NEW DELHI: The government will soon come out with a detailed syllabus of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) -- a new scheme of examination, which is to replace the existing Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination from 2011.
The test is meant for shortlisting candidates for the CS (Main) Examination, being conducted every year to recruit officers in IAS, IFS, IPS and other elite central services.
The Centre had in March approved the proposal for introduction of CSAT in place of CS (Preliminary) from next year, and subsequently asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to work out its syllabus.
"The government will shortly notify the new scheme of examination giving details of the syllabus which is being worked out. CSAT is expected to come into force from the Civil Services Examination, 2011", said the minister of state for personnel Prithviraj Chavan.
In written response to a parliamentary question in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Chavan said: "In CSAT, one of the optional subjects which a candidate could have chosen out of 23 optional has been replaced with a common paper on aptitude test".
Referring to the syllabus, which is yet to be finalised, sources in the ministry explained that the candidates may now have to appear in two objective type papers, having special emphasis on testing their "aptitude for civil services" as well as on "ethical and moral dimension of decision making".
Both these papers -- having equal weightage -- will be common to all candidates in place of one common paper (general awareness) and one optional paper (any particular subject of choice) under the existing system, which lays greater emphasis on subject knowledge.
As of now, the change will be effective only for the first of the three stages of the CSE from 2011 onwards. The second and third stages -- CS (Main) Examination and Interview, respectively -- will remain the same till a panel of experts goes into various aspects of the entire system and submits its report.
The proposal to this effect was sent to PMO last year by UPSC.
Officials, familiar with the proposal, explained that the changes had been suggested by various committees. Most of the panels had advocated for laying greater emphasis on "aptitude" of candidates than their subjects' knowledges, arguing that the specialists or experts of any particular subject may not necessarily be good civil servants unless they have actual inclination towards it.
An official said: "The new system (CSAT) will also provide a level-playing filed and equity since all candidates will have to attempt common papers unlike the current format which provides for only one common paper".
Though scaling system is currently used in Preliminary examination in order to ensure that no candidate who has opted for any particular optional paper gets any undue advantage because of varying degree of difficulty of any paper or inherent scorability, the government has received a number of complaints objecting to the method on one or the other ground.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
INTERVIEW WITH ADAPA KARTHIK
Thinking beyond marks, appreciating the value of each subject and teaching these very subjects to students during his preparation helped him ace the exam.
Now stationed at Ranikhet, a small town in Uttarakhand, Karthik (who was ranked first in the IAS exam of 2008) aspires to make a difference by working at the grassroots...
Why did you opt for the IAS?
It offers a tremendous opportunity for leadership and to work at the grassroots level. For example, I now work in a small town with a population of around 20,000. It is such a backward region that even a little work we do has a tremendous impact on the people here. You also get a chance to impact people's lives across a variety of domains such as health, education, water, sanitation, roads and electricity. In fact, as a topper, I was given the option to go to my hometown in Khammam, Andhra Pradesh but I chose Ranikhet as it's a much more backward place and that's the kind of place I wanted to contribute to.
It offers a tremendous opportunity for leadership and to work at the grassroots level. For example, I now work in a small town with a population of around 20,000. It is such a backward region that even a little work we do has a tremendous impact on the people here. You also get a chance to impact people's lives across a variety of domains such as health, education, water, sanitation, roads and electricity. In fact, as a topper, I was given the option to go to my hometown in Khammam, Andhra Pradesh but I chose Ranikhet as it's a much more backward place and that's the kind of place I wanted to contribute to.
Medicine is considered a noble profession. What prompted you to move out of it?
I enjoyed being a doctor and in fact, continue to be a doctor even now. In my capacity as an administrator, I organise health camps, where I also serve as a doctor. But what I realised is that as a doctor, the canvas you get to paint on is very small. Health is the only field you can work in as a doctor.
I enjoyed being a doctor and in fact, continue to be a doctor even now. In my capacity as an administrator, I organise health camps, where I also serve as a doctor. But what I realised is that as a doctor, the canvas you get to paint on is very small. Health is the only field you can work in as a doctor.
Tell us about life as a student...
