IAS (Civil Services) Exam 2018: Prelims and Mains Papers, Syllabus, Study Material, Interview Tips, Preparation Strategy and Exam Details (Eligiblity, Dates, Age Limits, Test Centers, Salary)

Question 1

Hello sir May I please request you to share details of the CSE upsc courses offered by exam race. Thanking you ( - ni...@ on 04-Feb-2018)

1 Answer

IAS preparation course by Examrace is available @ https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/ and https://www.doorsteptutor.com/Exams/IAS/ for both prelims and mains

- Examrace on 06-Feb-2018

Question 2

Could you please provide some official/personal E-mail ID of Dr. Manishika Jain so that we can ask our doubt personally... ( - pa...@ on 10-Jan-2018)

1 Answer

You can email at contactus@examrace.com with subject line Attn: Dr. Manishika Jain or FB @ https://www.facebook.com/DrManishikaJain/

- Examrace on 10-Jan-2018

Question 3

stratergy and booklist for philosophy optional? ( - ia...@ on 02-Dec-2017)

1 Answer

For philosophy preparation go to - https://www.doorsteptutor.com/Exams/IAS/Mains/Optional/Philosophy-Hindi/

- Examrace on 04-Dec-2017

Question 4

regarding geography optional notes and how extensively its been cover seeing recent questions asked in exam n ( - ru...@ on 28-Nov-2017)

1 Answer

The material is revised every 1-2 years covering teh contemporary topics, it was last revised 6 months back.

- Examrace on 04-Dec-2017

Question 5

hello,i am preparing fos civil service exam. i have taken geography optional.there is. not written word limit at the end of some questions in geography optional paper.then is there any word limit. ( - ha...@ on 26-Nov-2017)

1 Answer

You are supposed to answer those based on the space available in teh answer booklet. Alternatively, if there are 1 or 2 or 3 sub-sections in questions, you can calculate the marks and hence the word limits.

- Examrace on 04-Dec-2017

Question 6

Sir how to prepare Indian forest service mains general studies paper and I need syllabus plzz ( - ak...@ on 14-Oct-2017)

1 Answer

- Examrace on 30-Oct-2017

Question 7

do we need to select one optinal subject for paper 1st like geography and for paper 2nd any indian language in upsc ? ( - za...@ on 06-Oct-2017)

1 Answer

For UPSC, now there is only one optional paper and not two.

- Examrace on 12-Oct-2017

Question 8

Hi Team, I would like to join Prelims Test series for 2018. Could you please let me know whether this option is there are not ( - ms...@ on 04-Sep-2017)

1 Answer

- Examrace on 14-Sep-2017

Question 9

I am in standard 9 and i want to prepare for IAS. I WANT TO BECAME IAS OFFICER nPLEASE HELP ME HOW TO ACHIEVE MY AIM and TELL ME HOW TO START PREPARING FOR IAS ( - ka...@ on 29-Aug-2017)

1 Answer

You can subscribe to our Examrace Youtube Channel for the same and start doing NCERTs

- Examrace on 31-Aug-2017

Question 10

Madam is geography optional coaching is necessary? Or videos u provided is enough? ( - co...@ on 24-Aug-2017)

1 Answer

We recommend that you supplement videos with postal course at https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/Examrace-IAS-Geography-Series.htm

- Examrace on 31-Aug-2017

Question 11

NEED OF DETAILS REGARDING GEOGRAPHY OPTIONAL MATERIALS...HOW CAN I GET,HOW MUCH IT COST AND UR GEOGRAPHY OPTIONAL NOTES COVERS EVERYTHING(SYLLABUS) ( - sa...@ on 23-Aug-2017)

1 Answer

For geography optional postal course refer - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/Examrace-IAS-Geography-Series.htm, For solved model papers and test series visit - https://www.doorsteptutor.com/Exams/IAS/Mains/Optional/Geography/

