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Does one become an IAS officer? What is IAS Exam? Where are they posted? What is the eligibility?

Indian Administrative Service (IAS) was formerly known as Imperial Civil Service (ICS) is the Civil Services Examination and one of the toughest competitive exams in India. It is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission for the recruitment of officers for the All India Administrative Civil Service.

What is the full form of I.A.S.? Full Form of IAS is Indian Administrative Services in English and भारतीय प्रशासनिक सेवा in Hindi. It is one of the most prestigious and honored services. ​ What is the full form of I.P.S.? Full Form of IPS. IPS or Indian Police Service is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious and honored civil services in India. It is one of the 3 All India Services of the Government of India. Other two services are IAS (Indian Administration Service) and IFS (Indian Foreign Service).​ About IAS: Founded: · 1858 (as Imperial Civil Service) · January 26, 1950 (as Indian Administrative Service)

The Indian Administrative Service is the premier administrative civil service of the Government of India. Hierarchy-wise, IAS is the highest administrative post among the 24 services like IPS, IFS etc. Commonly known as the IAS exam, officially it is called as Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is conducted every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). IAS is the permanent bureaucracy in India and forms a part of the executive branch. It is one of the three All India Services, its cadre can be employed by both the Union Government, the State Governments and public-sector undertakings. Indian Administrative Service (IAS) has been termed as one of the prestigious services among the 24 government services like IPS, IFS (Foreign), IFS (Forest), IP & TAFS, IAAS, IRS, IDAS, CMSE, IRTS, IRAS, IRPS, ITS, CAPF-AF to name a few. All these examinations are conducted by UPSC in the form of Civil Services Examination (CSE) for selecting the appropriate candidates for the jobs. Every year lakhs of candidates appear for this examination, testing their lucks and hard work to get through one of these prestigious posts. It is important to mention that any officer selected into the IAS can be employed by Union government, State governments and/or public-sector undertakings and gets exposure in numerous job roles like the collector, head of public sector units, commissioner, chief secretary, cabinet secretary to name a few. When on deputation outside India, the IAS officer can be engaged in inter-governmental organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank (WB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the United Nations (UN), or its agencies and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to name a few. It is very important for aspirants to know and understand the requirements of the examination such as the UPSC IAS syllabus, pattern, eligibility criteria, application procedure and other such significant details before kick-starting the registrations.

Being an IAS Officer

• An IAS officer is given administrative command of an entire district as a District Collector. IAS officers also represent Government of India at international level in bilateral and multilateral negotiations. Given below is the detailed scenario like eligibility criteria, roles & responsibilities, etc. for the upcoming Civil Services Examination 2019:

Age Limit & Educational Qualifications for IAS

• Candidates have to fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the authorities to take the exam. The eligibility parameters are set on the basis of Nationality, Age Limit, Educational Qualifications, Number of Attempts and Physical Standards. Given below are the IAS Exam Eligibility Criteria:

Nationality

• For IAS and IPS, applicants must be a citizen of India.

• Other services require candidates to be either,

• Citizen of India

• Subject of Nepal

• Subject of Bhutan

• Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962 to settle permanently.

• An Indian origin migrant from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam who came to permanently settle in India.

Educational Qualifications

• Applicants must hold a graduate degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized university

Number of Attempts

• Only six attempts are allowed for a candidate to clear IAS Exam 2019.

UPSC SYLLABUS

The UPSC prescribes a common syllabus pattern for services such as the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise) to name a few.

The Civil Service Exam is conducted in three phases:

Phase 1:Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination (Objective Type)

Phase 2:Civil Services (Mains) Examination (Descriptive Type)

Phase 3: Personal Interview (Personality Test)

Phase 1: Preliminary Examination:

• Broadly, the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination consists of two papers of objectivetype, each of 200 marks (hence totalling 400 marks) and of two hours duration. In order to qualify for the Civil Services Mains, a candidate must attempt both the papers.

• Further, the General Studies (GS) paper consists of 100 questions, while the CSAT paper consists of 80 questions. Both papers have negative marks for wrong answers marked to the tune of 1/3rd of the total marks assigned to that question.

• To further illustrate this, each correctly answered GS question will be awarded 2 marks. So, 0.66 marks would be deducted from the total for every question that is wrongly marked.

• Similarly, in the CSAT paper, since we have 80 questions for 200 marks, correctly answered CSAT question would attract 2.5 marks each, while every wrongly marked question would attract a penalty of 0.833 for each such wrong answer, which will be deducted from the total.

• Questions that are not attempted will not attract any negative marks.

The Preliminary Examination is composed of two components:

1) General Studies (Generally conducted between 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM)

The General Studies test is the first paper of the preliminary examination. This test is intended to test the general awareness of a candidate in a wide range of subjects that include the following syllabus:

Syllabus for GS Paper (Prelims Paper I)

• Current events of national and international importance.

• History of India and Indian National Movement.

• Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

• Indian Polity and Governance - Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

• Economic and Social Development - Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector initiatives, etc.

• General issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialisation General Science

Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)(Generally conducted between 2:30 PM to 04:30 PM)

• This test is intended to assess the aptitude of the candidate in solving ‘Reasoning and Analytical’ questions, apart from ‘Reading Comprehension’ and the occasionally asked ‘Decision Making’ questions.

• The ‘Decision Making’ based questions are generally exempt from negative marks.

• The preliminary examination is only meant for screening a candidate for the subsequent stages of the exam.

• The marks obtained in the Prelims will not be added up while arriving at the final rank list.

2) Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) syllabus;

• Comprehension

• Interpersonal skills including communication skills

• Logical reasoning and analytical ability

• Decision-making and problem solving

• General mental ability

• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. - Class X level)

​

Phase 2: Mains Examination:

The Mains examination constitutes the 2nd phase of the Civil Services Examination. Only after successfully qualifying the prelims examination would the candidates be allowed to write the Mains examination.

• The Mains examination constitutes the 2nd phase of the Civil Services Examination. Only after successfully qualifying the prelims examination would the candidates be allowed to write the Mains examination.

