panel: A panel of experts will interview you, and the questions will cover your background, current affairs, and social/political issues.
Duration: Typically lasts for about 30-45 minutes.
Summary of Marks:
Prelims:
General Studies Paper I: 200 marks
CSAT Paper II: 200 marks (qualifying paper)
Mains:
Essay: 250 marks
General Studies Paper I: 250 marks
General Studies Paper II: 250 marks
General Studies Paper III: 250 marks
General Studies Paper IV: 250 marks
Optional Subject Paper I: 250 marks
Optional Subject Paper II: 250 marks
Indian Language Paper: Qualifying
English Language Paper: Qualifying
Interview: 275 marks
Total Marks: 2025 marks (Mains + Interview)
Final Rank Calculation: The final ranking is based on the total marks obtained in Mains (out of 1750 marks) + the Interview (275 marks), giving a combined total of 2025 marks.
Important Points:
Negative Marking: There is negative marking for wrong answers in both Prelims (General Studies Paper I and CSAT Paper II).
Optional Subject: Your choice of optional subject is very important as it can significantly impact your performance in the Mains. The subject should be chosen based on your interest, background, and availability of resources.
Conclusion:
The IAS exam pattern is designed to assess candidates' knowledge, aptitude, and personality. It is a multi-stage process, starting from a qualifying Prelims exam to a more detailed Mains exam, followed by the final Personality Test. Success in the IAS exam requires strategic preparation, consistent effort, and thorough knowledge across a wide range of subjects.