VINEX IAS ACADEMY®

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About us

VINEX is promoted by best most trusted IAS Faculty

The aim of the VINEX IAS ACADEMY is to make the aspirants reveal and realize that the world of education is

like roadways and railways, where one can reach one’s destination only by sustained hard work.

We are proud of the faculty and the type of teaching we have. But we also believe that teaching is just a part of

your preparation .. reading, memorizing, revisingrerevision… evaluation is the next part. This requires

personal mentoring… that would help you to move forward.

Our unique style of mentoring, one-to-one counseling have brought us all together and now VINEX is a Great

family in itself.

Frequency Asked Questions about Civil Services (FAQ’s) (courses 4th )

1. What is the restriction on number of attempts in the examination?

Ans : Number of attempts – General : 4, OBC – 7, SC /ST – No restriction

2. Is there any relaxation in number of attempts for physically handicapped?

Ans : No. However physically handicapped candidates belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories will be

eligible for relaxation in number of attempts provided to such categories.

3. Can a candidates choose an optional subject, which he has not studied at graduate / PG level?

Ans : Yes

4. If a candidate has applied for the CS (P) Examination but has not appeared at any paper in the CS (P)

Examination will it be counted as an attempt?

Ans : No. An attempt is counted only if a candidate has appeared in at least one paper in CS (P)

Examination.

5. Is a candidate who has done his graduation without passing class X and Class XII eligible for Civil

Service Examination?

Ans : Yes.

6. Can a candidate write different papers of Civil Service (Main) Examination in different languages?

Ans : No. Candidates have the option to write their answer either in English or in any one of the Eighth

schedule languages.

7. What are the basic non educational Qualifications to get through Civil Services Exams?

Ans. Positive Attitude & Commitment & sustained effort till goal is reached.

8. How to prepare General Studies to cover maximum question – area?

Ans. 1. Go through the syllabus.

2. Go through the questions asked in the last 10 – 15 years, consult text books, make out critical

points with reference to questions. Focus on news related to concerned areas to get multi

dimensional views.

3. Good teacher in different areas who can care you, personally.

9. What should be the criteria for selecting optional?

Ans : 1. Your Interest 2. Relevance to General Studies 3. Professional Guidance.

10. How to improve writing skills.

Ans : Its is gradual process. Develop a multi – dimensional view point the subject. Start with the central

theme and conclude properly and positively.

11. How to write a good Essay?

Ans : Practice writing regularly. Read News Papers, Magzines.

12. How to remember already prepared subjects?

Ans : Note – Pad , Revision & Practice

13. How to write answer in Main Exam to ensure word and time management as well?

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Ans : 1. Simplify the questions. 2. Divide the question into parts, in right sequence.

3. Allocate certain number of words for each part and then start writing.

4. Flow of information (answer) in orderly & cohesive manner.

14. How many hours, one should study to get through?

Ans : You must have sessions of hours each to cover optional and General Studies altogether.

In that writing practice – 2 hrs per day. Sunday for weekly review.

15. How to improve communication skills?

Ans : Hold group discussions in a small group. Read out class notes infront of a mirror and watch your

body language.

16. The Maths of CSAT will be difficult and will give an undue advantage to candidates with a Maths

background.

Ans : CSAT by virtue of being an Aptitude Test for Civil Services, will test students for their ability to play

with numbers but not higher level Maths. They do not need knowledge of formulas or any difficult

Math skills. A candidate who has passed 10th standard knows more maths than is needed by the

CSAT.

TIME MANAGEMENT

Try to cut down time spent on useless activities or stop doing them altogether. Once you have prioritized

your time, you will find your efficiency level rising and the end result is that you will be an achiever!

OVER VIEW of Civil Services Exam (More Information)

The civil Services Examination (CSE) offers the widest range of jobs in our country and is conducted by the

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). There are about twenty – four (24) services offered through this

single examination.

All India Services

Indian Administrative Service

India Foreign Service

Indian Police Service

Group ‘A’ Services

INDIAN FOREST SERVICE EXAMINATION

Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service

Indian Audit and Accounts Service

Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise)

Indian Defence Accounts Service

Indian Revenue Service (I.T.)

