Civil service, the backbone of the Indian government machinery constitutes all the departments which runs the State administration. A highly competitive and challenging area, it involves a variety of jobs in different departments. Compared to private sector jobs this profession has job security. The prestige and power that comes along with these top-notch jobs is a definite reason for anybody to join this profession. The salary, allowances and facilities like healthcare, housing, conveyance etc. also make it a lucrative profession.

Entry into the IAS, IPS and the Central Services, Group A and Group B is through the All India Combined Competitive Examination for the Civil Services conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in different centers spread all over the country. However, recruitment to the Indian Forest Service is through a different procedure. Entry into the State Civil Services is through a competitive examination conducted by every state public service commission. Anyone thinking of taking up civil service, should have an idea how difficult it is to get in as lakhs of candidates apply for the 400 to 500 vacancies that may arise. So once you decide to appear in civil service exam, one should be prepared to slog endlessly.

Educational Qualifications: Graduates in any discipline from a recognised university. Candidates having professional and technical qualifications recognised by the government are also eligible. Those who have appeared in the final year but do not have the result can also apply but they would have to produce proof of passing the exam with their application for the Main Exam. For the Forest Service, a candidate must have a Bachelor's degree in any of the science subjects.

Age: Candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 30 years on the 1st August of the year in which examination is being held. The upper age limit may be relaxed in respect of the SC/ST and other backward classes.

Personal Attributes: The aspiring candidates are expected to have keen interest in the General Studies and are supposed to have a good amount of interest in current affairs. Regular and detailed reading of a good national newspaper, a standard competition magazine and a basic book on general knowledge is the essential pre-requisite. Another important point is efficient time planning.

Notification along with application forms for the civil service exam will appear in all the daily newspapers and the Rozgar Samachar/ Employment News by the end of December each year. Advertisements regarding the Indian Forest Service Examination appear in the month of January / February. The examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi in different centres spread all over the country. For the State level services, however, the examination is conducted by the State Public Service Commissions (SPSC), in each state.

Applications should be made in the prescribed format (the form is available from all leading post offices) and sent to: Under Secretary (CSP), Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110 011. The application form along with the acknowledgement card is to be submitted by the end of January.

A registration number is given as a token of receipt of the application. If a candidate does not receive an acknowledgement within 45 days, he is advised to contact the UPSC. Further communications to the UPSC should contain name of examination, registration no., name and postal address as given in the application.

All India Combined Competitive Examination for the Civil Services conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) comprises of two successive stages:

Preliminary Examination : It is of objective type, which is a qualifying examination.
Main Examination: It consists of written examination and interview.
The Preliminary Examination is held in May/June and the Main Examination in October/November. One must begin preparations of the main exam along with preliminary exam. This is because there is little time for the Main exam if one waits for the results of the Preliminaries.

A candidate is permitted 4 attempts at the examination. If a person appears in the Preliminary Exam or even appears in one paper, it is counted as an attempt.

Selection to the Indian Forest Service, on the other hand, is on the basis of a written test held in the month of July/August every year. The test comprises: two compulsory papers (General English and General Knowledge); and additional papers in any two subjects chosen from the following options: agriculture / botany / chemistry / physics / geology / zoology / mathematics / agricultural engineering / chemical engineering / civil engineering / mechanical engineering , excepting combinations of agriculture and agricultural engineering , chemistry and chemical engineering.

Examination Papers:

Preliminary Examination
The preliminary examination consists of two papers:
Paper I -- General Studies 150 marks
Paper II -- An Optional subject 300 marks

Subjects for Paper II (one subject to be selected): Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, Indian History, Law, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology.

Both the papers will be of objective type questions (multiple choice). The question papers are set in Hindi as well as in English. The course content for the optional subjects will be of the degree level. Each paper is of two hours duration. Blind candidates are allowed an extra time of 20 minutes for each paper.

Main Examination
It Consists of the following papers:
Paper I - One Indian language (selected by the candidate) 300 marks
Paper II - English 300 marks
Paper III - Essay 200 marks
Paper IV&V - General Studies 300 marks each
Paper VI-IX - Any two subjects (optional papers to be selected by the candidate) with two papers each 300 marks for each
Each paper is of 3 hours duration.

Optional Papers: Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, Indian History, Law, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, Zoology.
The following combinations not allowed are:

Political Science & International Relations and Public Administration
Commerce and Management
Anthropology and Sociology
Maths and Statistics
Agriculture and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science
Management and Public Administration
Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science and Medical Science
Any two branches of engineering.

Interview

The final stage of selection is the interview which is conducted in April/May every year. Candidate will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object is to assess the personal suitability and judge the mental caliber of the candidate. The candidate must exhibit an intelligent interest in events happening around him so that he appears to be a complete personality.

There is also a medical test, especially rigid for IPS. Out of the final candidates selected top rankers are appointed as IAS officers.

Once appointed, all probationary officers of the All India and Central Services undergo a compulsory foundation training.

Sections Under Civil Service

The Indian Civil Services are organised into two main sections. (i) All India Services and (ii) The Central Services.

All India Services :
Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
Indian Police Service (IPS)
Indian Forest Service (IFtS)

Central Services -Groups A&B

Group A:
Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
Indian Railway Service
Indian Postal Service
Accounts and Auditing Services (including The Indian Audit and Accounts Service, The Indian Civil Accounts Service, The Indian Defence Accounts Service, The Indian Revenue Service.)
Indian Customs and Central Excise
Indian Ordinance Factories Service
Indian Defence Estates Service
Indian Revenue Service
Indian Information Service
Central Trade Services
Central Industrial Security Force

Group B:
Central Secretariat Services (Section Officer Grade)
Railway Board Secretariat Services (Section Officer Grade)
Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Services (Assistant Civilian Staff Officer Grade)
Customs Appraisers’ Services
The Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Services
The Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Services
Pondicherry Civil Services
State Civil Services

The categories of services to which candidates are selected through the SCS examination are as under:
(a) State Civil Services, Class-I (SCS)
(b) State Police Service, Class-I (SPS).
(c) Block Development Officer.
(d) Tehsildar/Talukadar/Asstt. Collector.
(e) Excise and Taxation Officer.
(f) Distt. Employment Officer.
(g) Distt. Treasury Officer.
(h) Distt Welfare Officer.
(i) Asstt Registrar Cooperative Societies.
(j) Distt. Food and Supplies Controller/Officer.
(k) Any other Class-I/Class-II service notified as per rules by the concerned State.

