UPSC

UPSC conducts exams for prestigious positions like Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and various other central services.

The UPSC exam is a three-stage process:

• Preliminary Examination (CSAT): This is a multiple-choice objective exam that tests basic skills like comprehension, reasoning, and decision-making.
• Main Examination (Written): This is a subjective exam with essay writing and answer writing on various subjects. Candidates can choose an optional subject relevant to their background.

Interview/Personality Test: This is an in-person assessment of a candidate's personality, leadership qualities, and suitability for the chosen service.

The syllabus for the UPSC exam is vast and covers a wide range of subjects, including General Studies, CSAT (for Prelims only), and an optional subject chosen by the candidate. You can find the detailed syllabus on the official UPSC website (https://upsc.gov.in/examinations/revised-syllabus-scheme).

To be eligible for the UPSC exam, you must:

* Be a citizen of India.

* Have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university.

* Meet the minimum and maximum age requirements (which vary depending on the specific service).

The minimum age requirement for the UPSC exam is typically 21 years old. However, there are upper age limits depending on the category and service you are applying for. Refer to the official notification for specific details.

A bachelor's degree from a recognized university is mandatory for appearing in the UPSC exam. The degree itself can be in any discipline.

The UPSC exam can be written in Hindi and English. You can choose your preferred language at the time of application.

The number of attempts for the UPSC exam varies depending on your category:

* General/EWS: 6 attempts

* SC/ST: Unlimited

* OBC: 9 attempts

Yes, the Indian government offers reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in the UPSC exam.

10. In a year, how many hours of study should I put in to pass the UPSC?
Indeed. We will cover the entire syllabus in 1200 hours according to the schedule we have provided for the classroom. You are welcome to take an extra double period of 2400 hours to study the material independently. It implies that you can easily finish the entire course in 3600 hours. Therefore, you can easily pass the exam in a year if you can dedicate 10 hours a day to it.
 

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) necessitates strategic planning, diligent study, and astute work.

In the context of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, handwriting is still a significant factor. Even though digital media has become the norm in education and communication, UPSC still places a high importance on a candidate's ability to communicate ideas clearly in handwritten, conventional responses. In addition to assessing the candidate's ability to think and communicate clearly, the handwritten format also provides insight into the candidate's time management abilities during the test. Furthermore, in order for the examiners to comprehend and accurately assess the answers, legible handwriting is necessary.

Indeed. Preparing for the IAS enhances personality and broadens awareness of the world around us to the point where this knowledge is useful in  any other exams like CAT, NDA, SSC etc.

As soon as after your 12th class. Sankalp IAS Forum has a government approved syllabus coaching program for undergraduates. Also, Sankalp grooms aspirants for UPSC MPSC preparation with college studies. It’s a integrated programme, that will help you fetch ranks within 2-2 years post-graduation. As soon as after your 12th class. Sankalp IAS Forum has a government approved syllabus coaching program for undergraduates. Also, Sankalp grooms aspirants for UPSC MPSC preparation with college studies. It’s a integrated programme, that will help you fetch ranks within 2-2 years post-graduation.

The UPSC Prelims exam is a two-paper objective test with a total of 400 marks.

• General Studies Paper-I (200 marks): Covers subjects like Current Affairs, History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, and Social Issues.

CSAT Paper-II (200 marks): Tests your aptitude in areas like Comprehension, Reasoning, Decision-making, and Problem-solving (qualifying nature, minimum 33% required).

There's no specific weightage assigned to individual subjects within General Studies Paper-I. However, a balanced approach covering all topics is recommended.

Yes, there is negative marking in the UPSC Prelims exam. For every incorrect answer, you lose 1/3rd of the marks allotted to that question. This emphasizes the importance of attempting only questions you're confident about.

Here's a roadmap for effective UPSC Prelims preparation:

• Build a strong foundation: Focus on NCERT textbooks for core subjects like History, Geography, Polity, and Economy.
• Stay updated: Regularly read newspapers like The Hindu or The Indian Express and current affairs magazines for comprehensive coverage.
• Practice mock tests: Take online or offline mock tests to identify your strengths, weaknesses, and improve time management.
• Focus on answer writing: Practice writing concise and clear answers within the word limit.

Revise effectively: Regularly revise key concepts and current affairs to ensure knowledge retention.

Here are some popular resources for UPSC Prelims preparation:

• NCERT Textbooks (Class VI-XII)
• India After Independence by Bipin Chandra
• Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
• Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
• Manorama Year Book (Current Affairs)

Remember, these are just suggestions. Research and choose resources that suit your learning style

Develop a smart exam-taking strategy considering negative marking:

• Focus on accuracy: Don't attempt questions you're unsure about.
• Manage time effectively: Allocate time strategically based on your strengths and weaknesses in each section.
• Read questions carefully: Understand the question before marking an answer.
• Eliminate options: Narrow down the options to increase your chances of choosing the correct one.

Qualifying the UPSC Prelims exam allows you to appear for the UPSC Mains exam, the next stage in the selection process. Only a fraction of candidates who take the Prelims qualify for the Mains.

