The mantra to crack civil services

Updated on: Monday, September 07, 2009

The examination system devised for selection to the higher civil services is one of the most exhaustive and comprehensive. The examination system follows a sequential pattern based on the time honoured principle that the ‘average quality would get richer as the stream proceeds from one stage to the next’. Sequences would improve the efficiency of the selection process and make it more ‘homogenous’.

The sequential selection begins with the Preliminary examination, followed by the Main examination and concludes with the Personality Test. About 1.9 lakh candidates had appeared at the Preliminary in May this year and about 12,000 were declared as qualified for the second stage i.e., the Main examination. The Main examination is scheduled to commence in the last week of October, 2009.

The Main examination comprises 9 papers, all of them of a descriptive type conducted within a span of 20 days. It is designed to test not only the academic talent of the aspirant but also his ability to coordinate and present his knowledge in a clear and cogent manner. Hence the examination by its very structuring is multi-dimensional in approach. To begin with, the basic skills of an aspirant in a Modern Indian Language and English are tested. This is followed by two papers in General Studies, a General Essay Paper and two papers each in the two optionals chosen by the aspirant.
Qualifying papers

There are two qualifying papers i.e., a Modern Indian Language and General English. Marks scored in these papers are not counted for ranking. However, scoring a minimum of 35 per cent would be necessary. The paper would consist of an Essay, Translation, Precis writing, Sentence formation, idioms/ proverbs and their meaning etc. Candidates who have lost touch with writing Telugu / Hindi should devote time for writing practice. The right strategy would be to answer all the questions in the examination without an inch of over confidence.
General Essay

Ever since this paper was reintroduced in the scheme of examination in 1993, it has played a crucial role in determining the rank of the student. Most of the top rankers have scored above 55 per cent in this paper. Some candidates have also scored around 60 per cent which has helped them secure a position in the top ten ranks. How does one score high in the Essay paper? A two pronged strategy involving the correct choice of topic and the appropriate method of writing can be adopted. It is advisable to choose the factual topics which are non-controversial in nature.
Method of writing

It is advisable to devote the first five to ten minutes in ‘zeroing in’ on two topics. The next five minutes can be spent thinking about both the topics and arriving at the one which is in your ‘comfort zone’.

Having decided on the topic, start brain storming - write down all the ideas that you have about the topic. At this stage, do not classify or systematise your points. Put them on paper randomly as they flow in. Later, arrange these ideas in a logical and sequential manner.

The mantra to crack civil services

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