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CAPF syllabus 2021 | UPSC capf exam pattern Pdf

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Union Public Service Commission Central Armed Police Forces Exam

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will conduct the UPSC CAPF (AC) 2021 exam on 8th August 2021 to fill vacancies in Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).

The UPSC CAPF exam is conducted to recruit candidates for 159 post of Assistant Commandant (AC) in the armed forces such as Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sash Astra Seema Bal (SSB).

Candidates can download the UPSC CAPF Syllabus PDF from the governments’ official website.

UPSC CAPF (AC) 2021: Selection Process

The candidate has to go through the following stages to get selected for Assistant Commandant vacancies:

  1. Written Examination
  2. Physical test
  3. Interview

The CAPF AC written test comprises 2 papers.

1. Paper-I consists of 125 objective type questions. The duration of is 2 hours

2. Paper-II is descriptive in nature and it must be completed within 3 hours.

Paper 1 will consist of multiple-choice questions on general ability and intelligence having four alternatives.

Paper 2 is of descriptive type and questions are on General Studies, Essay and Comprehension.

Check out>> NWDA Syllabus 2021 – NWDA Syllabus PDF

All candidates who clear both the papers of UPSC CAPF 2021 will be eligible for the second round which will be a Physical Ability Test and Medical Test.

  • For each incorrect answer, 1/3rd of a mark will be deducted, i.e. (0.33).
  • If a candidate marks more than one answer for a question, it will be considered a wrong answer, and 1/3 of the marks will be deducted, regardless of whether one of the marked answers is correct.
  • There will be no deductions for a question that is left blank, i.e., the applicant does not mark an answer for that question.

CAPF AC 2021 Exam Pattern Highlights

Here are the key points of the UPSC CAPF AC exam pattern:

Particulars Details
Name of the exam Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
Conducting Body Union Public Service Commission
Selection Three Rounds
1st Round Written Test
2nd Round Physical ability test
3rd Round Interview/ Personality Test
Starting of CAPF AC 2021 Application form April 15, 2021
Last date to fill application form May 05, 2021
CAPF AC 2021 Written August 08, 2021
CAPF AC 2021 Written Test Result October-November 2021

UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2021 of Paper-I

The objective type questions with multiple choices in CAPF Paper-I cover the following topics:

Subjects Topics
English Language and Comprehension and Essay Essay Writing, Comprehension, Precis Writing, Counter Argument, Communications, Report Writing, Language Skills, Grammar, Vocabulary, etc.
General Studies History India, Current Events – National and International, Indian National Movement, Geography – India, About India, Eminent Personalities, Cultural Heritage, Environment, Economy, General Polity, General Science, Indian Constitution, Science and Technology etc.

UPSC CAPF AC Syllabus 2021 of Paper-II

Paper-II will only be checked of those candidates who clear the Paper I. Here is the detailed syllabus of CAPF AC 2021 Paper-II:

Subjects Topics
General Ability Analogies, Arrangements, Problem Solving, Syllogisms, Spatial Orientation, Space Visualization, Analysis, Ranking, Arithmetical Reasoning, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Arithmetic Number Series, Figural Classification, Coding and Decoding, Relationship Concepts, Statement Conclusion, etc.
Intelligence General Mental Ability, General Science, Current Events of National and International Importance, Indian Polity and Economy, History of India, Indian and World Geography

Candidates are advised to enter the examination hall 20 minutes before the scheduled time. No candidates will be permitted to enter the examination hall if they report 10 minutes after the scheduled time of the examination.`

 

UPSC CAPF AC 2021: PET & Medical Standards Tests

Candidates who clear the first round will be eligible for Stage 2 of the CAPF AC exam which will be a Physical Endurance and Medical Test.

This will be followed by the third round, which will be an interview and personality test. The final selection of candidates will be made on the basis of the overall performance in all three rounds

Particulars Male Female
100 Meters Race In 16 seconds In 18 seconds
800 Meters Race In 3 minutes, 45 seconds In 4 minutes, 45 seconds
Long Jump 3.5 Meters (3 Chances) 3.0 meters (3 chances)
Shot Put (7.26 Kgs.) 4.5 Meters –

Check Out>> SSC JE Syllabus 2021 | SSC JE Syllabus Pdf

IES syllabus 2021 | ies syllabus pdf download

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Union Public Service Commission Indian Engineering Services

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Engineering Services Exam (ESE) for recruitment of vacancies in Civil/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering categories. ESE 2021 of preliminary level is on 18th July 2021.

