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IAS Exam Questions – Ten Questions for UPSC Quiz

UPSC Quiz for Preliminary Test

1. The correct statement about Fundamental Rights are:
  1. They are enforceable in the Court of Law.
  2. These rights are absolute.
  3. They can be suspended during National Emergency, except some.
  4. They are contained in Part IV of the Constitution.
Code:
a) 1, 3 and 4
b) 1, 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 4
Answer: c) 1 and 3

2. Sri Lanka emerged as an Independent country in 1948. The leaders of the Sinhala community sought to secure dominance over government by virtue of their majority. Choose the correct statement/s in this regard:
  1. An act was passed to recognize Sinhala as the only official language.
  2. Governments followed preferential policies that favoured Sinhala applicants for university positions and government jobs.
  3. New constitution stipulated that the state shall protect all religions.
Code:
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 1 and 2
c) 2 and 3
d) 1 and 3
Answer: b) 1 and 2

3. Power sharing is good because:
  1. It helps to reduce the possibility of conflict between social groups.
  2. To ensure the stability of political order.
  3. It is the very spirit of democracy.
Code:
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 1 and 2
c) 2 and 3
d) 1 and 3
Answer: a) 1, 2 and 3

4. In modern democracies, power sharing arrangements can take many forms, that is
  1. Power shared among different organs of the Government.
  2. Power can be shared among Governments at different levels.
  3. Power may not be shared among different social groups.
  4. Power sharing arrangements can also be seen among political parties, pressure groups and movements.
Which of the following are forms of power sharing?
a) 1 and 2
b) 2, 3 and 4
c) 1, 3 and 4
d) All the above
Answer: a) 1 and 2

5. Democracy is a rule of the people for the people and by the people’. In light of the above statement which of the following statements is/ are not correct:
  1. Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are selected by the people
  2. Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are nominated by the people
  3. Democracy is a form of government in which rulers are elected by the people
  4. Democracy is a form of governance carried over by monarchs.
Code:
a) 1, 2 and 4 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c) 1, 3 and 4 only
d) All the above
Answer: a) 1, 2 and 4 only

6. The essence of Democracy is not merely rulers to be elected by people but:
  1. Who are the rulers and how they are elected
  2. How does the people elect the rulers
  3. The functions performed by these elected rulers
Choose the correct statements:
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 3
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above

7. ‘Democracy consist of choosing your dictators after they have told you what you think it is you want to hear’. In light of above statement which of the following is true with respect to elections
  1. Holding elections of any kind is a sufficient criteria for democracy
  2. Elections need not offer a real choice between political alternatives
  3. The people should be able to use choice in electing rulers but not in removing them
Code:
a) 1 and 2
b) 2 and 3
c) None of these
d) All of the above
Answer: c) None of these

8. A Democratic government is a better form of Government because:
  1. It leads to differences and conflicts and aggravates the differences
  2. Improves the quality of Decision making
  3. Is a more accountable form of Government
  4. It is not self correcting
Code:
a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
b) 2, 3 and 4 are correct
c) 2 and 3 are correct
d) All of above are correct
Answer: c) 2 and 3 are correct

9. Which of the following statement go against the strengths of Democracy:
  1. Delays and corruption are hallmark of democracy as consultation and electoral competition.
  2. Democracy is marked by instability because leaders keep changing
  3. Conflicts and dissent mark the democratic process of consultation in decision making.
  4. There is lack of accountability in democracy because leaders once elected are there to stay for the fixed term.
Code:
a) 1, 2 and 3 are correct
b) 2, 3 and 4 are correct
c) 1 and 2 are correct
d) All are incorrect
Answer: c) 1 and 2 are correct

10. Deepening of democracy does not entails the following:
  1. Fulfill all the expectations of people
  2. Strengthening institutions and practices of Democracy that brings about peoples participation.
  3. Centralise the Decision making process and make it top-down.
  4. Let only the rural people participate in governance process.
Code:
a) Only 1 and 2 are correct
b) Only 2, 3 and 4 are correct
c) 1, 3 and 4 are correct
d) All are correct
Answer: c) 1, 3 and 4 are correct

IAS Topper Shena Aggarwal (Rank 1) – PMT Topper, AIIMS Doctor, 12th Topper, IRS
Before becoming UPSC IAS topper (2011-12) she was already had a degree of MBBS from AIIMS, which she completed in 2009. Prior to this she was also a topper of  the CBSE Pre Medical Test (PMT) in 2004.

