Maniram Sharma has won a 15-year-old battle for justice.

On Thursday ( 8th
October 2009 ), this deaf IAS candidate learnt he has made it to the Civil service.
With this, Maniram has not just won a personal battle but a milestone victory for
disabled persons like him who have been kept away from the premier government
service.
Maniram's case has been highlighted by Times of India over the past couple of years
how his efforts were thwarted on one ground or the other, till he finally went through
surgery to make his aided hearing so good that he gave his IAS interview this time by
the oral question-and-answer method. Despite this, his induction into the service was
just not happening. ( Read the story .... )
IAS TOPPER 2009- Civil Service Examination
NEW DELHI: Perhaps for the first time in the past 25 years, the top three ranks in the
Civil Services main examination – the results of which were declared on Monday —
have been secured by women candidates.
Young Shubhra Saxena has topped the examination, followed by Sharandeep Kaur
Brar and Kiran Kaushal, who achieved the second and third position respectively.
Varinder Kumar Sharma, who secured an all-India fourth rank, is the topper among
the male candidates. Varinder, who is a differently-abled candidate, has cracked the
prestigious exam in his first attempt.
The top 25 candidates include 15 males and 10 females. Of the first ten positions, four
have been secured by Delhi-based candidates and all of them have preferred the
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) over the other services.
Speaking to The Hindu at her residence on Monday evening, Shubhra Saxena said:
“It is God’s grace that everything has worked out perfect for me. You can just pray for
such an achievement; you never expect it. It has still not sunk in…..”
With subdued celebrations at her suburban Indirapuram home in Ghaziabad nextdoor
to Delhi, Shubhra sought to underplay her huge achievement.
“I am no special. Last year I attempted, but could not make it to the final list. It was
very painful. I believe if I can do it, then anyone can. Keep believing in yourself and
keep working hard,” she said.
The 30-year-old, who is married, said she decided to go for the Civil Services because
she realised she wasn’t in a “position to make a substantial contribution to society
while working in the IT industry”.
Shubhra has done her schooling from Jharkhand, studied B.Tech. at Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT), Roorkee. Her husband is also from the same institute.
“There are a lot of problems that our country is facing. I chose the IAS because it
gives you a multitude of options. Rural development is my first choice,” said the
topper who was born in Bareilly.
P. S. Ravindran, director of Vajiram and Ravi institute for civil services examination,
noted that after 2003 this is the first time that the first rank has been achieved by a
candidate in her second attempt. Interestingly, Shubhra and four other candidates to
have made it to the top ten ranks have been trained by this institute.
Kiran Kaushal, the third ranker, is the first person to have taken the examination in
the Hindi medium and reached this high a rank.
Vijay Ketan Upadhyay, who secured the fifth rank overall in his third attempt, said: “I
was expecting something within the first 200 ranks, but the fifth position is really
unbelievable! In fact, I had already started preparing for the UPSC preliminary
examination for this year as I was desperate to clear it on my last attempt…..”
Vijay has studied Veterinary Science at the Orissa Veterinary College.
An MBBS graduate from Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, Yash Garg has achieved
the sixth all-India rank. Hailing from Sonepat in Haryana, Yash was clear that he
wanted to join the IAS since he dreamt of becoming a good administrator.
“While working as a doctor in the hospital, I realised I was only impacting an
individual patient. Through the IAS, I can impact a larger section of people,” said
Yash, who is currently working at Delhi’s Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan Hospital.
Just like Shubhra, Delhi-based Surya Pal Gangwar, who has achieved the eighth
position, is also from Bareilly. He went on to do his B.Tech. from IIT-Roorkee.
“This is my fifth attempt. I was confident it would be something good, but did not
imagine it would be this good!” he said.
For someone who is married and has a child, Surya said it was “good time
management” that helped him achieve his goal.
A graduate of Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhiite Aditi Singh secured the 12th
rank. “My father and husband are IAS officers. I always dreamt of becoming one.
Focus and perseverance are the two key things needed while preparing for the Civil
Services,” she added.

Shubhra Saxena
(Women Candidate) UPSC 2009 Topper

Miss Shubhra Saxena (Roll No.159306), has topped the Examination. She has done
B.Tech from IIT, Roorkeee. She attributed her feat to her "loving" parents and
husband, saying they "were very much supportive when I expressed my desire to
appear for civil services."Born in Uttar Pradesh's Bareli, Saxena had most of her
education in Jharkhand as her father was an engineer with Coal India.
"I always wanted to serve the people. My family sacrificed a lot. I had to stay away
from my husband and stay with my mom... they were very helpful," the former IT
professional said."I always had faith in myself... so I won. Once a person understands
the concept it is very easy to crack the exam. And more important is the ability to
believe in yourself," she said.
Saxena said her husband was her "biggest supporter" in the past four years while she
was preparing for the civil services exam.This is her 2nd attempt.
 
Interview : UPSC topper Shubhra's Interview with IBN
The topper of the Civil Services examination, Shubra Saxena credits hard work and
God's grace for her win. Shubhra Saxena spoke to CNN-IBN after her win.
CNN-IBN: Congratulations on your spectacular success. Tell us, was it very hard to
prepare for this examination?
Shubhra Saxena: First of all, thank you. Regarding how hard it was, yes, it was
hard. Cracking the Civil Services exam is a tough job. But then I think that every
aspirant is working very hard towards it. So it is labour as well as God's grace that has
landed me at the top spot.
CNN-IBN: Shubhra, I am told that this is your second attempt at the UPSC exam.
What did you think worked for you, went right for you during this exam?
Shubhra Saxena: My first attempt was in a bit of haste. I was working till the end of
2006 and I decided to write my first Pre in 2007. So I think I did not have much of a
time to prepare.
CNN-IBN: Why did you try this exam when you were already employed?
Shubhra Saxena: I think it was my dissatisfaction at whatever I was doing and the
motivation to do something for the society that inspired me to write this exam.
CNN-IBN: What is your message now to future Civil Services aspirants?
Shubhra Saxena: Well, work hard and believe in yourself. Everything is possible. I
am not unique that I made it here. I am just a part of the crowd. Last year I did not
even make it. If you work hard, anything is possible.
CNN-IBN: Thank you for speaking to CNN-IBN
Article : UPSC topper wants to serve rural India
Girls have bagged the top three ranks in the Civil Services Examination 2008 with
Noida's Shubhra Saxena topping the test, results for which were declared in New Delhi
on Monday.
While Sharandeep Kaur Brar has been placed second, Kiran Kaushal secured the
third position.
It was the urge to serve the country's rural population that made 30-year-old Shubhra
Saxena to quit her well-paid IT job four years back and prepare for civil service
examinations.
"It is a very good feeling. Every person achieves victory on their own pace," an elated
Saxena said, minutes after the news trickled in that she topped the 2008 civil services
examination.
She attributed her feat to her "loving" parents and husband, saying they "were very
much supportive when I expressed my desire to appear for civil services."
The software engineer, an alumnus of IIT-Rourkee, said she quit her well-paid IT job
as she always had a urge to serve the rural population, who are deprived of even
basic facilities such as education and drinking water.
"I wasn't able to serve the people when I was in the IT field. So, I decided to quit and
appear for civil services examination," Saxena, who cleared the examination in her
second attempt, said.
"My priorities are empowering the rural masses and providing education to them."
Born in Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly, Saxena had most of her education in Jharkhand as
her father was an engineer with Coal India.
A total of 791 candidates have cracked the exam for which written test was conducted
in October-November last year and the interview for personality test was held in
March-April this year, the UPSC said.
The candidates, who have been recommended for appointment, include 364 from
general category, 236 from OBC, 130 from SC and 61 from ST group.
The topper Shubhra Saxena has done her B Tech from IIT Roorkee. This was her
second attempt. Second topper Sharandeep Kaur has done her MA from Punjab
University.
The top 25 candidates included 10 women. While 12 of them are from Commerce,
Management, Humanities, Science and Social Sciences, nine candidates are from
streams of Engineering and four from Medical Sciences.
A total of 3,18,843 candidates applied for the examination, while 1,67,035 appeared
for the preliminary examination. Of them 11,849 qualified for the Mains but only
2,140 could make it to the personality test.
Courtesy:- NDTV

