The examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. It has three stages: a preliminary exam, a main exam, and an interview, and is known for being extremely challenging. Recently the preliminary exam pattern has changed. There used to be 23 optional subjects along with a general Studies paper. Now there will be no optional subjects in the preliminary examination. Instead there will be a second paper which will be common for all candidates. It covers aptitude, general mathematics, comprehensive English, Social Studies etc.
Entry into the IAS is considered very difficult. Almost all of the applicants rank IAS as their top choice because of the high prestige and diversity of career it offers.
After being selected for the IAS, candidates are allocated to “cadres.” Most IAS officers start their careers in the state administration at the sub-divisional level as a sub divisional magistrate. They are entrusted with the law and order situation of the city along with general administration and development work of the areas under their charge. The post of District Officer is also known as District Magistrate, District Collector or Deputy Commissioner. Since it is the most identifiable position in the IAS Services , it is also the post which most people identify with IAS. At the top of the hierarchy of IAS officers at the Centre is the Cabinet Secretary followed by Secretary/Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary, Director, Deputy Secretary and Under Secretary. These posts are filled according to seniority.
CSE : Number of Attempts
A general candidate can apply for the exam at an age limit of 32 years. However, unlike the other competitive exam candidates can not apply until the age exceeds. Here are the restrictions on the number of times this exam:
- General Category: 6 attempts till 32 years of age.
- OBC Candidates: 9 attempts till 35 years of age.
- SC/ST Candidates: unlimited attempts till 37 years of age.
Note: Physically Handicapped /disabled candidates belonging to the General category will get the benefit of 9 attempts till the age prescribed by UPSC – 42 years.
PROCESS:
The Civil Services Examination of India is considered to be amongst of the most difficult competitive examinations in the world. Aspirants must compete a three-stage process, with a final success rate of about 0.3 % of the total applicants.
Stage I:
Preliminary examination – This is qualifying test held in May- June every year. Notification for this is published in February. Results are published in the first half of August.
Stage II:
Main examination – This is the main test, held in October every year. Results are usually published in the third week of January .
Stage III:
Personality Test (Interview) – It is the final test and is held in February/March every year. Final results are usually announced a few days before the next preliminary examination.
The training program for the selected candidates usually commences in August every year.