Let’s have a look on her career and life

– Shena is from Yamunanagar, Haryana
– Daughter of Dr. C K Gupta and Pinky Aggarwal
– Scored 95% in 10th standard from Sant Nischal Singh Public School, Yamunanagar
– Scored 92% in 12th std from Dyanchand Public School Nabha
– She stood first in the Class-12 CBSE examination in 2004
– She was the All India topper of CBSE PMT Exam 2004
– Shena got 305th rank in 2010 Civil Service Exam
– Became IAS Topper after getting Rank 1 in UPSC Civil Services Exam in 2011-12.

Preparation Strategy

During her Preparation she mostly relied on self-study but also took guidance of teachers from time to time.
She read newspapers and magazines to get a better understanding of current events.
Despite her busy IRS training schedule in Nagpur, she dedicated 5 − 6 hours a day in preparing for the 2011 examination. It must be noted here the she had already cleared Civil Services Exam  once still she felt a need of 5-6 hours of study everyday.
She says “When it comes to preparation for the UPSC, there can be no shortcut. Obviously, since I had taken the exam once before, I had a certain edge. There were no surprises this year.”

Tests for self Evaluation

When asked about how did she kept herself motivated, she says “Yes She took part in tests to find out her shortcoming and correct her weaknesses, it worked as both warning and motivation at times.”

Optional Subject

Being a doctor her obvious choice was Medical Science and another related subject she opted for Psychology. She did not experimented to explore new and relatively unknown area but with a clear mind opted a set of optional subjects with which she was comfortable.
Every beginner has many questions while choosing optional subjects. Sneha was well versed in Medical Science as a paper but most of aspirants are not quite friendly with any of listed subjects and find himself equally weak in all. In such case aspirants need to go through NCERT books before deciding any subject. Don’t judge your like or dislike unless you get a taste of dish. Unless you will read these books you can’t become sure about your inclination.

Previous UPSC IAS Exam Attempts before Becoming IAS Exam Topper

This was her Third attempt.
In her previous attempt she secured 305 rank and joined Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) – IRS (IT) and was undergoing training in Nagpur while she got selected as IAS Topper in the IAS exam of 2011-12.
Mains Exam Marks
Total MarksMarks Obtained
Essay200113
General Studies600282
Medical Science600417
Psychology600316
Total (Written)20001128
Interview300210
Total23001338 (58.17%)

Academic and Educational Background of IAS Topper

10th: Sant Nischal Singh Public School Yamuna Nagar
12th: Dayanand Public School Nabha
MBBS: AIIMS Delhi
Training as an IRS at National Academy of Direct Taxes, Nagpur
Even after being having so many recognitions she was never a geek but took part in various sports and cultural events across her academic career from school to college and training institutes.

Family

Her proud father Dr CK Aggarwal is a dentist in Yamunanagar; her mother Pinki Aggarwal is a housewife.

Mona Pruthi IAS Exam Topper 2005
IAS Exam Topper Mona Pruthi was a Delhi University student turned teacher turned IRS before joining as IAS. She topped the Civil Service Exam held in 2005-06 to join the most prestigious service in India. She is among very few girls to have this title of IAS Exam Topper.
Her father Late N. L. Pruthi was an Additional Session Judge and a great source of motivation and support for her who always encouraged her in the journey of excellence. But he was no more to she her success.

Number of Attempts

It was her Third Attempt which made her the IAS exam topper. But even before this success she was already in Indian Revenue Service working for Custom and Excise Department, Govt. of India.

Optional Subjects

In preliminary Test her optional subject was Sociology
In Mains Exam her optional subject was Sociology and English Literature.

Preparation strategy

For Preliminary: Wide and extensive study
For Mains: Selective and in-depth study
Selection of good books for IAS preparation is important, and newspapers. Among news papers she used to read The Hindu and the Economic Times.

What helped her in success?

  • Good Writing Skill
  • Balanced Thinking
  • Analytical Approach
  • Good Academic Records
  • Excellent Grasping Power
She says that to read, to think, to write and think again is the best procedure aspirants can follow.

Education

School – Apeejay Public School, Faridabad, Haryana
B.A (Hon.) – She completed her graduation with English Hons. from Delhi University’s Lady Sriram College in which she proudly secured First Position.
M. Phil. – She has also done M.Phil. in English Literature from Delhi University.