• The Mains examination tests the candidate’s academic talent in depth and his/her ability to present his/her understanding according to the requirements of the question in a time bound manner.

• The UPSC Mains exam consists of 9 papers, in which two are qualifying papers of 300 marks each:

I. Any Indian Language

II. English Language Paper

Criteria for qualifying the Language Paper:

• The papers on Essay, General Studies and Optional Subject of only such candidates who attain 30% marks in Indian Language Paper and 25% marks in English Language Paper as a minimum qualifying standard in these qualifying papers, will be taken cognizance of, for evaluation.

• In case a candidate does not qualify in these language papers, then the marks obtained by such candidate will not be considered or counted.

Structure of the language papers:

The type of questions asked are –

1. Essay – 100 marks

2. Reading comprehension – 60 marks

3. Precis Writing – 60 marks

4. Translation :

English to compulsory language (e.g. Hindi) – 20 marks

Compulsory language to English – 20 marks

5. Grammar and basic language usage – 40 marks

The rest of the seven papers can be written in any of the languages mentioned under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India or in English.

Let us take a look at these papers:​

General Studies details Syllabus:

GS Paper 1:

INDIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE, HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY OF THE WORLD AND SOCIETY:

HISTORY

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

(It includes Indian Art and Architecture, Indo-Islamic Architecture (Temples and Forts), Dances forms and Musical Gharanas in India, Festivals and Fairs of India, Language and Literature of India)

Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.

(India in eighteenth century, Penetration of Europeans in India, Establishment of British Rule in India, administrative and Political Policy of British Government, Policy of Revenue and Trade, Socio and Religious Reforms, Revolt of 1857 and its consequences, Peasant movements. Partition and Independence of India, Important personalities such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Dadabhai Naoroji, W.C Banerjee, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, etc.

Revolutionary Personalities include Bhagat Singh, Surya Sen, Chandra Sekhar Azad, Lala Hardyal ,Khudiram Bose, Prafulla Chaki etc.)

The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.

(It includes Congress under the influence of Moderate and Extremist, Bengal Partition, Montagu Chelmsford Reform 1909, First World War and its impact on Indian freedom struggle movements, Home Rule Movement, advent of Gandhi in Indian freedom Struggle, non-Cooperation Movement, Civil disobedience movement, Revolutionary Activities, contribution of foreigners and women, Simon Commission, Round table Conference, Quit Indian Movement etc.)

Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

(It will cover Integration and consolidation of states, state reorganization Commission, linguistic reorganization, Tribal Integration etc.)

History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

SOCIETY

• Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India. (Varna System prevailing in India, Castes, Gender discriminations, regions, Tribes etc.)

• Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and Developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

• Effects of globalization on Indian society

• Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

GEOGRAPHY

• Salient features of world's physical geography.

• Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India).

• Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

​

GS Paper 2:

GOVERNANCE, CONSTITUTION, POLITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS:

CONSTITUTION

Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

(Different provisions and acts introduced by the British Government to unite whole country. Act of 1919 and Government of Indian Act 1935 are important acts in historical underpinnings of Indian constitution.

Features include Federal but unitary in spirit, independent judiciary, secular, relatively combination of flexible and rigid constitution etc.

Amendments include the Procedure to amend the constitution and provisions related to amendments.)

Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

(Functions and responsibilities of Union and States Government

• Constitutional provision related to the federal structure

• Issues of conflict between state and union governments

• Constitutional provision related to local bodies

• Devolution of power and finance to local bodies

• Various problems plaguing local bodies

• Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions

• Separation of power amongst the legislative, executive and Judiciary

• Increasing importance of Judiciary and issues related to overreaching the power conferred by the constitution.)

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

(Comparison with constitutions of England, United State of America, Canada, Australia etc.)

POLITY

• Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

• Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity. (Various Pressure Groups such Industry groups, Labor Groups, Student Groups etc.)

• Salient features of the Representation of People's Act. (It includes various features like ground on which candidates are elected and also grounds on which candidate can be debarred from contesting the election etc.)

• Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies. (Provision related to Finance Commission, Election Commission, etc.)

• Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies (It Includes bodies CVC, National Development Council etc.)

GOVERNANCE

• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

• Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

• Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections. (MNREGA can be taken as an example)

• Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources. (NRHM, NUHM, SSA can be taken as an example)

• Issues relating to poverty and hunger. (Food Security Bill, Public Distribution system, food subsidies etc.)

• Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

• Role of civil services in a democracy.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

• India and its neighborhood- relations. (Relation with China, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, etc.)

• Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests (Various trade agreements and regional agreements such as SAARC etc.)

• Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. (Various developments at international level that affect interests of India.)

• Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate. (UNO, IMF, WTO, WHO, etc.

​

GS Paper 3:

TECHNOLOGY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BIO-DIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENT, SECURITY AND DISASTER MANAGEMENT

ECONOMY

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.

(Various Five years Plans objectives and causes of failures

• Mobilization of financial resources for plans

• Change in patterns of growth and development. Comparing growth between pre reform and post reform eras.

• Employment issues, measurements, economic reforms and employments, various programs for employment generation.v Inclusive growth and issues arising from it. (Issues related to Poverty and its eradication

• Financial inclusion

• Various policies and programs for inclusive growth)

Government Budgeting

(It includes Expenditure of government, Taxation Policies and Different Forms of Budget , FRBM Act and Issues related to Federal Finance and recommendation of Finance Commission)

Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.

(Its subtopics include Green Revolution, Prospects of Second Green Revolution, concept of evergreen revolution, Rabi, Kharif and Zaid crops.)

Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.

Land reforms in India

(It includes Abolition of intermediaries, Tenancy reforms, Ceiling on holdings , Consolidation of holdings and cooperative farming.)

Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

(Different components of Economic reforms , Impacts of Economics reforms on growth, employment and Desirability of more economic reforms etc.)

Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Investment models. (FDI, FII, PPP, etc.)

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

• Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

• Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights

BIO-DIVERSITY, ENVIRONMENT

Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

​

DISASTER MANAGEMENT& INTERNAL SECURITY

• Disaster and disaster management.