I was always a good student, which helped me secure admission to a national medical college. I got a scholarship for a postgraduation at both Harvard and Cambridge. I also got a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation scholarship for a PhD in Molecular Medicine at Harvard and the Jawaharlal Nehru [ Images ] Memorial Trust Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for my PhD in Cambridge. But I opted for the IAS. In two earlier attempts, I also got through the Indian Police Services, but I let it pass, too.
I was always a good student, which helped me secure admission to a national medical college. I got a scholarship for a postgraduation at both Harvard and Cambridge. I also got a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation scholarship for a PhD in Molecular Medicine at Harvard and the Jawaharlal Nehru [ Images ] Memorial Trust Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for my PhD in Cambridge. But I opted for the IAS. In two earlier attempts, I also got through the Indian Police Services, but I let it pass, too.
Three attempts? It sounds taxing! How did you prepare?
I enjoyed the process. I wish I had to give ten attempts so I could study for ten years! You actually grow a lot in the process; the reading is voracious. I look upon it as a way of life and not much has changed since those times for me. I still read a lot, keep abreast of what's happening in the world, in the country, in my state.
I enjoyed the process. I wish I had to give ten attempts so I could study for ten years! You actually grow a lot in the process; the reading is voracious. I look upon it as a way of life and not much has changed since those times for me. I still read a lot, keep abreast of what's happening in the world, in the country, in my state.
Which subjects did you chose during the mains and why?
Zoology and Psychology. Having done medicine, which is Advanced Biology, I wanted to go back to my basics and study Zoology, which is Basic Biology. I also wanted to study one subject that was different and would tell me something I enjoy in life and Psychology fitted the bill well. I worked really hard in Psychology. Though I didn't score too well, it gave me new perspectives to see my life events. It brings about a holistic change in your personality, which happens as long as you don't study merely for marks but internalise the subject. You must appreciate the basics of the subject and study its varied topics.
Zoology and Psychology. Having done medicine, which is Advanced Biology, I wanted to go back to my basics and study Zoology, which is Basic Biology. I also wanted to study one subject that was different and would tell me something I enjoy in life and Psychology fitted the bill well. I worked really hard in Psychology. Though I didn't score too well, it gave me new perspectives to see my life events. It brings about a holistic change in your personality, which happens as long as you don't study merely for marks but internalise the subject. You must appreciate the basics of the subject and study its varied topics.
How did you prepare for the exam?
I referred to basic textbooks like Morgan & King and Barrons. Then you have advanced textbooks for each subject; Coleman for Abnormal Psychology, Pearson's for Education Psychology. I would devote six to eight hours a day, but more than the number of hours, it is the quality and consistency of your studies that matter. I used to be very consistent with my reading.
I referred to basic textbooks like Morgan & King and Barrons. Then you have advanced textbooks for each subject; Coleman for Abnormal Psychology, Pearson's for Education Psychology. I would devote six to eight hours a day, but more than the number of hours, it is the quality and consistency of your studies that matter. I used to be very consistent with my reading.
What did you do differently in Attempt 3, which enabled you to crack it?
I feel I was much more focused and also put in more effort than in my first two attempts; however, some things you learn only with experience. Lesson 1, I learned how to manage my time better after going through the entire process twice. Lesson 2, never to ignore Prelims even after your Mains or your interview because when the results are out, you don't have any time left for the next year's Prelims.
I feel I was much more focused and also put in more effort than in my first two attempts; however, some things you learn only with experience. Lesson 1, I learned how to manage my time better after going through the entire process twice. Lesson 2, never to ignore Prelims even after your Mains or your interview because when the results are out, you don't have any time left for the next year's Prelims.
Any interview tips for IAS aspirants...
Just be yourself! The more artificial you are, the more you will struggle. While preparing, 'studying' newspapers is the ultimate thing. I read The Hindu, which is by far the best newspaper when preparing for the Civil Services Exam. While preparing, don't merely 'read' the newspaper, 'study' the newspaper, just like you would a textbook. Underline, make notes, analyse, draw some conclusions, discuss.
Just be yourself! The more artificial you are, the more you will struggle. While preparing, 'studying' newspapers is the ultimate thing. I read The Hindu, which is by far the best newspaper when preparing for the Civil Services Exam. While preparing, don't merely 'read' the newspaper, 'study' the newspaper, just like you would a textbook. Underline, make notes, analyse, draw some conclusions, discuss.