Candidates recruited through the UPES IES/ESE Exam get posted as Group A or Group B posts. These posts are permanent in nature and come under Level-8 Pay Matrix as per the 7th Pay Commission. The Officers recruited are posted in:

  • The Indian Railway Services
  • Central Engineering Service
  • Group‐A (Civil Engineering Posts)
  • Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service
  • Border Road Engineering Service
  • Indian Defence Service
  • Central Water Engineering and others

The career progression goes smoothly attaining high esteem. The first position offered is that of Asst. Executive engineer and the hierarchy ends at the position of Chairman/ Managing Director. Aspirants can also download UPSC IES PDF for the syllabus from the official government’s’ website.

UPSC ESE 2021: Exam Pattern

The Engineering Services examination consists of three stages:

  1. Preliminary
  2. Main
  3. Personality test

In the Preliminary exam there will be two papers carrying a maximum of 500 marks:

  1. Paper-I – will be of General Studies and Engineering Aptitude

It will test candidates’ general knowledge on issues of national and international importance relating to social, economic, and industrial development and Engineering Aptitude covering logical reasoning, analytical ability, mathematics, ethics, and values in the engineering profession.

  1. Paper-II – will be of Civil/Mechanical/Electrical & Electronics and Telecommunication engineering.

UPSC ESE Prelims 2021 Exam

The Prelims exam will be held offline in pen and paper format containing the Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):

Paper Subject Marks Time
Category I – Civil Engineering
Paper-I General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 200 2 Hrs
Paper-II Civil Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Category II – Mechanical Engineering
Paper-I General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 200 2 Hrs
Paper-II Mechanical Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Category III – Electrical Engineering
Paper-I General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 200 2 Hrs
Paper-II Electrical Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Category IV – Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Paper-I General Studies and Engineering Aptitude 200 2 Hrs
Paper-II Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering 300 3 Hrs
  • The ESE Prelims exam consists of two Papers – General Studies & Engineering Aptitude and paper in respective branch of engineering
  • Paper I of General Studies contains 200 MCQs and Paper II of Engineering branch contains 300 MCQs
  • There is negative marking in ESE exam of 1/3rd marks for each wrong answer marked by candidates
  • Candidates who will clear this round will get selected for the next round of Mains examination
  • The number of candidates selected for the ESE Mains exam will be 6-7 times the total vacancies.

Check out>> RSMSSB Syllabus 2021 | Rajasthan Patwari Syllabus Pdf download

UPSC ESE Mains 2021 Exam Pattern

Paper Subject Marks Time
Category I – Civil Engineering
Paper-I Civil Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Paper-II Civil Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Category II – Mechanical Engineering
Paper-I Mechanical Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Paper-II Mechanical Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Category III – Electrical Engineering
Paper-I Electrical Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Paper-II Electrical Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Category IV – Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Paper-I Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering 300 3 Hrs
Paper-II Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering 300 3 Hrs
  • The ESE Mains exam consists of two Papers and both the papers are of respective branch of engineering – Civil or Mechanical or Electrical or Electronic Engineering.
  • Each Paper is of 300 marks and is of 3 hours duration each
  • Candidates who will clear this round will get selected for the next round of Personality Test or Interview
  • Number of candidates selected for the Personality Test will be twice the number of total vacancies.

 

UPSC ESE 2021 Syllabus: Prelims & Mains

Have a look at the syllabus of UPSC IES/ESE Prelims and Mains examinations below along with the important topics:

  1. General Studies and Engineering Aptitude
  • Current Events of national & international importance
  • Engineering Aptitude – Reasoning & Analytical ability
  • Engineering Mathematics & Numerical Analysis
  • General Principles of Design, Drawing
  • Standards & Quality practices
  • Energy and Environment: Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Climate Change
  • Basics of Project Management
  • Basics of Material Science and Engineering
  • Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools – networking, e‐ governance and education.
  • Ethics and values in Engineering
  • Knowledge of relevant topics in engineering
  1. Syllabus of Civil Engineering
Paper I Paper II
· Building Materials

· Solid Mechanics

· Structural Analysis

· Design of Steel Structures

· Design of Concrete and Masonry structures

· Construction Practice, Planning and Management

 · Flow of Fluids, Hydraulic Machines & Hydro Power

· Hydrology & Water Resources Engineering

· Environmental Engineering

· Geo-technical Engineering & Foundation Engineering

· Surveying & Geology

· Transportation Engineering
  1. Syllabus of Mechanical Engineering
Paper- 1 Paper- 2
· Fluid Mechanics

· Thermodynamics and Heat transfer

· IC Engines, Refrigeration and Air conditioning

· Turbo Machinery

· Power Plant Engineering

· Renewable Sources of Energy

 · Engineering Mechanics

· Engineering Materials

· Mechanisms and Machines

· Design of Machine Elements

· Manufacturing, Industrial and Maintenance Engineering

· Mechatronics and Robotics
  1. Syllabus of Electrical Engineering
Paper- 1 Paper- 2
· Engineering Mathematics