Mr. Sorabh Babu Maheshwari (23) achieved 1st position among the successful
candidates of the Civil Services Examination, 1999-2000. He has done B.E. (Mech.)
" Planned Studies, Hard Work and INNER motivation are the Keys to Success
"
We publish below an exclusive interview he gave to Competition Success Review.

CSR: What is the secret of your success in the Civil Services Examination?
Sorabh Babu Maheshwari : There are myriad of factors responsible; to sum up God's
grace, family's support and encouragement, planned studies, hard work, inner
motivation can be cited as the main factors.
Q. How much time do you think one requires for serious preparation for this
examination ?
A. Atleast one year of serious dedicated preparation.
Q. Which journals and newspapers have you been reading for the General Knowledge
and other papers ?
A. Competition Success Review, General Knowledge Today, The Hindu, The Hindustan
Times, Frontline and a regular reader of India Today
Q.What is your impression of the Interview Board ?
A, Questions posed before a candidate are very well framed and answers to them
should be made taking into consideration all possible views and a balanced approach
is expected from a candidate.
Q. What is your advice to the future aspirants ?
A. The path towards this coveted service passes through many ups and downs. To
carry oneself along these pulls and pushes requires strong inner motivation and
decision to aspire for Civil Services should come from within.
Q . Competition Success Review, the largest selling youth magazine in English, has
been extremely helpful because...
A. ...it helped in providing ready, easy-to-use material thus saving time. Topics, which
are unique to this magazine e.g.,IAS Topper Talks To You, Essays, Personality. Tests
proved extremely helpful while preparing as they give good insight into these issues.
Q. What prompted you to choose Civil Services as your career?
A. the unique blend of service opportunities which Civil Services offers. Diversity of
job, being a party in policy implementation, bigger responsibilities, social esteem and
to do good to common masses were some factors which made me to go in for Civil
Services.
Q. How did your parents, family and friends contribute to your success ?
A. A larger part of success is attributable to them. Without the constant support,
encouragement and boost up by family members and friends at times, this day was
not possible.
Q. Had you not been selected in the Civil Services Examination, what would have been
your reaction ? Which other service career would you have gone in-opted for?
A.This year. I did well in Written Exam ,and Interview and was confident of getting
good rank. In adverse situation of not getting selected, though sad I would have gone
for another attempt after finding out my lacunae.
Q. How would you visualise your success ?
A. Combined effort of everything went in my favour. I dedicate my success to my
parents and elder brother and now find myself at a platform with even bigger
responsibilities and challenges as never before.
Q Whom do you attribute your success to ?
A. To my eldest brother especially who has been a constant source of motivation
throughout my life span. Without whose support, I could not have achieved this.
Q. What Were your Optionals for the Civil Services Examination ?
A. Mathematics for Prelims; Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering for Mains.
Q. What was your criterion for the selection of Optional subjects ?
A. Having studied Mechanical Engg. in my graduation for 4 years, I found it a natural
choice and I felt quite comfortable with Mathematics.
Q. How did you prepare for your Compulsory papers?
A. I made a list of topics to be read, then gave them a priority based on their
importance and started from the top giving due time to each of them. This approach
was mandatorv for me as I am already in job and did not have ample time.
Q. Competition Success Review is the largest read youth magazine in English. How do
you visualise the role of this magazine in moulding the careers of the youth ?
A. Since my childhood, Civil Services ,specific issues particularly the column of 'IAS
Toppers Talk To You' inspired me a lot to go for Civil Services as my career.
Q. How did Competition Succeess Review help you in your preparation for the
interview?
A. Supplements like 'My Personality Test', 'Facing The Interview Board', 'Improve Your
Personality' and 'Group Discussion' give quite an original view of the personality test
and help us in assessing our deficiencies beforehand and taking corrective measures.
Q. What is your opinion about Competition Success Review?
A. Competition Success Review is indispensable for aspirants to Civil Services and
other competitive exams. It is helping, candidates a lot. It is a part of study material.
Q. What is your opinion about General Knowledge Today?
A. More information ' i less space is the buzzword for General Know1cdgr Today. It
provides quite handy, ready-to-use facts, database and information and as such is
quite useful during revision hours.
Q. What do you think is the better way of preparation between selective, intensive
study and wide, extensive study ?
A. Wide extensive study should be followed by selective intensive study.
Q. Is the pattern of the examination appropriate for selection ? Would you recommend
any improvement?
A. By and large, the pattern of examination is good. Efforts, however, should be made
to reduce the shell time of the whole process in line with other exams.
Q. Do you feel that there should be no restriction on the number of attempts ?
A. Current policy of restricting attempts checks non-serious candidates and prevents
flooding up of the exam. This should continue. ,
Q. With the resumption of Essay paper in UPSC examinations, we are giving four
senior essays every month. Is this focusoriented, analytical, feature helpful for the
TAS aspirants ?
A. Definitely yes. Best way to prepare for Essay paper is through careful reading of
these well-crafted essays by top slot authors. It sharpens the writing ability and
boosts confidence.
Q. How do you think Competition Success Review could be more useful to the
candidates appearing in the Civil Services and various other competitive
examinations ?
A. At present, it focusses only on General Studies aspects. Recent trends and practices
in various Optionals should be published to make candidates more aware. Some more
model question papers should also be given.
The mantra to crack civil services exam
With the number of vacancies on the increase, this would be the best time to aim for a
place in the list of selected candidates.
The right strategy would be to answer all the questions in the examination without an
inch of over confidence.
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 honored 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.
Having arrived at the sequence, start writing, giving due care to the introduction, the
nody and finally the conclusion.
Ensure that you have time for revision. Remember it is a General Essay paper and you
should not be highly technical.
Likely topics
The topics that can be expected this year are :
Globalisation and the Human empire; Reservations are only a part of Affirmative
Action; Public Libraries as a Foundation of Knowledge Economy; India and the
emerging Non-Proliferation Order; 50 Years of Indian Television; Women in Indian
Politics.
General Studies
In General Studies, we have two papers i.e., Paper-I and Paper-II. Paper-I comprises
History of Modern India and Indian Culture, Geography of India, Indian Polity, Current
Issues and topics of social relevance.
Paper-II comprises India and the World, Indian economy, International affairs and
institutions, Developments in science and technology, communications and space,
statistical analysis and graphs and diagrams.
Scoring high in these papers requires a business approach i.e., the time allocated by
you should be commensurate to the marks that will accrue from the question.
Assuming that the foundations are in place, it is better to focus on the most important
areas. The list of important areas is given below:
a) History: The ‘Swadeshi Movement’, Peasant Movements in the 1930’s and 1940’s
Agrarian Reforms.
b) Economic Geography of India: State of power generation in India and power
reforms; Inter-State Trading Regulations 2003; Entrepreneurship in India; Progress of
special programmes for raising agricultural production; Infrastructure and its
multiplier effects; Constraints in public-private partnerships in the process of
development; Gangavaram Port; Project Snow Leopard; Ganga River Basin Authority;
the Bombay-Worli sea link.
c) Current Issues and Topics of Social Relevance: Law Commissions recommendations
on ‘Narco – Analysis’; World Health Organisations and swine flu; Ethical issues
involved in stem cell research; Sixth Pay Commission and Armed Forces; Central
strategy to deal with Naxalism; Government’s plans to strengthen maritime and costal
security; Reasons for poor performance of India at the Olympics; ragging; National
Knowledge Commission and Indian systems of medicine; recent measures for social
protection; racial attacks; social networking; social audit; exclusion of women from
productive employment.
d) Indian Polity: State politics Vs national politics of the Punchhi Commission on
Centre-State relations, Unorganised Workers Social Security Bill 2000; Supreme
Court’s Observation in T.N. Seshan Vs Union of India. The steps in the process of the
removal of a judge; the RTI Act, Right to Education; National Security Guards; Law
Commission Report on appointment of judges; India Development Foundation;
Independence and removal of Election Commissioners; Delimitation Commission.
After having identified the important areas in the compulsory papers, it is advisable to
repeat the same exercise in the optionals. Such an effort will ensure a rich harvest at
the examination.
With the number of vacancies on the increase this would be the best time to aim for
being included in the list of selected candidates. Ensure, you do so by adopting the
winning edge.
Gopala Krishna,
Director, Brain Tree
The mantra to crack civil services exam
With the number of vacancies on the increase, this would be the best time to aim for a
place in the list of selected candidates.
The right strategy would be to answer all the questions in the examination without an
inch of over confidence.
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 honored 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.
Having arrived at the sequence, start writing, giving due care to the introduction, the
nody and finally the conclusion.
Ensure that you have time for revision. Remember it is a General Essay paper and you
should not be highly technical.
Likely topics
The topics that can be expected this year are :
Globalisation and the Human empire; Reservations are only a part of Affirmative
Action; Public Libraries as a Foundation of Knowledge Economy; India and the
emerging Non-Proliferation Order; 50 Years of Indian Television; Women in Indian
Politics.
General Studies
In General Studies, we have two papers i.e., Paper-I and Paper-II. Paper-I comprises
History of Modern India and Indian Culture, Geography of India, Indian Polity, Current
Issues and topics of social relevance.
Paper-II comprises India and the World, Indian economy, International affairs and
institutions, Developments in science and technology, communications and space,
statistical analysis and graphs and diagrams.
Scoring high in these papers requires a business approach i.e., the time allocated by
you should be commensurate to the marks that will accrue from the question.
Assuming that the foundations are in place, it is better to focus on the most important
areas. The list of important areas is given below:
a) History: The ‘Swadeshi Movement’, Peasant Movements in the 1930’s and 1940’s
Agrarian Reforms.
b) Economic Geography of India: State of power generation in India and power
reforms; Inter-State Trading Regulations 2003; Entrepreneurship in India; Progress of
special programmes for raising agricultural production; Infrastructure and its
multiplier effects; Constraints in public-private partnerships in the process of
development; Gangavaram Port; Project Snow Leopard; Ganga River Basin Authority;
the Bombay-Worli sea link.
c) Current Issues and Topics of Social Relevance: Law Commissions recommendations
on ‘Narco – Analysis’; World Health Organisations and swine flu; Ethical issues
involved in stem cell research; Sixth Pay Commission and Armed Forces; Central
strategy to deal with Naxalism; Government’s plans to strengthen maritime and costal
security; Reasons for poor performance of India at the Olympics; ragging; National
Knowledge Commission and Indian systems of medicine; recent measures for social
protection; racial attacks; social networking; social audit; exclusion of women from
productive employment.
d) Indian Polity: State politics Vs national politics of the Punchhi Commission on
Centre-State relations, Unorganised Workers Social Security Bill 2000; Supreme
Court’s Observation in T.N. Seshan Vs Union of India. The steps in the process of the
removal of a judge; the RTI Act, Right to Education; National Security Guards; Law
Commission Report on appointment of judges; India Development Foundation;
Independence and removal of Election Commissioners; Delimitation Commission.
After having identified the important areas in the compulsory papers, it is advisable to
repeat the same exercise in the optionals. Such an effort will ensure a rich harvest at
the examination.
With the number of vacancies on the increase this would be the best time to aim for
being included in the list of selected candidates. Ensure, you do so by adopting the
winning edge.
Gopala Krishna,
Director, Brain Tree
The examination will consist of two papers.