Options

Indian Administrative Service (IAS)

The IAS Officers handle affairs of the government. At the central level, this involves the framing and implementation of policy. They also represent the government in other countries and in International forums. They are even authorised to sign agreements on behalf of the government. At the district level, it is concerned with district affairs, including development functions. At the divisional level, the IAS officers look after law and order, general administration and development work. In IAS cadre you can be sub-magistrate, district magistrate, joint secretary, deputy secretary etc.

Indian Police Service (IPS)

The IPS (Indian Police Service) is responsible for public safety and security. The IPS mainly takes care of law and order, which, at the district level, is a responsibility shared with the IAS; crime prevention and detection ; and traffic control and accident prevention and management. On completion of probation an IPS officer, begins his career as a Assistant Superintendent of Police of a sub-division. The Police service is divided into various departments like Crime Branch, Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Home Guards, Traffic Bureau.
They also offer there services to Central Policing Agencies like the Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Cabinet Secretariat Security, the Border Security Force (BSF), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Indian Forest Service (IFtS)

Indian Forest Service was established for the efficient administration of the country's forest reserves. This is a challenging career as you will be responsible for the conservation and management of forest resources. Central Services

Indian Foreign Service (IFS)

The Indian Foreign Service deals with the country's external affairs, including diplomacy, trade and cultural relations. It is responsible for the administration and activities of Indian missions abroad, and for the framing and implementation of the Government's foreign policy. Probationers at first work at the External Affairs Ministry, then they are posted to the Indian Mission of a particular country, as third secretaries.

Indian Railway Service
It is essentially responsible for the running of India's vast railway network. There are four non-technical and technical or engineering cadres in the railways. Entry for non-technical services - the Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS)- responsible for freight, passengers and movement of trains, the Indian Railway Personnel Services (IRPS)- responsible for recruitment and administration of staff, the Indian Railway Accounts Services (IRAS)- responsible for maintenance of accounts, and the Railway Police Service (RPS)- responsible for providing security to railway properties such as railway tracks, personnel, equipment etcis through the Civil Services examination. However, the engineering services (IRSE) have a different recruitment procedure.

Indian Postal Service

Responsible for the efficient functioning of the postal and telegraph services, officers after training with field officers are appointed as Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Assistant Post Master General through out the country and also in the Ministry at the centre.

Indian Customs and Central Excise Service

The Indian Customs and Central Excise Service (IC&CES) is basically concerned with two main aspects, mainly Customs and Excise. While Customs is concerned with the checking and levy of duty on taxable goods brought into the country, the Excise department is involved with the taxation of goods manufactured within the country.

Audit & Accounts Service

Indian Audit & Accounts Service comes under the Controller and Auditor General of India (CAG) which is responsible for the maintenance and audit of accounts in the states, as well as Union and State Governments. These officers work in the audit offices under CAG and in central ministries and state governments.

Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) is responsible for maintaining and auditing of accounts of the defence services

Indian civil Accounts Service (ICAS)

Under the control of Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance, maintains accounts of the State, Central governments and public sector enterprises.

Indian Information Service (IIS)

IIS under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is responsible for running government owned broadcasting and advertising agencies like All India Radio, Doordarshan and DAVP. The service is also responsible for handling press and public relations for the various central ministries, public sector enterprises and defense forces at home as well as abroad.

Indian Revenue Service (IRS)

IRS is responsible for fixing, assessment and collection of income tax. The service also has specialized branches dealing with the investigation of tax evasion, statistics and so on.

Combined Defence Services (C.D.S.)Exam:

For those young and courageous individuals who nurture a patriotic sentiment, who are willing to take on any kind of challenges and dedicate their lives to defending the country and its people, the Common Defence Service Test is the path to join the nation's Defence forces.

Combined Defence Service exam is conducted by UPSC twice every year for recruitment to office cadre of the Army, Navy and Air force. CDS exam is conducted generally in the months of May and October.

Candidates qualifying the written test are interviewed by the Service Selection Board and if finally selected, depending upon the choice given by the candidates and their merit list ranking, are sent to one of the following institutes for orientation training: -

Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun
Naval Academy, Goa
Air Force Academy, Begumpet, Hyderabad
Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai
Those joining the first three institutes get permanent commission, however cadets passing out of OTA get short service commission. Applicants are required to mention their preferences while filling up the application forms.

Eligibility

Educational Qualifications:

For IMA /OTA : A degree from a recognized University or equivalent.

For Naval Academy: B.Sc. with Physics and/or Mathematics or Bachelor of Engineering.

For Air Force Academy: B.Sc. of a recognized University or equivalent with Physics and/or Mathematics as subjects or Bachelor of Engineering.

Age:

For IMA: Unmarried male candidates between 19-24 years on 1st January or 1st July of the year succeeding the year of examination.

For Naval Academy: Unmarried male candidates between 19-22 years on 1st January or 1st July of the year succeeding; the year of examination.

For Air Force Academy: Unmarried male candidates between 19-23 years on 1st January or 1st July of the year succeeding the year of examination.

For Officers Training Academy: Male candidates (married or unmarried) between 19-25 years on 1st January or 1st July of the year succeeding the year of examination.

Application

Blank application forms and other particulars are published by UPSC in leading newspapers and Employment News in the month of May/June and November/December. A candidate seeking admission must apply to The Secretary, UPSC, New Delhi on prescribed application form. The application forms are available on payment of the requisite amount from any of the designated post office throughout the country. The examination is held in over 40 centres spread all of the country.

Selection

Examination

Plan of the Examination: The examination comprises:

(a) Written Examination
(b) Interview for intelligence and personality test of such candidates as may be called for interview at one of the Services Selection Centers

Examination Subjects:

The following will be subjects for the written examination (each of 2 hours duration):

(a) For admission to Indian Military Academy, Naval Academy and Air Force Academy:

English - This paper tests the understanding of the English language.
General Knowledge - This tests the general knowledge, current events, history of India, geography of nature and other matters of everyday observation.
Elementary Mathematics - This paper covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and statistics.

(b) For Admission to Officers Training Academy (OTA):

English - This paper tests the understanding of the English language.
General Knowledge - This tests the general knowledge, current events, history of India, geography of nature and other matters of everyday observation.