· Electrical Materials

· Electric Circuits and Fields

· Electrical and Electronic Measurements

· Computer Fundamentals

· Basic Electronics Engineering

 · Analog and Digital Electronics

· Systems and Signal Processing

· Control Systems

· Electrical Machines

· Power Systems

· Power Electronics and Drives
  1. Syllabus of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
Paper- 1 Paper-2
· Basic Electronics Engineering

· Basic Electrical Engineering

· Materials Science

· Electronic Measurements and Instrumentation

· Network Theory

· Analog and Digital Circuits

 · Analog and Digital Communication Systems

· Control Systems

· Computer Organization and Architecture

· Electro Magnetics

· Advanced Electronics Topics

· Advanced Communication Topics

UPSC ESE 2021: Personality Test

UPSC ESE Personality Test is of 200 marks. Candidates who qualify both Prelims and Mains exam get shortlisted for the Personality Test or Interview round that tests candidates’ ability to be a leader, his or her capacity for intellectual curiosity, social qualities, powers and integrity of character.

Check out>> TN TRB Syllabus 2021 | TN Trb syllabus pdf download

UPSC CDS syllabus | cds syllabus pdf download

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Union Public Service Commission conducts Combined Defence Services Examination (CDS) twice in a year in the month of February and November. The examination for CDS I is over and now the application for CDS will release on August 4, 2021.

Candidates who want to appear for UPSC CDS II Exam must be aware of the CDS Syllabus and CDS Exam Pattern.

  • The syllabus for IMA, INA, and AFA is divided into 3 subjects e., English, General Knowledge and Elementary Mathematics.

CDS Exam Pattern for IMA, INA, AFA

Subjects Duration of exam Maximum marks
English 2 hours 100
General Knowledge 2 hours 100
Elementary Mathematics 2 hours 100
  • For the OTA there are 2 sections in the written exam i.e., English and General Knowledge.

CDS Exam Pattern for OTA

Subjects Duration of exam Maximum marks
English 2 hours 100
General Knowledge 2 hours 100
  • The standard of the questions in Mathematics will be of grade 10 and for other subjects, it will be of graduation level.

UPSC conducts CDS exam for the recruitment of candidates for the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Officers Training Academy (OTA) and the Indian Air Force Academy (AAF). Further information regarding the UPSC CDS Syllabus pdf is given on the official governments’ website.

CDS 2021 Selection Process

There are four stages in the CDS Selection Process which are as follows:

  • Written Test: MCQ
  • SSC Interview / Personality Test: Oral
  • Document Verification
  • Medical Examination

UPSC CDS 2021- Marking Scheme

The marking scheme of CDS is given below:

  • For every correct answer, candidates score one mark.
  • For every incorrect answer, 1/3 marks will be deducted.
  • More than one option is treated as incorrect
  • There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

CDS Vacancy 2021

Post-wise number of vacancies for both CDS I and CDS II has been released. Here are the details in the table below:

Academies Vacancies for CDS I Vacancies for CDS II
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun 100 100
Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala 26 26
Air Force Academy, Hyderabad 32 32
Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai 170 169
Officers Training Academy, Chennai 17 17
Total 345 344

UPSC CDS Online Application Form 2021:

On August 05, 2021, the online CDS application form for appearing in the CDS II exam is expected to be released. The online applications will only be accepted.

Now, let us look into the detailed CDS Syllabus for each section:

 

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2021 for Elementary Maths

Elementary Maths consists of basic topics from High School Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry, and Mensuration. Check the detailed topic-wise syllabus from below:

CDS Mathematics Syllabus – Arithmetic

The Arithmetic section basically tests your knowledge of Number System, Elementary Number Theory, and other basic concepts as below:

– Basic Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division)

– Number Series (Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers)

– Square Roots, Decimal Fractions

– Unitary Method

– Time and Distance

– Time and Work

– Percentage

– Applications to Simple and Compound Interest

– Profit and Loss

– Ratio and Proportion

– Variation

– Division Algorithm

– Prime and Composite Numbers

– Tests of Divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11

– Multiples and Factors

– Factorization

– Theorems

– Highest Common Factor (HCF)

– Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)

– Euclidean Algorithm

– Logarithms to Base 10

– Laws of Logarithms

– Use of Logarithmic Tables

UPSC CDS Mathematics Syllabus – Algebra

– Simple Factors

– Remainder Theorem

– Highest Common Factor

– Lowest Common Multiple

– Theory of Polynomials

– Solutions of Quadratic Equations

– The relation between Quadratic Equation Roots and Coefficients

– Simultaneous Linear Equations- Analytical and Graphical Solutions

– Simultaneous Linear Inequations in Two Variables and their Solutions

– Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable and their solutions

– Set Language and Set Notation

– Rational Expressions

– Conditional Identities

– Laws of Indices

UPSC CDS Mathematics Syllabus – Geometry

– Lines and Angles, Plane and Plane Figures, Theorems on Properties of Angles at a Point

