Changes in the Main Examination
Usually the Commission revised the examination scheme every ten years. This time the implemented changes follow the recommendations of an Expert Committee constituted for the purpose, chaired by Dr.Arun Nigavekar, former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Commission has discussed the proposed changes with senior Central and State officials and the state level Public Service Commissions before seeking the final approval of the Central Government.
It may be kept in mind that the initial notification issued on 05-05-2013 was further amended on 26-05-2013. These changes were warranted because of the criticism which arose on certain restrictions in the initial notification imposed on the use of regional languages both as medium as well as optional subject. The changes made on the basis of the recommendations of the increasing the importance of General Studies by adding two specific paper as well as introducing a compulsory English paper which all candidates have to attend. It was further stipulated initially to allow optional subjects in literature of languages only to those graduates who have studied it as their main subject of study for graduation.
The rationale for removing the second optional is explained as follows:
As most graduates tackled a new subject for the second optional, many commercial coaching institutes were fleecing the aspirants by teaching the basics of a second subject in the few months available before the main examination as 'crash courses' it was also found that the second subject, often mastered only for the purpose of the examination, did not add any lasting professional value to the aspirant. It was also felt that various candidates are succeeding by focussing exclusively on what is know as 'highly scoring second optional subjects' which gave them a distinct edge over their chosen subjects and General Studies. Some of those subjects like Public Administration are hardly offered at University level.
The present changes clearly make the General Studies which will have four papers instead of two previously the area to focus on, as it will carry a weight age of 1000 marks in the written examination consisting of 1750 marks. Apart from the conventional essay and basic English and regional language which comprises the first paper (Part A&B), General Studies will have four papers with subject areas detailed below. I am extracting the scheme of main examination for easy understanding.
The Written examination will consist of the following papers:
Qualifying Papers:
Paper- A
(One of the Indian Languages to be selected by the candidates from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitutio). 300 Marks.
Paper- B
English. 300 Marks.
Papers to be counted for merit
Paper-I
Essay. 250 Marks.
Paper-II
General Studies-I. 250 Marks.
(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and society).
Paper-III
General Studies -II. 250 Marks.
(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations).
Paper-IV
General Studies-III. 250 Marks
(Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and disaster Management).
Paper-V
General Studies-IV. 250 Marks
(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude).
Paper-VI
Optional Subject- Paper I. 250 Marks
Paper-VII
Optional Subject-Paper II. 250 Marks
Sub Total(Written Test). 1750 Marks.
Personality Test. 275 Marks.
Grand Total. 2025 Marks.
Important Links:
Usually the Commission revised the examination scheme every ten years. This time the implemented changes follow the recommendations of an Expert Committee constituted for the purpose, chaired by Dr.Arun Nigavekar, former Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC). The Commission has discussed the proposed changes with senior Central and State officials and the state level Public Service Commissions before seeking the final approval of the Central Government.
It may be kept in mind that the initial notification issued on 05-05-2013 was further amended on 26-05-2013. These changes were warranted because of the criticism which arose on certain restrictions in the initial notification imposed on the use of regional languages both as medium as well as optional subject. The changes made on the basis of the recommendations of the increasing the importance of General Studies by adding two specific paper as well as introducing a compulsory English paper which all candidates have to attend. It was further stipulated initially to allow optional subjects in literature of languages only to those graduates who have studied it as their main subject of study for graduation.
The rationale for removing the second optional is explained as follows:
As most graduates tackled a new subject for the second optional, many commercial coaching institutes were fleecing the aspirants by teaching the basics of a second subject in the few months available before the main examination as 'crash courses' it was also found that the second subject, often mastered only for the purpose of the examination, did not add any lasting professional value to the aspirant. It was also felt that various candidates are succeeding by focussing exclusively on what is know as 'highly scoring second optional subjects' which gave them a distinct edge over their chosen subjects and General Studies. Some of those subjects like Public Administration are hardly offered at University level.
The present changes clearly make the General Studies which will have four papers instead of two previously the area to focus on, as it will carry a weight age of 1000 marks in the written examination consisting of 1750 marks. Apart from the conventional essay and basic English and regional language which comprises the first paper (Part A&B), General Studies will have four papers with subject areas detailed below. I am extracting the scheme of main examination for easy understanding.
The Written examination will consist of the following papers:
Qualifying Papers:
Paper- A
(One of the Indian Languages to be selected by the candidates from the languages included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitutio). 300 Marks.
Paper- B
English. 300 Marks.
Papers to be counted for merit
Paper-I
Essay. 250 Marks.
Paper-II
General Studies-I. 250 Marks.
(Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and society).
Paper-III
General Studies -II. 250 Marks.
(Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations).
Paper-IV
General Studies-III. 250 Marks
(Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and disaster Management).
Paper-V
General Studies-IV. 250 Marks
(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude).
Paper-VI
Optional Subject- Paper I. 250 Marks
Paper-VII
Optional Subject-Paper II. 250 Marks
Sub Total(Written Test). 1750 Marks.
Personality Test. 275 Marks.
Grand Total. 2025 Marks.
Important Links:
- Preparation Plan for Preliminary Exam CSAT
- Civil Services Personality Test Details
- General Structure of Armed Forces for Competitive Exam Preparation
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