About IAS Exam

About IAS Examination

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) exam is a highly competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit candidates for various administrative positions in the Indian government. The IAS exam pattern comprises three stages: the Preliminary examination, the Main examination, and the Personality Test/Interview.

1. Preliminary Examination: The Preliminary examination is the first stage of the IAS exam pattern. It consists of two papers: General Studies (Paper I) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (Paper II). The General Studies paper is 200 marks and is objective in nature, while the Civil Services Aptitude Test paper is 200 marks and is qualifying in nature. The duration of each paper is two hours.

2. Main Examination: Candidates who qualify for the Preliminary examination are eligible to appear for the Main examination. The Main examination consists of nine papers, which are further divided into two categories: compulsory papers and optional papers. The compulsory papers include Essay, General Studies I, General Studies II, General Studies III, and General Studies IV. The optional papers are chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. The total marks for the Main examination are 1750, and the duration of each paper is three hours.

3. Personality Test/Interview: Candidates who qualify for the Main examination are called for a Personality Test/Interview. The Personality Test is conducted by a board of competent and unbiased observers who assess the candidate's personality traits, leadership qualities, communication skills, and suitability for administrative services. The total marks for the Personality Test/Interview are 275.

The final selection of candidates for the IAS is based on the cumulative score obtained in the Main examination and the Personality Test/Interview. The IAS exam pattern is designed to test the candidate's knowledge, understanding, and analytical abilities. It requires extensive preparation and dedication to clear all the stages of the examination.

Prelims Examination and its pattern

The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the IAS exam pattern and is also known as the Civil Services Preliminary Examination. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to select candidates for the Main examination. The Preliminary examination consists of two papers: General Studies (Paper I) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (Paper II).

General Studies (Paper I) is the first paper of the Preliminary Examination and carries 200 marks. It is an objective type paper that tests the candidate's knowledge and understanding of current events, Indian history, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and governance, economic and social development, environmental ecology and biodiversity, and general science. The paper consists of 100 questions, each carrying 2 marks, and the duration of the paper is two hours.

Civil Services Aptitude Test (Paper II) is the second paper of the Preliminary Examination and carries 200 marks. It is also an objective type paper that tests the candidate's comprehension, interpersonal skills, communication skills, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. The paper consists of 80 questions, each carrying 2.5 marks, and the duration of the paper is two hours.

It is important to note that Paper II, i.e., the Civil Services Aptitude Test, is qualifying in nature. This means that candidates need to score a minimum of 33% marks in this paper to qualify for the Main examination. However, the marks obtained in Paper II are not considered in the final merit list for selection.

The Preliminary Examination is a screening test, and the marks obtained in this examination are not added to the final merit list. Only those candidates who clear the Preliminary examination by scoring the minimum qualifying marks are eligible to appear for the Main examination. Therefore, it is important for candidates to prepare well for both the papers of the Preliminary Examination to qualify for the next stage.

Mains Examinations and its Pattern

The Main Examination is the second stage of the IAS exam pattern, and it is conducted for candidates who have cleared the Preliminary Examination. The Main Examination is a comprehensive test of a candidate's knowledge, skills, and analytical abilities in various fields. It consists of nine papers, which are further divided into two categories: compulsory papers and optional papers.

Compulsory Papers:

1. Essay (250 Marks): Candidates have to write two essays, each carrying 125 marks, on topics related to contemporary social, economic, and political issues. The duration of this paper is three hours.

2. General Studies I (250 Marks): This paper is designed to test the candidate's knowledge and understanding of Indian heritage and culture, world history, geography, and society. It includes topics such as Indian art and architecture, the Indian freedom struggle, and the geography of India and the world. The duration of this paper is three hours.

3. General Studies II (250 Marks): This paper is designed to test the candidate's knowledge and understanding of governance, polity, and social justice. It includes topics such as Indian Constitution, governance, and social justice. The duration of this paper is three hours.

4. General Studies III (250 Marks): This paper is designed to test the candidate's knowledge and understanding of technology, economic development, bio-diversity, environment, security, and disaster management. It includes topics such as Science and Technology, Indian Economy, Environment and Ecology, Internal Security, and Disaster Management. The duration of this paper is three hours.

5. General Studies IV (250 Marks): This paper is designed to test the candidate's analytical and ethical understanding of issues. It includes topics such as ethics, integrity, and aptitude. The duration of this paper is three hours.

Optional Papers:

The Main Examination also includes two optional papers, chosen by the candidate from a list of subjects provided by the UPSC. Each optional paper carries 250 marks, and the duration of each paper is three hours.

The total marks for the Main Examination are 1750, and the duration of each paper is three hours. The Main Examination is a crucial stage of the IAS exam pattern, and candidates need to prepare well for all the papers to secure a good score. The marks obtained in the Main Examination are used to determine the final merit list for selection.

Personality Test/Interview 

The Personality Test/Interview is the final stage of the IAS exam pattern, and it is conducted for candidates who have cleared the Main examination. The Personality Test is conducted by a board of competent and unbiased observers who assess the candidate's personality traits, leadership qualities, communication skills, and suitability for administrative services.

The Personality Test/Interview carries 275 marks, and it is a crucial stage in the selection process. The test is conducted in a cordial and friendly environment, and the aim is to assess the candidate's ability to handle stress, his/her social skills, and his/her ability to communicate effectively.

During the Personality Test/Interview, the board of observers may ask questions related to the candidate's hobbies, interests, achievements, academic background, and work experience. The board may also ask questions related to current affairs, national and international events, and issues of public interest.

The Personality Test/Interview is an opportunity for candidates to showcase their personality traits and leadership qualities. Candidates must prepare well for the Personality Test/Interview and be confident, composed, and articulate during the interview. The final selection of candidates is based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Personality Test/Interview.

In conclusion, the Personality Test/Interview is an important stage in the IAS exam pattern, and candidates must prepare well to secure a good score. The test provides an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their personality traits, communication skills, and leadership qualities, which are essential for a career in administrative services.