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IAS Papers : IAS Economics (Main) 2007

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ECONOMICS

SECTION A

1. Answer any three of the following questions. Each answer should not exceed 200 words….20×3=60

(a) What is the backward rising input supply curve? Illustrate with the help of suitable example.

(b) With the help of suitable diagram, elaborate Cournot Model. What is the significant of reaction curve in the model?

(c) What are the different kinds of disequilibrium in balance of payment? Suggest some measures to solve the problem of structural disequilibrium in balance of payments.

(d) What are the desired structural changes required for achieving the objective of economic development.

2. “Welfare Economic is a branch of economic theory which provides a theoretical framework for optimum use of resources”. In the Light of above statement, examine the main areas of welfare economics….60

3. Outline the Keynesian theory of money and interest. What is the role of expectation in the theory of determination of rate of interest?….60

4.” The adjustment to a tax imposition not only affects the distribution of tax burden but also bears upon the efficiency of resource use in the private sector”. Substantiate the statement highlighting the role of taxation policy in improving allocation efficiency in economy….60

SECTION B

5. Answer any three of the following questions. Each answer should not exceed 200 words….20×3=60

(a) “The Ministerial Declaration adopted at Hon Kong addresses some of the concerns of developing countries related to agriculture”. Comment upon the statement. What were the time frames and targets in specific areas decided in the declaration?

(b) Discuss the Lewis Model of economic growth. Do you think the model is applicable to the Indian Development progress?

(d) Explain Sustainable development.

6. “Heckscher-Ohlin theory does not invalidate the classical theory of comparative cost but rather powerfully supplements it” . Substantiate the statement….60

7. What are the human development indices used for international comparison of status of development?
Elaborate the methodology used for developing Human Development Index….60

8. “With the change in economic policies, relative role of market and state also change”. Do you agree with the statement? Illustrate your answer with the help of suitable examples….60

Paper- II

SECTION-A

1. Answer any three of the following questions. Each answer should not exceed 200 words….20×3=60

(a) Give a critical account of the development of India during British Rule.

(b) Discuss the nature and incidence of the problem of rural poverty in India. What suggestions do you offer to solve it?

(d) Is Economic planning relevant in the context of the Globlised Economy of India? Elucidate.

2. Discuss the impact of World Trade Organization ( WTO) on Indian Agriculture. 60

3. Explain the nature and the cause of inflation of India. Critically appraise the measure adopted the authorities to control it….60

4. Make a critical assessment of National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme in India….60

SECTION-B

5. Answer any three of the following questions. Each answer should not exceed 200 words….20×3=60

(a): Examine the Progress of Tax Reform in India.

(b). Comment on the recent moves towards liberalization and their effects on Indian industry.

(c). critically examine the functioning of Indian Money Market.

(d). Is privatization a boon or a bane in India.

6. Write a detailed note on the import-Substitution and export promotion strategy of India….60

7. Discuss the need for and justification of Banking Reforms in India….60

8. Critically evaluate the reasons for fluctuation in agricultural price in India. What would be the components of an optimum agricultural price policy regime for India?….60

IAS Papers : Important Topics for Interview Preparation

admin — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:41:03 +0000

1. The political crisis in Pakistan, the repurcursions.

2. The young guns of Cricket.. Your comments on newly formed ICL. India new foreign cricket coach.

3. Sez’s – some governments like orissa and west bengal are facing a lot of problems. What should the government do?

4. Is the Judiciary behaving like god and at times epitomes of corruption – the supreme court ruling recently scolded its judges for acting like god. The BMW case and the involvement of Judge Sharma a case in point.

5. The Nuke deal – USA, BJP and Left

6. Farmer Suicides

7. The sensex and its growth – Is India really moving ahead ? The rupee gain

8. Urban growth towards rural land.

IAS papers : Preparation for Inrterview

admin — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:42:09 +0000

1.Confirm the date and time of your interview. Also confirm the name and title of the individual(s) you will be meeting.

2. Get directions to the interview site. Be sure to double check the directions using a map. This will ensure that you know the way and also give you an approximate travel time – don’t forget to allow for extra time for rush hour!

3. Lay out your entire interview outfit. Check it for any spot, wrinkles, or snags.

4. Print off a few extra copies of your resume and cover letter on nice paper. Even if the interviewer has a copy of their own, it’s always a good idea to have a backup copy. This is also helpful if you end up interviewing with multiple individuals, since the head interviewer may be the only person with a copy of your resume.