Who was the inspiration behind your success?
My teachers and my students.
My teachers and my students.
Your students?
I taught Zoology and General Studies at Evolution, a coaching institute, during my preparation while simultaneously preparing for General Studies with study material from Rajaram & Ravi, another coaching institute. If I didn't teach a topic well, my students' faces said it all. This would encourage me to study and understand better, work hard and ultimately teach better. So I thank my teachers for teaching me and my students for bearing with me and tolerating me.
I taught Zoology and General Studies at Evolution, a coaching institute, during my preparation while simultaneously preparing for General Studies with study material from Rajaram & Ravi, another coaching institute. If I didn't teach a topic well, my students' faces said it all. This would encourage me to study and understand better, work hard and ultimately teach better. So I thank my teachers for teaching me and my students for bearing with me and tolerating me.
How has your administrative experience been so far?
We have a period of independent charge as part of my training. Hence I am at Ranikhet as the Joint Magistrate, for the last one-and-a-half months. I am the youngest but still the leader of the entire team. Hence I need to be the energy and motivator of the team. Ranikhet is located in the hills where everything usually closes by 6 pm. But our office remains open till 8 or 9 pm, sometimes longer. We are trying to make the administration friendlier and improve health, education, etc. In fact, I have lodged the first FIR against illegal mining in Uttarakhand, probably a first in all of North India
We have a period of independent charge as part of my training. Hence I am at Ranikhet as the Joint Magistrate, for the last one-and-a-half months. I am the youngest but still the leader of the entire team. Hence I need to be the energy and motivator of the team. Ranikhet is located in the hills where everything usually closes by 6 pm. But our office remains open till 8 or 9 pm, sometimes longer. We are trying to make the administration friendlier and improve health, education, etc. In fact, I have lodged the first FIR against illegal mining in Uttarakhand, probably a first in all of North India
MY INTERVIEW -BY Anurima Sharma (Interview Marks 205)
hi all…this was my civil services interview on 27 March 2010,fore noon session. I went in and greeted the members. Chairman(cm) asked me to sit
*CM :* So, you are from Miss Hill school,gwalior?
*ME :* yes sir..
*CM :* oh! i am also from the same school
*ME :* I smiled. Great sir.
*CM :* So,now tell me, why its known as miss hill?
*ME :* Sir,named on miss Agnes Hill,the founder who established it in 1900.
*CM :* ok.what did she do before that?
*ME :* Sorry sir! I am not aware.
*CM :* Kamaal hai!!
*ME :* (smile)
*CM :* She used to teach the kids of royal dynasty.
*ME :* Thank you sir.
*CM :* Can u guess,wich maharaja’s time she worked?
*ME :* Madhav Rao Scindia IInd
*CM and all Members: *Arey!
*ME :* Sorry sir,slip of tongue..its Madhav Rao Scindia Ist
*CM :* Now, lets come out of Gwalior.
*CM :* What is your opinion about foreign university’s bill?
*ME :* Sir,i feel it will help in raising the benchmarks and providing more options..but some checks and balances are required.
*CM :* Is it a competition betwen equals or unequals?
*ME :* Sir,as of now its competition between unequals. And thats why it should be monitored and regulated.
*CM :* What kind of checks?
*ME :* Sir,curriculum must be the same as they offer abroad. Then, exorbitant fee should not be charged. It should be in national interest and in tandem with Indian culture.
*CM :* You have used a very interesting term”Indian Culture”. I have never understood it. Now tell me, wat do you mean by it?
*ME :* Sir, its the existing socio- economic- political conditions. The way of living life in india. For example, IIT and IIM should teach managemnt and technology, which caters to our needs.
*CM :* No..indian culture…tell me..you are dressed in a sari, so a girl dressed in skirt should not be imparted education?
*ME :* No sir, definitely not, thats not wat i mean..
*CM :* Then?
*ME :* Sir,i meant that it should be sensitive to the indian society.
*CM :* When i go to Gurudwara, i cover my head.
*ME :* Thats what my point is sir.
cm n all members: You are a science student, be concrete. Dont be abstract.
*ME :* Right sir.