• Linkages between development and spread of extremism. (Such as Roshni for Naxalite affected areas and Himayat for Kashmir.)

• Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. (Such as situation in Kashmir and Naxalite problems in India)

• Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention

• Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism

• Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate (Such as CRPF, RAF, NSG, ITBPF)

​

GS Paper 4:

ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND APTITUDE

This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered:

1. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

2. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

3. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

4. Emotional intelligence concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

5. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

6. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

7. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen's Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

8. Case Studies on above issues.

IAS Books List

Sankalp IAS Forum have book house, where you can get all material and NCERT books, in cheap rates. Also best notes, made by academicians and are being updated every year, Those students who are preparing by self study can get notes by registering and paying for notes. Do call our numbers given in this website.

Book List of UPSC: ​ GS 1 – Indian Heritage, Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

1. World geography By Majid Husain (2 Copies)

2. NCERT: Physical Geography

3. Certificate Physical and Human Geography By Goh Cheng Leong (2 + 1 copies)

4. Around the World (Geography): ICSE Board (Class 6,7 & 8) or OLD NCERT Books [ Class 6,7 & 8] (2 + 1 copies)

5. Oxford Atlas (2 + 1 copies)

6. Indian Freedom Struggle of Independence – Bipin Chandra (2 + 1 copies)

7. “A Brief History of Modern India” By Spectrum Publication (2 + 1 copies)

8. Facets of Indian Culture By Spectrum Publication (2 + 1 copies)

9. India after Gandhi By Ramchandra Guha (2 + 1 copies)

10. 9th and 10th NCERT – India and the contemporary world (2 + 1 copies)

11. NCERT - 12th Indian Society (2 + 1 copies)

12. NCERT - 12th Social change and development in India (2 + 1 copies)

13. IGNOU – ESO 12: Society In India (2 + 1 copies)

14. IGNOU – ESO 16: Social Problems in India (2 + 1 copies)

15. Indian Society and Culture – Nadeem Hasnain (2 + 1 copies)

16. Indian Social System – Ram Ahuja (2 + 1 copies)

​ GS 2 – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

1. Indian Public Administration (3rd Edition) By Rajni and Goyal (2 + 1 copies)

2. Indian Constitution By P M Bakshi (2 + 1 copies)

3. Annual Report of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (2 + 1 copies)

4. IGNOU – EPS-07 International Relations – MPS001 India and the World (2 + 1 copies)

5. NCERT Class 12: Political Science: Contemporary World Politics (2 + 1 copies)

6. Foreign policy of India By V N Khanna (2 + 1 copies)

7. IGNOU – MPS-002 International Relations Theory and Problems (2 + 1 copies)

8. India’s Foreign Policy – Retrospect and Prospect – By Sumit Ganguly (2 + 1 copies)

​ GS 3 - Economic Development, Bio Diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.

1. Environment and ecology Notes By Sankalp IAS Forum

2. Our Environment – NCERT (VII) (2 + 1 copies)

3. Ecology: Unit X (2 + 1 copies)

4. IGNOU – MPA-018 : Disaster Management (2 + 1 copies)

5. NCERT Class 12: Political Science: Contemporary World Politics (Chapter Secutiry In the Contemporary World) (2 + 1 copies)

6. Science and Technology: TMH Publication or Spectrum Publication (2 + 1 copies)

​ GS 4 – Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

1. 2nd ARC REPORT (Ethics in Governance, Refurbishing of Personnel Administration) (2 + 1 copies)

2. New Horizons of Public Administration 7 Edition by Mohit Bhattacharya (Ch: Administrative Ethics) (2 + 1 copies)

3. Indian Public Administration 3rd Edition By Rajni and Goyal (Ch: Integrity in Civil Service) (2 + 1 copies) (2 + 1 copies)

4. Ethics and Accountability in Government and Business By Ramesh K Arora (2 + 1 copies)

5. Understanding Ethics By Noel Preston (2 + 1 copies)

Some reference links -

Where can I buy NCERT textbooks in Mumbai for Where can I get IAS study material in Mumbai? Where can I get VAJIRAM,VISION IAS and other ... Where can I get ncert books in Mumbai?

IAS Exam Pattern

Each exam has different pattern and different number questions.

• Preliminary exam in IAS Exam 2019 is just a screening test to shortlist candidates for further selection process.

• Those who qualify Prelims are required to re-register for IAS Mains 2019 which is qualifying in nature.

• Further, selected candidates will appear for personal interview session.

Geography Optional coaching and answer writing program.

Geography is no doubt one of the most sought after and popular Optionals in UPS CSE for various reasons enlisted below;

For Arts & Commerce its a natural choice, but even if you are from science stream,engineer or doctor then geography is the best optional, even if you have studied science upto 12 th class then you can safely opt for Geography optional. Having geography as your optional you have following advantages.

1. It is scientific so once you understand the concept then you can write answer in your own words …flowery language isn't required like other humanity subjects.

2. It covers at least 30 questions out of 100 in prelims (ecology& environment is also in geography).

3. In mains GS paper 1 it covers 100 marks and in GS paper 3 it covers 200 marks.

4. Paper 1, of geography optional is concept based and paper 2 of geography optional is applied that is it deals with Geography of India, where you need to use the concepts of paper one along with current developments.

5. Geography is no doubt one of the most sought after and popular Optionals in UPS CSE for various reasons enlisted below;

6. For Arts & Commerce its a natural choice, but even if you are from science stream,engineer or doctor then geography is the best optional, even if you have studied science upto 12 th class then you can safely opt for Geography optional. Having geography as your optional you have following advantages.

7. It is scientific so once you understand the concept then you can write answer in your own words …flowery language isn't required like other humanity subjects.

8. It covers at least 30 questions out of 100 in prelims (ecology& environment is also in geography).

9. In mains GS paper 1 it covers 100 marks and in GS paper 3 it covers 200 marks.

10. Paper 1, of geography optional is concept based and paper 2 of geography optional is applied that is it deals with Geography of India, where you need to use the concepts of paper one along with current developments.