Note:

The papers in all subjects will consist of OBJECTIVE-TYPE (Multiple-Choice questions only). The question papers will be set in English only.
Each paper will be of 2 hours duration and will carry 100 marks.

Standard of Examination:

The standard of the paper in Elementary Mathematics will be of the Matriculation Examination. The standard of papers in other subjects will approximately be such as may be expected of a graduate of an Indian University.

Centres of examination:

Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bareilly, Bhopal, Calcutta, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Cuttack, Delhi, Dharwar, Dispur (Guwahati), Gangtok, Hyderabad, Imphal, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Jorhat, Kohima, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji (Goa), Patna, Port Blair, Raipur, Sambalpur, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Tirupati, Trivandrum, Udaipur and Vishakhapatnam. The centres and the date of holding the examination are liable to be changed at the discretion of the Commission.

Various concessions, like reservation in posts, are available for NCC cadets appearing in the exam.

Interview and Special Tests

Those who qualify the written test, undergo interview and a series of intelligence and personality tests. The tests, both verbal and non-verbal, are designed not only to judge the mental caliber of the candidate but also to assess his social traits and interest in current affairs.

Personality tests - These tests are as follows

Situation Reaction Test (SRT) - Sixty situations are given and the candidate is required to answer the reactions within 30 minutes.

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) - A set of 12 pictures are shown and the candidate is required to write a story in 3 minute for each picture.

Word Association Test (WAT) - Sixty words are projected and the candidate is required to make a sentence, in 15 seconds for each word.

Group test - Group Test is conducted in batches of 8-10 candidates. The test consists of group planning, group discussion, outdoor group tasks. The candidates are asked to take lectures on certain topics.

Physical Standards

Candidates recommended by the Services Selection Board must undergo a medical examination by the Board of Service Medical Officers, and are allowed to go for the training programs only after being declared fit by the medical board.

Syllabus of C D S Exam

English

The question paper will be designed to test the candidates' understanding of English and workman-like use of words.

General Knowledge

General Knowledge, including knowledge of current events and such matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a special study of any scientific subject. The paper will also include questions of History of India and Geography of a nature which candidates should be able to answer without special study.

Elementary Mathematics

Arithmetic:

Number system, Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. Fundamental Operations-addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, decimal fractions.

Unitary method:

Time and distance, time and work, percentages, applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation.

Elementary Number Theory:

Division algorithm, Prime and composite numbers, Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11, Multiples and factors, Factorization Theorem, H.C.F. and L.C.M.,

Algebra:

Basic operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M., Theory of Polynomials, Solutions of quadratic equations, relation between its roots and coefficients (only real roots to be considered).

Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns-analytical and graphical solutions. Simultaneous linear in-equations in two variables and their solutions. Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or in-equations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable and their solutions.

Set language and set notation, Rational expressions and conditional identities, Laws of indices.

Trigonometry:

Sine x, Cosine x, Tangent x when 0° < x< 90°. Values of sin x, cos x and tan x, for x = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°.
Simple trigonometric identities. Use of trigonometric tables.
Simple cases of heights and distances.

Geometry:

Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures.
Theorems on:

1. Properties of angles at a point
2. Parallel lines
3. Sides and angles of a triangle
4. Congruency of triangles
5. Similar triangles
6. Concurrence of medians and altitudes
7. Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle and square
8. Circle and its properties, including tangents and normals
9. Loci.

Mensuration

Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangle and circle. Areas of figures, which can be split up into the figures (Field Book). Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders. Surface area and volume of spheres.

Statistics-Collection and tabulation of statistical data. Graphical representation-frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts, etc. Measures of Central Tendency.

A Combined Medical Services Examination is conducted by UPSC for recruitment to the following services:

Railways
Ordnance Factories Health Service
Central Health Service
Municipal Corporation of Delhi

The candidates are allowed to apply for more than one services mentioned above in order of their preference without any additional examination fee.

Eligibility

Educational Qualification: The candidates must possess a degree in the M.B.B.S. All candidates who are yet to appear in the final examination of the M.B.B.S. can also be admitted provisionally to the Examination but their result is declared only after they submit a proof of having passed the final examination of the M.B.B.S. The candidates, who are yet to complete their compulsory rotatory internship, are also eligible but their appointment upon selection is subject to their completing the internship.

Age Limit: A candidate for this examination must not have attained the age of 32 as on 1st January, 2002. The age limit is, however, relaxable, up to a maximum of five years, in case of scheduled caste/scheduled tribe or bonafide misplaced persons, etc, as per the rules.

Application

Application form is available from designated Head Post offices/Post offices throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 20/-. Duly filled in application form and acknowledgement card should be mailed in a special envelope supplied with the information brochure. It should be addressed to The Secretary, Union Public service Commission, Dholpur House, New Delhi 110011

For further details: http://www.upsc.gov.in

Selection

Plan of Examination: The examination comprises:
(a) Written examination
(b) Interview and
(c) Medical examination

Written Examination: The written examination comprises of two papers of two hours duration each carrying a maximum of 200 marks. The topics/subjects covered under both the papers are as under:

The examination is objective-type (Multiple-choice questions) and the medium of examination is only English. The commission have discretion to fix qualifying marks for the examination.

Interview: All candidates who qualify in the written examination are called for personality test which is carried out in the form of a personal interview. The personality test carries a maximum of 200 marks. It is designed to test the general awareness and ability of the candidates in the field of their academic study. In addition, the interview also aims at assessing the candidates intellectual curiosity, assimilation power, mental alertness, balance of judgement and their qualities of social cohesion, integrity, initiative and leadership.

Medical Examination: All candidates who qualify for personality test has to undergo medical examination by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Examination centres: Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bareilly, Bhopal, Chennai, Chandigarh, Cuttack, Delhi, Dharwar, Dispur (Guwahati), Gangtok, Hyderabad, Imphal, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Jorhat, Kochi (Cochin), Kohima, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji (Goa), Patna, Port Blair, Raipur, Sambalpur, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati, Udaipur and Vishakhapatnam.