– Parallel Lines

– Sides and Angles of a Triangle

– Congruency of Triangles

– Similar Triangles

– The concurrence of Medians and Altitudes

– Properties of Angles, Sides, and Diagonals of a Parallelogram, Rectangle, and Square

– Circles and its Properties Including Tangents and Normal

CDS Mathematics Syllabus- Statistics

– Collection and Tabulation of Statistical Data

– Graphical Representation

– Frequency Polygons

– Histograms

– Bar Charts

– Pie Charts

– Measures of Central Tendency

CDS Mathematics Syllabus – Trigonometry

– Sin x, Cosine x, Tangent x when 0 degree < x< 90-degree values of sin x

– cos x and tan x for x= degree 0, 30, 45, 60 and 90

– Simple Trigonometric Identities

– Use of Trigonometric Tables

– Simple Cases of Heights and Distance

CDS Mathematics Syllabus – Mensuration

– Area of Square

– Rectangle

– Parallelograms

– Triangle

– Circle

– Area of Figures which can be Split up into Figures (field book)

– Surface Area and Volume of Cuboids

– Lateral Surface

– Volume of Right Circular Cones and Cylinders

– Surface Area and Volume of Spheres

Check out>> UPSC Syllabus 2021 – upsc mains syllabus | upsc IAS syllabus

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2021 for English Language

This section will test your knowledge about grammar and vocabulary, it also tests your sentence formation skill. Following are the topics covered in English.

  1. Spotting Errors
  2. Sentence Arrangement
  3. Synonyms and Antonyms
  4. Selecting Words
  5. Ordering of Sentences
  6. Comprehension
  7. Ordering of Words in a Sentence
  8. Fill in the blanks

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2021 for General Knowledge

This section of includes Current Affairs and Static General knowledge. The GK paper includes questions on various topics as mentioned below:

  1. History
  2. Geography
  3. Politics
  4. Economics
  5. Sociology
  6. Physics, Chemistry, Biology
  7. Environment
  8. Sports
  9. Awards, Books & Authors

To prepare for the current affairs section, candidates will have to follow the daily current affairs. Candidates can read newspapers and several current affairs books to prepare for this section like:

  1. Manorama Yearbook
  2. Lucent’s General Knowledge
  3. Competition in Focus (Half Yearly and Yearly)

UPSC CDS Syllabus 2021: Intelligence & Personality Test

Candidates who qualify in the Written Test will be called for the SSB Interview. The SSB Interview consists of Stage I and Stage II. Aspirants who clear Stage I will go ahead for Stage II.

Stage I: This stage has tests based on Picture Perception (PP), Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), and Description Test (DT). Aspirants are shortlisted based on their combined performance in OIR Test, PP and DT.

Stage II: This stage comprises Interview, Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks, and the Conference. This stage takes over 4 days to get over.

Check out>> IB ACIO syllabus 2021| Intelligence bureau syllabus pdf 2021

UPSC CMS syllabus 2021 | cms syllabus pdf

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Union Public Service Commission Combined Medical Services Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Combined Medical Services Examination (CMSE) to shortlist the candidates for medical officer posts like Assistant Divisional Medical Officer in the Railways, Assistant Medical Officer in Indian Ordnance Factories Health Services & Other. The UPSC CMS Syllabus PDF 2021 will be released along with the official notification of the combined medical services examination. As per the official announcement, the UPSC CMS 2021 notification will be released on May 5, 2021.

UPSC CMS exam pattern:

The UPSC CMS exam comprises two stages, part I and part II, and the aspirants need to qualify for each of the stages.

Aspirants should be aware of the UPSC CMS selection process.

  • UPSC CMS Exam 2021 is conducted in two parts.
  • Part I consists of two written papers of 250 marks each –
    • Paper I consist of 2 parts – General Medicine & Paediatrics
    • Paper II consists of Surgery, Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Preventive Social & Community Medicine
  • Part II consists of – Personality Test/Interview. It carries 100 marks.

UPSC CMS SYLLABUS 2021

PART I- Computer Based Test

Stage 1/Part 1 – Computer Based Test
PAPER SECTIONS NO. OF QUES DURATION MARKS
Paper 1  1. General medicine 96 2 hours 250
2. Paediatrics 24
Paper 2 1. General surgery 40 2 hours 250
2. Gynaecology and obstetrics 40
3. Preventive social and community service 40
  • It is a Computer Based Test which consists of two papers – Paper 1 and Paper 2.
  • Each paper carries 250 marks.
  • Total mark of the CBT is 500.
  • The questions in both papers of the CBT are objective type. Four options are given before every question. A student is required to choose the correct answer.
  • There is a scheme of negative marking in the CBT papers. For every incorrect answer, 1/3 marks will be deducted.
  • Each paper will be of 2 hours duration.