Geography plan in Sankalp IAS Forum-is one of the best strategy for Geography optional-

About the initiative:

We already have the detailed study plans for various components of the syllabus in terms of syllabus, approach, imperatives, resources etc. The strategy would be updated regularly to cover all the remaining portions of the syllabus.

Kindly note that during classroom sessions, although we shall be providing strategies for individual components of the syllabus and in fact have already provided for some of them, the representative strategy for Physical Geography is Climatology. Therefore, through the strategy of Climatology first. But in no case avoid the detailed strategies of other portions.

The relevant portions of Paper I and II have been clubbed to ease your efforts. Geography optional can’t be understood without seamless integration of topics from different components of the syllabus. For example, you can’t understand desertification without having fair idea of climatic regions of the world. Similarly, you are expected to apply the concepts of Paper I into Paper II and vice versa. There are certain topics which are repeated e.g agro and social forestry, desertification, disasters etc. We have thus integrated such topics in the plan. It will definitely give you a better and comprehensive idea of the subject. Most importantly, this approach saves a lot of your time and effort.

Based on this strategy and your efforts, we shall be posting a total of 5 questions daily. These questions shall be in the following format.

• Question 1. 5 map entries asking their location and a brief descriptio

• Question 2. Terminologies related to the chapter/topic mentioned in the 100 day plan

• Question 3. Blue blooded Geography theory question to check your conceptual clarity

• Question 4. Application based descriptive/ essay type question

• Question 5. Reserved; may be of any type depending upon the requirement of the topic

Answers will be reviewed along with feedback

1. Brief synopsis in the form of directives will be provided at the end of the day.

2. Mini tests will be conducted ever 15 days. This means that you shall have a minimum of 6 mini tests during this period.

3. 10 days have been earmarked for revision purposes. During these 10 days, number of questions shall be increased.

4. After the completion of 100 days, full mock test for both the papers will be conducted.

5. Periodically SIF will come up with articles for important and tricky topics and also about improving the quality of answers.

Now about the syllabus and book list for Geography:

The prestigious UPSC civil services exam consists of 3 stages - Prelims, Mains and Interview.

1. Amongst them Mains is the most crucial stage, as in your final selection depends upon mains (Total marks: 1750 marks) and interview marks (Total marks: 275 marks), while prelims is merely of qualifying nature.

2. Now with respect to mains, there are 9 papers, having two papers of optional subject - signifying a weightage of 500 marks ( Paper 1 and Paper 2- 250 marks each). Though weightage seems to be less, the marks one can fetch in the optional subject makes it most important.

3. This means that with a smart strategy one can achieve 60-70 % Marks ( 300-350 marks out of 500) while for other GS papers getting close to 50% is itself a mammoth task.

4. Therefore choosing a good optional subject is a sine qua non for clearing UPSC exam.

Decoding geography as an Optional:

The optional consists of two papers -

• Paper I -PRINCIPLES OF GEOGRAPHY

• Paper-II -GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA

PAPER I

PRINCIPLES OF GEOGRAPHY

Physical Geography :

Geomorphology: Factors controlling landform development; endogenetic and exogenetic forces; Origin and evolution of the earth’s crusts; Fundamentals of geomagnetism; Physical conditions of the earth’s interior; Geosynclines; Continental drift; Isostasy; Plate tectonics; Recent views on mountain building; Volcanicity; Earthquakes and Tsunamis; Concepts of geomorphic cycles and Landscape development; Denudation chronology; Channel morphology; Erosion surfaces; Slope development; Applied Geomorphology; Geomorphology, economic geology and environment.

Climatology: Temperature and pressure belts of the world; Heat budget of the earth; Atmospheric circulation; Atmospheric stability and instability. Planetary and local winds; Monsoons and jet streams; Air masses and fronto; Temperate and tropical cyclones; Types and distribution of precipitation; Weather and Climate; Koppen’s Thornthwaite’s and Trewar Tha’s classification of world climate; Hydrological cycle; Global climatic change, and role and response of man in climatic changes Applied climatology and Urban climate.

Oceanography: Bottom topography of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans; Temperature and salinity of the oceans; Heat and salt budgets, Ocean deposits; Waves, currents and tides; Marine resources; biotic, mineral and energy resources; Coral reefs coral bleaching; Sea-level changes; Law of the sea and marine pollution.

Biogeography: Genesis of soils; Classification and distribution of soils; Soil profile; Soil erosion, Degrada-tion and conservation; Factors influencing world distribution of plants and animals; Problems of deforestation and conservation measures; Social forestry, agro-forestry; Wildlife; Major gene pool centres.

Environmental Geography: Principle ecology; Human ecological adaptations; Influence of man on ecology and environment; Global and regional ecological changes and imbalances; Ecosystem their management and conservation; Environmental degradation, management and conservation; Biodiversity and sustainable development; Environmental policy; Environmental hazards and remedial measures; Environmental education and legislation.

Human Geography :

Perspectives in Human Geography: Areal differentiation; Regional synthesis; Dichotomy and dualism; Environmentalism; Quantitative revolution and locational analysis; Radical, behavioural, human and welfare approaches; Languages, religions and secularisation; Cultural regions of the world; Human development index.

Economic Geography: World economic development: measurement and problems; World resources and their distribution; Energy crisis; the limits to growth; World agriculture: typology of agricultural regions; Agricultural inputs and productivity; Food and nutrition problems; Food security; famine: causes, effects and remedies; World industries: location patterns and problems; Patterns of world trade.

Population and Settlement Geography: Growth and distribution of world population; Demographic attributes; Causes and consequences of migration; Concepts of over-under-and optimum population; Population theories, world population problems and policies, Social well-being and quality of life; Population as social capital. Types and patterns of rural settlements; Environmental issues in rural settlements; Hierarchy of urban settlements; Urban morphology; Concept of primate city and rank-size rule; Functional classification of towns; Sphere of urban influence; Rural-urban fringe; Satellite towns; Problems and remedies of urbanization; Sustainable development of cities.