Combined Engineering Services Exam

The Combined Engineering Services' Examination is conducted by the UPSC every year for recruitment to the four categories of Engineering services: (a) Civil Engineering (b) Mechanical Engineering (c) Electrical Engineering and (d) Electronics & telecommunication Engineering.
The following are the services/posts to which selection is made in the four categories:

Category I-Civil Engineering

Group A Services/Posts

Indian Railway Service of Engineers
Indian Railway Stores Service (Civil Engineering Posts)
Central Engineering Service
Military Engineer Services (IDSE-Building and Roads Cadre)
Military Engineer Service (Surveyor of Works Cadre)
Survey of India Service, Group 'A' (Civil Engineering Posts)
Central Water Engineering Service (Civil Engineering Posts)
Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil) in P & T Building Works (Group `A') Service
Central Engineering Service (Roads), Group `A';
Assistant Executive Engineer (Civil) in Border Roads Engineering Service Group `A'
Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Engineering Branch) (Civil Engineering Posts).
Category II-Mechanical Engineering

Group A Services/Posts

Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers
Indian Railway Stores Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Central Water Engineering Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Central Power Engineering Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Engineering Branch) (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Indian Naval Armament Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Military Engineer Service (IDSE-Electrical and Mechanical Cadre) (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Assistant Executive Engineer (Elect. & Mech.) (Mechanical Engineering Posts) Border Roads Engineering Service, Group 'A';
Assistant Manager (Factories). Department of Telecom (Telecom Factories Organization)
Central Engineering Service (Roads) Group `A' (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Assistant Executive Engineer Group `A' (Mechanical Engineering Posts) in the Corps of E.M.E., Ministry of Defence
Indian Inspection Service Group 'A' (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
Indian Supply Service Group' A' (Mechanical Engg. Posts). Group `B' Services/Posts
> Assistant Engineer Group 'B' (Mechanical Engineering Posts) in the Corps of E.M.E., Ministry of Defence.
Category III-Electrical Engineering

Group A Services/Posts

Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers
Indian Railway Stores Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Central Electrical -& Mechanical Engineering Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Engineering Branch) (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Indian Naval Armament Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Central Power Engineering Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Assistant Executive Engineer (Electrical) in P &T Building Works (Group 'A') Service
Military Engineering Service (IDSE-Electrical and Mechanical Cadre) (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Assistant Manager (Factories), Department of Telecom (Telecom Factories Organization)
Assistant Executive Engineer Group `A' (Electrical Engineering Posts) in the Corps of E.M.E., Ministry of Defence
Indian Inspection Service Group 'A' (Electrical Engineering Posts)
Indian Supply Service Group `A' (Electrical Engg. Posts). Group `B' Services/Posts
Assistant Engineer, Group `B' (Electrical Engineering Posts) in the Corps of E.M.E., Ministry of Defence.
Category IV-Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering

Group A Services/Posts

Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers
Indian Railway Stores Service (Telecommunication/ Electronics Engineering Posts)
Indian Telecommunication Service
(iv) Engineer in Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing/ Monitoring Organization; Ministry of Communications (Deptt. of Telecommunications)
(v) Indian Broadcasting (Engineers) Service
(vi) Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Engineering Branch) (Electronics Engineering Posts)
(vii) Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engineering Posts)
Central Power Engineering Service (Telecommunication Engineering Posts)
Survey of India Service Group 'A' (Electronics and Telecom. Engineering Posts)
Assistant Manager (Factories), Deptt. of Telecom (Telecom Factories Organization)
Indian Inspection Service, Group `A' (Electronics Engineering Posts)
Indian Supply Service; Group `A' (Electronics Engineering Posts)
Assistant Executive Engineer Group 'A' (Electronics Engineering Posts) in the Corps of E.M.E., Ministry of Defence.
Group B Services/Posts

Assistant Engineer Group 'B' (Electronics Engineering Posts) in the Corps of E.M.E., Ministry of Defence.

Eligibility

Age: A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 28 years on the first day of August of the year in which the Examination is being held. The upper age may be relaxed in respect of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and such other categories of persons as may from time to time be notified in this behalf by the Government of India, to the extent and subject to conditions notified in respect of each category. The upper age is also relaxable upto 33 years for departmental candidates.

Educational Qualification:

Degree in Engineering from a University or
Pass in A and B of the Institution Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India); or
Degree/diploma in Engineering from such foreign University/College/Institution or
Pass in Graduate Membership Examination of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineers (India); or
Pass in Associate Membership Examination Part II and III/Sections A and B of the Aeronautical Society of India or
Pass in Associate Membership Examination (Sections A and B) of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (India) or
Pass in Graduate Membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Radio Engineers, London held after November, 1959
Provided that a candidate for the posts of Engineer, Group 'A', in Wireless Planning and Coordination Wing/Monitoring Organization, Ministry of Communications, Indian Broadcasting (Engineers) Service and Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics Engineering Posts) may possess any of the above qualifications or the qualification mentioned below, namely,
M.Sc. Degree or its equivalent with Wireless Communication, Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engineering as a special subject.

Application

The examination is held generally in the month of June. Blank application forms and other particulars are published in the Employment News generally in the month of December of previous year. A candidate seeking admission must apply to The Secretary, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, New Delhi-110011. Last date for the submission of applications is third week of February.

Selection

Plan of the Examination:

The examination is of two parts:
(a) Written examination (b) Personality test

PART I: The written examination will comprise two sections Section I consisting only of objective type questions which is of 2 hours duration and Section II conventional papers of 3 hours duration each. Both Sections will cover the entire syllabus of the relevant engineering disciplines, viz., Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering.

PART II: Personality Test carrying a maximum of 200 marks pertaining; to candidates who qualify on the basis of the written examination.

Examination Subjects: The following will be the subjects for the written examination:

Category I - Civil Engineering

Category II-Mechanical Engineering
Section 1-Objective Papers

Category III-Electrical Engineering
Section I-Objective Papers

Category IV-Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
Section I-Objective Papers

Standard of Papers

The standard of papers in General Ability Test will be as may be expected of an Engineering/ Science Graduate. The standard of papers in other subject will approximately be that of an Engineering Degree of an Indian University. There will be no practical examinations in any of the subjects

Geologists Exam

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds a competitive Examination named Geologists Examination for recruitment to the posts of

Category I (i) Geologist (Junior), Group A (ii) Assistant Geologist, Group B in the Geological Survey of India.

Category II (i) Jr. Hydrogeologist, Group A (ii) Assistant Hydrogeologist, Group B in the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) at selected centres in India.

Candidates selected under category I are appointed on probation for two years. During this period they have to undergo training and pass test or examination prescribed by the competent authority. Candidates under category II are also appointed on probation for two years.