*CM :* Ok, so..my son who is born in America, stands nowhere infront of these youngsters who eat pizzas, use slangs and swirl to the tunes of shalika?
*Another Member Corrected CM :* sir… Shakira??
*CM :* Yes, yes…Mexican singer..Shakira.
*ME :* sir.
*CM :* So? what is Indian culture?
*ME :* Sir, the socio-political conditions of India are different from rest of the world. We are emotional people…religious beliefs…(cm interrupted)
*CM :* So, you mean, some other religions should be barred from education?
*ME :* Absolutely not sir. That’s what I am saying…Indian Secularism. We are different!!
*CM :* Aap apne ko fasaa rahey ho
*ME :* I smiled
*CM :* Ok ok. Forget it. Now, you come from Gwalior…There was a news recently where a political leader was given 101 salutes of rounds. Stupid people (laughs loudly)
*ME :* Yes sir.
*CM :* As a DM , what you would have done?
*ME :* Sir, i wouldn’t have allowed it.
*CM :* Ok, you wouldn’t have allowed it. Which section of IPC prohibits it?
*ME :* Sorry sir,i am not aware .
*CM :* Ok..so, you would have done what?
*ME :* Sir,i am sure, had i been the DM, i had known, what to do. But,as of now…i would say, i have take legal expertise and taken an action in legal framework.
m4: Oh..but you don’t know IPC section?
*ME :* Yes sir, i dont know that. But I know that firing in public is an offence.
*CM :* Anurima, your common sense is at its right place. And for a public offence, you can lodge an FIR.
*ME :* Thank you sir. Right sir, I would have done the same.
m 4: And you can seize the arms, cancel their licences also.
*ME :* Thank you sir. I would have done this also.
*CM :* Ok..now tell me who are Sahariyas?
*ME :* Sir, Sahariyas are the tribals who inhabit Gwalior, Morena, Raisen….
*CM :* Ok, tell me what’s their economic condition?
*ME :* Sir, they are weavers..kabirpanthis.
*CM :* No, no..economic condition?
*ME :* Sir, it’s not very good.
*CM :* Which area is having hunger and starvation more than Ethiopia and Sudan?
*ME :* Sorry sir, I am not aware.
*CM :* Its Sahariya belt.
*ME :* Thank u sir, i will take a note of it.
*CM :* Suppose, you are DM at Morena..what would you do to tackle it?
*ME :* Sir,effective implementation of PDS and TPDs. Bringing them under MGREGA, generating employment…by using food coupons, various subsidies and making sure they reach the needy.
*CM :* Ok. Now have you heard of honour killings?
*ME :* Yes sir.
*CM :* In your area also, there are honour killings.
*ME :* Yes sir.
*CM :* Suppose you are DM or IPS officer of Morena, a couple is being set to fire by a panchayat, what would you do?
*ME :* Sir,i would be flanked by many people, well armed and immediately i shall provide security cover to the couple. Nextly, i shall try to strike a conversation with people.
*CM :* Ok..scene changed..they dont listen to you. They are just going to murder the couple..your reaction?
*ME :* Sir,i wud take massive number of staff and somehow try to snatch the couple from their hands.
*CM :* Hav you been to any village there?
*ME :* Yes sir!
*CM :* Then, you think those people listen to anybody?(laughs)
*ME :* Sir, thats why, i said..i will take a large number of people.
*CM :* Ok, and if in that case, a few people are to be killed..what would you do?
*ME :* Sir, violence wouldn’t be my first priority.
*M4 :* Then? You will allow the couple to die?
*ME :* No sir.
*M4 :* But you said, you won’t resort to violence?
*ME :* Sir, i said..violence won’t be the first priority..but if i am left with no options…i will.
*CM :* Ok..if that means 7 people killed..who happen to be from the home minister’s party…and then your job??
*ME :* Sir,i would resort to violent methods if i am left with nothing else.
*CM :* Tell me,u will shoot or you won’t?
*ME :* I will go ahead sir.
*CM :* Think again….
*ME :* Sir, i am joining the services after lot of thinking. If this step helps in making a mark..i will go ahead.
*CM :* I wish that, wen you join services, you stick to your word.
*ME :* I shall never disappoint you, sir.
*CM :* Ok, can you trace India’s Foreign Policy over the last 60 years.