- Examrace on 24-Aug-2017

Question 12

Please make some more psychology optional as per the upsc syllabus! ( - sh...@ on 17-Jul-2017)

1 Answer

For psychology preparation visit - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/Examrace-IAS-Psychology-Series.htm

- Examrace on 20-Jul-2017

Question 13

Is Geography optional study material being covered chapter wise on youtube videos by the same author. Thanks ( - ne...@ on 06-Jul-2017)

1 Answer

Yes, this is by same author - Dr. Manishika Jain also at https://www.youtube.com/c/Examrace

- Examrace on 11-Jul-2017

Question 14

Is the study material of examrace for optional geography is enough or along with it require to study other books too for a preparation of geography optional for civil services. please guide regarding ( - at...@ on 20-Apr-2017)

1 Answer

Yes the material is more than sufficient. It includes the latest topics of UPSC like Newbigin's classification. For topic details visit - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/Examrace-IAS-Geography-Series.htm

- Examrace on 21-Apr-2017

Question 15

Respected Sir, I am a Pharma graduate, may I take Medical Science as a optional subject for IAS mains? ( - ba...@ on 02-Apr-2017)

1 Answer

List of subjects for IAS are available at - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-Mains-New-Pattern/IAS-Mains-2013-Official-Notification.html

- Examrace on 21-Apr-2017

Question 16

I am interested in purchasing UPSC CSAT Paper 2 course material. I have following queries:n1. Does material comprises previous years solved papers. ( - ra...@ on 30-Mar-2017)

1 Answer

Material does not include past paper solutions. Other details are available at - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/Examrace-IAS-CSAT-Prelims-Paper-II-Series.htm

- Examrace on 15-Apr-2017

Question 17

Required Study Material For UPSC Main Statistics optional Subject ( - na...@ on 27-Mar-2017)

1 Answer

For statistics study material and sample questions visit - https://www.doorsteptutor.com/Exams/ISS/

- Examrace on 15-Apr-2017

Question 18

Whether your geography postal series notes are enough for optional paper 1 and 2 with newspaper and yojana ? Can i write 200 words with your notes ? sample notes gave only limited words in it ? ( - ba...@ on 13-Mar-2017)

1 Answer

Yes our postal course is more than sufficient. For details and sample preview visit - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/Examrace-IAS-Geography-Series.htm

- Examrace on 15-Mar-2017

Question 19

R/M, First of all I would like to thank the entire team. Madam it would be of great help if you can please help me with science and technology videos of class 6-12ncerts.please, Thank you. ( - vi...@ on 07-Feb-2017)

1 Answer

Surely we will try to cover those soon.

- Examrace on 15-Feb-2017

Question 20

I have done B tech in food technology one year ago (2015). So I decided the preparation of IAS exam , please guide me for ias exam pattern and selection of subject for better result. nnThank you ( - sk...@ on 18-Nov-2016)

1 Answer

Kindly choose the subject in which you feel convenient, also have confidence on the subject matter in which you are appearing.

- Examrace on 19-Dec-2016

Question 21

Youbtube channel run by exam race is fabulous but one request is that in geography optional series, plz sort out videos chapter wise. So that it would be convinient to watch. Thankyou. ( - pa...@ on 13-Oct-2016)

1 Answer

Thanks! Videos are arranged topicwise for geography optional at - https://www.doorsteptutor.com/Exams/IAS/Mains/Optional/Geography/

- Examrace on 07-Nov-2016

Question 22

I want to preparation of civil service with Hindi or poltical science subject , so plz tell few advice me that what i should to do? ( - sh...@ on 08-Oct-2016)

1 Answer

Hindi and political science booklist are available at https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-Book-List/

- Examrace on 06-Nov-2016

Question 23

I want botany paper 1&2 material for indian forest services main examination and question paper of batany1&2........... sir is there any printed notes availabe for batany so that i can order onlin ( - ra...@ on 07-Oct-2016)