Regional Planning: Concept of a region; Types of regions and methods of regionalisation; Growth centres and growth poles; Regional imbalances; Regional development strategies; Environmental issues in regional planning; Planning for sustainable development. 5. Models, Theories and Laws in Human Geography : System analysis in Human geography; Malthusian, Marxian and demographic transition models; Central Place theories of Christaller and Losch; Perroux and Boudeville; Von Thunen’s model of agricultural location; Weber’s model of industrial location; Ostov’s model of stages of growth. Heart-land and Rimland theories; Laws of international boundaries and frontiers.

PAPER-II

GEOGRAPHY OF INDIA

Physical Setting: Space relationship of India with neighbouring countries; Structure and relief; Drainage system and watersheds; Physiographic regions; Mechanism of Indian monsoons and rainfall patterns; Tropical cyclones and western disturbances; Floods and droughts; Climatic regions; Natural vegetation, Soil types and their distributions.

Resources: Land, surface and groundwater, energy, minerals, biotic and marine resources, Forest and wildlife resources and their conservation; Energy crisis.

Agriculture: Infrastructure: irrigation, seeds, fertilizers, power; Institutional factors; land holdings, land tenure and land reforms; Cropping pattern, agricultural productivity, agricultural intensity, crop combination, land capability; Agro and social-forestry; Green revolution and its socio-economic and ecological implications; Significance of dry farming; Livestock resources and white revolution; Aqua-culture; Sericulture, Agriculture and poultry; Agricultural regionalisation; Agro-climatic zones; Agro-ecological regions.

Industry: Evolution of industries; Locational factors of cotton, jute, textile, iron and steel, aluminium, fertiliser, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical, automobile, cottage and ago-based industries; Industrial houses and complexes including public sector underkings; Industrial regionalisation; New industrial policy; Multinationals and liberalisation; Special Economic Zones; Tourism including ecotourism.

Transport, Communication and Trade: Road, railway, waterway, airway and pipeline networks and their complementary roles in regional development; Growing importance of ports on national and foreign trade; Trade balance; Trade Policy; Export processing zones; Developments in communication and information technology and their impacts on economy and society; Indian space programme.

Cultural Setting: Historical Perspective of Indian Society; Racial linguistic and ethnic diversities; religious minorities; Major tribes, tribal areas and their problems; Cultural regions; Growth, distribution and density of population; Demographic attributes: sex-ratio, age structure, literacy rate, work-force, dependency ratio, longevity; migration (inter-regional, intraregional and international) and associated problems; Population problems and policies; Health indicators.

Settlements: Types, patterns and morphology of rural settlements; Urban developments; Morphology of Indian cities; Functional classification of Indian cities; Conurbations and metropolitan regions; Urban sprawl; Slums and associated problems; Town planning; Problems of urbanisation and remedies.

Regional Development and Planning: Experience of regional planning in India; Five Year Plans; Integrated rural development programmes; Panchayati Raj and decentralized planning; Command area development; Watershed management; Planning for backward area, desert, drought-prone, hill tribal area development; Multi-level planning; Regional planning and development of island territories.

Political Aspects: Geographical basis of Indian federalism; State reorganisation; Emergence of new states; Regional consciousness and inter-state issues; International boundary of India and related issues; Cross-border terrorism; India’s role in world affairs; Geopolitics of South Asia and Indian Ocean realm.

Contemporary Issues: Ecological issues: Environmental hazards: landslides, earthquakes, Tsunamis, floods and droughts, epidemics; Issues related to environmental pollution; Changes in patterns of land use; Principles of environmental impact assessment and environmental management; Population explosion and food security; Environmental degradation; Deforestation, desertification and soil erosion; Problems of agrarian and industrial unrest; Regional disparities in economic development; Concept of sustainable growth and development; Environmental awareness; Linkage of rivers; Globalisation and Indian economy.

NOTE: Candidates will be required to answer one compulsory map question pertinent to subjects covered by this paper.

Sources to Refer:

Paper 1

• Physical Geography by Savinder Singh

• Geomorphology by Savinder Singh

• Climatology by D S Lal

• Environmental Geography by Savinder Singh

• Evolution of Geographical Thought by Majid Husain

• Models in Geography by Majid Husain

• Human Geography by Majid Hussain

• GC Leong

Paper-II

• India: A Comprehensive Geography by D R Khullar

• NCERTs

• Orient Blackswan/Oxford Atlas

• Map Entries in Geography – K Siddhartha

• Apart from the above current affairs holds great importance especially in Paper 2 of the geography optional. For preparing these topics there is a need to keep an eye on topics relevant to our exam from various newspapers such as The Hindu, Indian Express, Down to Earth etc. RSTV programmes like Big Picture on a relevant topic such as rural development can also be helpful.

What happens after UPSC clearance? Job, training, powers, salary, prospects?

Power and Responsibilities, Postings, Growth prospects.

• The role of IAS officers is very venerable, demands a great deal of responsibility and reverence. It is also important that an officer is physically and mentally fit and healthy to handle the work pressure without giving in.

The following are the roles and responsibilities that an IAS officer is deputed:

• Handling affairs of government that involve framing and implementation of policy in consultation with the concerned Minister Implementing policies through supervision and also traveling to the places where the approved policies will be implemented.

• Implementing policies comprises disbursement of funds through personal supervision Answerable to the Parliament and State Legislatures for any violation of rules while on duty.

Functions and responsibilities differ at different levels of career.

Initially, IAS officers join the state administration at the sub-divisional level, resuming their services as sub-divisional magistrates, and look after law and order, general administration and development work in the area assigned to them.