Syllabus of General Medicine – PAPER 1

The syllabus of General Medicine consists of the following topics:

  • Cardiology
  • Respiratory diseases
  • Gastro-intestinal
  • Genito-Urinary
  • Neurology
  • Haematology
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Infections/Communicable Diseases:

Virus, Rickets, Bacteria, Spirochaetal, Protozoan, Metazoan, Fungus

  • Nutrition/Growth
  • Diseases of the skin (Dermatology)
  • Musculoskeletal System
  • Psychiatry
  • General
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Common Poisoning
  • Snakebite
  • Tropical Medicine
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Emphasis on medical procedures
  • Patho physiological basis of diseases
  • Vaccines preventable diseases and Non-vaccines preventable diseases
  • Vitamin deficiency diseases
  • In psychiatry consists – Depression, psychosis, anxiety, bipolar diseases, and Schizophrenia.

Check out>> UPSC IAS syllabus

Syllabus of Paediatrics- PAPER 1

The syllabus of Paediatrics consists of the following topics:

  • Common childhood emergencies
  • Basic new-born care
  • Normal developmental milestones
  • Accidents and poisonings in children
  • Birth defects and counselling including autism
  • Immunization in children
  • Recognizing children with special needs and management
  • National programs related to child health`

Syllabus of Surgery – PAPER 2

The surgery syllabus includes the following topics:

  • Wounds
  • Infections
  • Tumours
  • Lymphatic
  • Blood vessels
  • Cysts/sinuses
  • Head and neck
  • Breast
  • Alimentary tract:

Oesophagus, Stomach, Intestines, Anus, Developmental

  • Liver, Bile, Pancreas
  • Spleen
  • Peritoneum
  • Abdominal wall
  • Abdominal injuries
  • Urological Surgery
  • Neuro Surgery
  • Otorhinolaryngology E.N.T.
  • Thoracic surgery
  • Orthopaedic surgery
  • Ophthalmology
  • Anaesthesiology
  • Traumatology
  • Diagnosis and management of common surgical ailments
  • Pre-operative and post-operative care of surgical patients
  • Medicolegal and ethical issues of surgery
  • Wound healing
  • Fluid and electrolyte management in surgery
  • Shock pathos-physiology and management.

Syllabus of Obstetrics- PAPER 2

The Obstetrics syllabus includes the following topics:

  • Ante-natal conditions
  • Intra-natal conditions
  • Post-natal conditions
  • Management of normal labors or complicated labor

Check out>> UPSC Mains General Studies Paper 1 Syllabus Pdf

Syllabus of Gynaecology- PAPER 2

The Gynaecology syllabus includes the following topics:

  • applied anatomy
  • applied physiology of menstruation and fertilization
  • infections in the genital tract
  • neoplasm in the genital tract
  • the displacement of the uterus
  • Normal delivery and safe delivery practices
  • High-risk pregnancy and management
  • Abortions
  • Intra-Uterine growth retardation
  • Medicolegal examination in obgy and Gynae including Rape.

Syllabus of Family Planning- PAPER 2

The Family Planning syllabus includes the following topics:

  • Conventional contraceptives
  • U.D. and oral pills
  • The operative procedure, sterilization, and organization of programs in the urban and rural surroundings
  • Medical Termination of Pregnancy

Syllabus of Preventive Social and Community Medicine- PAPER 2

The syllabus of Preventive Social and Community Medicine includes the following topics:

  • Social and Community Medicine
  • Concept of Health, Disease and Preventive Medicine
  • Health Administration and Planning
  • General Epidemiology
  • Demography and Health Statistics
  • Communicable Diseases
  • Environmental Health
  • Nutrition and Health
  • Non-communicable diseases
  • Occupational Health
  • Genetics and Health
  • International Health
  • Medical Sociology and Health Education
  • Maternal and Child Health
  • National Programmes
  • Management of common health problems
  • Ability to monitor national health programs
  • Knowledge of maternal and child wellness
  • Ability to recognize, investigate, report, plan and manage community health problems including malnutrition and emergencies

 

UPSC CMS Part II: Interview Round

Candidates who qualify the Part I of the CMS selection process will be called for the Personality Test. The Interview round carries a total of 100 marks.