What was she doing before becoming IAS Exam Topper?


In her second attempt (2004-05) she qualified for IRS in civil services exam. She was working at Custom and Excise Department.
Prior to this she has been teaching English at Maharaja Agrasen College in New Delhi for Three Years.

Articles 315 to 323 of the constitution of India of its part 14 deal elaborately with the provisions about the composition, appointment and removal of member along with the functions, powers and independence of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). It Functions as the central recruiting agency in India. As it has been created directly by the constitution itself, it is considered as an independent constitutional body.

Structure of UPSC – Union Public Service Commission

Appointment and Removal

The Union Public Service Commission consists of a chairman and other members who are appointed by the President of India. The Constitution has not specified the strength of the commission. Its composition has been left to the discretion of the President to determine.
The UPSC usually consists of 9 to 11 members including its chairman. It has been provided in the constitution that ‘one- half of the members of the commission should be such parsons who have held office for at least ten years under either the Government of India or under the Government of the state’ (Clause one Article 316). It is up to the president to determined the conditions of service of the members of the commission.
According to Clause 1A of Article 316 of the constitution, ‘if the office of the chairman of the commission becomes vacant or if any such chairman is by reasons of absence or for any other reason unable to perform the duties of his office,…. those duties shall be performed by such one of the other members of the commission as the President may appoint for the purpose.’
According to clause 2 or the article 316, the Chairman and members can hold office for a term of six years or until they attain the age of 65 tears, whichever is earlier. However, the Chairman and the members can quit their offices at any time by addressing their resignation to the President.
According to clause 1 of Article 317, the Chairman and any other member of the commission can be removed from his office by the order of the President on the ground of misbehaviour. But the President, in this case, at first has to refer the matter to the Supreme Court.
If the Supreme Court, after conducting the inquiry with the procedure prescribed under Article 145, upholds the cause the removal and advice so, then the President can order the removal of the Chairman and any other member of the commission. The constitution has clearly established that the advice of the Supreme Court is binding on the President. However, the President can suspend the Chairman or any other members of the commission even during the course of enquiry by the Supreme Court.
According to clause 3 Article 317, the president can also order the removal of the Chairman or any other member of the commission from his office under the following conditions:
(a) If he is adjudged an insolvent (that is, ‘has become bankrupt’)
(b) If he engages, during his term of office, in any paid employment outside the duties of his office, or
(c) If he ‘is, in the opinion of the president, unfit to continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or body.’
Defining the term ‘misbehaviour’ the constitution states that is slapped on the face by another, it is a case of misbehaviour under Article 317 (1) and renders the latter member liable to be removal.
To safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the commission, the constitution has made following provisions:
(a) The Chairman or any other members of the commission can be removed by the President only in the manner Prescribed in the constitution. Therefore, it can be said that they enjoy security of tenure.
(b) Although the President determines the conditions of service of the Chairman or a member, these conditions cannot be varied to his disadvantage after his appointment (Article 318).
(c) The entire expenses including allowance, salaries and pensions of the Chairman and members of the commission are not subject to vote of Parliament. They are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.
(d) The Chairman of the Commission (on ceasing to hold office), according to Article 319, shall be ineligible for further employment either under the Government of India or under the Government of a state.
(e) A member (on ceasing to hold office) except the Chairman of the commission is eligible for  appointment as the chairman of the commission or a State Public Service Commission (SPSC), but not for any other employment either in the Government of India Or in the Government of a state (Article 319).
(f) The Chairman or a member of the commission, after completing his first term, becomes ineligible for reappointment to that office.

