Changes in the Pattern of UPSC Main Exam from 2013

This examination is conducted to select candidates for prestigious central services such as IFS, IAS, IRS, IPS and others. It is looking forward to bring some changes in the pattern of 'main' examination as well with effect from 2013.

A panel has been constituted by UPSC to suggest possible changes in the pattern of Civil Service (main) Examination. Its report is expected to come out early next year.

There are three stages in UPSC exam- 'preliminary', 'main' and personality test (interview). UPSC chairman D P Agrawal said that the commission has now constituted a high power panel to look into the matter.

A panel has been constituted by UPSC to suggest possible changes in the pattern of Civil Service (main) Examination. 

He made it clear that commission will ensure that candidates from multiple languages, communities and culture are judged on the basis of in-depth understanding and knowledge.

'Preliminary' exam pattern was changed in 2011 by incorporating elements of aptitude test and minor change was brought in 'main' exam in 1933. An 'essay' paper carrying 2,100 marks was introduced for judging aspirants' knowledge of chosen topic and presentation skills.

This change by the UPSC, however did not satisfy the desired purpose of bringing candidates opting high scoring science subjects at the same level with those opting humanities and languages as optional papers in the main exam.

An official said that getting good marks in science/medicines/engineering papers is easier than getting high scores in language papers. Therefore the existing system judges the candidates unfairly.

Moreover, the existing system is inclined towards short-listing those aspirants who are good at their 'subjects' rather than having general knowledge. This pattern does not test candidates' administrative and managerial skills.

The ARC has recommended in 2008 that UPSC should only keep two compulsory papers (general studies) and an essay paper for 'main' examination and there should not be any optional subject.

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