It is a lucrative opening for geology and hydrology graduates in the Government sector.

Eligibility

Educational: Master's degree in Geology or Applied Geology or Marine Geology or Mineral Exploration or Hydrology from a recognised University, or Diploma of Associate ship in Applied Geology of Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad or Master's degree in Mineral Exploration or Master's degree in Hydrogeology.

Age: 21-30 years on January 1 of the year of examination. Relaxable for SC/ST, Ex-Servicemen, etc.

Application

Blank application forms and other particulars are published by UPSC in leading newspapers and Employment News. A candidate seeking admission must apply to The Secretary, UPSC, Dholpur House, New Delhi 110011 on prescribed application form.

Selection

Plan of Examination

The examination shall be conducted according to the following Plan:
Part I - Written examination
Part II - Interview

Written examination: Subjects of written examination and marks allotted to each is as follows

Candidates competing for posts under both category I and category II have to appear in all the five subjects mentioned above. Candidates competing for posts under category I only need to appear in subjects at (1) to (4) above and candidates competing for posts under category II only will be required to appear in subject (1), (2), (3) and (5) above.

The Examination in all the subjects will be of conventional (Essay) type. The Question Papers will be set in English only.

Interview: The object of the interview is to assess his suitability for the posts for which he has competed. Special attention will be paid in the Personality Test to assess the candidate's capacity for leadership, initiative and intellectual curiosity, tact and other social qualities, mental and physical energy, powers of practical application, integrity of character and aptitude for adapting themselves to the field life.

Standard of papers

The standard of the paper in General English will be such as may be expected of a science graduate. The papers on geological subjects will be approximately of the M.Sc. degree standard of an Indian University and questions will generally be set to test the candidate's grasp of the fundamentals in each subject.

Syllabus

(1) General English

Candidate will be required to write a short Essay in English. Other questions will be designed to test their under-standing of English and workmanlike use of words.

PAPER I

(2) Geology

Section A: Geomorphology and Remote Sensing
Basic principles. Weathering and soils, Mass wasting. Influence of climate on processes. Concept of erosion cycles. Geomorphology of fluvial tracts, arid zones, coastal regions, ‘Karst’ landscapes and glaciated ranges. Geomorphic mapping, slope analysis and drainage basin analysis. Applications of geomorphology in mineral prospecting, civil engineering, hydrology and environmental studies. Topographical maps. Geomorphology of India. Concepts and principles of aerial photography and photogrammetry, satellite remote sensing data products and their interpretation. Digital image processing. Remote sensing in landform and land use mapping, structural mapping, hydrogeological studies and mineral exploration. Global and Indian Space Missions. Geographic Information System (GIS) principles and applications.

Section B: Structural Geology
Principles of geological mapping and map reading, projection diagrams. Stress-strain relationships of elastic, plastic and viscous materials. Measurement of strain in deformed rocks. Behaviour of minerals and rocks under deformation conditions. Structural analysis of folds, cleavages, lineations, joints and faults. Superposed deformation. Mechanism of folding and faulting. Time-relationship between crystallization and deformation. Unconformities and basement-cover relations. Structural behaviour of igneous rocks, diapirs and salt domes. Introduction to petrofabrics.

Section C: Geotectonics
Earth and the solar system, Meteorites and other extra-terrestrial materials, Planetary evolution of the earth and its internal structure. Heterogeneity of the earth’s crust. Major tectonic features of the Oceanic and Continental crust. Continental drift geological and geophysical evidence, mechanics, objections, present status. Gravity and magnetic anomalies at Mid-ocean ridges, deep sea trenches, continental shield areas and mountain chains. Palaeomagnetism. Seafloor spreading and Plate Tectonics. Island arcs, Oceanic islands and volcanic arcs. Isostasy, orogeny and epeirogeny. Seismic belts of the earth. Seismicity and plate movements. Geodynamics of the Indian plate.

Section D: Stratigraphy
Nomenclature and the modern stratigraphic code. Radioisotopes and measuring geological time. Geological time-scale. Stratigraphic procedures of correlation of unfossiliferous rocks. Precambrian stratigraphy of India. Stratigraphy of the Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic formations of India. Gondwana system and Gondwanaland. Rise of the Himalaya and evolution of Siwalik basin. Deccan Volcanics. Quaternary Stratigraphy. Rock record, palaeoclimates and palaeogeography.

Section E: Palaeontology
Fossil record and geological time-scale. Morphology and time-ranges of fossil groups. Evolutionary changes in molluscs and mammals in geological time. Principles of evolution. Use of species and genera of foraminifera and echinodermata in biostratigraphic correlation. Siwalik vertebrate fauna and Gondwana flora, evidence of life in Precambrian times, different microfossil groups and their distribution in India.

PAPER II

(3) Geology

Section A : Mineralogy
Physical, chemical and crystallographic characteristics of common rock forming silicate mineral groups. Structural classification of silicates. Common minerals of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Minerals of the carbonate, phosphate, sulphide and halide groups.

Optical properties of common rock forming silicate minerals, uniaxial and biaxial minerals. Extinction angles, pleochroism, birefringenece of minerals and their relation with mineral composition. Twinned crystals. Dispersion. The U-stage.

Section B: Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Forms, textures and structures of igneous rocks. Silicate melt equilibria, binary and pernery phase diagrams. Petrology and geotectonic evolution of granites, basalts, andesites and alkaline rocks. Petrology of gabbros, kimberlites, anorthosites and carbonatites. Origin of primary basic magmas.

Textures and structures of metamorphic rocks. Regional and contact metamorphism of pelitic and impure calcareous rocks. Mineral assemblages and P/T conditions. Experimental and thermodynamic appraisal of metamorphic reactions. Characteristics of different grades and facies of metamorphism. Metasomatism and granitization, migmatites. Plate tectonics and metamorphic zones. Paired metamorphic belts.

Section C: Sedimentology
Provenance and diagenesis of sediments. Sedimentary textures. Framework matrix and cement of terrigenous sediments. Definition, measurement and interpretation of grain size. Elements of hydraulics. Primary structures, palaeocurrent analysis. Biogenic and chemical sedimentary structures. Sedimentary environment and facies. Facies modelling for marine, non-marine and mixed sediments. Tectonics and sedimentation. Classification and definition of sedimentary basins, Sedimentary basins of India. Cyclic sediments. Seismic and sequence stratigraphy. Purpose and scope of basin analysis. Structure contours and isopach maps.

