UPSC has invited applications for Civil Services Exam 2013 and eligible candidates can submit applications till April 4th. Selection test comprises of preliminary and main exam papers. Preliminary Test, conducted in objective model include questions on general aptitude, World Geography, Indian Polity , History of India , General Science, Demographics and so on. For mains exam, there will be 7 conventional type papers, covering questions on English language and general studies.

Exam Pattern for Civil Services

The Civil Services exam plan includes mainly two different stages which is as follows –

• Preliminary Exam
• Main Exam

Preliminary Exam – This is an entry level screening test which is organized to select eligible candidates to attend the main examination. There will be two papers for preliminary test. The pattern of the test is objective type and comprises a total of 200 marks each (for both the papers). The preliminary test score will not be taken in to account for determining the final merit score for Civil Services selection.

Syllabus of Civil Services Preliminary Exam – This exam involves two papers covering the following subject areas –

Paper 1 – Objective model questions – 200 questions – 2 hours time limit

• Social Sector initiatives
• Indian Polity and Governance
• Indian and World Geography
• History of India and Indian National Movement
• General Science
• General issues relating to Climate Change/ Bio Diversity/ Environmental Ecology
• Economic and Social Development
• Demographics
• Current events of national and international importance

Paper 2 – Objective model questions – 200 questions – 2 hours time limit

• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Interpersonal skills including communication skills;
• General mental ability
• English Language Comprehension
• Decision-making and Problem-solving
• Comprehension
• Basic Arithmetics

Main Exam – Those candidates who are able to clear the preliminary exam need to appear for the Main exam which generally involves a written examination and personal interview. The main examination typically covers conventional essay type questions.

Syllabus of Civil Services Main Exam – The Main exam includes the following papers

Paper 1 – English Essay (on any specific topic choice given) – 200 marks

Paper 2 – English Comprehension and Précis Writing – 100 marks

Paper 3 - General Studies I – 250 marks

• World History
• Social empowerment
• Post-independence consolidation and reorganization
• Modern Indian history
• Indian Freedom Struggle
• Indian culture
• Globalization in Indian society

Paper 4 - General Studies II - 250 marks

• Indian Constitution
• Social Justice and International relations
• Governance
• Polity

Paper 5 – General Studies III - 250 marks

• Technology
• Economic Development
• Bio diversity
• Environment
• Security and Disaster Management
• Government Budgeting

Paper 6 – General Studies IV - 250 marks

• Integrity
• Ethics
• Aptitude

Paper 7 - This part includes two different optional subjects of carrying 250 marks each. It is possible to choose any of the specific optional subjects as per their choice by candidates in this exam.

Candidates who clear the Civil services Main exam should attend Personal Interview as a last stage of selection. Questions relating to general subjects are basically asked in this session, to assess the knowledge level of candidates.