Take a rest for sometime

1. Your brain needs fuel to run at peak performance and if there is ever a day you needed 110% from your brain, it’s today. So don’t skimp on meals. Be cautious about eating large amounts of carbohydrates right before your interview though, since carbs are know to cause sluggishness and may lead to a “post-lunch” naptime.

2. Get dressed early so you do not feel pressured to dash out the door. Pay attention to the details (brush off any lint, comb your hair, brush your teeth, use deodorant, etc.) and remember that a first impression can reveal a lot about you and your character.

3. Don’t forget to take copies of your resume, your cover letter, and your portfolio if you have one.

4. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your interview. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, it’s best to wait in the car or outside the building. Arriving too early gives off the impression that you have a lot riding on the interview (and have nothing better to do with your time), and also pressures the interviewer(s) into feeling that they have to adjust their schedule to accommodate you.

5.Smile and shake everyone’s hand when you are meeting for the first time – you should also smile and shake hands when the interview concludes.

6. Relax! If you have done your homework you are well-prepared for the interview. Take a deep breath and spend a moment collecting your thoughts if you need to when being asked a question. Ask confused about a particular question you are asked, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

IAS Papers : Historical Background

admin — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 12:25:22 +0000

Indianisation of the superior Civil Services became one of the major demands of the political movement compelling the British Indian Government to consider setting up of a Public Service Commission for recruitment to its services in the territory. The first Public Service Commission was set up on October 1st, 1926. However, its limited advisory functions failed to satisfy the people’s aspirations and the continued stress on this aspect by the leaders of our freedom movement resulted in the setting up of the Federal Public Service Commission under the Government of India Act 1935. Under this Act, for the first time, provision was also made for the formation of Public Service Commissions at the provincial level.

The Constituent Assembly, after independence, saw the need for giving a secure and autonomous status to Public Service Commissions both at Federal and Provincial levels for ensuring unbiased recruitment to Civil Services as also for protection of service interests. With the promulgation of the new Constitution for independent India on 26th January, 1950, the Federal Public Service Commission was accorded a constitutional status as an autonomous entity and given the title – Union Public Service Commission Constitutional Provisions

The Union Public Service Commission has been established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. The Commission consists of a Chairman and nine Members.

The terms and conditions of service of Chairman and Members of the Commission are governed by the Union Public Service Commission (Members) Regulations, 1969.

The Commission is serviced by a Secretariat headed by a Secretary with two Additional Secretaries, a number of Joint Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries and other supporting staff.

The Union Public Service Commission have been entrusted with the following duties and role under the Constitution:

Recruitment to services & posts under the Union through conduct of competitive examinations;

Recruitment to services & posts under the Central Government by Selection through Interviews;

Advising on the suitability of officers for appointment on promotion as well as transfer-on-deputation;

Advising the Government on all matters relating to methods of Recruitment to various services and posts;

Disciplinary cases relating to different civil services; and

Miscellaneous matters relating to grant of extra ordinary pensions, reimbursement of legal expenses etc.

The major role played by the Commission is to select persons to man the various Central Civil Services and Posts and the Services common to the Union and States (viz. All-India Services).

RECRUITMENT TO VARIOUS SERVICES AND POSTS

To Duties & Role of the Commission

Under Article 320 of the Constitution of India, the Commission are, inter-alia, required to be consulted on all matters relating to recruitment to civil services and posts.

RECRUITMENT is made by one of the following three methods:

Direct Recruitment;

Promotion

Transfer

DIRECT RECRUITMENT is conducted broadly under the following two methods:

Recruitment by competitive examination.

Recruitment by selection through interview.

RECRUITMENT BY COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION

Under the Constitution one of the functions of the Commission is to conduct examinations for appointment to Civil Services/Posts of the Union. In addition, competitive examinations are also held by the Commission under arrangements with the Ministry of Defence for entry to certain Defence Services, through the National Defence Academy, Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and the Officers Training Academy.

The Commission usually conducts over a dozen examinations every year on an all India basis. These include Examinations for recruitment to services/posts in various fields, such as Civil Services, Engineering, Medical and Forest Service, etc.

For an overview of examinations regularly held by the Commission. See “Overview of Examination” under this Chapter.

At present the Union Public Service Commission conduct their examinations at numerous venues spread over 42 regular centers throughout the country.

RECRUITMENT BY SELECTION

Recruitment by Selection is made by the following methods:

By Interview Only

By Recruitment Test Followed By Interview

BY INTERVIEW ONLY

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

BY WRITTEN TEST FOLLOWED BY INTERVIEW

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

An objective-type written and/or practical test to test the skill of the candidates followed by Interview, the final selection being decided by Interview, aided by the performance of the candidates in the written test and/or practical test.

