Clearing the Indian Economic Service (IES) Exam requires systematic preparation in General English, General Studies and Economics. Aspirants can prepare according to the pattern, syllabus and level of examination. Candidates can make use of relevant study materials as part of preparation.

IES Exam Pattern

The Indian Economic Service Exam consists of two parts. Part 1 is the written examination and part 2 is the viva voce. The written examination carries 1000 marks. It includes the following subjects:

• General English
• General Studies
• General Economics-I
• General Economics-II
• General Economics-III
• Indian Economics

General English and General Studies carries 100 marks each. General Economics-I, II and III and Indian Economics carries 200 marks each.

Viva voce carries a maximum of 200 marks. Candidates selected by the Commission on the basis of the written examination are required to attend the viva voce.

Preparation Strategy to clear IES exam

General English paper intends to test the candidate’s comprehension of English. It includes essay writing, précis writing and other descriptive questions. Candidates can prepare for this paper by improving their command over language. Essays can be practiced. Grammar, sentence construction, presentation of ideas etc should be given emphasis while preparing.

General Studies paper tests a candidate’s knowledge on wide areas like, History, General Science, Constitution of India, Geography, National and International Affairs, etc. Aspirants can prepare for this paper by practicing to write within the specified word limit. General knowledge and basic subject knowledge has to be developed by the candidate.

The remaining four papers on Economics require thorough understanding about the subject. Micro economics, Macro economics, Basic Statistics, Monetary and Fiscal Theory, Development, Challenges of Planning, Indian Economy etc are the areas included in the four Economics papers. Preparation should be based on the post graduation syllabus concerning these areas. Candidates should have a clarity regarding the concepts and its application.

The interview carries 200 marks. Academic knowledge, critical thinking, sound judgment etc are areas that require the attention of candidates. Candidates can prepare for the interview by noting down probable questions and listing out relevant points. Personality, confidence, interpersonal relationship, integrity of character etc will be evaluated by the interview board.

Aspirants can work out previous year question paper to have an understanding of the level and pattern of the examination. Candidates should have knowledge about the latest developments in Economics and allied areas. Reading forms a major part of preparation as new developments happen daily. Candidates can devote a specific amount of time to read. Candidates should refer textbooks, magazines, newspapers, guides, journals, blogs and websites etc as part of preparation.