UPSC: IAS Exam 2013 notification out with changed pattern

06-Mar-2013

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday notified the test for this year giving more weight to general studies and aptitude skills. It also introduced an English language paper, whose marks will count in final selection of aspirants for elite services like IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS and other prestigious central jobs.

The general studies papers will — for the first time — also have components testing aspirants on "ethics, integrity and aptitude".

"This paper will include questions to test the candidates' attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society," said the Commission.

This new paper having 250 marks will use the case study approach to determine ethics, integrity and aptitude of candidates.

The new pattern will also spare candidates of compulsorily qualifying other language papers like Hindi or any of the VIII Schedule language. Earlier, candidates had to qualify in English and other language paper whose marks were, however, not counted for short-listing the aspirants.

The preliminary exam this year will be held on May 26. Candidates will be able to file their online application till April 4.