Section D: Geochemistry
Earth in relation to the solar system and universe, cosmic abundance of elements. Composition of the planets and meteorites. Structure and composition of earth and distribution of elements. Trace elements. Elementary crystal chemistry and thermodynamics. Introduction to isotope geochemistry. Geochemistry of hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. Geochemical cycle and principles of geochemical prospecting.

Section E: Environmental Geology
Concepts and principles. Natural hazards preventive/precautionary measures floods, landslides, earthquakes, river and coastal erosion. Impact assessment of anthropogenic activities such as urbanization, open cast mining and quarrying, river-valley projects, disposal of industrial and radio-active waste, excess withdrawal of ground water, use of fertilizers, dumping of ores, mine waste and fly-ash. Organic and inorganic contamination of ground water and their remedial measures. Soil degradation and remedial measures. Environment protection legislative measures in India.

PAPER III

(4) Geology

Section A: Indian mineral deposits and mineral economics
Occurrence and distribution in India of metalliferous deposits base metals, iron, manganese, aluminium, chromium, nickel, gold, silver, molybdenum. Indian deposits of non-metals mica, asbestos, barytes, gypsum, graphite, apatite and beryl. Gemstones, refractory minerals, abrasives and minerals used in glass, fertilizer, paint, ceramic and cement industries. Building stones. Phosphorite deposits. Placer deposits, rare earth minerals.Strategic, critical and essential minerals. India’s status in mineral production. Changing patterns of mineral consumption. National Mineral Policy. Mineral Concession Rules. Marine mineral resources and Law of Sea.

Section B: Ore genesis
Ore deposits and ore minerals. Magmatic processes of mineralisation. Porphyry, skarn and hydrothermal mineralisation. Fluid inclusion studies. Mineralisation associated with (i) ultramafic, mafic and acidic rocks, (ii) greenstone belts, (iii) komatiites, anorthosites and kimberlites and (iv) submarine volcanism. Magma-related mineralisation through geological time. Stratiform and stratabound ores. Ores and metamorphism cause and effect relations.

Section C: Mineral exploration
Methods of surface and subsurface exploration, prospecting for economic minerals drilling, sampling and assaying. Geophysical techniques gravity, electrical, magnetic, airborne and seismic. Geomorphological and remote sensing techniques. Geobotanical and geochemical methods. Borehole logging and surveys for deviation.

Section D: Geology of fuels
Definition, origin of coal. Stratigraphy of coal measures. Fundamentals of coal petrology, peat, lignite, bituminous and anthracite coal. Microscopic constituents of coal. Industrial application of coal petrology. Indian coal deposits. Diagenesis of organic materials.

Origin, migration and entrapment of natural hydorcarbons. Characters of source and reservoir rocks. Structural, stratigraphic and mixed traps. Techniques of exploration. Geographical and geological distributions of onshore and offshore petroliferous basins of India.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of radioactive minerals. Instrumental techniques of detection and measurement of radioactivity. Radioactive methods for prospecting and assaying of mineral deposits. Distribution of radioactive minerals in India. Radioactive methods in petroleum exploration well logging techniques. Nuclear waste disposal geological constraints.

Section E: Engineering geology
Mechanical properties of rocks and soils. Geological investigations for river valley projects Dams and reservoirs; tunnels types, methods and problems. Bridges types and foundation problems. Shoreline engineering. Landslides classification, causes, prevention and rehabilitation. Concrete aggregates sources, alkali-aggregate reaction. Aseismic designing seismicity in India and earthquake-resistant structures. Problems of groundwater in engineering projects. Geotechnical case studies of major projects in India.

(5) Hydrogeology

Section A: Origin, occurrence and distribution of water
Origin of water: meteoric, juvenile, magmatic and sea waters. Hydrologic cycle: precipitation, runoff, infiltration and evapotranspiration. Hydrographs. Subsurface movement and vertical distribution of groundwater. Springs. Classification of aquifers. Concepts of drainage basin and groundwater basin. Hydrological properties of rocks - specific yield, specific retention, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, storage coefficient. Water table fluctuations - causative factors, concept of barometric and tidal efficiencies. Water table contour maps. Classification of rocks with respect to their water bearing characteristics. Hydrostratigraphic units. Groundwater provinces of India. Hydrogeology of arid zones of India, wet lands.

Section B: Well hydraulics and well design.
Theory of groundwater flow, Darcy’s Law and its applications, determination of permeability in laboratory and in field. Types of wells, drilling methods, construction, design, development and maintenance of wells, specific capacity and its determination. Unconfined, confined, steady, unsteady and radial flow conditions. Pump tests - methods, data analysis and interpretation for hydrogeologic boundaries. Evaluation of aquifer parameters using Thiem, Theis, Jacob and Walton methods. Groundwater modelling - numerical and electrical models.

Section C: Groundwater chemistry
Groundwater quality - physical and chemical properties of water, quality criteria for different uses, graphical presentation of water quality data, groundwater quality in different provinces of India - problems of arsenic and fluoride. Saline water intrusion in coastal and other aquifers and its prevention. Radioisotopes in hydrogeological studies. Groundwater contamination.

Section D: Groundwater exploration
Geological - lithological and structural mapping, fracture trace analysis. Hydrogeological - lithological classification with respect to hydrologic properties. Hydraulic continuity in relation to geologic structures. Location of springs. Remote sensing - Hydrogeomorphic mapping of the terrain using different images of different satellite missions. Lineament mapping. Shallow groundwater potential zone mapping using satellite images. Surface geophysical methods - seismic, gravity, geo-electrical and magnetic. Subsurface geophysical methods - well logging for delineation of aquifers and estimation of water quality.

Section E: Groundwater problems and management
Groundwater problems related to foundation work, mining, canals and tunnels. Problems of overexploitation and groundwater mining. Groundwater development in urban areas and rain water harvesting. Artificial recharge methods. Groundwater problems in arid regions and remediation. Groundwater balance and methods of estimation. Groundwater legislation. Sustainability criteria and managing renewable and nonrenewable groundwater resources.

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Indian Economic/Statistical Services Exam

Indian Economic/Statistical Services Exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission to recruit Grade IV officers for the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) and Indian Economic Service (IES). Indian Economic/Statistical Services Exam is generally conducted in the month of November.