Paper I General Studies 150 marks

Paper II One subject to be

selected from the list of optional 300 marks
subjects set out in Para 2 below

Total : 450 marks

Note (i) Both the question papers will be of the

objective type (multiple choice questions).(ii) The
question papers will be set both in Hindi and English.
(iii) The course content of the syllabi for the optional
subjects will be of the degree level. Details of the
syllabi are indicated in Part A of Section III. (iv) Each
paper will be of two hours duration. Blind candidates
will, however, be allowed an extra time of twenty
minutes at each paper.

B. Main Examination

The written examination will consist of the following papers :

Paper I One of the Indian languages to be 300 marks

selected by the candidate from the
 Languages included in the Eighth
Scheduled to the Constitution.

Paper II English 300 marks

Paper III Essay 200 marks

300 marks
Papers
General Studies for each
IV and V
paper

Papers Any two subjects to be selected from the

300 marks
VI, VII, list of the optional subjects set out in para 
for each
VIII and 2 below. Each subject will have two
paper
IX papers.

Interview Test will carry 300 marks.

Note (i) The papers on Indian Languages and English
will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will
be of qualifying nature; the marks obtained in these
papers will not be counted for ranking.

(ii) Evaluation of the papers, namely, 'Essay, General

Studies' and 'Optional subjects' of all the candidates
would be done simultaneously along with evaluation of
their qualifying papers on 'Indian Languages' and
'English' but the papers on 'Essay', 'General Studies'
and 'Optional Subjects' of only such candidates will be
taken cognizance of as attain such minimum standard
as may be fixed by the Commission at their discretion
for the qualifying papers on 'Indian Language' and
'English' and, therefore, the marks in 'Essay', 'General
Studies' and 'Optional Subjects' will not be disclosed to
those candidates who fail to obtain such minimum
qualifying standard in 'Indian Language' and 'English'

(iii) The paper-I on Indian Languages will not, however,

be compulsory for candidates hailing from the North-
Eastern States of Arunachanl Pradesh, Manipur,
Meghalaya, Mizoram and Nagaland and also for
candidates hailing from the State of Sikkim.