Indian Ordnance Factories Service (Assistant Works Manager, Administration)

Indian Postal Service

Indian Civil Accounts Service

Indian Railway Traffic Service

Indian Railway Accounts Service

Indian Railway Personnel Service

Post of Assistant Security Commissioner in Railway Protection Force

Indian Defence Estates Service

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Indian Information Service (Junior Grade)

Indian Trade Service, Group 'A' (Gr. III)

Indian Corporate Law Service

Group ’B’ Services

Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service (Section Officer's Grade)

Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil

Service

Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police

Service

Pondicherry Civil Service

Pondicherry Police Service

Civil Services Exam : Eligibility criteria & other information.

A. Nationality

i. For the Indian Administrative Services and the Indian Police Service, a candidate must be a citizen

of India.

ii. 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 1st January, 1962 with the intention of permanently

settling in India. or

e. a person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Srilanka, 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 thaty 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.

B. Age Limits

i. A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 30 years on 1st

August of the year in which he / she is appearing for the Preliminary

ii. The upper age limit prescribed above will be relaxable

a. upto a maximum of three years in the case of candidates belonging to other Back ward Classes who

are eligible to avail of reservation applicable to such candidates.

b. Upto a maximum of five years if a candidates belonging to Other Backward Classes who are eligible to

avail of reservation applicable to such candidates.

c. Upto a maximum of five years if a candidate had ordinarily been domiciled in the State of Jammu and

Kashmir during the period from the 1st January, 1980 to the 31st day of December, 1989.

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d. Upto a maximum of three years in the case of Defense Services personnel disabled in operations

during hostilities with any foreign country of in a disturbed area and released as a consequence

thereof.

e. Upto a maximum of five years in the case of ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officer and

ECOs/ SSCOs.

f. Upto a maximum of 10 years in the case of blind, deaf – mute and Orthopaedically handicapped

persons.

Educational Qualification

A candidate must hold a degree of any of the Universitites incorporate by an a legislature in India or

other educational institutions established by an Act of an deemed as a university under Section 3 of

the University Grants Commission, equivalent qualification.

Note : Candidates who have appeared at an examination the passing of which we educationally

qualified for the Commission’s examination but have not been in the candidates who intended to

appear at such a qualifying examination will also the Preliminary Examination.

All candidates who are declared qualified by the Commission for taking the Civil Examination will be

required to produce proof of passing the requisite exam in a application for the Main Examination

failing which such candidate will not be Examinations.

PATTERN OF CIVIL SERVICES EXAM

STEP – I : PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Paper Subject Max. Marks No. of questions

No. of Marks

Paper I General Studies 200 100 2 Paper II General Studies (CSAT) 200 80 2.5

Syllabus

Paper I : General Studies ( Two hours)

Current events of national and international importance

History of India and Indian National Movement

Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic

Geography of India and the World.

Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political

System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

Economic and Social Development-Sustainable

Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social

Sector Initiatives, etc.

General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject

specialization and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization

Paper II-(200 marks) Duration : Two hours

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Comprehension

Interpersonal skills including communication skills;

Logical reasoning and analytical ability

Decision making and problem solving

General mental ability

Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude, etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation

(charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. - Class X level)

English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level).

Note 1 : Questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of Class X level (last item in the

Syllabus of Paper-II) will be tested through passages from English language only without providing Hindi

translation thereof in the question paper.

Note 2 : The questions will be of multiple choice, objective type.

Note 3: It is mandatory for the candidate to appear in both the Papers of Civil Services (Prelim) Examination

for the purpose of evaluation.

Therefore a candidate will be disqualified in case he/she does not appear in both the papers of Civil Services

(Prelim) Examination.

Strategy for Prelim

A proper action plan is needed for the preparation.

Since it is a multiple choice question paper, it needs a different preparation and a proper strategy.

