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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is an independent organization that conducts various competitive examinations in India. It does recruitment for All India Services, Group A and Group B of Central Services, and other posts under the Union Government.
The most well-known and prestigious examination conducted by the UPSC is the Civil Services Examination (CSE). The Civil Services Examination is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and competitive examinations in India, and is often referred to as the “mother of all examinations.”
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is also responsible for conducting civil service exams to recruit candidates for various central government jobs, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
Approximately, 15 lakh candidates appeared for the UPSC examination in 2021 and barely 7-8% could clear it. The UPSC exam is considered one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India, as it offers a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities in the government sector.
Exam Pattern of the UPSC exam
The UPSC exam is basically conducted in three stages i.e the preliminary exam, the mains, and the personal interview section. A candidate needs to clear all three sections properly to be attested as a civil service aspirant.
Preliminary Exam
This is a multiple-choice and objective type exam that tests the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, history, geography, economics, and general science.
Mains Exam
This is a written exam that consists of nine papers covering a wide range of subjects, including language, literature, social sciences, and natural sciences.
Personal Interview
This is a personal interview with a panel of experts, during which the candidate’s knowledge, personality, and suitability for a career in the civil service are assessed.
Candidates who complete all three stages of the UPSC exam are eligible for appointment to various civil service positions in the Indian government.
Syllabus of UPSC Exam
The UPSC exam syllabus is divided into two parts: the Preliminary Exam and the Mains Exam.
The preliminary exam basically consists of two papers and it is an objective type of exam,
| General Studies(GS) Paper 1 | Indian history, Geography, Economics, and General science |
| Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Paper 2 | Paper 2 assesses the candidate’s aptitude for civil service, including problem-solving, decision-making, communication skills, and logical reasoning. |
Mains Exam: The Mains Exam consists of nine written papers:
| Paper 1 | Indian Language (qualifying paper) |
| Paper 2 | English (qualifying paper) |
| Paper 3 | Essay |
| Paper 4 | General Studies Paper 1: Indian heritage and culture, history, and geography of the world and society |
| Paper 5 | General Studies Paper 2: Governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations |
| Paper 6 | General Studies Paper 3: Technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management |
| Paper 7 | General Studies Paper 4: Ethics, integrity, and aptitude |
| Paper 8 | Optional Subject Paper 1 |
| Paper 9 | Optional Subject Paper 2 |
Optional subjects: Candidates can choose one optional subject from a list of approximately 20 subjects, such as law, engineering, medical science, agriculture, forestry, management, and political science.
Personal Interview
The interview is a personal assessment of the candidate’s suitability for a career in the civil service. It covers a wide range of topics, including the candidate’s academic background, work experience, and general knowledge.
The interview also aims to assess the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and potential to handle challenging situations.
Difference between old and new NCERT books
The concept is the same, much difference is not found between the old and the new NCERT books. Still, a few points should be kept in mind while preparing for the UPSC exam from NCERT books.
However, it is important to keep in mind that old NCERT books may not cover the latest developments in a subject and may not be as relevant for current exams.
Ultimately, the choice between old and new NCERT books will depend on your learning style and the specific exam requirements you are preparing for. It is a good idea to consult with a mentor or refer to the exam syllabus and pattern to determine which NCERT books will be most useful for your preparation.
Preparation of the UPSC Exam through NCERT Books
NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training) books are a popular choice for UPSC exam preparation because they provide a comprehensive overview of the various subjects covered in the exam and are written clearly and concisely. Here are some tips for preparing for the UPSC exam using NCERT books:
1. Start early
The UPSC exam is highly competitive, so it is important to start preparing as early as possible. NCERT books form the base of our educational system, hence they become the very base of UPSC preparation from the school level itself.
Begin by going through the syllabus and exam pattern in detail to get a clear idea of what to expect.
2. Follow a structured study plan
Make a schedule and allocate sufficient time for each subject. It is a good idea to divide the syllabus into smaller chunks and focus on one topic at a time.
NCERT books are very precise and one can choose each subject at one time and get done with the basics.
3. Read the NCERT books thoroughly
Make sure to read the NCERT books thoroughly, paying special attention to the important concepts and topics. Take notes as you go along to help you remember the key points.
To add to our preparatory benefits NCERT books have all the key points summarized at the end of each chapter.
4. Practice with mock tests and previous year’s papers
In addition to reading the NCERT books, it is also important to practice with mock tests and previous year papers to get a feel for the exam format and to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
NCERT books offer ample test papers and sample papers on all subjects that are covered in the UPSC syllabus. So make a point to get more practice done.
5. Seek guidance from a mentor or tutor
It can be helpful to seek guidance from a mentor or tutor who has experience preparing for the UPSC exam. They can provide valuable insights and advice on how to approach the exam and overcome any challenges you may face.
Overall, preparing for the UPSC exam requires dedication, hard work, and a thorough understanding of the various subjects covered in the exam. By following a structured study plan and using NCERT books as a foundation, you can increase your chances of success in the UPSC exam.
Conclusion
It is generally recommended to use the latest edition of NCERT textbooks for UPSC preparation, as the exam covers current affairs and the latest developments in various fields. However, some older editions of NCERT textbooks can also help build a strong foundation in certain subjects.
Ultimately, the choice of which NCERT textbook to use will depend on your learning style and the specific requirements of the UPSC exam. It is a good idea to consult with a mentor or refer to the UPSC syllabus and exam pattern to determine which NCERT books will be most useful for your preparation.
FAQS
Q1.Are NCERT books sufficient for UPSC preparation?
Ans: NCERT books can be a useful resource for UPSC preparation, as they provide a comprehensive overview of the various subjects covered in the exam and are written clearly and concisely.
However, it is important to note that NCERT books may not cover all the topics that are included in the UPSC syllabus and may not provide sufficient depth in certain subjects. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use a combination of NCERT books and other study materials to prepare for the UPSC exam.
Q2.Which NCERT books should I refer to for UPSC preparation?
Ans: The specific NCERT books that you should refer to for UPSC preparation will depend on the subjects you are studying. It is a good idea to consult with a mentor or refer to the UPSC syllabus and exam pattern to determine which NCERT books will be most useful for your preparation.
Q3.Should I use old or new NCERT books for UPSC preparation?
Ans: It is generally recommended to use the latest edition of NCERT books for UPSC preparation, as the exam covers current affairs and the latest developments in various fields.
However, some older editions of NCERT books can also help build a strong foundation in certain subjects. Ultimately, the choice of which NCERT textbook to use will depend on your learning style and the specific requirements of the UPSC exam.
Q4.Is it necessary to read all the NCERT books for UPSC preparation?
Ans: It is not necessary to read all the NCERT books for UPSC preparation. It is more important to focus on the subjects that are covered in the UPSC syllabus and to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the key concepts and topics.
Q5.Can I use NCERT books for optional subjects in the UPSC exam?
Ans: Yes, you can use NCERT books to prepare for optional subjects in the UPSC exam. NCERT books are a good resource for building a strong foundation in various subjects and can provide valuable insights into key concepts and topics.
Even though, it is important to note that NCERT books may not cover all the topics that are included in the UPSC syllabus for optional subjects and you may need to supplement your preparation with other study materials.