ISS and IES are central government services which are involved in economic planning and analysis through state boards, planning commission and other government owned bodies in the country.

Out of several careers offered by the Government Sector, Indian Economic/Statistical Service offers a very attractive opening to graduates in Economics and Statistics. Selected candidates are placed in the planning commission, planning board, ministry of economic affairs, National sample survey and other allied offices where specialists in economics and statistics are required.

Eligibility

Educational Qualification: A candidate for Indian Economic Service must have obtained a degree with Economics or Statistics as a subject and a candidate for the Indian Statistical Service must have a degree with Statistics or Mathematics or Economics as a subject from any of the Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as Universities under Section 3 of the Universities Grant Commission Act, 1956 or possess an equivalent qualification.

Age: A candidate should have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 28 years on the 1st January of the year of examination

The upper age limit may be relaxed in respect of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and such other categories of persons as may from time to time be notified in this behalf by the Government of India to the extent and subject to the conditions notified in respect of each category.

Application

Blank application forms and other particulars are published by UPSC in leading newspapers and Employment News generally in the month of June. A candidate seeking admission must apply to The Secretary, UPSC, New Delhi on prescribed application form. The application forms are available on payment from any of the designated post office throughout the country. Last date for submission of applications is generally in the month of July.

Selection

Plan of the examination: The examination comprises:

(i) Written Examination

(ii) Viva-Voca test of such candidates as may be called by the commission carrying a maximum of 250 marks.

Written Examination: The subjects of written examination, the marks allotted to each subject will be as under:

Each Paper is of 3 hours duration
All question papers will be of conventional (essay) type

Standard of Papers

The standard of papers in General English and General Studies will be that of a graduate of an Indian University. The standard of papers of other subjects will be that of the Masters degree examination.

Examination Centres

Agartla, Ahmedabd, Aizawl, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bareilly, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cuttack, Delhi, Dharwar, Dispur (Guwahati), Gangtok, Hyderabad, Imphal, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Jorhat, Kochi (Cochin), Kolkata (Calcutta), Kohima, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji (Goa), Patna, Portblair, Raipur, Sambalpur, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirupati, Udaipur and Vishakhapatnam.

Indian Forest Service Exam

UPSC conducts the Indian Forest Service Exam every year for recruiting officers for the Indian Forest Service. It is also an All India service like IAS and IPS. The Indian Forest Service was created in 1966 for protection, conservation and regeneration of forest resources. Being an All India Service, the members are recruited by the Centre but their services are put under the various State cadres, with the privilege of serving both under the State and under the Centre.

Indian Forest Service (IFS), offers a highly challenging and rewarding career. The maintenance of the natural resources of the country is very essential for a balanced all round development of the country. Maintenance of forests is so important for maintaining the ecological balance that the Indian Forest Service has been set up for this very purpose. The Indian Forest Service Officers (IFS) who are recruited through UPSC by the Central Government play a very crucial role in the management and supervision of the country’s forest reserves and wild life.

UPSC conducts the Indian Forest Service Exam generally in the month of July. The pattern of exam is similar to that of civil services, and selection is done in three phases. Selected candidates are sent for foundation training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, which is followed by specialised orientation for the Forest Service at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun.

After training candidates are posted as the assistant conservator, district conservator, chief conservator, principal conservator, and the inspector general of forests. The senior most post is that of the Environment Secretary in the Union Government.

Eligibility

Age: A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 28 years on the first day of July of the year in which examination is held.

The upper age limit may be relaxed in respect of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes and such other categories of persons as may from time to time be notified in this behalf by the Government of India to the extent and subject to the conditions notified in respect of each category.

Educational Qualifications: A candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree with at least one of the subjects namely, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics and Zoology or a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Forestry or in Engineering of a recognized University or equivalent.

Personal Attributes: They must possess considerable physical stamina, endurance, and keen interest in nature conservation and animal protection. They must also have a hardy disposition for facing in unpredictable

Application

Notification along with application forms for the Indian Forest Service Examination will appear in all daily newspapers and the Rozgar Samachar/ Employment News in the month of January / February. The examination is held once a year, generally in the month of July. A candidate seeking admission must apply to The Secretary, UPSC, Dholpur House, New Delhi 110011 on prescribed application form.

Selection

Plan of the Examination

The examination comprises: Written Examination in compulsory and optional subjects
Interview for Personality Test of such candidates as may be called by the Commission.

Examination Subjects: The following will be the subjects for the written examination:

Compulsory: (1) General English (2) General Knowledge (150 marks each).

Optional: Any two of the following subjects: (1) Agriculture, (2) Botany, (3) Chemistry, (4) Civil Engineering, (5) Geology, (6) Agricultural Engineering, (7) Chemical Engineering, (8) Mathematics, (9) Mechanical Engineering, (10) Physics (11) Zoology, (12) Statistics, (13) Forestry and (14) Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science (200 marks each).

The Examination in all the subjects will be of conventional (Essay) type.

Interview: The written examination is followed by a personality test in the form of personal interview. The interviews are held by the UPSC soon after the result of written test is declared. The marks obtained in the interview are added to the marks obtained by a candidate in the written test to draw up the final merit list.

The main aim of personality test is to judge the suitability of candidates as officers of Indian Forest Service. The candidates appearing in the interview may expect some questions on current affairs, forest related issues, Indian Polity, Planning Process, Budgeting and Economic Geography. The personality test also aims at testing leadership qualities, mental alertness, initiative, balance of judgement, analytical capabilities etc.

Training: Selected candidates are sent for foundation training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy, which is followed by specialised orientation in Forest Service at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun with inputs on wildlife management, tribal welfare, soil conservation, forest management, engineering survey, weapon handling etc.

Standard of Papers: The standard of papers in general English and general knowledge will be as may be expected of a Science/Engineering graduate of an Indian University. The standard of papers in other subjects will be approximately that of Bachelor's degree of an Indian University.

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National Defence Academy (N.D.A.) Exam :

Recruitment of candidates to Army, Navy and Air force wings of the National Defence Academy (NDA), is through National Defence Academy Entrance Exam which is held twice a year, generally in the month of April and September. NDA exam is conducted by the UPSC. A candidate must be an unmarried male. The course of training is for three years.