*ME :* Yes sir.
*CM :* Do that.
*ME :* NAM, Panchsheel, Rationalism, Pragmatism now…… I answered in detail.
*CM :* Is it a success?
*ME :* Yes sir.
*CM :* After 26/11,we are still talking with Pakistan, who’s not doing anything. USA giving aid to Pakistan. We are building relations with it also. How is it successful?
*ME :* Sir,we have followed madhyam marga (Middle Path) always.
*M4 :* Another abstract! (all smile)
*CM :* You say, IFP is successful. I say, its a failure. Defend yourself.
*ME :* Sir, we have always believed in talking and sorting out the issues. We have favoured sharing a common platform and exchanging notes. A terrible stand of violence would lead to bad consequences.
*CM :* Ok.
*M1 :* You come from gwalior. A Baarat in your area is considered to be good, when usmein bahut wardi aur bandookein ho?
*ME :* Smile
*M1 :* Do you appreciate this?
*ME :* Yes sir.
*M1 :* Why is it so?
*ME :* Sir, law and order is a problem there. Criminals are many. Hence, uniform is associated with power and dignity.
*M1 :* And such baarats have higher dowries?
*ME :* Smile…yes sir.
*M1 :* She is smiling!!
*M1 :* What is the meaning of your name?
*ME :* Sir, modified form of arunima….
*M1 :* Ravines are a problem in your area….any schemes?
*ME :* Yes sir. (I provide all details)
*M1 :* Tell me various welfare schemes by your state govt for females.
*ME :* Janani suraksha, Gaaon ki beti…..( in detail)
*M2 :* Bhopal gas tragedy, poison, has the compensation been paid….then?
*M3 :* (lady member): Sarva shiksha abhiyaan….if its successful. Mid day meals…its pros and cons
*M4* asked me to differentiate between cellular biology, microbiology and biotech. Then,he asked me to give examples of contribution of biotech to food and health, then asked me what are antibiotics? Is attaining them a biological process or chemical? Then, i was told my interview is over.
I thanked all. All wished me best of luck for future. I thanked all again. *M2 *laughed and said, Anurima! I wished i could understand your name better. All laughed. I also joined in….and got back!
REFERENCE BOOK FOR G.S. PRELIM & MAIN
PRELIM
(1) NCERT 8th TO 12th STD.
(3) Any good School Atlas of Geography
(4) India Year Book
(5) History Ancient :
- Romila Thapar
- Medieval : NCERT
- Modern : Bipin Chandra
(6) News Paper
- The Hindu,
- Statesman
(7) Economics :
- Indian Economy by – Dutta & Sundaram
- Economic Survey
- Pratiyogita Darpan Indian Economy
(8) Science :
- TataMcGraw-Hill’s + NCERT 8th to 12th Std.
- Science & Tech. - by Spectrum Publication
(9) General Mental Ability :
- TataMcGraw-Hill’s Prelim’s Manual
- Maths by R. S. Aggarwal
(10) Polity :
- Introduction to Indian Constitution – D. D. Basu
- Perspectives on Constitution – P.M. Bakshi
(11) Geography :
- NCERT VIIth to XII std.
- Goh Cheng Leong
- Atlas (School)
(12) Current Affairs :-
- News Paper + Magazines - Civil Service Times, Competition
- Wizard, India Today, Chronicle, Yojana, Out look, Front Line, Pratiyogita Darpan, etc. + Spectrums guide on current affairs (Published in April & September)
MAIN
(1) History : -
- Indian Freedom Struggle of independence - Bipin Chandra
- Culture & Present Movements Relevant sections of - Krishna Reddy
- Socio – Religions Movement - Agnihotri ( Relevant Section )
(2) Economics : -
- Dutta & Sundaram
- Uma Kapila
- For basic economics read XI th Std book of NCERT
(3) Statistics : -
- XI & XII (NCERT) and Spectrums Book
(4) Polity : -
- Perspectives on Indian Constitution – P. M. Bakshi
(5) India & World :-
- News paper cutting ( The Hindu Editorials) V. N. Khanna
(6) Current Affairs : -
- Spectrums Book (Published in Sept.)
(7) Geography : -
- NCERT ( XI , XII ), Goh Chang Leong , School Atlas
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
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