(iv) For the Language papers, the script to be used by

the candidates will be as under :–

Note:- For Santhali language, question paper will be

printed in Devanagari script; but candidates will be free
to answer either in Devanagari script or in Olchiki.

2. List of optional subjects for Main Examination

Literature of one of the following languages :
Arabic, Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, Dogri, Chinese, English, French, German, Gujarati,
Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali,
Oriya, Pali, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.
Note (i) Candidates will not be allowed to offer the
following combinations of subjects :–

(a) Political Science & International Relations

and Public Administration;

(b) Commerce & Accountancy and

Management;

(c) Anthropology and Sociology;

(d) Mathematics and Statistics;

(e) Agriculture and Animal Husbandry &

Veterinary Science.

(f) Management and Public Administration;

(g) Of the Engineering subjects, viz., Civil

Engineering, Electrical Engineering and
Mechanical Engineering–not more than one
subject.

(h) Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science

and Medical Science.

(ii) The question papers for the examination will be of

conventional (essay) type.

(iii) Each paper will be of three hours duration. Blind

candidates will, however be allowed an extra time of
thirty minutes at each paper.

(iv) Candidates will have the option to answer all the

question papers, except the language papers viz.
Papers I and II above in any one of the languages in
cluded in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution or in
English.

(v) Candidates exercising the option to answer papers

III to IX in any one of the languages included in the
Eighth Schedule to the Constitution may, if they so
desire, give English version within brackets of only the
description of the technical terms, if any, in addition to
the version in the language opted by them.

Candidates should, however, note that if they misuse

the above rule, a deduction will be made on this
 account from the total marks otherwise accruing to
them and in extreme cases, their script(s) will not be
valued for being in an unauthorised medium.

(vi) The question papers other than language papers

will be set both in Hindi and English.

(vii) The details of the syllabi are set out in Part B of

Section III

General Instructions (Preliminary as well as Main Examination) :

(i) Candidates must write the papers in their own hand. In no circumstances, will they
be allowed the help of a scribe to write the answers for them. However, blind
candidates will be allowed to write the examination with the help of a scribe.
(ii) An extra time of twenty minutes per hour shall be permitted for the candidates
with locomotors disability and cerebral palsy where dominant (writing) extremity is
affected to the extent of slowing the performance of function (minimum of 40%
impairment) in the Civil Services (Main) Examination only. However, no scribe
shall be permitted to such candidates.
Note (1) : The eligibility conditions of a scribe, his/her conduct inside the
examination hall and the manner in which and extent to which he/she can help the
blind candidate in writing the Civil Services Examination shall be governed by the
instructions issued by the UPSC in this regard. Violation of all or any of the said
instructions shall entail the cancellation of the candidature of the blind candidate in
addition to any other action that the UPSC may take against the scribe.
Note (2) : For purpose of these rules the candidate shall be deemed to be a blind
candidate if the percentage of visual impairment is 40% or more.
Note (3) :For availing of the concession admissible to a blind candidate, the
candidate concerned shall produce a certificate in the prescribed proforma from a
Medical Board constituted by the Central/State Governments alongwith his application
for the Main Examination.
Note (4) : The concession admissible to blind candidates shall not be admissible to
those suffering from Myopia.
(ii) The Commission have discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all the subjects of
the examination.
(iii) If a candidate’s handwriting is not easily legible, a deduction will be made on this
account from the total marks otherwise accruing to him.
(iv) Marks will not be allotted for mere superficial knowledge.
(v) Credit will be given for orderly, effective and exact expression combined with due
economy of words in all subjects of the examination.
(vi) In the question papers, wherever required, SI units will be used.
(vii) Candidates should use only international form of Indian numerals (i.e. 1,2,3,4,5,6
etc.) while answering question papers.
(viii) Candidates will be allowed the use of Scientific (Non-Programmable type)
calculators at the conventional (Essay) type examination of UPSC. Programmable type
calculators will however not be allowed and the use of such calculators shall
tantamount to resorting to unfair means by the candidates. Loaning or interchanging
of calculators in the Examination Hall is not permitted.
It is also important to note that candidates are not permitted to use calculators for
answering objective type papers (Test Booklets). They should not therefore bring the
same inside the Examination Hall.
C. Interview test
The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who will have before them a record of
his career. He will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the
interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public
service by a Board of competent and unbiased observers. The test is intended to
judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms this is really an assessment of
not only his intellectual qualities but also social traits and his interest in current
affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of
assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of
interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.
2. The technique of the interview is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a
natural, though directed and purposive conversation which is intended to reveal the
mental qualities of the candidate.
3. The interview test is not intended to be a test either of the specialised or
general knowledge of the candidates which has been already tested through
their written papers. Candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent
interest not only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the
events which are happening around them both within and outside their own
state or country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new
discoveries which should rouse the curiosity of well educated youth.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Indianisation of the superior Civil Services became one of the major demands of the political
movement compelling the British Indian Government to consider setting up of a Public Service
Commission for recruitment to its services in the territory. The first Public Service Commission
was set up on October 1st, 1926. However, its limited advisory functions failed to satisfy the
people’s aspirations and the continued stress on this aspect by the leaders of our freedom
movement resulted in the setting up of the Federal Public Service Commission under the
Government of India Act 1935. Under this Act, for the first time, provision was also made
for the formation of Public Service Commissions at the provincial level.
The Constituent Assembly, after independence, saw the need for giving a secure and autonomous
status to Public Service Commissions both at Federal and Provincial levels for ensuring unbiased
recruitment to Civil Services as also for protection of service interests. With the promulgation of the
new Constitution for independent India on 26th January, 1950, the Federal Public Service
Commission was accorded a constitutional status as an autonomous entity and given the title –
Union Public Service Commission
 Constitutional Provisions
The Union Public Service Commission has been established under Article 315 of the Constitution
of India. The Commission consists of a Chairman and ten Members.
The terms and conditions of service of Chairman and Members of the Commission are governed
by the Union Public Service Commission (Members) Regulations, 1969.
The Commission is serviced by a Secretariat headed by a Secretary with two Additional
Secretaries, a number of Joint Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries and other supporting staff.
The Union Public Service Commission have been entrusted with the following duties and role
under the Constitution:
1. Recruitment to services & posts under the Union through conduct of competitive 
 examinations; 
2.  Recruitment   to   services   &   posts  under the Central Government by Selection through
Interviews; 
3. Advising on the suitability of officers for appointment on promotion as well as transfer-on-
deputation; 
4. Advising the Government on all matters relating to methods of Recruitment to various
services and posts; 
5.  Disciplinary  cases relating to different civil services; and 
6. Miscellaneous matters relating to grant of extra ordinary pensions, reimbursement of legal
expenses etc. 
The major role played by the Commission is to select persons to man the various Central Civil
Services and Posts and the Services common to the Union and States (viz. All-India Services).
EXPENSES OF PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONS
 The expenses of the Union or a State Public Service Commission, including any salaries,
allowances and pensions payable to or in respect of the members or staff of the Commission, shall
be charged on the consolidated Fund of India or, as the case may be, the Consolidated Fund of
the State.
RECRUITMENT TO VARIOUS SERVICES AND POSTS
To Duties & Role of the Commission
Under Article 320 of the Constitution of India, the Commission are, inter-alia, required to be
consulted on all matters relating to recruitment to civil services and posts.
RECRUITMENT is made by one of the following three methods:
1.  Direct Recruitment ; 
2.  Promotion ; and 
3. Transfer 
DIRECT RECRUITMENT is conducted broadly under the following two methods:
RECRUITMENT BY COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION
Under the Constitution one of the functions of the Commission is to conduct
examinations for appointment to Civil Services/Posts of the Union. In addition,
competitive examinations are also held by the Commission under arrangements with
the Ministry of Defence for entry to certain Defence Services, through the National
Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and
the Officers Training Academy.