1 Answer

IFS botany material and solutions to past papers are available at - https://www.doorsteptutor.com/Exams/IFS/

- Examrace on 06-Nov-2016

Question 24

Sir,is practise test papers for pre (IAS) in Hindi language. I want to take that... ( - kp...@ on 06-Oct-2016)

1 Answer

IAS prelims test and MCQs are available at in English language - https://www.doorsteptutor.com/Exams/IAS/Prelims/

- Examrace on 06-Nov-2016

Question 25

Please provide the details of Mains -2016 Geography Optional test series. Thank you in advance. ( - es...@ on 13-Sep-2016)

1 Answer

Details of Geography Optional Test Series for UPSC Mains are available at - https://www.doorsteptutor.com/Exams/IAS/Mains/Optional/Geography/Test-Series/

- Examrace on 22-Sep-2016

Question 26

I am studying btech 1 st year in ECE at RGUKT. Am I eligible for writing IAS exam? ( - SY...@ on 11-Aug-2016)

1 Answer

Yes when you are in your final year of Bachelor's and have completed 21 years of age you can appear for IAS exam.

- Examrace on 28-Aug-2016

Question 27

I am preparing for UPSC with geography optional. I want to buy study material for geography by post. I am living in Ranchi. Can you please tell me how much time after payment ,can i get the study material? ( - ra...@ on 05-Aug-2016)

1 Answer

If the online payment is done we send the material by speed post. For cash on delivery, it usually takes 7-12 business days. The details of the postal course and sample preview are available at - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/

- Examrace on 10-Aug-2016

Question 28

I want prepare for civil services examination 2017 without coaching .what are the best books that are used for my preparation? ( - sr...@ on 04-Aug-2016)

1 Answer

You can refer Examrace postal course available at - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/Examrace-IAS-CSAT-Prelims-Paper-II-Series.htm and free videos at Youtube Examrace channel for GS and Prelims CSAT - https://www.youtube.com/c/Examrace

- Examrace on 10-Aug-2016

Question 29

What are the best books for preparation of prelims? ( - mu...@ on 30-Jul-2016)

1 Answer

Examrace IAS Prelims paper 2 postal course covers the range of questions asked in Prelims - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/Examrace-IAS-CSAT-Prelims-Paper-II-Series.htm

- Examrace on 10-Aug-2016

Question 30

Respected Madam (Geography teacher), It is my humble request to you to provide the ppt or same printable material of MODELS IN GEOGRAPHY ( You taught in videos). ( - ji...@ on 30-Jul-2016)

1 Answer

The printable material for the lectures is available at - https://www.examrace.com/Study-Material/Geography/

- Examrace on 10-Aug-2016

Question 31

Sir can I choose Urdu as medium for writing in mains ( - ri...@ on 17-Jul-2016)

1 Answer

You will have to maintain a common language across all papers including GS and optionals.

- Examrace on 22-Jul-2016

Question 32

I want to know how can I do my preparation without join coaching ? Which books and lectures can be useful to help prepare for exam of IAS? ( - lo...@ on 07-Jul-2016)

1 Answer

We recommend that you do extensive self-study, joining coaching centers would be more waste of time. Start with NCERT and read the Hindu Daily. You can refer the free video tutorials we have at - https://www.youtube.com/c/Examrace

- Examrace on 21-Jul-2016

Question 33

Do I have to read the whole syllabus of all subjects for prelims and mains? ( - sa...@ on 20-Jun-2016)

1 Answer

Yes you need to cover the complete syllabus for prelims and mains.