1. A candidate needs to bear in mind is that the examination is designed to evaluate certain qualities

like a sharp memory and basic retention power. There are ways to increase one's memory like

preparing charts. One gets confused when faced with mind boggling facts and figures. Important facts

and figures can be simplified and represented on charts and they can arranged in the form of tables

or graphs.

2. To make short and brief notes on each topic so that the entire syllabus can be revised a day before

the exam. It is better to use diagrams and link words which make it easier to understand difficult

concepts.

3. For retaining information, use of abbreviations. Since the syllabus involves exhaustive information

abbreviations help you to remember it better. It is a good method to remember dates, facts and

figures in a picture format and to break up complex names and places into smaller and simpler

words.

4. REGULAR REVISION : This helps in retaining the maximum information. A separate time slot should be

given to doing not only regular but multiple revisions like daily, weekly, monthly etc. Many

candidates make a mistake of overloading themselves with lots of information and end up

remembering nothing. One should be able to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant

information. Since the preliminary exam is an elimination round the candidate should also learn to

focus only on the information needed and filter out the rest. It helps to discuss with friends and

teachers but the most reliable way is to past years question papers for the optional subject whereas

for the general studies paper, one should keep abreast with current events and information related to

them.

5. The main constraint is the time one gets to answer questions. On an average one gets around 40

seconds for each general Studies question and around 50 seconds for each optional question.

6. Speed and Accuracy are important, so solving model question papers on a regular basis would be a

great help.

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7. A good presence of mind is needed to eliminate the least appropriate options and arrive at the right

one.

For General Studies: the current trend of setting the GS paper in the Preliminary Exam, candidates have

no option but to bank upon chosen optional subjects while making reasonable amount of preparation for all

areas of GS. Besides, it is wise to prepare these areas from the view-point of the Main Examination. The areas

to be taken care of are Modern India, Polity, Indian Economy, Geography, Current Events and General Science.

Do’s & Don’ts while attempting exam

Final preparation must start by testing self with the revision-type Model Test Papers.

Do not get discouraged by initial low score.

Emphasis on your weak-spots.

Keep testing yourself at a regular interval.

Make a mental note of areas you have covered and what remains to be covered.

Be analytical in response.

Do not overstretch yourself area of coverage-wise.

Revise your stuff a number of times.

A calm mental state is most important.

Since there is negative marking in the exam now, it is suggested to leave any questions that you

are not sure of, unanswered.

Do not get stuck at any question. Move on from question to question and attempt the difficult

ones at the end.

Attempt only the answers which you are sure of.

MAINS EXAMINATION

STEP : II

Paper Subject Max. Marks Paper – I Regional Language (Qualifying) 300 Paper – II English (Qualifying) 300 Paper – III Essay 250 Paper – IV Indian Heritage and Culture, History

and Geography of the World and society

250

Paper – V Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations

250

Paper – VI Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

250

Paper – VII Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude 250 Paper – VIII Paper – IX

Only One Optional (Single) Paper – I Paper – II

250 250

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NOTE:

(i) Marks obtained by the candidates for all papers EXCEPT PAPER A & B will be counted for merit ranking.

However, the Commission will have the discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all papers of the

examination Aspirants can log on to UPSC's official website (www.upsc.gov.in) to see the detailed notification.

The written examination will consist of the following papers:

Paper A - English -300 marks - Qualifying nature - Marks not counted- Passing mandatory

The aim of the paper is to test the candidates' ability to read and understand serious discursive prose, and to

express his ideas clearly and correctly, in English and Indian Language concerned.

The pattern of questions would be broadly as follows:-

(i) Comprehension of given passages

(ii) Precis Writing

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary

(iv) Short Essay.

Paper B - A - Modern Indian language 300 Marks - Qualifying nature - Marks not counted - Passing

mandatory-

(i) Comprehension of given passages.

(ii) Precis Writing

(iii) Usage and Vocabulary.

(iv) Short Essay

(v) Translation from English to the Indian language and vice-versa.

Note 1: The Papers on Indian Languages and English will be of Matriculation or equivalent standard and will

be of qualifying nature only. The marks obtained in these papers will not be counted for ranking.