The Commission usually conducts over a dozen examinations every year

on an all India basis. These include Examinations for recruitment to
services/posts in various fields, such as Civil Services, Engineering,
Medical and Forest Service, etc.

For an overview of examinations regularly held by the Commission. See

"Overview of Examination" under this Chapter.

At present the Union Public Service Commission conduct their

examinations at numerous venues spread over 42 regular centers
throughout the country.

RECRUITMENT BY SELECTION
Recruitment by Selection is made by the following methods:
1. By Interview Only 
2. By Recruitment Test Followed By Interview 

BY INTERVIEW ONLY

Where the number of applicants is very large, it is not practicable to call for Interview all
the applicants who fulfill the minimum eligibility conditions prescribed. The
Commission, therefore, shortlist the candidates to be called for the interview on the
basis of certain pre-determined criteria related to the job. A large number of recruitment
cases is handled by the Commission by the method (1) above.

BY WRITTEN TEST FOLLOWED BY INTERVIEW

In this category, there are two types of procedure followed:

a. An objective-type written and/or practical test to test the skill of the candidates followed by
Interview, the final selection being decided by Interview, aided by the performance of the
candidates in the written test and/or practical test. 
b. An objective-type written and/or practical test to screen candidates to be called for
interview, the final selection being decided by Interview only. 
 Appointment By Promotion And Transfer On Deputation/Transfer
In accordance with the procedure decided by the Government, in consultation with the
Commission, Chairman or a Member of the Commission presides over the
Departmental Promotion Committee Meetings to consider promotions from Group B to
Group A and from one grade to another within group A, where promotion is to be made
by Selection.

Deputation

The Recruitment Rules for a number of posts provide for appointment by

Transfer on Deputation (including short term contract) and Transfer. When
the field of consideration consists of Central Government as well as State
Government officers, prior consultation with the Commission is necessary
for selection of an officer. When the file for consideration is made more
broad-based and consists of not only Central/State Government officers but
also officers from Non-Government Institutions, the selection has to be
made in consultation with the Union Public Service Commission.

All India Services

The All India Services Act, 1951 and Rules and Regulations framed
thereunder regulate the recruitment and conditions of service in respect of
the All India Services viz. Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police
Service and Indian Forest Service.

As far as direct recruitment to the Indian Administrative Service and Indian

Police Service Examination are concerned, it is done through the Civil
Services Examination and for the Indian Forest Service through the Indian
Forest Service Examination held by the Commission.

The relevant Rules and Regulations provide that 33% of the vacancies in
the IAS/IPS/IFS should be filled by promotion from amongst the officers of
 the State Service in consultation with the Commission. The Selection
Committee presided over by Chairman/Member of the Commission
consists of senior Government representatives of the Central Government
and the State.

Mechanisation - Project Sampera

The Commission have recently undertaken a project called "SAMPERA"

(Screening and Mechanised Processing of Examination and Recruitment
Applications). A simplified single sheet common application form for all the
examinations has been devised which will be scanned by using OMR/ICR
technology. The implementation of this project will mainly help in high
speed scanning of data from forms eliminating manual entry. Other benefits
will be accurate and faster generation of Admit Cards, Attendance lists with
photo replica and signature facsimile of each candidate, and Error-free list
of doubtful cases. The main aim of this project is to cope with the
increasing volume of applications through innovations and mechanised
handling so as to reduce the processing time and send communications
faster to minimised errors. The cases of impersonation/malpractices will
also be eliminated and wasteful expenditure will be reduced.

RECRUITMENT RULES

In accordance with the provisions contained in Article 320 of the Constitution

read with the provisions of Union Public Service Commission (Exemption from
Consultation) Regulations 1958, Recruitment Rules of all Group ‘A’ and Group
‘B" posts in various Ministries/Departments of Government of India are required
to be framed in Consultation with the Commission. Consultation with the
Commission is also necessary for framing/amending Recruitment Rules for
certain categories of posts under the Employees State Insurance Corporation,
The Delhi Municipal Corporation, The New Delhi Municipal Council, Employees
Provident Fund Organisation etc. under the relevant Acts made by Parliament in
pursuance of the provisions of Article 321.

 
All proposals for framing/amending Recruitment Rules are examined keeping in view the
cadre structure of the organisation and the circulars issued by the Govt. from time to time.
After approval, the Commissions’ advice in the matter is communicated to the
Ministry/Department concerned. More than 14000 Recruitment Rules have been
framed/amended so far.

DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
To Duties & Role of the Commission
Under Article 320(3) of the Constitution the Commission are required to be consulted on the
quantum of penalties in disciplinary cases affecting a person serving under the Government of
India in a Civil Capacity.
EXTENSION OF FUNCTIONS TO LOCAL BODIES ETC
Article 321 also empowers the Parliament to extend the functions of the Public Service
Commission to any local authority or other body corporate constituted by Law or by any public
institutions.
EXEMPTIONS In order to exempt some posts which for reasons of National Security or some
other reasons may not be required to be referred to the Commission for their advice, the Union
Public Service Commission (Exemption from Consultations) Regulations were issued on
September 1, 1958, under Article 320(3)(a) and (b) of the Constitution. These Regulations are
amended or revised as and when the need arises.
RECRUITMENT & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ETCThe Provisions as contained in Article 309 &
Article 311 of the Constitution are also required to be read in conjunction with the provisions as
contained in Article 320 of the Constitution.
Binding nature of the advice of the Commission
A convention has been established by the Government of India, that in the following classes of the
cases referred to the Commission, the recommendations made by them shall be accepted, save in
exceptional circumstances.
a. Quasi-judicial cases. 
b. Selection for appointments of candidates. 
c. Appointment of a candidate on a higher initial pay than that of a minimum pay of the posts. 
d. Claims of expenditure incurred by the Government servants in defending legal proceedings
instituted against him in respect of acts done or purporting to be done in the execution of
his duty. 
ANNUAL REPORTS
The Commission have a duty, under Article 323 of the Constitution to present annually to the
President a Report as to the work done by the Commission and on receipt of such report, the
president shall cause a copy there of together with the Memorandum explaining, as respect the
cases, if any, where the advice of the Commission was not accepted, the reasons for such non-
acceptance to be laid before each House of the Parliament.