- Examrace on 23-Jun-2016

Question 34

I have passed 12 this year and i got 94% in commerce and i want to prepare for IAS but I am confused which subject should I choose for graduation which also help me as optional for UPSC?i want economics ( - v....@ on 04-Jun-2016)

1 Answer

Please refer the following video which will help you in deciding optional paper for UPSC - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfCOX0r_EKA

- Examrace on 08-Jun-2016

Question 35

prelims examinations are common to all or we can opt subjects like geography etc....? ( - ch...@ on 30-May-2016)

1 Answer

The pattern has few years back and now it is common paper for prelims. For prelims there are 2 papers, paper 1 is general studies and paper 2 is aptitude testing, for IAS CSAT you can refer https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/Examrace-IAS-CSAT-Prelims-Paper-II-Series.htm

- Examrace on 08-Jun-2016

Question 36

I will be preparing for Civil Services for 2017; regarding the main optional papers for languages, is it possible to write the main papers in English & also choose English as our Indian Language? ( - sa...@ on 27-May-2016)

1 Answer

You must write all the papers in a common language, you can opt English there. You can also choose English Literature as a optional paper. Both are entirely different.

- Examrace on 08-Jun-2016

Question 37

I have completed my graduation in science. but i have not taken Major and my % is only 49. but sir, i am very interested UPSC exams. Is there any restricted on percentage and in general subject? ( - ka...@ on 23-May-2016)

1 Answer

IAS eligibility conditions are available at - https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-Exam-Pattern/IAS-Eligibility-Conditions.html

- Examrace on 23-May-2016

Question 38

I want to know about the citizenship criteria for IAS. Actually my family dwells in nepal and I want to fight for civil services in India. ( - mi...@ on 22-Apr-2016)

1 Answer

For the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service, a candidate must be a citizen of India. For other services, a candidate must be either: (a) A citizen of India, or (b) a subject of Nepal, or (c) a subject of Bhutan, or (d) a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before 1 st January, 1962 with the intention of permanently settling in India. or (e) a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India. Provided that a candidate belonging to categories (b), (c), (d) and (e) shall be a person in whose favour a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India. Provided further that candidates belonging to categories (b), (c) and (d) above will not be eligible for appointment to the Indian Foreign Service. A candidate, in whose case a certificate of eligibility is necessary, may be admitted to the examination but the offer of appointment may be given only after the necessary eligibility certificate has been issued to him by the Government of India.

- Examrace on 27-Apr-2016

Question 39

I got 52% in graduation, So will It create any Problem For Civil Service Exam.. Specially At the Time Of Interview? Please Clear My Doubts.. ( - ad...@ on 06-Jan-2016)

1 Answer

Good percent in examination do matter but is not teh sole criterai for success. Since teh proportion of interview in Civils iss so less that if you do well in Mains you will automatically surpass the issues in interview.

- Examrace on 18-Jan-2016

Question 40

How to prepare for IAS Exam? ( - de...@ on 13-Jul-2015)

1 Answer

Please check out the preparation tips for IAS- https://www.examrace.com/IAS/CSE-Success-Tips-Tricks/ and postal courses details are available at-https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/

- Examrace on 16-Jul-2015

Question 41

I want to prepare before the exams and now I have passed class X . What should I do? ( - ta...@ on 26-Mar-2015)

1 Answer

IAS examination at the earliest can be given in the final year of your bachelor's course, however if you want to start at this age it is considered as the best option. You have ample time for self-study, so try to cover all NCERTs class 6 to 12 (Science and Social Science). Practice a lot of mental ability and numerical ability questions. Do a thorough reading of the newspapers specifically the editorial section. You can also think about choosing the optional and start working on that optional as per the syllabus.

- Examrace on 26-Mar-2015

Question 42

I am interested in IAS so please tell me that after graduation should I do post graduation? ( - sh...@ on 11-Mar-2015)

1 Answer

To appear in IAS the minimum eligibility is graduation, so you can appear in IAS without a postgraduate degree. However, to secure your career, it is good to pursue post graduation along with your preparation for IAS examination.