The UPSC Mains exam is a written test consisting of nine papers, conducted over five to seven days. Here's a breakdown:

   * **Two qualifying papers (300 marks each):**

        * **Paper A:** Any Indian Language (candidates from some states and with hearing impairment are exempt)

        * **Paper B:** English

   * **Seven papers of 250 marks each:**

        * **Essay:** Tests your writing skills, critical thinking, and ability to structure arguments.

        * **General Studies I-IV:** Covers a broad range of subjects like Indian Heritage & Culture, World History & Geography, Society, Polity, Governance, Economy, Science & Technology, Environment, Disaster Management, Internal Security, and Border Management.

        * **Two Optional Subject papers:** You choose an optional subject based on your interests and expertise.

Indeed. Choosing the appropriate optional subject for the UPSC significantly influences an applicant's exam performance and strategy. 48 Optional Subjects are included in UPSC CSE exams

When selecting an optional subject, it is important to consider the following 10 parameters:

1. The syllabus of the optional subject should be concise, allowing it to be covered within 2-3 months.

2. The optional subject should be easily comprehensible.

3. Consider your interest and passion for the subject.

4. Choose a subject that you are familiar with.

5. Take into account the success rate of the optional subject.

6. Check for any overlap with the syllabus of General Studies.

7. Ensure the availability of study material such as contents and books.

8. Confirm the availability of faculty for the optional subject.

9. Evaluate the scoring potential of the subject.

10. Consider the usefulness of the optional subject after selection.

No, there is no negative marking in the UPSC Mains exam. This means each question attempted is an opportunity to score marks. However, it's still important to be strategic and avoid attempting questions you're unsure about.

Acing the UPSC Mains requires a well-structured approach:

   * **Master the syllabus:** Deeply understand the syllabus for General Studies and your chosen optional subject.

   * **Develop a strong foundation:** Build a solid base of knowledge through standard textbooks and reference materials.

   * **Practice answer writing:** Regularly practice writing clear, concise, and well-structured answers following UPSC guidelines.

   * **Focus on current affairs:** Stay updated on current events and their relevance to the UPSC syllabus.

   * **Solve previous year's question papers:** Analyze past UPSC Mains papers to understand the question pattern and expected answers.

   * **Mock tests and answer evaluation:** Take mock tests to gauge your performance and get feedback on your answer writing.

There's no single "holy grail" of books for UPSC Mains. However, some recommended resources include:

   * NCERT Textbooks (for foundational knowledge)

   * Standard reference books by reputed authors for specific subjects

   * UPSC previous year's question papers and answer keys

   * Current affairs magazines and websites

Here are some tips for attempting the UPSC Mains exam:

• Time management:** Allocate time strategically for each question based on its weightage and difficulty.
• Read questions carefully:** Understand the exact demand of each question before starting your answer.
• Structure your answers:** Present answers in a well-organized format with introductions, main points, and conclusions.
• Maintain clarity and conciseness:** Use clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon.
• Support your arguments:** Back your points with relevant examples, facts, and data.

Maintain a neat and legible handwriting.

If you clear the UPSC Mains exam, you'll be called for the final stage - the UPSC Interview/Personality Test. Here, your personality, communication skills, and suitability for the chosen service will be assessed.

The UPSC Interview, also called the Personality Test, is a **board interview** lasting around 20-30 minutes. It assesses your **personality, intellect, suitability for the service**, and potential to be a leader. There's no set pattern, but questions can range from your **background and hobbies** to current affairs and hypothetical situations.

Here are some tips to prepare for the UPSC Interview:

    Know yourself:** Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and motivations for joining civil services.

  Be well-informed:** Stay updated on current affairs, government policies, and social issues.

    Practice mock interviews:** Simulate the interview environment and get feedback on your communication skills, confidence, and subject knowledge.

    Develop a positive attitude:** Project confidence, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to serve the nation.

While the UPSC Interview is unpredictable, some common questions include:

    * Tell me about yourself.

    * Why do you want to join the civil services?

    * What are your strengths and weaknesses?

    * Discuss a current national or international issue.

    * What are your hobbies and how do they relate to your career aspirations?

Here are some tips for acing your UPSC Interview:

• Dress professionally and arrive on time.
• Maintain eye contact and speak confidently.
• Listen carefully to questions and answer concisely and thoughtfully.
• Be honest and genuine in your responses.
• Show your analytical and problem-solving skills.

If you clear the UPSC Interview, your final rank will be determined based on your combined scores in the Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Based on your rank and preferences, you will be allotted a service like IAS, IPS, or IFS.

An attempt at the Preliminary Examination is considered an attempt at the

Civil Services Examination:

(I) If a candidate actually appears in any one paper in the Preliminary

Examination.

(II) Notwithstanding the disqualification/cancellation of candidature, the

fact of appearance of the candidate at the examination is counted as an

attempt

There's no single "best" coaching. The ideal institute depends on your learning style, budget, and specific needs. Consider factors like faculty experience, study materials, success rates, and classroom environment when researching. Its important to have right direction and right guidance with right efforts. You must get a serving bureaucrat as your personal mentor. For this, you are most welcome to Sankalp IAS Forum, which also runs government approved course for undergraduate students and offers coaching in least fees in Mumbai.