Note 2 : The candidates will have to answer the English and Indian Languages papers in English and the

respective Indian language (except where translation is involved).

Paper-I

Essay - 250 Marks - To be written in the medium or language of the candidate's choice - Candidates will be

required to write an essay on a specific topic. The choice of subjects will be given. They will be expected to

keep closely to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in orderly fashion, and to write concisely. Credit

will be given for effective and exact expression.

Paper-II

General Studies-I 250Marks (Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and

Society)

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to

modern times.

Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events,

personalities, issues

The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from different parts of

the country.

Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

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History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars,

redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philosophies like communism,

capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Role of women and women's organization, population and associated issues, poverty and developmental

issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Effects of globalization on Indian society

Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

Salient features of world's physical geography.

Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent);

factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries in various parts of

the world (including India)

Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,

geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies

and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Paper-III

General Studies -II: 250 Marks (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International

relations)

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and

basic structure.

Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal

structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and

issues arising out of these.

Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and Departments of the

Government; pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.

Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.

Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various

Constitutional Bodies.

Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their

design and implementation.

Development processes and the development industry the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and

associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of

these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of

these vulnerable sections. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating

to Health, Education,

Human Resources.Issues relating to poverty and hunger. Important aspects of governance, transparency

and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens

charters, transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures.

Role of civil services in a democracy. India and its neighborhood- relations. Bilateral, regional and global

groupings and agreements involving India and / or affecting India's interests Effect of policies and politics of

developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora.

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Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

PAPER-IV

General Studies -III 250 Marks (Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment,

Security and Disaster Management)

Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management.

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and

employment.

Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

Government Budgeting.

Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and irrigation

systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-

technology in the aid of farmers Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support

prices; Public Distribution System objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and

food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.

Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream

requirements, supply chain management. Land reforms in India.

Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Investment models.

Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life, Achievements of

Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Awareness in

the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual

property rights.

Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Disaster and

disaster management. Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. Challenges to internal

security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites in internal security

challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its prevention

Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism

Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

Paper-V

General Studies -IV 250 Marks (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. Questions may utilise the case study approach to determine these aspects. The following broad

areas will be covered.

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions;

dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships.

Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of

family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and

political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.

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Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity,

dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.

Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and governance.

Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and

dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical

guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance;

ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.

Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and probity;

Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of

Conduct, Citizen's Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of public funds, challenges of

corruption.

Case Studies on above issues.

Paper-VI : Optional Subject - Paper I -250 Marks

Paper-VII: Optional Subject - Paper II -250 Marks

List of Optionals

(i) Agriculture (ii) Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science

(iii) Anthropology (iv) Botany (v) Chemistry

(vi) Civil Engineering (vii) Commerce and Accountancy

(viii) Economics (ix) Electrical Engineering

(x) Geography (xi) Geology (xii) History

(xiii) Law (xiv) Management (xv) Mathematics

(xvi) Mechanical Engineering (xvii) Medical Science (xviii) Philosophy

(xix) Physics (xx) Political Science and International Relations

(xxi) Psychology (xxii) Public Administration

(xxiii) Sociology (xxiv) Statistics (xxv) Zoology

(xxvi) Literature of any one of the following languages:

Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri,

Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu and English.

Strategy for Mains

How to Read Effectively

Students are often at a loss when faced with the extensive syllabus of Mains exam. One should be

objective and try to focus on about 70% of the syllabus instead of being over ambitious and trying to

cover the whole syllabus. The next thing to be kept in mind is the choice of study material. It is a wise

option to just refer to few standard books to get an deep understanding of the subject. Reading from

too many books will do more harm than good.

Lastly it is good to be selective while preparing for a given topic, to list out all the important points

and the relevant information in a logical framework. It is important to remember that studying for

the exam involves Purposeful reading which is basically reading with a certain focus on the given

topic and preparing for the possible questions accordingly. Before starting on any topic, it is a wise

move to go through the questions asked in the past about the given topic and jot down the probable

questions for the current year. It gives an idea to the king of material one needs to study to be able to

PREPARATION MODE :

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answer such questions effectively. After this mentally analyse all that you have read and try to

logically link all the points and see if you have understood everything. Such a kind of periodical

revision will help in the long run as it will ensure that it increases your understanding, improves and

enhances your memory, and makes you more confident so that you give your best performance.