01 Q. How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?
A. Concrete floors are very hard to crack! (UPSC Topper)

.02 Q. If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take four men to build it?
A. No time at all it is already built. (UPSC 23 Rank Opted for IFS)

.03 Q. If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand and four apples and three oranges in the 
other hand, what would you have?
A. Very large hands.(Good one) (UPSC 11 Rank Opted for IPS)

.04 Q. How can you lift an elephant with one hand?
A. It is not a problem, since you will never find an elephant with onehand.(UPSC Rank 14 Opted for IES)

.05 Q. How can a man go eight days without sleep?
A. No Probs, He sleeps at night. (UPSC IAS Rank 98)

.06 Q. If you throw a red stone into the blue sea what it will become?
A. It will Wet or Sink as simple as that. (UPSC IAS Rank 2)

.07 Q. What looks like half apple?
A: The other half. (UPSC ­ IAS Topper)

.08 Q. What can you never eat for breakfast?
A: Dinner.

.09 Q. What happened when wheel was invented?
A: It caused a revolution.
.10 Q. Bay of Bengal is in which state?
A: Liquid (UPSC 33Rank)

.11 Q: what is the opposite of Nag panchmi?
A: Nag did not punch me.

Not only our technical knowledge helps, but also the

presence of mind and the right answer at right time.
Even if u don't know the answer for a question just
confuse the questioner

Question and the Answer given by Candidates, oh

sorry, they are IAS Officers now.

Q.How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor

without cracking it?
A. Concrete floors are very hard to crack! (UPSC<!--
D(["mb","</font></font></font></b><font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"></strong></font></font></font></b><br />
<b><font size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font
color="#3333ff"><b><b>Topper)</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br />
<font size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Q.If
it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how
\n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>long would it take four men to build it?
</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>A. No time at all it is already built.
(UPSC 23 rd \n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Rank Opted for
IFS)</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Q.If you had three apples
and four oranges in one hand \n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>and four
apples and three oranges in the other</b></b></font></font></font><br />
<font size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>hand,
what would you have?\n </b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>A. Very
large hands.(Good one) (UPSC 11 Rank Opted for
</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>IPS)</b></b>\n
</font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Q. How can you lift an elephant with one
hand?</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>A. It is not a problem,
since you will never find an \n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>elephant
with one hand. (UPSC Rank 14 Opted for
IES)</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Q. How can a man go eight
days without sleep? \n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>A. No
Probs, He sleeps at night. (UPSC IAS Rank
98)</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Q. If you throw a red
stone into the blue sea what it \n</b></b></font></font></font><br />
<font size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>will
become?</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>A. It will become Wet or
Sink as simple as that. (UPSC",1]);//-->
Topper)

Q.If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how

long would it take four men to build it?
A. No time at all it is already built. (UPSC 23 rd
Rank Opted for IFS)

Q.If you had three apples and four oranges in one hand
and four apples and three oranges in the other
hand, what would you have?
A. Very large hands.(UPSC 11 Rank Opted for
IPS)

Q. How can you lift an elephant with one hand?

A. It is not a problem, since you will never find an
elephant with one hand. (UPSC Rank 14 Opted for IES)

Q. How can a man go eight days without sleep?

A. No Probs, He sleeps at night. (UPSC IAS Rank 98)

Q. If you throw a red stone into the blue sea what it

will become?
A. It will become Wet or Sink as simple as that. (UPSC<!--D(["mb","\n
</font></font></font></b></b><br /> <font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>IAS Rank
2)</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Q. What looks like half
apple? </b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>\nA : The other half.
(UPSC - IAS Topper )</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Q. What can
you never eat for breakfast?</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b>\n<b>A :
Dinner.</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Q. What happened when
wheel was invented?</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>\nA : It
caused a revolution. </b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Q. Bay of
Bengal is in which state? </b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>A : Liquid
State(UPSC 33Rank )\n </b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Interviewer
said &quot;I shall either ask you ten easy
</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>questions or one really difficult
question. \n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>Think well before you make
up your mind!&quot; The boy</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>thought for
a while and said, &quot;my choice is one really
\n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>difficult
question.&quot;</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>&quot;Well,
good luck to you, you have made your own
\n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>choice! Now tell me
this.</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>&quot;What comes first,
Day or Night?&quot;\n </b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>The boy was
jolted in! to reality as his admission </b>",1]);//-->
IAS Rank 2)

Q. What looks like half apple?

A : The other half. (UPSC - IAS Topper )

Q. What can you never eat for breakfast?

A : Dinner.

Q. What happened when wheel was invented?

A : It caused a revolution.

Q. Bay of Bengal is in which state?

A : Liquid State(UPSC 33Rank )

Interviewer said "I shall either ask you ten easy

questions or one really difficult question.
Think well before you make up your mind!" The boy
thought for a while and said, "my choice is one really
difficult question."

"Well, good luck to you, you have made your own

choice! Now tell me this.
"What comes first, Day or Night?"

The boy was jolted in! to reality as his admission<!--

D(["mb","</font></font></font></b><br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>depends on the correctness
of his answer, but he \n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>thought for
a while and said, &quot;It\'s the DAY sir!&quot;
</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>&quot;How ??&quot; the
interviewer asked, \n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font
size="4"><font face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>&quot;Sorry
sir, you promised me that you will not ask
</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <font size="4"><font face="Courier
New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>me a SECOND difficult question!&quot;
\n</b></b></font></font></font><br /> <br /> <font size="4"><font
face="Courier New"><font color="#3333ff"><b><b>He was selected for
IIM !?!</b></b></font></font></font></b><font size="4"></b></font><br />
<font size="4">* </font><br /> <font
size="4"></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></div>\n</blockquot
e></font><br /> <font size="4">\n\n<hr size\u003d\"1\">\nFind out what
India is talking about on - Yahoo! Answers India </font><br /> <font
size="4">\nSend FREE SMS to your friend\'s mobile from Yahoo! Messenger
Version 8. \nGet it NOW \n</font><br /> <font size="4">\n</font><br />
<br /> <font size="4">\n\n",0]);//-->
depends on the correctness of his answer, but he
thought for a while and said, "It's the DAY sir!"
"How ??" the interviewer asked,

"Sorry sir, you promised me that you will not ask

me a SECOND difficult question!"

He was selected for IIM !?!