It will test the following qualities in the shortlisted candidates:

  1. Academic knowledge
  2. Balance of judgment
  3. General knowledge
  4. Initiative & leadership qualities
  5. Integrity of character
  6. Intellectual curiosity
  7. Ability for social cohesion

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV | FAQs Answered

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UPSE Mains General Studies Paper-4 (GS-IV

UPSE Mains General Studies Paper-4 (GS-IV) is one of the nine papers of Mains Examination of the IAS examinations. It consists of the below major areas:

  1. Ethics
  2. Integrity
  3. Aptitude

These areas test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society. This paper may also have a slight overlap of topics with Governance and Social Justice Subjects from UPSE Main General Studies-II but is largely independent of the syllabus of other GS papers.

GS 4 Structure

The following are the important features of the UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV – Structure/ General Studies IV paper:

  1. The paper consists of twelve questions with these divided into two sections. Before 2018, there were fourteen questions, though now the complexity has been increased and the number of questions has been reduced.
  2. All the questions are compulsory.
  3. The questions are of 10 marks and 20 marks depending on the length of the answer required. The 10 marks questions need answers within 150 words while the 20 marks questions need answers within 250 words.
  4. The total marks allotted to this paper are 250 marks.
  5. The questions are of two types:
    • Direct concept related questions which test the candidate’s understanding of ethical issues and concepts related to integrity and aptitude (125 marks)
    • Case studies which test the candidate’s application of those concepts to situations involving the candidate and other stakeholders such as politicians, pressure groups, the public and other people (125 marks)
  6. This paper is the most variable of the four General Studies Papers and the nature of questions differ widely from year to year. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the syllabus, and the last few year’s patterns as well.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV Ethics Syllabus:

Topic Detail
Ethics and Human Interface Aspirants should learn:

  • How you inculcate it
  • How you deal with society
  • How do you see whether the action is ethical or not?
  • What are the principles that you follow to ensure that the action is ethical or not?

Subtopics:

  • Dimensions of Ethics
  • Ethics in private and public relationships
  • Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating moral and ethical values
Human Values Aspirants should focus on:

  • How do people acquire values and majority of people acquire values when they read about the personality of importance like freedom fighters?
  • Consider a few books about 5-6 of great thinkers whom you admire, like or follow.

Subtopics

  • The Essence of Ethics, Determinants and Consequences of Ethics in Human Interaction
  • Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators

Note:

  • UPSC may give some statement of any great personalities and would ask to discuss it by applying it to the present context.
  • UPSC does not want thinkers’ point of view but what it looks for is how much the candidate has analysed, utilized and applied it to the current context.
Attitude Candidates should focus on Attitude:

  • Content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behaviour for Part 2 of the question paper i.e., Case Study
  • The moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion would be for Part 1 of the Ethics Question Paper i.e., theory.

Subtopics

  • Content, structure and function of attitude
  • Influence of attitude in thought and behaviour
  • Relation of attitude to thought and behaviour
  • Moral and Political attitudes
  • Social influence and persuasion

Note: Question may be asked either in Part 1 or Part 2 i.e., either in theory or case study.
Aptitude Important list of words that a candidate should embed in their answer in order to enhance their answer and score high:

Integrity: not compromising on anything if someone offers your bribe will you compromise

Impartiality: Don’t show nepotism either for political parties or common man

Non-partisanship: no biases for different political parties

Objectivity: be neutral

Dedication to public service

Empathy

Tolerance

Compassion towards weaker section

Subtopics:

  • Aptitude and foundational values of Civil Service
  • Integrity
  • Impartiality and non-partisanship
  • Objectivity
  • Dedication to public service
  • Empathy, tolerance, and compassion towards the weaker sections of the society

Note: Candidates can refer to the ‘Ethics in Governance’ to cover this area as it gives a clear definition of the last five words or concepts including Nolan Committee Recommendations.
Emotional Intelligence Here as an administrator, one has to follow the three procedures of Emotional Intelligence and they are:

-Understand your emotions and control them

-Understand others emotion and control them

-Then, act according to solve the issue genuinely and effectively

Subtopics:

  • Concepts of emotional intelligence
  • Utility and application of emotional intelligence in administration and governance

Note: Questions may be asked in both Part 1 and Part 2
Ethical issues in international relations 
  • Candidates can take the example of Nepal Earthquake video how funding aided or any current similar such scenarios

Note: Questions may be asked Part 2 i.e., case study
Sharing and transparency in government, Right to information, codes of ethics, codes of conduct Candidates can refer to CCS, 1964 – The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which is of 300-400 pages

Subtopics:

  •  Status and associated problems
  • Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
  • Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance
  • Accountability and ethical governance
  • Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance
  • Ethical Issues in international relations and funding
  • Corporate governance
Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption
  • UPSC may ask direct questions on Citizen’s Charter
  • Candidates should be aware of how to frame a Citizen’s Charter and the rules and regulations that should be followed before framing a citizen charter
  • Questions in Case Study may also be expected

Subtopics:

  • Concept of public service
  • The philosophical basis of governance and probity
  • Information sharing and transparency in government
  • Right to Information
  • Codes of ethics
  • Codes of Conduct
  • Citizen’s Charters
  • Work culture
  • Quality of service delivery
  • Utilization of public funds
  • Challenges of corruption

 

The major takeaway from this exam is that it tests the candidate’s honesty and integrity along with their problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

This paper relies heavily on case studies which are the most scoring parts of the paper. The candidates should be able to analyse their own reactions to various situations and apply concepts dealt with in this paper on their actions and reactions to various situations while dealing with their social circle.