Way to Prepare Notes

There are several good reasons, one is that you cannot make notes without understanding the given

topic, since you have to pick out the important points and try to summarise them. Next is that writing

down any information helps you to remember it better. Thirdly, it makes a good practice for thinking

and writing out essays. Fourth, it will prompt you to revise your work since it does not take a long

time to go through a set of well made notes. Lastly, it helps you in your final revision by reminding

you of the most important points of each topic.

How to Write Answers

The civil services main exam consists of descriptive type of questions. It focuses on testing the

candidate on various levels. The time limit for the essay paper is 3 hrs without a word limit, but for

the optional paper, there are questions with specific word limit like 250 words in optional subjects

and 250 words, 150 words and 20 words in general studies. The candidate then has to prepare

himself to answer all types of questions. The most important thing to be kept in mind is the time

constraint. Therefore it becomes necessary to answer these questions quickly and effectively and in

minimum words.

Style of Answering Questions

For this it is very important to understand the question first. Depending on what the question is,

whether one is asked to "discuss", "elucidate", "explain", "critically Appreciate" or "give reasons for

and against", the answer should be written Accordingly because it is only through the examinee's

style of answering questions that one can assess his or her originality of thought and analytical

abilities. The question should be read properly, in fact the question paper should be read thoroughly

in the first five or ten minutes of the exam and then one should decide on the questions which are to

be answered first. Time should also be given to frame the answer so that there is no confusion later

on.

A good way to write effective and precise answers is to pracise writing out answers. our answers

should present the facts and concepts in an interesting way and should never read like a passage

from a book. It is best to use simple English and avoid flow and decorative language which takes our

attention away from the original facts and our opinions about a given topic. Making a practice of

writing out answers is especially useful in managing the time limit set for the exam and to write the

best possible answer in the allotted time It not only improves one's style of expression, but also one

gets used to the time and word limits.

How to write a good answer :

The first step is to prepare the framework where one can list all ideas, thoughts and facts and write

them down. It is important to adopt an answering style which is natural, original and to the point.

Emphasis should be given to the kind of language used, one which is simple and clear without

unnecessary use of nouns and verbs. Use of archaic and fancy words or language should be avoided

at all costs. Care should be taken to avoid grammatical mistakes which will give a negative opinion

however good the answer may be. Last but not the least, it is very important to have a good and a

legible handwriting.

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STEP III : INTERVIEW : 275 Marks

VINEX IAS ACADEMY COURSES / PROGRAMME

The VINEX IAS ACADEMY conducts two programmes.

I. The Foundation Program

Building a solid foundation of your life…….

The Foundation course of VINEX IAS ACADEMY is meant to bring out and reshape the lives of teenagers and

youngsters to achieve the best of their professional, personal & Spiritual lives. It will be the foundation stone

of his / her life.

SYLLABUS OF IAS FOUNDATION PROGRAM

a. Know yourself, Your society & the system.

b. Study of NCERT / CBSE books followed by tests.

c. Self study skills (Study planning and timetable, motivation, concentration, preparing notes, writing

skills, paper solving techniques, use of reference material and information technology)

d. Faster reading, better reading

e. Creativity development.

f. Problem solving techniques

g. Decision making skills & Accountability for decision made.

h. Interpersonal skills ( Transactional analysis)

i. Communication skills ( Body language, telephonic, manners, elocution, how to face an interview,

comparing, listening skills, salesmanship group disfussions)

j. Introduction to various arts and craft.

k. Behavioral, traffic and telephonic manner & etiquettes.

l. Management skills ( Self management, time management, handling advanced technology, outdoor

management Games)

m. Leadership skills (building a group, styles of leadership, being a good leader and also a good follower.

II. Regular Class room

The VINEX IAS ACADEMY conducts two progrmmes. The first programme starts in the 1st week of June every

year and second programme starts in the 2nd week of November. Both these programmes are four & a half

moths duration. The candidates can select any one of the two programmes according to their convenience.