- Examrace on 11-Mar-2015

Question 43

Sir, Is this true that upsc decreased age limit for civil service? ( - di...@ on 04-Mar-2015)

1 Answer

No final decisions have come up regarding this isssue. This issue was in consideration under UPA government but after the shift in government no final decision has come up. It was proposed that the age limit must be reduced from 32 to 26 years considering the fact that the person completes graduation at an average age of 21 years and has 5 years in hand to clear the examination. However, no final wording is yet released and we suggest that you wait for the coming notification and check out the age limits then.

- Examrace on 04-Mar-2015

Question 44

Are no.of attempts for IAS and IFS exam separate? being belonging to general category can I give IAS and IFS exam 4 times each? for both IAS and IFS exam can I choose mechanical engineering ? ( - ga...@ on 28-Feb-2015)

1 Answer

Since the prelims is now common for IAS and IFS, you can appear for prelims examination 4 times. Mechanical engineering is a optional that is common in both IAS and IFS examination.

- Examrace on 28-Feb-2015

Question 45

I have doubts about IAS (civil group) examination. I need help about how to study and how to prepare from earlier age? ( - ha...@ on 06-Feb-2015)

1 Answer

You must cover NCERT class 6 to 12 for science and social science, refer one monthly magazine, one good newspaper like The Hindu. You can refer https://www.examrace.com/IAS/IAS-FlexiPrep-Program/Postal-Courses/ for postal courses on various optionals for mains and Prelims papers.

- Examrace on 08-Feb-2015

Stages	Prelims	Mains	Interview
Mark the Dates!	7 August 2016	3 December 2016	March-May 2017
Who can appear?	Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree Minimum 21 years of age Indian Citizen	Once you clear Prelims	Once you clear Mains
Marks Added	Qualifying	Added to Final Merit	Added to Final Merit
What Matters?	Paper - 1: General Studies Paper - 2: Aptitude Syllabus	Essay English GS Paper I (Indian Heritage & Culture, History & Geography of the World & Society) GS Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice & International relations) GS Paper III (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security & Disaster Management) GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude) Optional Subject (Paper I & II) Language Paper Syllabus	Interview Questions Additional Qualification (Sports, NTSE etc.) Percent Marks in Bachelor’s/Master’s
Negative Marking?	Negative Marking	No Negative Marking	-
Maximum Marks	400	1750	275
When	August	December	March - May

Category	Minimum Age	Maximum Age	Number of Attempts
General	21 years	32 years	6
OBC	21 years	35 years	9
SC/ST	21 years	37 years	No Limit
Physically Disabled (Blind, Deaf, Orthopedic)	21 years	42 years	-
J & K Domicile: General Category: 37 years, OBC: 40 years, SC/ST: 42 years & PH: 50 years

IAS (Civil Services) Exam 2018: Prelims and Mains Papers, Syllabus, Study Material, Interview Tips, Preparation Strategy and Exam Details (Eligiblity, Dates, Age Limits, Test Centers, Salary)

IAS: Resources, GS & Updates

All About IAS

IAS: GS/CA Articles, Notifications, Dates & More

1UPSC Real Interview Questions of Actual Candidate Asked in March 2018 [ IAS Upd. ]

2Civil Services Examination 2018 Application Form Process Started on 7th February 2018 [ IAS Upd. ]

3UPSC Civil Services (Mains) 2017 Exam Results Declared [ IAS Upd. ]

4📹 IAS Mains Geography Optional 2017 – Paper 2 (Part 1) [ IAS Upd. ]

5📹 IAS Mains Geography Optional 2017 – Paper 2 (Part 2) [ IAS Upd. ]

6📹 IAS Mains Geography Optional 2017 – Paper 1 Section B (Part -1 ) [ IAS Upd. ]

Key Aspects to Get You Started on IAS UPSC Exam Preparation Summarized

IAS Stages: Dates, Eligibility, Marking, Subjects, Preparation Resources

Age Limit & Permissible Attempts

How to Get Started?

Prelims

Mains

Optionals

Interview

Discussions & Questions