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Here's all you need to know about preparing for the Civil Services examination -- important books, scope of career and more.
The Civil Services Exam, popularly known as the IAS Exam is one of the most coveted and challenging examinations held in India.
Each year, lakhs of aspirants apply for the exam, but only the best minds make it to the final merit list.
The online application process for 2017 has begun online and will end on March 17.
This year there will be approximately 980 vacancies across the country.
If you are planning to take the exam this year, here are some key points to remember:
Exam Pattern
The Civil Services examination is held once a year in two distinct stages – Preliminary examination (popularly known as prelims) and Mains examination (comprising of written papers and an interview).
Prelims
The written preliminary examination is scheduled for June 18, 2017. It consists of two objective type papers: General Studies Paper I and II.
There is also negative marking for every incorrect answer attempted for both Paper I and II.
Mains
The Main examination consists of 9 descriptive papers. In addition to the written papers, an interview will also be conducted of the candidates who clear the written examination.
Paper A: Any Indian language as enlisted by UPSC (300 marks, Qualifying in nature)
Paper B: English (300 marks, Qualifying in nature)
Paper – I: Essay (250 marks, Compulsory )
Paper – II: General Studies I (250 marks, Compulsory)
Paper – III: General Studies II (250 marks, Compulsory)
Paper –IV: General Studies III(250 marks, Compulsory)
Paper – V: General Studies IV(250 marks, Compulsory)
Paper – VI: Optional Paper 1 (250 marks, Compulsory)
Paper – VII: Optional Paper 2(250 marks, Compulsory)
Recommended Books for Civil Services
The fact that Civil Services include a hefty syllabus makes it confusing for aspirants to choose from the resources available.
Here's a comprehensive list of books that will help you prepare:
History
Geography
Polity
Economy
Environment
General Science
Current Affairs
Ethics
Aptitude
Career Prospects
Any candidate who makes it to any of the 20+ services under Civil Services will live a life of affluence and respect.
Currently, the top three services under UPSC are Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service and Indian Police Service.
Besides fully furnished accommodation, the new recruits will also be provided with a vehicle, medical allowance, Internet allowance, fully paid trips around the nation and even fellowships to study abroad.
The sooner you clear the exam, the higher your chances to reach to the topmost positions on the hierarchical ladder.
The highest ranked positions under the three services are as follows –
How to Apply
Since the notification for 2017 has been issued recently, candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible in order to avoid any last minute confusion.
The procedure for applying is simple. Register on the official site www.upsc.gov.in and fill in 2 registration forms – I and 2.
Once the registration is done, you will receive a registration number on your e-mail and via SMS. Save it for all future references.
The last date to apply for Civil Services exam is March 17, 2017.
This article is written by Akriti Mattu of Sarkari Jobs, a Bengaluru based portal for discovering government/PSU Jobs. She has also been a successful ex aspirant who qualified the written exam (both stages) in her first attempt but chose a different stream professionally.