Then comes The post of the District Officer also known as District Magistrate, District Collector or Deputy Commissioner is the highly respected and responsible post the IAS officers enjoy At the district level, an IAS officer deals with district affairs, including implementation of developmental programs

•  The officers may also be appointed in the State Secretariat or they may serve as Heads of Departments or in Public Sector Undertakings They may serve in different positions from the State to the Centre and vice versa. This happens through deputation.
• At the Centre, IAS officers serve at the highest position as the Cabinet Secretaries, Secretaries/Additional Secretaries, Joint Secretaries, Directors, Deputy Secretaries and Under Secretaries. They are appointed to these posts based on seniority. At the Centre, the IAS officers play a key role in formulation and implementation of policies related to a particular area; for instance, finance, commerce, etc. During formulation of a policy and decision making, IAS officers serving at different levels i.e. joint secretary, deputy secretary give their valuable inputs The policy takes its final shape through a final decision the minister concerned or the cabinet, depending on the seriousness of the situation.

What is the salary of an IAS officer?

Now the basic pay of entry-level IAS officers is Rs. 56100. Allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) and Travel Allowance (TA) will be extra. The salary will increase as experience increases. The basic pay of Cabinet Secretary is fixed at Rs.2,50,000.

Indian Police Service (IPS )-How is the IPS appointed, his postings

• The IPS (Indian Police Service) is responsible for public safety and security. The IPS mainly takes care of law and order, which, at the district level, is a responsibility shared with the IAS; crime prevention and detection ; and traffic control and accident prevention and management.

• On completion of probation an IPS officer, begins his career as a Assistant Superintendent of Police of a sub-division. The Police service is divided into various departments like Crime Branch, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Home Guards, Traffic Bureau.

• They also offer there services to Central Policing Agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Cabinet Secretariat Security, the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

• The Indian Foreign Service deals with the country's external affairs, including diplomacy, trade and cultural relations. It is responsible for the administration and activities of Indian missions abroad, and for the framing and implementation of the Government's foreign policy. Probationers at first work at the External Affairs Ministry, then they are posted to the Indian Mission of a particular country, as third secretaries.

Indian Railway Service

It is essentially responsible for the running of India's vast railway network. There are four non-technical and technical or engineering cadres in the railways. Entry for non-technical services - the Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS)- responsible for freight, passengers and movement of trains, the Indian Railway Personnel Services (IRPS)- responsible for recruitment and administration of staff, the Indian Railway Accounts Services (IRAS)- responsible for maintenance of accounts, and the Railway Police Service (RPS)- responsible for providing security to railway properties such as railway tracks, personnel, equipment etcis through the Civil Services examination. However, the engineering services (IRSE) have a different recruitment procedure.

Indian Postal Service

Responsible for the efficient functioning of the postal and telegraph services, and now postal banks too. Officers after training with field officers are appointed as Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Assistant Post Master General through out the country and also in the Ministry at the centre.

Indian Customs and Central Excise Service

The Indian Customs and Central Excise Service (IC&CES) is basically concerned with two main aspects, mainly Customs and Excise. While Customs is concerned with the checking and levy of duty on taxable goods brought into the country, the Excise department is involved with the taxation of goods manufactured within the country.

Audit & Accounts Service

Indian Audit & Accounts Service

comes under the Controller and Auditor General of India (CAG) which is responsible for the maintenance and audit of accounts in the states, as well as Union and State Governments. These officers work in the audit offices under CAG and in central ministries and state governments. Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) is responsible for maintaining and auditing of accounts of the defence services

Indian civil Accounts Service (ICAS) under the control of Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance, maintains accounts of the State, Central governments and public sector enterprises.

Indian Information Service (IIS)

IIS under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is responsible for running government owned broadcasting and advertising agencies like All India Radio, Doordarshan and DAVP. The service is also responsible for handling press and public relations for the various central ministries, public sector enterprises and defense forces at home as well as abroad.

Indian Revenue Service (IRS)

IRS is responsible for fixing, assessment and collection of income tax. The service also has specialized branches dealing with the investigation of tax evasion, statistics and so on.

Is coaching or self-study better for MPSC exam preparation?

Stick to the syllabus, read State level as well as UPSC books, read newspapers and Government Journals regularly.

Since its MCQ type exam, well practiced Strategy to maximize score is a must. For this, revision is must. For this in turn, proper learning is must. Learning from proper notes is must. notes must be prepared from best books and under best guidance.

यंदा आयोगाने महत्वाच्या परीक्षा जाहीर केल्या आहेत, त्यासाठी सेल्फ स्टडी करून फक्त सर्व परीक्षा द्यावी किंवा क्लास लावावा का , लावायचा असेल तर कोणता असे प्रश्न असेल.

पर्याय 1-

अधिकारी/मित्रांनी सांगितलेले पुस्तके वाचण्याचा चंग धरून स्व अभ्यास करा आणि फक्त टेस्ट सिरीज द्या- यातून काय होईल, भराभरा पुस्तके वाचून होतील, आणि परीक्षा देऊन स्व-मूल्यांकन करता येईल- तरी १ लाख पेक्षा जास्त विद्यार्थी पुण्यात असताना १०० देखील अंतिम यादीत का येत नाही ,हा प्रश्न अनुत्तरित असेल आणि स्व-अभ्यास करून पहिल्याच प्रयत्नात नक्की यश मिळते का ,मिळत असल्यास ह्यापुढील आयोगाच्या परीक्षेत मिळेल का हाहि प्रश्न आहेच.. मग काय करावे ?

पर्याय २-

कोणतातरी क्लास लावून त्यांच्या (२-३ वेळा परीक्षा देऊन उत्तीर्ण ना झालेल्यांच्या मार्गदर्शनाखाली) शिकून किमान यश मिळवावे. पण मग असे नसेल ना कि त्यातल्या त्यात क्लास वाले हि संधी समजून निव्वळ सोने उगळून घेतील हेही सत्य- त्यांना तुम्ही किती अभ्यास केलाय ह्याच्याशी काय घेणे देणे. ?

