The civil services got a major upliftment with the introduction of CSAT. Earlier the government of India had witnessed some irregularities with the pattern of preliminary examination as not all topics were given due attention and the overall paper was a sort of unfair treatment for applicants. This is the exact reason why UPSC and the Indian government came up with the CSAT.

The UPSC CSAT stands for the Civil Services Aptitude Test and will test the aptitude of the applicant unlike its previous counterpart which tests memory of a contender. It has changes in its General Studies paper. You will be surprised to know that nearly five million applicants submit an application for the preliminary civil services examination. Thus the competition is fierce, cut throat and not to mention aggressive which is why it is imperative for you to lay your hands on CSAT Study Material and make certain that you are prepared to embark on this journey.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your endeavor. Go through NCERT Books from class vi to x and always remain up to date by reading newspaper daily. Going through regular magazines which proffer significant insights into GK, current affairs, etc. will also be an added advantage. Make sure you are medically fit and that your personality is a superior one. It is also imperative to work on your communication skills and make certain that you are fully prepared for interview if you passed the written exams.

Prepare at least a year or more in advance as the preparation will surely consume some time keeping in eye the vast curriculum. Not only you have to excel in the prelim and the main written examination, but also have to perform excellently in the interview round as all the marks are combined and your result depends on the performance in each one of them. Also make sure that you put into practice CSAT Practice Tests.

The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers of objective type (multiple-choice questions) carrying a maximum of 400 marks. The Question Papers are set in English & Hindi

Civil Services Aptitude Test
The new Recruitment Process of Civil Services Exam is called the CSAT or the Civil Services Aptitude Test.CSAT will not only enable us to choose civil servants with right aptitudes but also end the use of scaling system for varying subjects that has been a matter of concern for many.

From Civil Service Examination 2011, Preliminary Examination would consist of two papers- Paper I and Paper II. The syllabus and pattern of the Preliminary Examination would be as under :

(Paper 1) (200 marks) – Duration : Two hrs.

Current events of national and international importance
History of India and Indian national movement
Indian and World Geography- physical, social, economic geography of India and the world
Indian Polity and governance – constitution, political system, panchayati raj, public policy, Rights issues, etc.
Economic and social development – sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives etc.
General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate change-that donot require subject specialization
General science.

(Paper II) (200 marks) – Duration : Two hrs

Comprehension
Interpersonal skills including communication skills
Logical reasoning and analytical ability
Decision making and problem solving
General mental ability
Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude etc. (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. –Class X level)
English language comprehension skills (Class X level)
Questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of Class X level (last item in the Syllabus of Paper-II) will be tested through passages from English language only without providing Hindi translation thereof in the question paper.
The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type.

No matter how much you may want one of these pre-employment types of exams to go away, it never will. And the best way to deal with an examination is to embrace it and give it your best shot. After all, careful preparation is required. And this type of pre-test prep can help you learn more about how to answer the various questions carefully and concisely; thus giving you the best chance of passing as possible.

A lot of people agree that the biggest issue you need to address when preparing for an exam is time to get some hands-on practice working with common test content and subject matter. And it is true that many of us simply don’t think we have the time to study and practice, but it’s important we make time. In fact, practice is critical to test success.

Plus, preparation shouldn’t be rushed, and there’s no use just scanning through a learning resource just before an exam. Rather, proper Civil Service test preparation and practice takes time and effort. And doing such but hard work can really pay off. As a result, Civil Service test practice can be an ideal method to score big.

In the end, you really do need to score big and pass if you want to get that new career. And in order to pass, you really do need to get some practice working with common test content as well as discovering general test structure.

So, if you’re serious about preparing for your particular examination, then getting some sort of Civil Service Test Practice is an excellent way to get ready for these types of examinations.

Civil services exams are one of the respectable exams. Each year, thousands of people take up this exam but only few are able to make it through preliminary exams. Cracking IAS examination is not a cakewalk. Aspiring candidates have to undergo a rigorous process for clearing the paper and being selected for preferred services. The number of students keeps dropping down with every round for admission in civil services.

Examination board for civil services tries to maintain a high standard to absorb best officers, capable of justifying their responsibilities. New style and patterns are implemented by the board to upgrade standard for civil services aspirants. Government has approved a proposal for introduction of aptitude test replacing present preliminary examination to shortlist candidates for main exam in future.

In the new pattern, students will have to take up two objective type exams. These tests will have emphasis on testing ethical and moral dimensions while taking decisions along with aptitude levels. With new pattern, equal weightage will be offered to various candidates instead of a common and an optional exam in existing pattern. As compared to the emphasis of present exam pattern on subject awareness and knowledge, new pattern will check the candidate’s decision-making capabilities and aptitude.