Functions of UPSC

According to the Article 320 of the constitution the commission performs the following functions:
(a) It is the duty of the UPSC to conduct examination for appointments to the services of the Union and the services of the State respectively.
(b) It is also the duty of the commission (If requested by two or more states to do so) to help state in framing  and operating schemes of joint recruitment for any service for which candidates possessing special qualifications are required.
(c) The commission is consulted on the following matters:
(1) All matters relating to methods of recruitment of civil services and for civil posts.
(2) The principles to be followed in making appointments to civil services and posts and in making promotions and transfers from one service to another and on the suitability of candidates for such appointments, promotions or transfers.
(3) All disciplinary matters affecting a person serving under the government of India in a civil capacity including memorials or positions relating to such matter. These consist of:
– Compulsory retirement
– Withholding of increments
-Dismissal from service
– Reduction to lower service or rank (Demotion)
-Censure (severe disapproval)
-Removal from service
– Withholding of promotions
-Dismissal from service
– Recovery of pecuniary loss.
(The distinction between ‘Removal’ and ‘Dismissal’ is that a dismissed candidate disqualifies for the future employment under the Government whereas the removed candidate does not disqualify for the same.)
(4) Any claim for compensation of legal expenses incurred by a civil servant in defending legal proceedings instituted against him in respect of act done in the execution of his official duties.
(5) Any claim for the award of a pension in respect of injuries sustained by a person while serving under the Government of India and question as to the amount of any such award.
It is the duty of the Union Public service Commission to advise on any matter referred to them by the President. All regulations made, and is to be subjected to such modifications whether by way of repeal or amendment as both Houses of Parliament may make during the session in which they are so laid.
In one of its important decision the Supreme Court in 1992, has held ‘If before the selection is held, the Government withdraws its requisition from the Public Service Commission, neither the candidate nor the UPSC itself can insist on continuing the process of selection.
The constitution describes that the President, in respect to the All-India Services and Central Services and posts may make regulations specifying the matters, in which it shall not be necessary for the UPSC to be consulted.
The matters on which the Commission (UPSC) is not consulted are:
(a) Reservations of appointments or posts in favour of any backward class
(b) Considering the claims of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in making appointments to services and posts.
(c) On the selection for Chairmanship or membership of commissions or tribunals, posts of the highest diplomatic nature and a bulk of group C and group d services.
(d) On the selection for temporary or officiating appointment to a post if the appointed person is not likely to held the post for more than a year.
Article 322 of the constitution states that the Parliament can make an Act relating to the services of the union and also relating to the services of any local authority or other body corporate constituted by law or of any public institutions.
Article 323 of the Constitution, that deals with the expenses of the Commission, states that ‘The expenses of the Union Public Service Commission shall be charged on the consolidated Fund of India.’
Article 323 or the Constitution, that deals with reports of the Commission states that ‘It shall be the duty of the Union Commission to present annually to the President a report.’ Then it is the duty of the President to place the report before both the Houses of Parliament, along with a memorandum ‘explaining the cases where the advice of the Commission was not accepted and reasons for such non-acceptance. It can be ascertained lastly that the role of the Commission is not only limited, but also recommendations made by it are not mandatory but are only of advisory nature, and, therefore, not binding on the Government. The Government has final authority to accept or reject that advice. The Government can also make rules which regulate the scope of the advisory functions of the Commission. Such rules are named as the UPSC (Exemption from consultation) Regulation.
The emanation of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in 1964 influenced the role of the Commission in disciplinary matters. Because the Government consults both agencies while taking disciplinary action against a civil servant. However, the Commission, as an independent constitutional body, has an edge over the CVC. CVC was created by an executive resolution of the Government and conferred a statutory status in October 2003.



UPSC Civil Services Mains Examination’s Syllabus of General Studies 

General Studies- I

  1. Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
  2. Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.
  3. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant
  4. events, personalities, issues
  5. The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of the country.
  6. Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
  7. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.
  8. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
  9. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
  10. Effects of globalization on Indian society
  11. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
  12. Salient features of world’s physical geography.
  13. Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of the world (including India)
  14. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including waterbodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

General Studies- II:

  1. Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
  2. Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
  3. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
  4. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.
  5. Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries
  6. Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
  7. Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.
  8. Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
  9. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various
  10. Constitutional Bodies.
  11. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies
  12. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
  13. Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
  14. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
  15. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
  16. Education, Human Resources.
  17. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.
  18. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.
  19. Role of civil services in a democracy.
  20. India and its neighborhood- relations.
  21. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
  22. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.
  23. Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

General Studies-III

  1. Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.
  2. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
  3. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
  4. Government Budgeting.
  5. Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and
  6. irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
  7. Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
  8. Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
  9. Land reforms in India.
  10. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
  11. Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
  12. Investment models.
  13. Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
  14. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
  15. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
  16. Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
  17. Disaster and disaster management.
  18. Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
  19. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
  20. 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
  21. Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism
  22. Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

General Studies- IV:

  1. Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
  2. This paper will include questions to 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. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.
  3. Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values – lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
  4. Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
  5. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
  6. Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.
  7. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
  8. Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and 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.
  9. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;
  10. 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.
  11. Case Studies on above issues.