पर्याय ३-

अधिकाऱ्यांच्या मार्गदर्शनाखाली शिकून काय नको,काय हवे हे उत्तम अधिकारी शिक्षकाने सांगावे-मी म्हणतो- कडक शिस्तीत अभ्यास करून घ्यावा

1. परीक्षेच्या फेऱ्यात अडकलेले अनेक जण आपल्या अवतीभवती दिसतील, पण अनुभवाचा आणि वैयक्तिक अभ्यास करून घेतला जाणार असल्याने यश मिळवू शकाल, ह्यासाठी मार्गदर्शन करण्यासाठी मंत्रालय अधिकारी आणि त्यांचे अधिकारी वर्ग वारंवार मार्गदर्शन-(वैयक्तिक)- करतील

2. आपल्याला अभ्यास करावा लागेल, ह्या साठी अभ्यासिका- टेस्ट सिरीज मोफत असेल, चालू घडामोडी (अधिकाऱ्यांच्या नजरेतून) असेल, त्याचा भरपूर लाभ घ्या

3. संपूर्ण अभ्यासक्रमासाठी मार्गदर्शन केले जाईल, परंतु आपण आधी इतर कोणताही वर्ग केला असेल तरी आपण भूगोल, अर्थशाश्त्र, चालू घडामोडी, इंग्रजी, मराठी, राज्यशास्त्र, इतिहास, विज्ञान ह्यापैकी कोणतेही मोड्युल साठी स्वतंत्र प्रवेश घेऊ शकता. - लक्षात ठेवा , बाजारात मोफत-१०००-२००० रुपयात असे मॉड्युल्स मिळतात-पण फरकी समजून घ्या.

मग भेटा -

संपर्क whasatpp:9930075295

India's first and only NCERT based Prelims and Mains test series

NCERT books are basic not only for Prelims but also for mains writing skill development. India's first and only Mains test series for aspiring candidates is from Sankalp IAS Forum, since 2011. Not all NCERT books are useful, while a handful of them are very crucial. Also, not all chapters are useful and so on. But everyone knows these books are crucial. Also not all NCERT are for Mains. How to use them is a million-dollar question. Our NCERT program is a step by step foundation course built to holistically groom beginners for clearing Civil Services in first attempts. The programme covers NCERT based sessions and tests., this paves the way for next stage module.

GS Self study clubbed strategy

Post Prelims scenario:

Most students’ clear prelims easily however Mains is something that we forget that it’s a personality test-part 1. If one reads carefully, what UPSC wants from candidates, and prepare accordingly, things become easier. It says;

Questions will be such that to test candidate’s skill of presenting different ideologies, views and take a stand.

The candidate’s preparedness to make a career in Civil services.

Answers should be crisp and precise and show candidates personality.

Know yourself, know he society and know the system.

Thus, understanding one’s personality is important. Normally we were opting for daily answer writing or weekly tests. However, with changed pattern, students are supposed to write like anything 4000 words per day in Mains. This is not only test of our mental ability but also physical strength. Also, if you have rich content and have speed with readable handwriting, answer writing alone may not serve purpose of fetching more marks. So in Sankalp IAS Forum, the officers have come up with a strategy for to enrich answers, keep speed and readable handwriting.

Here, we have selected themes from Mains, Essay syllabus and we will intensely prepare with answer writing, enrichments, using magic keywords and maps, all under mentorship of bureaucrats and this would definitely enhance your score by 150+ marks and leap you in safe zone to land in final rankings. These are intense mains preparation courses; no serious candidate can miss.

QEP BASIC (32 THEMES) is Designed such that it Comprehensively covers 32THEMES which once learnt, can be easily replicated to ALL PAPERS (GS I, II, III, IV, Essay, Optional) to enhance your score by at least 150+ Marks.

It is for;

• Those taking their first Mains, and aim to get selected in their very first attempt and have done some foundation course before.
• Those who are aiming for CSE 2021 and have completed their Foundation Course.

Personal mentoring for UPSC CSE

What UPSC Needs?

UPSC exams is the total story of how well you present yourself-your personality test-through answer writing and Interviews. So the crux is knowing your personality and writing answers . This should be evaluated by officers who have approached that path. Personalised feedback and inputs should be given and in such a way, incremental progress over a period of time must take place.

What students do?

Joining a class OR self study- more focus on reading – some may be doing answer writing and may or not may not be getting them evaluated from some senior. Where do you get a personalized touch to this type of studies.

What classes do?

They will give you live videos, contents, notes and tests. Who evaluates the paper, how do they do scaling, is there any personal touch? NO, and given the commercial narrative that they follow, even the best of best faculty, class cant give that personal guidance.

How does this work?

1. Mentor will be giving the student a day by day study plan and thus, planning his/her study calendar.

2. Daily Questions will be given which covers both statistic & current affairs Paper G.S 1, 2, 3, 4 + Essay on private telegram channel by Sankalp IAS Forum.

3. you will have to write answer of the question and send us on to t.me/santyrockspune for Telegram Channel t.me/upscaim

4. The mentor will check answers and give you feedback on weekly basis via talk on phones or video calls, and you must be in touch on telegram and gmail.

5. Answer format (Synopsis) of Mock Test paper on telegram channel

6. Apart from that, he/she will call the student twice in a week to evaluate the progress made and to resolve the doubts of the student.

Will Guruji provide any physical study material?

Generally, mentor will not provide any physical study material. But we may give an exception to this and provide some consolidated material if other sources are too scattered or not complete or not upto the mark. We believe every student should prepare his own notes. These notes are evaluated and checked by our mentors. Apart from that we do provide online tests for the students for regular evaluation.

In which medium can I write answers?

Answers may be written in Hindi/English/Marathi languages.

How will we be in touch?

Answer synopsis on gmail or telegram. Also, twice talk on phones or video calls, and be in touch on whatsapp, telegram and gmail. Hangouts is the most preferred option than whatsapp, telegram, and you may add me on google hangouts onshreesankalpfoundation@gmail.com

Why is the FOCUS ON DAILY ANSWER WRITING?

Answer writing skill development, Structure & presentation of answer, How to present facts, information & knowledge in the answer, Understanding actual requirement (key words, Context & Content) of the UPSC in the different types of questions and how the questions should be attempted for good score (strategy & approach), Understanding your current preparedness & required action plans and framing your mind towards actual pattern, toughness and timing of the actual UPSC Examination.