Also check >> SSC Syllabus 2021

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III Pdf 2021

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UPSC Mains Paper-III

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III 2021 is one of the nine subjective papers of UPSC Mains. Trends of UPSC Main Examinations in the recent past make it clear that it has become very dynamic, and hence, the old traditional method of preparation does not suffice.

General Studies (GS) is multi-dimensional in nature as it deals with diverse subject matters that are constantly evolving to keep pace with the new developments. General Studies carries a total weightage of 1000 marks and can play a significant role in obtaining a good rank overall. Thus, it becomes highly imperative to master the GS answer writing skills.

This year, the IAS Prelims 2021 will be conducted on June 27, 2021 and IAS Mains will be conducted on September 17-22, 2021.

This table demonstrates the pattern of the exam of the different stages you have to attempt:

Prelims General studies Aptitude test
Mains Qualifying in nature

  • Paper A- compulsory Indian language- 22 languages
  • Paper B- English
  • To qualify, minimum 25% is necessary

Merit-based paper

  • Paper-I (Essay)
  • Paper-II (GS-I)
  • Paper-III (GS-II)
  • Paper-IV (GS-III)
  • Paper-V (GS-IV)
  • Paper-VI (Optional Paper-I)
  • Paper-VI (Optional Paper-II)

General Studies Paper 3 is divided into:

  1. Science & Technology
  2. Economic Development
  3. Biodiversity & Environment
  4. Security & Challenges
  5. Disaster Management.

Aspirants who wish to download the UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III pdf can visit the official website of the government or can refer the content provided on our website.

 

UPSC IAS Mains 2020: Structure of General Studies Paper-III

  1. The pattern of Mains General Studies Paper-III will consist of 20 questions that need to be attempted in a time frame of 3 hours.
  2. The paper is of a total of 250 marks with questions of 10- and 15-marks weightage
  3. The word limit for 10 marks questions is 150 and 15 marks are 250

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III 2021 Syllabus is given in the detailed manner in table below:

Focus Areas in GS Paper-III
Subject Topics
Economics Economic Development in India

  • Current Affairs
  • Select articles from ‘The Hindu’
  • Class 12 NCERT – ‘Introductory Macroeconomics’
  • Economic Survey of India and India Year Book
  • Macroeconomics
  • Indian Economy

Issues related to planning

Mobilization of resources

Growth

Development

Employment

· Government Budgeting

  • Land reforms in India
  • Infrastructure

Energy

Ports

Roads

Airports

Railways
Science & Technology
  • Dark Matter
  • Higgs Boson
  • Rare Earth Elements
  • GM Crops
  • Gene Editing
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Space Technology
  • Defence Technology
  • Important contributions of Indians in Science and Technology
  • Indigenization of technology
  • Developing new technology indigenously
  • Developments in Science and Technology
  • Applications of scientific developments in everyday life
  • Effects of scientific developments in everyday life
Biodiversity
  • Types of Biodiversity
  • Biodiversity and Environment

Conservation

Environmental pollution and degradation

Environmental Impact Assessment

  • Current Affairs Awareness in the following fields:
    • IT
    • Space
    • Computers
    • Robotics
    • Nanotechnology
    • Biotechnology

Issues related to Intellectual Property

Rights in these fields

  • ‘Textbook of Environmental Studies for Undergraduate Courses’ by Erach Bharucha
  • Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) Official Website
  • Yojana (January 2020) – Click the link to get the gist of Yojana
Security
  • Terrorism
  • Linkages between development and spread of extremism
  • Role of state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security
  • Challenges to Internal Security through communication networks:
    • Role of media and social networking sites in internal security challenges
  • Basics of Cyber Security
  • Money laundering and its prevention
  • Security challenges and their management in border areas:
    • Linkages of organized crime with terrorism
    • Various Sec
Disaster Management
  • Disaster Management in India
  • PM Cares Fund
  • National Disaster Management Plan 2016
  • Yojana (January 2017) edition- this covers Disaster Management perspectives.