Candidates often find difficult how to crack IAS Exam not due to lack of hard-work or potential, but due to lack of right start up. Civil Service exam tries to select candidates who are creative and innovative and aware of day to day life. Civil Service exam never wants one to be ideal. For cracking these exam take guidance from others but make your own strategy and follow it. So, evaluate yourself before UPSC evaluates you.

These 11 points explains How to Crack IAS Exam?

  • Before starting the preparation, it is very important to have a complete understanding about the exam process.The syllabus is huge but remind yourself that it is something that you have already studied before! Brush up your past knowledge to give your IAS vision a start.
  • Start by simply jotting down the entire syllabus into points and divide them into sections according to your strengths and weaknesses, and then proceed with designing a study plan.
  • For Civil Services Exam only studying is not important. But here important is how one is using his knowledge to write particular paper within three hours counts the most. What one writes during these three hours makes one topper and anther failure. Here how much you studied it doesn’t matter, but how you are using your knowledge to write particular answer matters a lot. Hence having regular practice of answer writing is highly necessary.
  • One who is able to make Mains exam never counts the hours and how many books he/she has read. But they know what to read, what not to read, how much to read, how to use when required writing the answers. Before starting the preparation find out properly what to read, what not to read, what types of question are asked from particular topics.
  • Do not make a timetable how to crack IAS Exam rather than study for more than 4-5 hours of your day to dedicate to your IAS preparations. Once you have decided on the amount of time you will put in everyday and what topics you will cover when, make sure you follow it religiously and you shall step closer to cracking IAS in the first attempt itself.
  • Make sure you solve enough number of mock papers for both Prelims and Mains; this is a must before you step into the UPSC exam for your first attempt. Regular evaluations will help you keep a track of your progress and help you keep yourself motivated.
  • Keep a habit of discussing all important developments that take place in India and or has an impact on her diaspora. This is a tip given by all former IAS toppers who have cleared the exam in their first attempt itself. Informed discussions will give you an edge over others – not just in Prelims and Mains, but in interviews as well.
  • The focus should be on gaining basic clarity in each topic, which will come only through lot of logical questioning. This is most important for clearing the prelims stage.
  • For any topic, try to do a horizontal and vertical reading of all the related current topics which will definitely help to cover any topic holistically.
  • A thorough analysis of the previous year’s question papers and the recent trends so that one is in tune with UPSC recent trends.
  • For General Studies read Newspapers, Magazines, Journals, Internet (Most Important), and books of general reading. NCERT school books of history, geography, polity, economics, sociology and all humanities and arts (excluding languages, mathematics and science) from class 7th to 12th. Must read Science NCERT school books of only class 9th and 10th.

Each and every service offered under the head of Union Public Service Commission – Civil Service Examination is unique and self contained in itself.
Each candidate who prepares for the coveted Civil Services Examination has a certain motivator in mind which drives him/her through the innumerable tough times that await during the journey. This motivator is the primary catalyst for influencing a service choice.
IAS as a service offers immense role for action and is very general in nature to which most of the aspirants can relate- incorrect social structure, corruption, medical issues in their locality, poverty alleviation.
IAS is a preferred choice by 99% of the candidates as compared to IRS. This is not without basis.

The reasons why people choose IAS as the first choice are as following:

  • IAS heads almost all the departments in Central and State Governments. Even revenue department is headed by Revenue Secretary, who is an IAS officer.
  • IAS provides the fastest promotions among all civil services in India. For example an IAS officer will become a Commissioner in 16 years as compared to 20-22 years taken by an IRS officer.
  • The perks and facilities of an IAS officer is far superior than IRS
  • The social recognition and prestige of an IAS officer, particularly as DM, is far more than the IRS officers of any rank
  • IAS officer work closely with the common people, hence they have better opportunity to help them directly
  • IAS officers play far more important role in policy formation of the Central and State Governments than IRS officers
  • IAS officers have far more variety of job as compared to IRS who spend almost their entire career in revenue department
No doubt  overall IAS is rated as better service than IRS by most people and rightly so. However, there is always a price to pay for everything that you get in your life.
IRS are more specific in nature with a very targeted approach and need a different field of interest. If IRS is your first preference and you have passion for taxation,do join that service only . After all this is the service which gives you a perfect balance of work, power and family life along with almost NIL political interference.
IRS can be a preferred for people who knows their mind and have the courage to follow their conviction even against the popular public opinion.