A. Prelim – cum – Mains ( June Batch)

B. Prelim – cum – Mains ( November Batch )

C. The sake of giving to the candidates a feel of the chosen optional, imparting techniques needed for

writing answers to the questions in the examination and helping candidates to tune themselves to

the needed wavelength.

In the first half of November every year, we being new batches for prelim cum Mains examination.

Foundation Course II for duration of four and a half months. The admission is on first come first served basis.

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Sl. No Subject Date of

Commencement

1 Prelim ( Paper I – General Studies & Paper II – CSAT) and Main Exam (General

Studies - Paper I, Paper II, Paper III, Paper IV, Essay, English Comprehension &

Precis) Duration : 5 ½ months (extra classes will be provided if required)

2 Optional Subject for Main Exam ( Any one out of Geography / Political Science

/ Public Administration / Sociology)

Duration : 3 ½ Months

The details of the areas to be covered in each batch are

1. During the term of the members will be spending a minimum of 6 days in the Academy. The time

period would be divided between General Studies and one select optional (any one out of Sociology,

Public Administration , Geography.)

2. During this period, the candidates would be helped to gain a sharper perception of the areas of

importance along with practice in writing answers for Main Exam while objective type tests will be

held for Prelim Exam.

3. The candidates would be expected to cover certain areas of study on their own as per some general

instructions given to them with regard to such areas.

Note : All the above charges are inclusive of Service Tax, as applicable.

Notes : The Study circle may, in its discretion, change the faculty, time – table , duration or the venue of the

sitting / session.

OUR COACHING PROGRAMME FOR MAINS

A New Methodology for Mains : Module system of preparation. Module pattern means subtopics of General

Studies are taken one by one and complete guidance for that particular subtopic is completed continuously

without breaking or interrupting the flow of the subject. Notes for that particular subtopic are also given at

the same time and after completion of teaching a practice test is also conducted. Thus, this pattern ensures

that each subtopic is concretely imprinted on the student’s mind. Excluding the subject which are y our

degree subjects, all other subtopics are unknown and new for you. Only if you take up these subjects one by

one and learn them in an uninterrupted manner, can you master them. It is our experience that these pattern

proves very useful. But in this pattern it is obvious and unavoidable that some subjects will have to be taught

towards that end of the course. Sometimes some students are afraid of the fact that we are approaching the

end of the course and not a single lecture has been conducted for a particular subject. But this is not at all

something to be afraid of, because every subject is going to be taught as per its sequence. On the contrary the

subjects which will be taught in the end are taught to you just before the exam and remain fresh in your mind.

It is also our experience that if students adjust their self – study time table with the classes they are benefited

even more.

Motivational Activities : Group Activities, Personal interactions with Rankers, Mentoring and answer

evaluation & Test Series.

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BOOKS LIST & STRATEGY FOR CIVIL SERVICES PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION

Clearing Prelims is all about doing same things again and again from a single source, and nor running for

study material here and there.

1. Indian Polity by NCERT

No any second source. Just one book. There is no a laternative to it. You must read it at least 5 – 10

times. Don’t make notes. Its not possible. Read every line and when u read every chapter, every lines 4-5

times. U will remember most of it. Here you should be able to answer any question that comes from anywhere

in the book.

No need to make separate notes of this book, just mark important points and memorize them. Keep a track of

current affairs and study the themes and concepts from this book.

2. Indian History

NCERT 7 to 10 Social Science. Then NCERT class 11,12 History.

a. Refer to the quiz questions as given by faculty and discussions following them very religiously. This

actually saves your 50% time.

b. Also, refer Spectrums handbook of modern history… its useful as many snippets are found in this. But a GS

Manual and MCQ, studied in GD is seriously recommended.

c. You will get many MCQ’s from GS Manual

3. Geography

NCERT Social Sciences 7 – 10 & then Indian geography books (2 of them ) 11th & 12th NCERT. Again do 4-5

times .