The candidate is required to give his preference for the service he wishes to join, however the final decision also depends on the rank he secures in the merit list. The candidate should first decide their preference for the two academies i.e. National Defence Academy and Naval Academy (Executive Branch) . If a candidate opts for NDA as his first choice, he has to then give his preferences for the three wings of the NDA i.e. Army, Navy, Air force, followed by his preference for Naval Academy. Alternatively, if he gives his first preference for Naval Academy, he has to follow it with his preference for the three wings of the NDA.

Eligibility

Age and marital status

A candidate must be an unmarried male and have attained the age of 16 1/2 years and must not have attained the age 19 years on the 1st January or 1st of July of the year succeeding the year of examination.
Candidates must not marry until they complete their full training. A candidate who marries subsequent to the date of his application, though successful will not be selected for training.
A candidate who marries during training shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred on him by the Government.

Educational Qualifications

For Army Wing of National Defence Academy: 12th Class pass of 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination conducted by a State Education Board or a University.
For Air Force and Naval Wings of National Defence Academy and for the 10+2 (Executive Branch) course at the Naval Academy: 12th Class pass of the 10+2 pattern of a School Education or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics conducted by a State Education Board or a University. Candidates who are appearing in the 12th Class under the 10+2 pattern of School Education or equivalent examination can also apply.

Application

Blank application forms and other particulars are published by UPSC in leading newspapers and Employment News in the month of March and September. A candidate seeking admission must apply to The Secretary, UPSC, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi- 110069 on prescribed application form. The application forms are available on payment from any of the designated post office throughout the country.

In case of any difficulty in application forms from the designated post offices the candidates can contact the concerned post master or UPSC's "Forms Supply Monitoring Cell". Phone : 011- 23389366 Fax : 011-23387310.

Selection

Plan of the Examination

The examination comprises:
(i) Written Examination
(ii) Intelligence, obstacles and Group Tests by Services Selection Board of the candidates, who qualify the written examination.

Examination Subjects

The subjects of the written examination, the time allowed and the maximum marks allotted to each subject will be as follows

The papers in all subjects will consist of OBJECTIVE-TYPE questions only.

The question papers (Test Booklets) will be set in English only.

Centres of examination are

Agartala, Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Allahabad, Bangalore, Bareilly, Bhopal, Calcutta, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Cuttack, Delhi, Dharwar, Dispur (Guwahati), Gangtok, Hyderabad, Imphal, Itanagar, Jaipur, Jammu, Jorhat, Kavaratti (Lakshadweep), Kohima, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Panaji (Goa), Patna, Port Blair, Raipur, Sambalpur, Shillong, Shimla, Srinagar, Tirupati, Trivandrum, Udaipur and Vishakhapatnam. The centres and the date of holding the examination are liable to be changed at the discretion of the Commission.

Interview:

Those who qualify the written test, has to undergo an interview. The objective of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate.

Intelligence and Personality Test:

In addition to the interview, the candidates will be put to intelligence test of both verbal and non-verbal nature, designed to assess their basic intelligence. They also have to undergo group tests, such as group discussions, group-planning, outdoor group tasks and asked to give brief lecturers on specified subjects. All these tests are intended to judge the mental caliber of a candidate

Syllabus of NDA Exam

Paper I

Mathematics

Arithmetic:

Number Systems-Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real numbers. Fundamental operations-addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square roots, decimal fractions.

Unitary method-time and distance, time and work. Percentage-applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, variation.

Elementary Number Theory, Division algorithm Prime and composite numbers. Tests of divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. Multiples and factors. Factorization Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm. Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms.

Mensuration:

Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangle and circles. Area of figures, which can be split up into these figures (Field Book). Surface area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular cones and cylinders. Surface area and volume of spheres.

Algebra:

Basic Operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M. of polynomials. Solutions of quadratic equations, relation between its roots and coefficients (only real roots to be considered). Simultaneous linear equations to two unknown analytical and graphical solutions.

Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable and their solutions. Set language and set notation. Rational expression and conditional identities. Law of indices.

Geometry:

Lines and angles. Plane and plane figure. Theorems on

Properties of angles at a point
Parallel lines
Sides and angles of a triangle
Congruency of triangles
Similar triangles
Concurrence of medians and altitudes
Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram, rectangle and square
Circles and their properties including tangents and normals
Loci.

Trigonometry :

Sine x, Cosine x, Tangent x when 0° < x < 90°
Value of sin x, cos x and tan x for x = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90°. Simple trigonometric identities.
Use of trigonometrical tables.
Simple cases of heights and distances.

Statistics:

Collection and tabulation of statistical data. Graphical representation, frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts, etc. Calculation of mean of raw and grouped data.

Paper II

General Ability Test

Part A -English

The question paper in English will be designed to test the candidate's understanding of English and workmanlike use of words. The syllabus covers various aspects like: Grammar and usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in extended texts to test the candidate's proficiency in English.

Part B -General Knowledge

The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly cover the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, General Science, Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.

The syllabus given below is designed to indicate the scope of these subjects included in the paper. The topics mentioned are not to be regarded as exhaustive and questions on topics of similar nature not specifically mentioned in the syllabus may also be asked. Candidate's answers are expected to show their knowledge and intelligent understanding of the subject.

Section A -Physics

Physical Properties and States of Matter. Mass Weight, Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of Archimedes, Pressure Barometer,

Motion of Objects: Velocity and Acceleration. Newton's Laws of Motion. Force and Momentum. Parallelogram of Forces. Stability and Equilibrium of bodies. Gravitation, elementary ideas of Work, Power and Energy.

Effects of Heat: Measurements of Temperature and Heat, change of State, and Latent Heat. Modes of transference of Heat.

Sound waves and their properties. Simple musical instruments.

Rectilinear propagation of Light. Reflection and refraction.

Spherical mirrors and lenses. Human Eye.

Natural and Artificial Magnets : Properties of a Magnet, Earth as a Magnet.

Static and Current Electricity: Conductors and Nonconductors. Ohm's Law. Simple Electrical Circuits. Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current. Measurement of Electrical Power. Primary and Secondary Cells. Use of X-rays.

General Principles in the working of the following: Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers, Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope, Telescope, Microscope, Mariner's Compass, Lightning Conductors. Safety Fuses.

Section B -Chemistry

Physical and Chemical changes. Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae and simple Chemical Equations. Law of Chemical Combination [excluding problems). Properties of Air and Water.

Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Carbon dioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.

Acids, Bases and Salts.
Carbon-different forms. Fertilizers-Natural and Artificial