For time being, change will be made in preliminary stage from 2011 but second and third stages will take some more time to be altered. The new pattern of civil service exams will offer level playing equity and field, as candidates will not have to attempt one common exam like now.

Civil services aspirants should pull up there socks and prepare well if they are serious about clearing the exam. There are specialized coaching classes offered to these students. Sample papers are helped by the experts in the tuition centers. You can take help of the study books too. These guides give you mock questions so that you can prepare various sections of the test. By going through the guides, you will be acquainted with question formats relating to timed test sections.

With assistance of coaching classes and guides, learn to emphasize on the key strengths and minimize your weaknesses. Solve the practice tests regularly and crack the exam easily. Apart from this, you need to be aware about what is happening around you, to get through the exam. Complete devotion and concentration along with regular practice is what it takes to clear the civil services examination.

UPSC (Union Public Service commission) Conducts Civil service examination (Also called IAS Examination) every year for recruitment of officers for various Civil services of India. The three Central civil services are- Indian Administrative service (IAS), Indian Police service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

Civil services Examination (IAS EXAM) is considered the toughest and the most Competitive Indeed, and the students normally find it very tough to crack. Lakhs of students compete every year for about less than 1000 seats for appointment in the prestigious civil services of India (having a success ratio of as low as.2 %).

Thus it is the common practice to think of this exam this way such that it’s out of reach or requires some extraordinary skill to crack this exam. Thus man students fail not because the exam is tough, but because they didn’t do the IAS preparation up to their abilities because of a wrong concept in mind regarding the toughness of this exam.

The civil services got a major upliftment with the introduction of CSAT. Earlier the government of India had witnessed some irregularities with the pattern of preliminary examination as not all topics were given due attention and the overall paper was a sort of unfair treatment for applicants. This is the exact reason why UPSC and the Indian government came up with the CSAT.

The UPSC CSAT stands for the Civil Services Aptitude Test and will test the aptitude of the applicant unlike its previous counterpart which tests memory of a contender. It has changes in its General Studies paper. You will be surprised to know that nearly five million applicants submit an application for the preliminary civil services examination. Thus the competition is fierce, cut throat and not to mention aggressive which is why it is imperative for you to lay your hands on CSAT Study Material and make certain that you are prepared to embark on this journey.

Civil Services Aptitude Test 2011 is scheduled to be on 12th June 2011 (preliminary) and the main CSAT exam is scheduled to be on 29th October 2011. It should also be noted that you should get your doubts cleared on the content of CSAT 2011 Syllabus by doing a bit of intricate research on the World Wide Web. This year has been witness to a new landmark system where Civil Services Aptitude Test pattern will be final and consists of CSAT Prelim, main exam and interview.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your endeavor. Go through NCERT Books from class vi to x and always remain up to date by reading newspaper daily. Going through regular magazines which proffer significant insights into GK, current affairs, etc. will also be an added advantage. Make sure you are medically fit and that your personality is a superior one. It is also imperative to work on your communication skills and make certain that you are fully prepared for interview if you passed the written exams.

Prepare at least a year or more in advance as the preparation will surely consume some time keeping in eye the vast curriculum. Not only you have to excel in the prelim and the main written examination, but also have to perform excellently in the interview round as all the marks are combined and your result depends on the performance in each one of them. Also make sure that you put into practice CSAT Practice Tests.

UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC)
Dholpur House, Shahjahan road, New Delhi – 110069
Civil Service Examination, 2011

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will hold the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2011 on 12/06/2011 for recruitment of nearly 880 various posts of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and certain other Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ Central Services / Posts. Published at sarkari-naukri.blogspot.com

Eligibility:

* Age : Not less than 21 years and not more than 30 years as on 01/08/2011. The upper age is relaxable for SC/ST/OBC and certain other categories of candidates to the extent specified in the Notice.

* Educational Qualification: Degree of a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.

* Physical Standards: Candidates must be physically fit according to the Regulations given in notice.

* Number of Attempts: The maximum number of attempts permissible to different categories of aspirants, who are otherwise eligible will be as follows:

o General Category : Four

o Physical Handicapped : Seven

o OBC : Seven

o SC / ST : No Limit

Offline Application Form: The candidates must apply in the Common Application Form devised by the Commission for its examinations, which can be purchased from the designated Head Post Offices/ Post offices throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 30/- only. OR published in the Employment News.

Online Application Submission : Candidates can apply Online also at http://upsconline.nic.in/ upto 21/03/2011.

Fee: Rs.100/- through Central Recruitment Fee Stamp only. SC/ST/PH/Female candidates are exempted from payment (OBC candidates required to pay full fee) for the candidates applying offline. Those who are applying Online need to deposit Rs.50/- in any branch of SBI

How To Apply Offline : All Offline applications must reach the “Controller of Examination, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110069″ either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by courier on or before the 21/03/2011. [Candidates from far-flung areas can send application through post/speed post upto 28/03/2011]

Candidates can obtain details of the examination and can get information about registration of their applications, venues of the examination and syllabus etc will be posted on the website of the UPSC at http://upsc.gov.in/ or in the Employment News dated 19/02/2011.