An objective-type written and/or practical test to screen candidates to be called for interview, the final selection being decided by Interview only.

Appointment By Promotion And Transfer On Deputation/Transfer

In accordance with the procedure decided by the Government, in consultation with the Commission, Chairman or a Member of the Commission presides over the Departmental Promotion Committee Meetings to consider promotions from Group B to Group A and from one grade to another within group A, where promotion is to be made by Selection.

Deputation

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

All India Services

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

As far as direct recruitment to the Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service Examination are concerned, it is done through the Civil Services Examination and for the Indian Forest Service through the Indian Forest Service Examination held by the Commission.

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

Mechanisation – Project Sampera

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

RECRUITMENT RULES

In accordance with the provisions contained in Article 320 of the Constitution read with the provisions of Union Public Service Commission (Exemption from Consultation) Regulations 1958, Recruitment Rules of all Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B” posts in various Ministries/Departments of Government of India are required to be framed in Consultation with the Commission. Consultation with the Commission is also necessary for framing/amending Recruitment Rules for certain categories of posts under the Employees State Insurance Corporation, The Delhi Municipal Corporation, The New Delhi Municipal Council, Employees Provident Fund Organisation etc. under the relevant Acts made by Parliament in pursuance of the provisions of Article 321.

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

DISCIPLINARY MATTERS

To Duties & Role of the Commission

Under Article 320(3) of the Constitution the Commission are required to be consulted on the quantum of penalties in disciplinary cases affecting a person serving under the Government of India in a Civil Capacity.

EXTENSION OF FUNCTIONS TO LOCAL BODIES ETC

Article 321 also empowers the Parliament to extend the functions of the Public Service Commission to any local authority or other body corporate constituted by Law or by any public institutions.

EXEMPTIONS

In order to exempt some posts which for reasons of National Security or some other reasons may not be required to be referred to the Commission for their advice, the Union Public Service Commission (Exemption from Consultations) Regulations were issued on September 1, 1958, under Article 320(3)(a) and (b) of the Constitution. These Regulations are amended or revised as and when the need arises.

RECRUITMENT & CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ETC

The Provisions as contained in Article 309 & Article 311 of the Constitution are also required to be read in conjunction with the provisions as contained in Article 320 of the Constitution.

Binding nature of the advice of the Commission

A convention has been established by the Government of India, that in the following classes of the cases referred to the Commission, the recommendations made by them shall be accepted, save in exceptional circumstances. Quasi-judicial cases.

Selection for appointments of candidates. Appointment of a candidate on a higher initial pay than that of a minimum pay of the posts. Claims of expenditure incurred by the Government servants in defending legal proceedings instituted against him in respect of acts done or purporting to be done in the execution of his duty.

ANNUAL REPORTS

The Commission have a duty, under Article 323 of the Constitution to present annually to the President a Report as to the work done by the Commission and on receipt of such report, the president shall cause a copy there of together with the Memorandum explaining, as respect the cases, if any, where the advice of the Commission was not accepted, the reasons for such non-acceptance to be laid before each House of the Parliament. Back to General Information

IAS Papers : IAS Exam Syllabus

admin — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:01:43 +0000

1. Preliminary examinations

The prelims are held around May-June.It has objective ie multiple choice questions. There are two papers (duration of each being 2 hrs).
a) General studies
b) Optional subject

The prelims are held around May-June.It has objective ie multiple choice questions. There are two papers (duration of each being 2 hrs). a) General studies and b)Optional subject: you can choose from Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Agriculture, Maths, Phy, Chem, Stats etc. Important: It is not compulsory to choose the same subjects of your graduation. The results are declared in July-August and the successful candidates are called for the main examinations. PS. The prelims score has no bearing for determining the final merit list for the services.

2. Main examination

The main written examination usually takes place in Oct-Nov, it comprises of 9 papers in all (a lot more strenuous than CAT!) Duration of each paper is 3 hrs. Language: one of the Indian languages, English, Essay GK and Current Affairs: 2 papers on general studies Optionals: papers from two subjects that fall in optional-1 and two papers from optional-2 (a choice of subjects is listed by the UPSC in the prospectus) Candidates who are successful in the main examinations are eligible for an interview which plays a crucial part in the selection.

The interview calls are sent in March-April of the following year and they take place in the month of April-May. The Board of interviewers look for a well-adjusted personality with the social traits, integrity and qualities of leadership . PS. The number of candidates called for the interview is normally twice the number of vacancies.