(IAS Planner) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Syllabus of Examination

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When does the notification for the exam come out?
It comes out usually during the first week of December/January every year.The notification is published in Employment News and RozgarSamachar.

2. What is the exam scheme?
It is a three stage exam, with only successful candidates eligible to apply in subsequent stages. The first stage is the Preliminary Exam, open for all applicants. Upon clearing this the successful candidate has to apply again to sit for the Main Exam. Successful candidates at this stage are called for the Personality Test or Interview. Those passing the Personality Test are the ultimate successful candidates.

3. What optionals should be more suitable optionals for me?
It is a highly sensitive issue, and the most crucial too, because choice of optionals goes a long way in deciding your prospects. We have discussed in full details just go through it.

4. I am an engineering graduate. From scoring point of view you suggest the suitable optional for my preparation.
There is an increasing trend that engineering graduates are shifting towards humanities. They preferably take one of the optionals as the science and the other from humanities. As far as popular trend is concerned large number of engineering students find it comfortable to opt either geography or public administration. Both these optionals are having small seep in time and can be comfortably picked up in a short span of time.

5. What is the restriction on number of attempts in Civil services Examinations?
General-4, OBC-7, SC/ST- No restriction

6. Is there any relaxation in number of attempts for physically handicapped?
Yes, physically handicapped candidates belonging to the general category shall be eligible for 7 attempts

7. Can a candidate who has completed his education from an open school/ University apply for Commissions Examination?
Yes, provided it is a recognized University and he possess the educational qualifications prescribed for the exam and is otherwise eligible.

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8. Can a candidate who has completed his education from Foreign University for example Cambridge, Oxford etc.apply for Commissions Examination
No, there the degree must be approved with the UGC or the any other govt. organization that is mentioned in the notification.

9. Is a candidate who has done his graduation without passing the class Xth and class XIIth eligible for civil services examination?
Yes

10. Whether a candidate belonging to a community included in the OBC list of states but not in the Central list of OBCs is eligible for age relaxation, reservation etc. for Commission’s Examinations?
No. Only candidates belonging to communities which are included in the Central list of OBCs are eligible for such concessions.

11. If a candidate has applied for the CS (P) Examination but has not appeared at any paper in the CS (P) Examination will it be counted as an attempt?
No. An attempt is counted only if a candidate has appeared in at least one paper in CS (P) Examination.

12. Can a candidate write different papers of Civil Service (Main) Examination in different languages?
No, Candidates have the option to write their answers either in English or in any one of the Eighth schedule languages.

13. Can a candidate write the Civil Service (Main) Examination in English and take the interview in Hindi or any other Indian language?
If a candidate opts an Eighth schedule language for the CS (Main) Examination he will have the option to take the interview in same language or in English.

14. How one should start preparing for civil services examination?
The best way to start for this examination is by knowing the nature of examination. After having decided for the optionals one should develop a keen interest in looking at the past years questions to get an idea as to what one should be preparing for. One should also get a proper guidance for the channelization of its time, energy and resources. Planning is very crucial. One must plan and work the plan in a disciplined manner. There should be time frame and small targets fixed to work in this direction.

15. What is the minimum age at which aspirants should start preparing for the civil Services Examination?
The preparation for IAS exam should start in a focused manner at 20 – 21 years of age. This is the time student is able to focus on the goal properly and is in a position to peak at the right time. Starting too early (immediately after school or early graduation) has the likelihood of aspirant tiring during the course of preparation or loosing focus mid way whereas starting too late has disadvantage in terms of competitive edge of early start. Preferably the preparation should start in a focused manner around 20 years of age. This is the time student is able to focus the goal properly and is in a position to peak at the right time. Starting too early has a likelihood of tiring at the right time or starting very late will disadvantage in terms of competitive edge of early start.

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