The only way you can pass your exam is by doing adequate civil service exam prep. With the right resources and study materials, you will definitely improve your chances of passing your test and as a result, get your dream job.

There are all kinds of people looking to work in this sector. You may want this job as a start to a new career, or you may want to transfer from the private sector to the government sector. In any case, you probably need to take the test in order to get that promotion you want.

Test takers range from fresh college graduates to those who have not taken an examination in a long time. For a job in this field, everyone must do their best to prepare and study for their examination. And that is precisely why civil service exam prep is so important.

And you should know that your civil service exam prep should be focused on your particular skills sets that will be examined on the actual test. And your civil service exam prep should begin with plenty of time before your actual exam day arrives.

The most effective way to study for your test is by getting some sort of preparation material. Try to locate your exam prep material by finding a cost-effective, time saving and comprehensive guide. Often times the material will also have sample questions for you to practice with as well.

Once you get your civil service exam prep material and other resources for your upcoming examination, you need to dedicate some time to prepare for the test. For many applicants, finding time to study may be quite difficult since they may be balancing their current jobs and their family responsibilities at the same time. As a result, do the best you can and try to find the time to prepare that works best for you.

Another tip is to get a quiet space for your study. Keep all distractions away, such as television, radio and cell phones. You need to give your complete attention to your study guide and resources in order to make the most of your learning time.

Finally, do take your civil service exam prep seriously since it will determine whether you pass and get your dream job. When you prepare well and have confidence in your abilities, you will definitely pass your exam the first time around.

Preparing for any test, from the usual to the civil service exam prep is hard enough as it is without having to worry about getting the wrong study materials. Most of the pre-employment tests take the form of standardized tests, I’m sure you are well aware of the format, the usual multiple choices and a time cap.

But multiple choices or not, you cannot hope to pass these tests until and unless you have prepped for the lot. Usually this means burning the midnight oil, pouring over books and doing anything else that you can think of, in order to pass these tests.

Usually the pressure will increase as exam day approaches, but you need to realize that until and unless you are methodical in your studies, you cannot hope for much other than sheer luck. Hey, you can always do the easy, select the answers at random, pray to your god, kiss the bronze statue on the nose for good luck, and carry a rabbit’s foot in your pocket and an additional gypsy good luck charm. Yeah, that’ll get you through in flying colors. Just don’t let the pressure get to you, and try using a good study guide to help you prepare better.

There are many study guides out there that blatantly advertise themselves as the best, be it a civil service prep guide or any other study guide. But these so called quality guides often fail to deliver on the content. More often than not, the contents contained in these guides lack originality and are nothing more than regurgitated rubbish. Sure, if you’re okay with using animal fodder as your best bet to pass the test, go right ahead. Another thing you may need to watch for, the contents contained in these books may not even be relevant to your test.

So, before you opt to purchase the first civil service prep guide you come across, take the time to do some research, check out the various guides and see if they are relevant or not. Make sure that the mock-up questions contained in the study guide adopt the format of your test.

The current pattern of the civil services preliminary exams was conceived in 1979 on the recommendations of the Kothari Commission. Since then, for 41 years, the preliminary pattern sustained with only some minor changes once in ten or fifteen years. But from 2011 onwards, civil services aspirants should prepare themselves for a sea change in how they prepare for the preliminary examination as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has received the Union Government’s approval for introducing the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) pattern.

So what will the CSAT be like?

* CSAT will have two papers common to all candidates with no optional paper
* There will be a paper to test the candidate’s aptitude for the prestigious civil services from the ethical and moral dimension
* The age limit could be lowered
* The number of attempts could also be reduced
* More emphasis on understanding and analysis than memorizing

What will be the impact of these changes?

* IAS candidates can no longer neglect the General Studies paper and rely solely on optionals to see them through
* UPSC might give preference to younger candidates with high motivation and zeal in the interview
* Coaching classes notes will not be enough to clear the CSAT exam
* Candidates with low moral and ethical aptitude will get weeded out, which is not happening currently

How should you prepare for the CSAT exams?

* Focus more on decision-oriented analytical questions
* Be prepared to answer situational questions faced in real life by the civil servants
* Questions will be more dynamic than at present
* Spruce up your general awareness and mental ability

Also, it’s certain that the mains pattern of the UPSC IAS exams will change from 2012 onwards after the introduction of UPSC CSAT exams in 2011. Most probably the civil services mains will also have common papers for all to eliminate the present practice of scaling which is detested by many candidates and public figures as well.