Sankalp IAS Forum is known for offering quality UPSC coaching at a relatively lower cost compared to some other institutes. It's advisable to compare fees and offerings of several institutes before making a decision.

UPSC coaching fees in Mumbai vary depending on the institute, course duration, and batch size. Generally, expect a range of Rs. 95,000 to Rs. 1.8 lakhs. Sankalp IAS Forum offers coaching in least fees in Mumbai.

Absolutely! Mumbai has a thriving UPSC coaching scene with excellent resources and experienced faculty. You can also supplement your preparation with online resources and self-study materials.

हो, नक्कीच! (Yes, definitely!) मुंबई UPSC परीक्षेची तयारी करण्यासाठी उत्तम संसाधने आणि अनुभवी प्राध्यापकांसह एक उत्तम पर्यावरण प्रदान करते. (Mumbai offers a great environment for UPSC preparation with excellent resources and experienced faculty.)

While past results hold some merit, focus on an institute that provides a strong foundation and personalized guidance. Many institutes claim high success rates, so verify their data through independent sources. Please see Sankalp IAS Forum website to see successful students from Dadar  center. 

Sankalp IAS Forum is known for offering quality UPSC coaching at a relatively lower cost compared to some other institutes. It's advisable to compare fees and offerings of several institutes before making a decision.

Indeed. Top students from prestigious universities (IIT, IIM, etc.) get very delighted and fulfilled every year when they prepare for the IAS Exam. Since British time, no other position had the same allure as the IAS. The position is so highly regarded, respected, and authoritative that people quit lucrative jobs to obtain it.

After training for IAS, a student's personality is enhanced and their knowledge base is broadened to the point where they can succeed in any test (including PCS, RBI, CAPF, CDSE, BANKING SERVICES, SSC, etc.).

Individuals who have not been able to pass this exam often consider it unattainable. Some refer to it as the 'Mother of All Exams.' However, there are individuals who successfully clear it during their first attempt at the age of 21 with a commendable rank. This means that with the right guidance and approach, anyone, regardless of their academic background, can easily crack the exam.

The key lies in a step-by-step approach. There are mainly 8 areas to focus on, such as Polity and Economy. It is essential to thoroughly read, comprehend, and revise the best standard book for each subject. After the first reading, it is important to engage in solving previous year's questions and participate in test series. Additionally, staying up-to-date with current affairs

Every year, more than 50% of the officers come from an engineering background with limited GK knowledge initially, but after a year of preparation, they acquire all the necessary knowledge to comfortably pass the exam.

The students at Sankalp IAS Forum are taught by a number of carefully chosen officers and highly qualified instructors.

The real world emerges after work. High earners decide to quit high paying professions and begin preparing for the UPSC when they see their own college buddies who hold significant authority in the IAS.

Indeed. Almost all job-related exams in India only require a graduation degree. PG doesn't provide any extra advantages. If PG doesn't require effort or attendance, it can be completed; otherwise, it will interfere with IAS preparation and cause a delay in the job. The majority of students who want to work for the government don't usually pursue postgraduate studies.

Indeed. Numerous national holidays, gazetted holidays, VIP visits, and international meetings are observed in Indian colleges. College students have extended summer, fall, and winter breaks and vacation time. The early and late hours are also totally unrestricted. There are lengthy intervals in between each period during the day. Therefore, the countless hours of free time that some students squander need to be put to better use.

After preparing for the IAS exam, cracking other government job exams such as PCS, Bank PO, CGL, RBI Gr.B, CAPF, etc. becomes much easier. This is because the IAS exam is considered the "Mother of all examinations" and enhances knowledge across all subjects. Factual knowledge tested in other exams can be memorized more easily after gaining a thorough understanding of concepts through IAS preparation. Just like a student who has prepared for 12th class can solve questions of 10th class, similarly, preparing for IAS first can pave the way for success in other exams.

Normally people advise that every students should have plan-B. But we strongly recommend that after preparing for IAS in one year, you will develop so many skills that you can crack many other very good job exams like PCS, Bank PO, CGL, RBI Gr.B, CAPF etc. So, again you don’t require the Plan-B at this stage.

Usually, the first posting is as Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM).

Indeed. The highest position in the IAS is that of Cabinet Secretary. He is heavily involved in the formulation of national policy.

An IAS officer's monthly pay is not restricted to the range of 1 lakh to 2.5 lakh. They receive a

nice home, a car, gas, health benefits, several servants, authority, respect, and a stable job. In general, it is superior to any well-paying private job, which is why people quit lucrative jobs to join the IAS.

Indeed. This question lacks a definitive response. The one you like the most is the ideal choice for you. Yes, there are a few well-liked and simple subjects like sociology, geography, history, anthropology, political science, and international relations.

Indeed, it has been noted that the UPSC occasionally repeats a few of the questions from the previous year's preliminary exam.