You may prefer IRS for following reasons

  • If you are brought up in Metros, you may prefer IRS as almost 80-90% of IRS postings are in Metros or big cities
  • If your spouse is working, IRS may be preferred because you can stay together almost all the time
  • If you are a family man, IRS may be preferred due to our transfer policy which provides you stability of tenure
  • If you wish to work only during office hours and spend rest of the time for yourself, IRS can be preferred.
  • If you wish to follow the rules and shun political interference, IRS may be opted
  • If you wish to pursue literary and intellectual activities, IRS may be better as you can take lighter assignment and focus on your passion
  • If you wish to serve India indirectly by collecting the revenue which would be used for the development of the country by others, IRS may be your choice.
To be honest, IRS is the best choice if you are innovative in nature and you want to do good. You are helping the nation accumulate resources to develop the society. You are actually making the Indian dream come true. You come up with innovative ways to ensure that people are paying taxes.
Also, your job doesn’t require you to be under the leash of any politicians. You respond to your boss, who responds to his, and they are all under Centre’s Finance Minister, no other intermediary in between, so no possibility of corruption.
You have an easy life, you don’t have unnecessary headaches and late night calls, you are not under pressure from someone, you could develop your personality as well as at the same time do your job with the highest level of satisfaction. You don’t get death threats, you don’t get requests for favours. Literally, so many people are choosing IRS as first choice over other elite services(heard one of the topper few years back chose the same too). With recent decentralisation and reorganisation of the process of governance in India, IRS is destined to become the most powerful and elitist service in upcoming years.

Role of civil servants differs from service to service. IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and IES are civil servant ranks under the Central Government of India. The exams to all these are conducted by UPSC board, and it’s a common exam except for IES. Normally, IAS, IPS and IFS are considered in that hierarchy row, as highest rankers often opt for IAS. Even some high rankers have opted for IPS and IFS.

Indian Administrative Service

IAS officers joining the Indian Administrative Service and work as key persons of central and state government bodies and PSUs. They may also be sent on foreign assignments and visits along with the IFS. They work for the rank from sub-divisional magistrates, to municipal commissioners, district collectors, various central and state secretaries as they are assigned. The highest post in the State is that of the Chief Secretary. At the top of the hierarchy list of IAS Officers is the Cabinet Secretary in the union government.
Indian Police Service

IPS officers joining the Indian Police Service, and leads the police bodies in states and union territories. They work across ranks from assistant commissioner of police, to superintendent, to various commissioner ranks, to various directors, inspector generals and director generals.

Difference between IAS and IPS

  • IAS deals mainly with policy making and its implementation on the civil lines, where as IPS is main force for implementation of a law ,i.e. in crude terms it enforces the law.
  • IAS encourages to do a development oriented activity mainly, IPS regulates any non-development oriented activity.
  • IAS has a generalist character, where as IPS has a specialist character.
  • If you are in IAS, actually make the administration to run up, while IPS will keep a check on any deviation in the ideal line of administration.
  • Finally to put in simple terms, IAS is a prevention service, where as IPS is nearer to a Post Mortem character.
Many of us are familiar with a sentence prevention is better than cure. IAS tries to prevent the disorder in before by policy making, where as IPS cures or partly prevent the disorder when situation is in the pipeline to failure.

Indian Foreign Service

IFS officers are joining the Foreign Service of India. They form the senior management officers of India’s foreign service and manage foreign relations of India. The work as Ambassador, or High Commissioners, Foreign Secretary, or work in the PMO or Ministry of External Affairs.

Indian Revenue Service

Indian Revenue Services, is a common name given to candidates selected for Income Tax and Central Excise and Customs Departments. Both departments are the main Revenue collecting agencies of the Government of India. Income tax Department these days, has emerged as an important revenue source to the government and is in the public eyes for it affects the personal income of individuals and business entities including corporate bodies.
The officers start as Assistant Commissioners and rise to become Commissioners of Income Tax within 20 years of service, then Chief commissioners Of Income Tax within another 8 years. The highest position in the Income Tax department is Chairman of Central Board Of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

Indian Engineering Services

Indian Engineering Services belongs to the Technical Services department which comes under the technical and administrative functions of the Indian Government. The candidates are recruited on the basis of merit scored in the exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The candidates who clear the IES entrance examination can find employment in the Indian Railway Engineering service (IERS), Military Engineering Service (MES), Central Engineering Service (CES) etc.

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