If you are a person with a passion to serve the country or wish to make a difference in society, a career in civil services might just be the career you are looking for. Of late, several students have opted for a career in public administration, thanks to the wide range of career opportunities made available by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Read on to know more about cracking the UPSC exams.

Preparation:

Preparing for the UPSC examinations definitely demands both hard work and a sharp focus as students are expected to cover a range of subjects for the exam. Reading daily newspapers and journals is highly recommended; the papers are predominantly based on current affairs and hence it is imperative that a candidate is familiar with the latest happenings. Your focus must be on the development of the country and how it has influenced the quality of our science, technology, business, commerce, banking, defence, space, international trade, and social development schemes. The subjects covered in the examinations include history, geography, polity, governance, economic development, science, and current affairs, among others.

As it takes at least two years to prepare for these exams, students need to have a great deal of patience and develop a sustainable and effective study pattern while preparing for the exams. Inculcating the habit of reading to develop one’s general knowledge and a close awareness of current affairs is essential; this will help you develop competent communication skills as well. Choosing subjects based on your personal aptitude will make the road ahead easier or at least less difficult. All of this will in turn boost your self-confidence.

Preparing for these exams requires a complete shift in your attitude. Since your aptitude and general awareness are put through a stringent test––and these cannot be developed in just one study session––last-minute preparation must be strictly avoided. As there is no set syllabus the examination is rather unpredictable. Focusing on current affairs and the right method of preparation and maintaining a positive attitude towards these exams can really help.

Exam Pattern:

The UPSC examination is conducted in three different phases: preliminary group discussion, main group discussion, and interview. The preliminary exam has a set of two papers CSAT 1 and CSAT 2 (Civil Service Aptitude Test). The mains are a set of three papers––two for optional subjects chosen by the student and the third is a general studies exam. This year, however, the UPSC made a few changes in the pattern of the preliminary exam and included subjects such as decision making, problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills. Also, the option of choosing a subject of your choice has been scrapped.

Once the final stage is cleared, the candidate is put through an 18-month-long probationary training period.

Career Scope:

The main UPSC exams offer career opportunities in the various services, Indian Administrative Services and Indian Police Services, to name just two. Separate exams are conducted by the respective departments. A career in the civil services has its advantages in comparison to a career in the private sector; the field offers job security and attractive salaries. After the sixth pay commission recommendations were implemented, there has been a hike in salaries.