Students can download previous years question paper from: https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/previous-question-papers

Recommended Books for UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III 2021 for IAS Mains Exam:

  1. NCERT Class X – Understanding Economic Development
  2. NCERT Class XI – Indian Economic Development
  3. NCERT Class XII – Macroeconomics (chapters 2,5 and 6 are very important)
  4. Indian Economy for Civil Services Examinations – Ramesh Singh
  5. Challenges to Internal Security of India by Ashok Kumar and Vipul
  6. IGNOU Notes on Disaster Management.
  7. IGNOU Notes on Cyber Security.
  8. India Year Book
  9. NITI Aayog Reports

10.Lok Sabha Question-Answers

Check out >> UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-IV Syllabus

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-II 2021 Pdf

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UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-II

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-II (the second stage of the selection process) has 9 examinations in total followed by a personality test in the end.

The tentative date is September 17-22, 2021 and the Prelims will be conducted on June 27, 2021. General Studies Paper-II is a mandatory paper for appearing candidates. This paper is completely based on Polity, Governance, and International Relations which makes it a scoring paper.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper II: Topic-wise division

The first step of preparing UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-II is dividing it into 4 sections. When students go through previous years’ question papers and sample questions, can get a significant idea about the expected number of questions that comes from each section of this paper:

Sections No. of Questions (10 marks) No. of Questions

(15 marks)
Indian Polity and Constitution 4 – 5 3-4
Governance 0 -2 1 – 3
International Relations Section 2 – 3 2- 3
Social Justice 1 – 2 1 – 2

There were 20 questions. 10 questions were of 10 marks each, while the remaining 10 questions were of 15 marks each.

UPSC Mains General Studies Paper II 2021- Instructions

  • Total Marks: 250 marks, Time duration: 3 hours.
  • There are 20 questions printed both in ENGLISH and HINDI.
  • All questions are compulsory.
  • Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the admission certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this question-cum-answer (QCA) booklet in the space provided.
  • No marks will be given for answers written in the medium other than the authorized one.
  • Answers to questions no. 1 to 10 should be in 150 words, whereas answers to questions no. 11 to 20 should be in 250 words.
  • Keep the word limit indicated in the questions in mind.
Focus Areas in UPSC Mains GS Paper-II
Subject Topics
Polity 1. Indian Constitution

  • Historical underpinnings of the constitution
  • Evolution of the Constitution
  • Salient features
  • Basic structure
  • Amendments
  • Significant provisions
  • Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the states
  • Issues and challenges related to the Federal Structure
  • Devolution of powers and finances up to local government level
  • Challenges in the devolution of power
  • Separation of powers between various organs of the government
  • Dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions
  • Comparison of India’s constitutional scheme with other countries

2. Features of Indian Constitution

  • Amendments in Indian Constitution
  • Provisions
  • Constitutional and non-constitutional bodies

Books that you can refer:

  • ‘Indian Polity’ by Laxmikanth (Do read this book at least three times)
  • Class 11 NCERT – ‘Indian Constitution at Work’
Governance
  • Parliament and State Legislatures
    • Structure
    • Functioning
    • Conduct of Business
    • Powers & Privileges
    • Issues arising out of Powers & Privileges of legislative bodies
  • Executive and Judiciary
    • Structure
    • Organization
    • Functioning
    • Ministries and departments of the government
  • Pressure groups
  • Formal & Informal associations and their role in the polity
  • Salient features of the People’s Representation Act
  • Appointment to various constitutional posts
  • Powers, functions and responsibilities of various constitutional bodies
  • Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
  • Government policies and interventions for the development of various sectors
  • Issues arising out of design and implementation of government intervention
  • Development processes and the development of industry
  • The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
  • Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability
  • e-governance
    • applications
    • models
    • successes
    • limitations and potential
    • citizens charters
    • transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
  • Role of Civil Services in a Democracy

Daily reading of newspaper to be complemented with:

  • Select articles from ‘The Hindu’
  • Economic Survey
  • Press Information Bureau (PIB)
  • ARC reports
Social Justice
  • Issues relating to poverty and hunger
  • Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by centre and states
  • The performance of welfare schemes
  • Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections of the population
  • Issues related to the development and management of the social sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources
  • Issues related to poverty and hunger
International Relations
  • Bilateral Groupings
  • India and its neighbourhood
  • Relations between India and neighbouring countries
  • Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests
  • Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests
  • Indian diaspora
  • Important International institutions, agencies and fora
    • Structure
    • Mandate

 

Overview of UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-II 2021 Syllabus:

There is a high degree of overlap between subjects which should be kept in mind while preparing the UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-II 2021. A thorough analysis of current affairs (national and international) related to UPSC GS 2 as well as a good understanding of the constitution and its structure along with the structure of the government should be a major focus part of preparation. UPSC aspirants can also refer to UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-II pdf to better understand the exam structure on the official website of the government.

Check out >> UPSC Mains General Studies Paper-III Syllabus 2021