Civil Services (UPSC - IAS, IPS, IFS, IES) Guide - IAS IAS 2009, 2010

The information on this page is slightly outdated - but it's still useful and I'll update it soon.

Visit UPSC Official Website. Get Study material from reputed institute like Brilliant Tutorials. There are many institutes in Chennai and Delhi. Some institutes in Chennai

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are fraud. They take money from you but never send the material..like Netaji IAS Academy... ( I know what I am saying... )

If you wanna crack UPSC...web is NOT a good source to look for but you'll get a starting point...Most of your questions (like Calendar For Examinations, Eligibilty Criteria, Prelims and mains question papers, Indian Forest Service, Combined Defence Services, Combined Medical Services, Indian Economics Services, Indian Statistical Services) have been answered at ..
Some Useful Sites:

-- Sri Ram's IAS study circle

-- Official Website of UPSC

-- Crack IAS

-- Vajiram and Ravi classes' webpage

Before discussing further, I would like to answer the most popular questions.... (Ofcourse if you don't get the info. at the above mentioned sites...LOL)
Where can I get old upsc question papers?

Get in touch with
Satish and Brothers , Publishers and Book Sellers, 9666, Islamganj, Library Road, Azad Market, DELHI - 110006

Question papers are pretty cheap...Rs. 50- 60 per subject. They publish papers in Hindi Medium also. You can request them to send to papers by VPP

Address or Contact Details of IAS Coaching Classes

Buy magazines like Competition Success Review , Toppers , Civil Services Chronicle ..etc.. You'll get everything.
The address of Brilliant tutorials is :
Brilliant Tutorials , 12, Masilamani Streeeet, T. Nagar, Chennai 600017, India

What subjects shall I choose ? What are my chances to win the race?

Really doesn't matter ....if you can score more than 60 % in finals, you'll be in toppers list...Now choice is yours....

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Don't go by the number of students appeared for the exam. Most of them are not serious. If you study seriously, your chances of winning are 1/200...Tough competition..(This is an approximate figure. This doesn't mean that you'll be in IAS, IPS, IFS cadre.)
Where can I get syllabus for Prelims and mains ?

Employement news publishes it along with the add...or You can send a request to Brilliant Tutorials regarding coaching...they'll send you the syllabus.. ..or...you can mail me...but remember....it may take about 15-20 days to get a response from me.......
What books shall I refere for a 'x' subject?

If you are willing to pay Rs. 35-50, you may write to
Spardha Pariksha Publications (P) Ltd., 349/2, Kasturba Bhavan, Bajaj Nagar, NAGPUR - 440010
.........
You'll get syllabus and reference books. There are many resources available at Delhi...
The competitive examinations at UPSC are in three stages

IAS Preliminary examinations (Prelims)

The prelims are held around May-June.It has objective ie multiple choice questions. There are two papers (duration of each being 2 hrs).

a) General studies
b) Optional subject

you can choose from Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Agriculture, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics etc.

Important: It is not compulsory to choose the same subjects of your graduation. The results are declared in July-August and the successful candidates are called for the main examinations.

PS. The prelims score has no bearing for determining the final merit list for the services.
Civil Services Main examination

The main written examination usually takes place in Oct-Nov, it comprises of 9 papers in all (a lot more strenuous than CAT!) Duration of each paper is 3 hrs.

Language: one of the Indian languages, English, Essay GK and Current Affairs: 2 papers on general studies

Optionals: papers from two subjects that fall in optional-1 and two papers from optional-2 (a choice of subjects is listed by the UPSC in the prospectus) Candidates who are successful in the main examinations are eligible for an interview which plays a crucial part in the selection.
Civil Services - The Interview

The interview calls are sent in March-April of the following year and they take place in the month of April-May. The Board of interviewers look for a well-adjusted personality with the social traits, integrity and qualities of leadership . PS. The number of candidates called for the interview is normally twice the number of vacancies.

BEWARE : The whole process of selection in the civil services takes a full year and when the application process is included it sums up to 18 months in all. PLEASE NOTE :The main exam score and the interview determines the placement in the final list. You have your say in the choice of service if you have secured a high position, otherwise accept what is offered if not take another attempt (4 attempts permitted) in the general category. Of course you have to start from the prelims all over again.


PS. the I.A.S.occupies the highest order of importance and is usually given first preference by the selected candidates. In recent years Income Tax, Customs etc also have become popular. IFS is not that sought after now.
5 tips for IAS aspirants

1. Be very particular about the subject you choose for prelims, as you will be appearing for an objective type of paper. History, maths, geography may prove to be very scoring. Choose subjects which have availability of books, reading material and guidance. In recent years engineering subjects like civil and electrical can be chosen, giving BEs and IITians an edge (yes! even here they are giving the BAs and BScs a tough fight!)
2. G.K. will definitely pay in your prelims. Reading newspapers, watching TV news and of course quiz shows like KBC is a must.
3. If you have been lucky enough to reach the interview stage book knowledge may not be the only thing you need. Your mental alertness will count as they ask you questions like �How many steps did you walk up to reach here?� or � What is the colour of the wall behind you ? - So be prepared.
4. Enhance your personality becoz it will definitely be one of the criteria for selection. For IPS physical wellbeing is of great importance, you should be medically fit.
5. Improve your communication skills. IFS aspirants must be proficient in at least one foreign language. So go ahead, have your say in this political mess of our country and try to make it a better place. Preparing for the UPSC Exam: There are numerous private coaching institutes and �study circles�. To guide and encourage IAS candidates in Maharashtra the govt has set up SIAC (State Institute for Administrative Careers), Hazarimal Somani marg (CST) Mumbai-1. Tel :2070942 (You must have Maharashtra domicile to get admission here)