So call 9930075267 to know details, Join telegram channel @upscaim

TVF Aspirants- 2: Real Insights, Fictional Inspirations

TVF Aspirants- 2 do not tell us what real aspirants tell us. Do you know what to see and learn from both?

TVF aspirants season-2

Speaking specifically about the Aspirants series-2, the first season is very relatable as many aspects of being an aspirant have been acknowledged. However season 2 is being promoted in such a give me the way and it has it taken away it's charm of being and honest show about the aspirants

What to see in season 2? Aspirants-2 review:

The second season of the show picks up from where it left the last season. Abhilash Sharma played by Naveen kasturia gets two more attempts because of governments decision and he goes again to Rajendra Nagar to his friends with whom he shares contentious relationship, as they still can't make up their mind as to they should stay mad at him for something he did he long ago,in previous season or if he should be forgive him because he is now a district magistrate.

Abhilashs falls in the reality category officers,as in those popular reality versus expectation mind game.

His idea of Administration is purely academic; however when in practice his ideas are like poison and can have very stressful outcomes and this show tries to question Abhilash lacks expertise.Even though none of the aspirants in "Aspirants" have truly done anything to earn the respect of one another, their relationships feel a little adolescent. The entire plot revolves around Abhilash and Sandeep's quest for dominance. The "tripod" is how they refer to their group, but their tale is more complex than a broken friendship. It's actually a pretty poisonous friendship, the kind that most individuals outgrow as they get older. Because Abhilash is powerful, SK and Guri only want him around. However, Abhilash is too conceited to see that his ego is the source of his problems. Aspirants' inebriated declaration that "old Rajendra Nagar must be declared a heritage site" makes one feel as though the show is celebrating the poison that the Indian education system has been promoting for years.

Cast-

Naveen Kasturia, Shivankit Singh Parihar, Abhilash Thapliyal, Sunny Hinduja, Namita Dubey, Harish Chhabra, Tengam Celine, Abhishek Sonpaliya

Where to watch?

The web series "Aspirants" (Season 2) was released on 25th October 2023 on the OTT Platform. This web series has 5 episodes.

How many episodes are in Aspirants Season 2?

Watch Aspirants (Season 2) Full Series Online (With English Subtitles)

All Episodes list and Link (Language: Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu)

S2 E1. Episode 1: Self Study

S2 E2. Episode 2: Strategy

S2 E3. Episode 3: Murphy's Law

S2 E4. Episode 4: Mock Interview

S2 E5. Episode 5: Final Interview

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video

So now dear UPSC aspirants! It's important to understand the difference between infotainment, entertainment, and knowledge. Infotainment is a mix of information and entertainment, but it's not always accurate or reliable. Entertainment is simply something that's fun to watch or do, but it doesn't teach you anything. Knowledge is what you need to pass the UPSC exam and achieve your goals.

Don't be fooled by infotainment or entertainment disguised as knowledge. There are a lot of resources out there that claim to help you pass the UPSC exam, but they're just trying to make money off of you. Stick to reputable books, mentors, and educational institutions for your knowledge.

It's also important to take breaks from studying to relax and recharge. Watching a movie or TV show can be a great way to clear your head and come back to your studies refreshed. But don't obsess over every coaching center's notes or think that you need to watch every UPSC-related video on YouTube. There's no need to cram everything into your head at once.

Fake ads by IAS Baba, Vision IAS, IQRA IAS, CHAHAL IAS,BYJU, Unacademy as alleged by CCPA

Dear UPSC aspirants!

Beware of misleading ads by IAS coaching centres!

Recently, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has launched an investigation into 20 IAS coaching centres for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. Here are the names of the coaching institutes and the actions they are taking:

• Rau's IAS Study Circle: Fined Rs. 1 lakh by the CCPA and has filed an appeal against the order in the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).

• Chahal Academy: Fined Rs. 1 lakh by the CCPA.

• IQRA IAS: Fined Rs. 1 lakh by the CCPA.

• IAS Baba: Has got a stay order on the CCPA notice.

The other coaching institutes under investigation are:

1. Vajirao & Reddy Institute

2. Khan Study Group IAS

3. APTI Plus

4. Analog IAS

5. Shankar IAS

6. Sriram's IAS

7. BYJU's IAS

8. Unacademy

9. NEXT IAS

10. Drishti IAS

11. Vision IAS

12. Yojana IAS

13. Plutus IAS

14. ALS IAS

15. Dhishti IAS

The CCPA has found that many of these coaching centres are misleading students by:

• Using the names and pictures of successful candidates to influence prospective aspirants, without disclosing that the candidates may have taken coaching from multiple institutes or for different subjects.

• Not clearly disclosing what courses the successful student has undertaken with the institute.

• Claiming success for students who have just taken a 'free mock interview'.

• The CCPA has urged students to be careful when choosing an IAS coaching centre and to report any misleading advertisements to them.

What can students do to protect themselves?

Students can protect themselves from being misled by IAS coaching centres by doing the following:

• Do your research: Students should carefully research different coaching centres before enrolling in one. They should read reviews from past students and talk to current students to get their feedback.
• Be wary of tall claims: Students should be wary of coaching centres that make tall claims about their success rates or the quality of their faculty.
•  Ask for details: Students should ask coaching centres for details about their syllabus coverage, teaching methods, and faculty qualifications.
• Read the fine print: Students should carefully read the terms and conditions of any contract before signing up for a coaching course.

Here are some tips for balancing infotainment, entertainment, and knowledge:

• Be selective with your infotainment. Only watch or read infotainment from reputable sources.
• Don't neglect your entertainment. Take breaks from studying to relax and recharge.
•  Focus on knowledge. Make sure your study materials are accurate and reliable. 
• Don't obsess over everything. It's not possible to know everything about the UPSC exam. Focus on the most important concepts.

Remember, the UPSC exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and don't get overwhelmed. Good luck!

Call to action points:

• Follow reputable sources for UPSC infotainment.
• Schedule breaks into your study routine.
• Focus on knowledge from trusted sources.
• Don't obsess over every detail.