The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) is a highly competitive exam for aspiring candidates who want to serve the country by getting recruited to the highest level of bureaucracy in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for the exam, which comprises three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. With the ever-changing nature of the Indian administrative system, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) keeps revising the IAS syllabus from time to time. On that account, let’s discuss the new changes in the IAS syllabus that every aspirant should be aware of.
1. Updated Mains Syllabus: The Mains exam pattern was lastly revised in 2013. But, considering the need for more relevant content, the UPSC has made some changes in the Mains syllabus. The new syllabus emphasizes contemporary issues and national concerns, such as climate change, the environment, disaster management, and so on. Candidates should also expect more questions from international relations and domestic politics.
2. The Decrease in the total number of optional papers: Earlier, the Mains exam consisted of two optional papers of 250 marks each. The UPSC has reduced the number of optional papers to one – which comprises 500 marks. Candidates no longer have to study two optional papers, and they can now focus on one subject to gain expertise.
3. introduction of CSAT: CSAT was introduced back in 2011, and it tests the aspirant’s analytical and decision-making abilities. The UPSC has made CSAT a qualifying paper, which means that candidates have to score a minimum of 33% to qualify for the next level. This decision has been welcomed by the candidates, and it will increase the chances of selecting the deserving candidates.
4. New topics in the Preliminary syllabus: The UPSC has included new topics in the Preliminary syllabus. They include the Indian Heritage and Culture, Current Events of National and International Importance, Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude. This change will help the candidate cover the syllabus holistically while preparing for the exam.
5. Optional language paper: Earlier, the Optional language paper used to be on Indian languages only. But, with the recent update, the Optional language paper can now be answered in any language recognized by the Constitution of India. This action has been taken to encourage candidates to choose their native language if they aren’t comfortable with any Indian languages.
6. Emphasis on contemporary issues and National concerns: The UPSC has laid greater emphasis on current affairs, national concerns, and contemporary issues in the new IAS syllabus. The questions will be designed in a way to test a candidate’s ability to analyze current events, issues, and policies in the country.
The changes made in the IAS Syllabus will help the candidates to prepare with a more contemporary approach. These changes make IAS an even more competitive exam than it was before. It requires a rigorous understanding of the Indian Society, Polity, Governance, and Economy. It is highly recommended that the aspirants prepare for the exam from scratch and consult only the updated books and references. A scheduled and holistic approach, guided by the new pattern and syllabus, will surely help the aspirant to crack the IAS examination.