What is an interview?
Interview is a face­to­face conversation for a specific purpose. Before you appear for an interview, you must 
clearly know and understand the purpose of the interview. The nature and type of the interview will vary 
according to the purpose. In an employment or selection interview, the aim of the interviewer, or the 
examiner or the Board of Interview is to assess and evaluate the extent of the candidate's suitability for the 
job in hand. In other words, the interview may be for selection to the IAS, IFS, IES, IPS and other such first 
grade UPSC cadres or may be at the Service Selection Boards (SSBs) for the Selection of Officers to the 
Army, Navy or Air Force. Again, it may relate to the selection of business executives, salesmen, accountants, 
office­supervicers, secrateries, stenos, clerks, typists, and so on. In all these cases, the selectors will have 
certain job specifications, and by means of interview, they would try to see how far the candidate meets such 
requirements. 
The purpose of the Interview according to the UPSC:
The Union Public Service Commission holds that the object of its interviews is to assess the personal 
suitability of a candidate for the service he has applied for. The candidate will be interviewed by a Board who 
will have before them a record of his career. He will be asked questions on matters of general interests. The 
objectof the interview is to assess, through competent and unbaised observers, the personal suitabilty of 
candidate. The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms, this is an 
assessment of not only his intellectual qualities, but also his social traits and interest in current affairs. 
Someof the order qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical power of assimilation, clear and logical 
exposition, balance of judgement, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion leadership, 
intellectual and moral integrity. The technique of interviewis not that of strict­cross examination but of a 
natural, though direct and purposive conversation, which is intended to reveal the mental qualitiesof the 
candidate. The personal test is not meant to be a test either of the specialised or general knowledge of the 
candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not only in their special subject of academic 
study, but also in the events which are happening around them, both within and without their own state or 
country, as well as in the modern currents of thought, and in new discoveries which should rouse the 
curiosityof the well­educated youth. 
The IAS Interview
One young man went for an IAS Interview.
"When did India get independence?" He was asked.
"The efforts began a few years earlier and final result was in 1947" He replied.
"Who was responsible for our independence?"
"There were so many. Whom to mention? If I name one, it will be a injustice to another." He replied.
"Is corruption the number one enemy in our country?"
"Some research is going on the subject and I can answer with certainly only after seeing the report" He 
replied.
The interview board was very pleased with his original and thoughtful answers and asked him not to reveal 
the questions to others, since they were planning to ask the same questions.
When he went out naturally others were curious to know what was asked. He politely declined, but one 
persistent Santa would not leave him. "At least tell me the answers" he pleaded, and our friend obliged.
Then it was the turn of this Santa. When he went inside, since his resume was slightly illegible, the board 
member asked him." By the way, what is your date of birth?"
He replied, "The effort began a few years earlier and final result was in 1947."
Somewhat puzzled, they asked another clarification. "What is your fathers name?"
He replied, "There were so many. Whom to mention". If I name one, it will be injustice to another".
The interviewer was incensed.
"Hey! Are you mad or what?"
He replied. "Some research is going on the subject. I can answer with certainty only after seeing the report."
Q.How can you drop a raw egg onto a concrete floor without cracking it?
A. Concrete floors are very hard to crack! (UPSC Topper)

Q.If it took eight men ten hours to build a wall, how long would it take
four men to build the same wall?
A. No time at all it is already built. (UPSC 23 Rank Opted for IFS)

Q. How can you lift an elephant with one hand?

A. It is not a problem, since you will never find an elephant with one
hand.
(UPSC Rank 14 Opted for IES)

Q. How can a man go eight days without sleep?

A. No Probs , He sleeps at night. (UPSC IAS Rank 9

Q. What looks like half apple?

A : The other half. (UPSC - IAS Topper)

Q. What can you never eat for breakfast?

A : Dinner.

Q. What happened when wheel was invented?

A : It caused a revolution.

Q. Bay of Bengal is in which state?

A : Liquid (UPSC 33Rank )

Interviewer said
"I shall either ask you ten easy questions or one really difficult
question.
Think well before you make up your mind!
" The boy thought for a while and said, "my choice is one really
difficult question."
"Well, good luck to you, you have made your own choice! Now tell me this.
"What comes first, Day or Night?"

The boy was jolted into reality as his admission depends on the
correctness
of his answer, but he thought for a while and said, "It's the DAY sir!"

"How" the interviewer asked,

Sorry sir, your deal was to ask me ONE difficult question only and that
you
will not ask me a SECOND difficult question!"
UPSC Interview Questions
UPSC Interview questions range from questions about your choice of subject to why you want to join the 
civil services. It is good to answer honestly but at the same time avoid cliches like wanting to do service to 
the nation etc. Questions on your hobbies are imperative so prepare well as they expect some indepth 
knowledge on that. Questions relating to your name, your college or school name are also a big posibility. If 
someone well­know shares one of these names please also prepare on that. Also learn up about important 
events on the year or date of your birth. As you can see, UPSC Interview questions are mainly from what you 
have filled in your form including your subject but here it is more a test of logic and presentation and 
awareness rather than pure subject knowledge. In the UPSC interview many questions are situational like 
what will you do if a Tsunami strikes your district and you are the DM/Collector/SP. Questions on your 
choice of service preference also need to be prepared. Current affairs analysis is important too. 

Tips to improve your performance at the UPSC Interview
• There are generally 5 members at the board with the Chairperson seated at the center. Enter 
confidently and greet the Chairperson, who will probably welcome you, and pleasantly nod at other 
members. Wait till you are asked to sit. 
• Intelligent listing is the mantra, and for this maintaining eye contact is very important. You should 
not glare but all the same appear attentive and do not glance at other members, it can be very 
distracting for the interviewer. However if some other member asks you anything, look at that 
member and answer and turn back to the first ­ this is what we do in normal attentive listening. 
• Do not fidget or throw your hands around, or shake your head. Less amount of movement does not 
mean you should sit unnaturally stiff. Your posture should be attentive and relaxed at the same time. 
Do not crouch/bend forward or place your hands on the table. 
• Cut your answer short to the required patience shown by the member talking to you. They usually 
like to talk more, so listen carefully and think for a few seconds before you start answering the 
question. This will show that you are organising your thoughts in mind before starting to speak. 
• Leave some room for difference in opinion. Do take a stand, but do not look adamant or unwilling to 
appreciate the board's opinion. 
• Use couple of words from the question while answering any question. It shows you have listened to 
the question carefully. But at the same time limit the use the technical jargon. 
• Listen very carefully. Come to the central issue of the enquiry immediately. Wild guessing or 
speculation are a complete no no. 
• Do not start evaluating your performance while still inthe interview. Even if you have committed 
mistakes in the beginning, do not think that you have already lost the game. They are looking for 
warm, sensitive respectful and attentive youngsters. They know you are good or you would not have 
come so far. 
• Talk humbly about your achievements and hobbies. You may have mentioned some hobbies in the 
form without serious background in them, but before the interview it would be useful to pick up 
some basic info on the hobby. 
• Say less to convey more. Less is more these days as per the minimalist creed. Argue logically and 
generalise correctly. Do not try to read too much between the lines. 
• Remember, while answering any question, what is easy to see is easy to miss. We often tend to miss 
the obvious and go for some non­crucial aspect of the subject. 
• Get up to leave only when the chairperson asks you to, not because you think everyone has asked a 
question. Similarly, even if someone has not asked a question and the chairperson asks you to leave 
then please leave. Some members do not ask questions at all, due to various reasons like limited time. 
• Before leaving politely thank the chairperson and nod at the others politely. Avoid saying "Have a 
good day sir". A "Thank you Sir/Madam" is enough. 

Expected Interview Questions 2009

The Kothari Committee of the UPSC, has listed the qualities that should be rated in the interview
as, ''clarity of expression, grasp of narrative and argument, reasoning ability, appreciation of
different points of view, awareness and concern for socio-economic problems, ranges and depth of
interests and personal attributes relevant to interaction with people.''
The Interview for the civil services examination also known as the Personality Test is exactly that. It
is aimed at assessing the candidate’s personality, whether he is suitable to be a competent
administrator or not. The candidate is tested not only for his/her intelligence but also for his/her
overall personality development, his/her attentiveness, balance of judgement and qualities of
honesty, integrity and leadership. Therefore preparation for the Interview requires proper planning.
The selectors look out for some attributes in the candidate and decide whether he/she is suited for
a career in civil services or not. For this,the candidate should have a positive attitude, should have
an alert mind with quick reflexes, should be free from any sort of prejudice, should be good at
making quick decisions and should have the ability to act under stress and to handle difficult
situations.
Preparation for the Interview is a continuous process. This involves a wide reading of books,
journals, magazines and at least two newspapers. One should try to improve his/her
conversational skills with the right pronunciation. The candidate should be prepared to answer
questions on his background, hobbies and extra curricular activities. It is a good idea to discuss
current affairs and recent issues with friends. One good way of rehearsing possible questions
would be to have mock interviews and discussion groups. The candidate should make a self
analysis of his strengths and weaknesses and make a conscious effort to play on his strengths.

Some useful tips for a successful interview at UPSC are:

1. To have a positive body language
2. To have a good personal turnout and ensuring the right posture
3. To answer questions clearly and confidently
4. Try to remain calm and composed even when faced with provocative questions
5. Try not getting into long winded explanations and answer to the point.

Things To Be Avoided at the UPSC Interview

• Avoid the expression, 'I am sorry.'
• Avoid conversational cliches, like: 'as you know', 'that's correct', 'of course', 'indeed',
'obviously', etc.
• Avoid technical jargon. However, if a member continues to probe you in any technical field,
you can use technical expressions.
• Maintain a cheerful disposition. Now and then you can appear serious; but most of the time
keep smiling or look cheerful and composed. One caution here: if the board laughs, you
should only smile. It is only when you maintain some amount of distance that the board
begins to wonder about the depth of your personality.
• Do not give long introductions. Come straight to the heart of the matter.
• Show human concern whenever possible in your answers.
• You should be logically consistent and analyse things rationally while talking. You are
supposed to defend what you say, but with due respect to the views of the board. Stop
trying to defend an answer if it becomes difficult to do so logically and fairly.
• Do not make hasty or sweeping generalisations.
According to UPSC report, it has been observed that from 1979 onwards, 90 percent of the
candidates who qualify for interview hover around the minimal percentage of 55 percent that is
prescribed for the test. However to be assured of a Class I service, one has to generally obtain
about 58 percent marks. It has been noticed that only those, securing 60 percent and above are
sure of getting a service of their own choice. The figures clearly reveal that the marks in the
interview test play a determining role in final selection of candidates.
Types of questions asked at the UPSC interview.
• Relating to your name. Any famous personality who has a similar or same name or
surname.
• Your career choice. Why you want to opt for the civilservices.
• Your Hobbies. Why you pursue such a hobby or questions related to your hobby. So
reasearch well on your hobby.
• Hot topics of recent days like the Bird Flu and Tamiflu, Office of Profit, Sahara
airlines deal and the growing airlines,Terror attacks in India, India US Nuclear deal,
Commonwealth games, Saurav Ganguly etc. Keep reading and watching the news. If the
recent headlines have something to do with your subject then specially revise those
portions. For example if you are a veterinary doctor, Bird flu may go on to other animal
diseases that can infect men. If you are an MBBS, then you might be asked about human to
 human spread of epidemics or any other epidemics and precautions etc. You may even be
asked about the influence of MNC or drug manufacturers responsible for the spread of fear
etc. If you are from an economy background, the same topic will veer towards the economic
implications of the Bird flu.
• How you are going to use your specific knowledge(like if you are a doctor, lawyer,
engineer etc) in the services.
• Situational questions. Like If you were the collector/SP of Varanasi, what would you do
after the Bomb Blast?
• Choice of services. The order of your choice of services can raise questions too.
• About your institution and related.If you have studies at IIM you may be asked about the
rising salaries, if from IGNOU then even about Indira Gandhi and so on.
• From your form. You must go through the form you have filled because most questions will
arise from there. If you have changed subjects, mentioned anything out of the way, watch
out for questions on them. Interviewers take cue from the form you have filled.
• Some actual questions asked of UPSC candidates.
• Don't you think you can serve your country better by remaining a doctor and treating
poor patients? Why do you want to be a civil servant?"
It would be best to answer this question very practically rather than emotionally saying you
want to serve the country, because even a doctor serves the people. A doctor from Kerala
was asked this Question and her reply was - "Because I want to treat the primary malady
that afflicts our country, that creates so many poor in India. As a doctor I can treat only
secondary maladies." She even came up with exact statistics and suggestions on a rubber
plantation for poverty alleviation indicating that she had spent considerable time and
thoughts on her future plans. She was awarded a score of 85 per cent.
• "What are the problems faced by wheat cultivators in your state?" an M.Sc.
(Agriculture) student from Palanpur was once asked. "The problem is not so much to do
with agronomy but with the lack of a seed bank in Palanpur," came the reply and the
candidate walked away with an 80 per cent score.
• "Is there a law in physics, which is relevant to administration?" a law graduate was
prompted. "Yes. Newton's third law of motion: for every action there is an equal and
opposite reaction." He scored a cool 80 per cent.
The above questions can give you an idea of how relevant questions are asked from your
subjects even as they are not directly from the syllabus.
• Tips to improve your performance at the UPSC Interview
• There are generally 5 members at the board with the Chairperson seated at the center. Enter 
confidently and greet the Chairperson, who will probably welcome you, and pleasantly nod at other 
members. Wait till you are asked to sit. 
• Intelligent listing is the mantra, and for this maintaining eye contact is very important. You should 
not glare but all the same appear attentive and do not glance at other members, it can be very 
distracting for the interviewer. However if some other member asks you anything, look at that 
member and answer and turn back to the first ­ this is what we do in normal attentive listening. 
• Do not fidget or throw your hands around, or shake your head. Less amount of movement does not 
mean you should sit unnaturally stiff. Your posture should be attentive and relaxed at the same time. 
Do not crouch/bend forward or place your hands on the table. 
• Cut your answer short to the required patience shown by the member talking to you. They usually 
like to talk more, so listen carefully and think for a few seconds before you start answering the 
question. This will show that you are organising your thoughts in mind before starting to speak. 
• Leave some room for difference in opinion. Do take a stand, but do not look adamant or unwilling to 
appreciate the board's opinion. 
• Use couple of words from the question while answering any question. It shows you have listened to 
the question carefully. But at the same time limit the use the technical jargon. 
• Listen very carefully. Come to the central issue of the enquiry immediately. Wild guessing or 
 speculation are a complete no no. 
• Do not start evaluating your performance while still inthe interview. Even if you have committed 
mistakes in the beginning, do not think that you have already lost the game. They are looking for 
warm, sensitive respectful and attentive youngsters. They know you are good or you would not have 
come so far. 
• Talk humbly about your achievements and hobbies. You may have mentioned some hobbies in the 
form without serious background in them, but before the interview it would be useful to pick up 
some basic info on the hobby. 
• Say less to convey more. Less is more these days as per the minimalist creed. Argue logically and 
generalise correctly. Do not try to read too much between the lines. 
• Remember, while answering any question, what is easy to see is easy to miss. We often tend to miss 
the obvious and go for some non­crucial aspect of the subject. 
• Get up to leave only when the chairperson asks you to, not because you think everyone has asked a 
question. Similarly, even if someone has not asked a question and the chairperson asks you to leave 
then please leave. Some members do not ask questions at all, due to various reasons like limited time. 
• Before leaving politely thank the chairperson and nod at the others politely. Avoid saying "Have a 
good day sir". A "Thank you Sir/Madam" is enough.