Any Question coming from it should be answerable. Donot be the fool who has read the book but is not able to

answer question from it. Don’t just learn facts, but try to know the answrs to question. “why”… supplement

this by current affairs part…. Eg : locate Singapore on the map, is it a nationa/ if you are not able to answer, it

means you are not honest in your effort. You have to do all of the above. Again, U will get many MCQ’s from

General Studies Manual (Recommended = Tata McGraw Hill.. Study method = Group Discussion in class)

4. Indian Economy

For best strategy, you will need to have a two level approach.

a. NCERT (10,11,12). If you can’t grasp formulas, leave them. Just try to understand to basis only.

b. Regular reading of Economy section of newspaper ( The Hindu or Indian Express, whichever you can

get.)

5. Ecology & Environment & General Science

Refer class notes

NCERT /ICSE book

CSAT Paper 2

Practice tests in class and as recommended by faculty.

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VINEX TEST SERIES

TEST SERIES FOR PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION (MAIN MENU – TEST SERIES)

To be conducted 3 months before of preliminary examination

TEST SERIES FOR MAIN EXAMINATION

This will be conducted 3 months before main examination

Test – I

General Studies II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

a. Indian Constitution – Historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant

provisions and basic structure.

b. Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the

federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges their in.

c. Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressed mechanisms and institutions.

Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that other countries.

d. Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges

and issues arising out of these.

e. Structure, organization and functio0ning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and

Departments of the Government, pressure groups and formal / informal associations and their role in

the Polity.

f. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various

constitutional Bodies.

g. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi – judicial bodies.

Test – 2

General Studies – II

Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

a. Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of

their design and implementation.

b. Development processes and the development industry – the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and

associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

c. Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the

performance of these schemes’ mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the

protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

d. Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector / Services relating to Health,

Education, Human Resources.

e. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

f. Land reforms in India

g. Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

h. Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance – applications,

models, successes, limitations, and potential, citizens charters, transparency & accountability and

institutional and other measures.

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i. Role of civil services in a democracy.

j. India and its neighborhood – relations.

k. Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and / or affecting India’s

interests.

l. Bilateral, regional and global grouping and agreements involving India and / or affecting India’s

interests.

m. Effect of policies and politics of developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

n. Important International institutions, agencies and for a – their structure, mandate.

Test 3

General Studies IV

Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitudes

a. Ethics and Human Interface : Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions’

dimensions of ethics’ ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values – lesions from the lives

and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators, role of family, society and educational

institutions in inculcating values.

b. Attitude : Content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behavior, moral

and political attitudes’ social influence and persuasion.

c. Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service, integrity, impartiality and non – partisanship.

objectively, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker

sections.

d. Emotional intelligence – concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and

governance.

e. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Test – 4

General Studies – IV : Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

a. Public / Civil Service values and Ethics in Public administration : Status and problems ; ethical

concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and

conscience as sources of ethical guidance, accountability and ethical governance ‘ strengthening of

ethical and moral values in governance, ethical issues in international relations and funding’

corporate governance.

b. Probity in Governance : Concept of governance and probity. Information sharing and transparency in

government. Right to information, Codes of Ethics, Codes of conduct, citizen’s Charters, work culture.

Quality of service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruption.

c. Case studies on above issues.

Test – 5

General Studies – I

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

a. Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to

modern times.

b. Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant

events, personalities, issues.

c. The Freedom Struggle – its various stages and important contributors / contributions from different

parts of the country.

d. Post – independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.

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e. History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world wars

redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political philophies like communism,

capitalism, socialism etc. – their forms and effect on the society.

Test – 6

General Studies - I :

Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.

a. Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

b. Role of women and women’s organization, population and associated issues, poverty and

developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

c. Effects of globalization on Indian society

d. Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism

e. Salient features of worlds physical geography.

f. Distribution of key natural resources across the world ( including South Asia and the Indian

subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector

industries in various parts of the world. ( including India)

g. Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc,

geographical features and their location – changes in critical geographical features 9 including water

bodies and ice – caps )

Test – 7

General Studies – III :

Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management

a. Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and

employment.

b. Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.

c. Government budgeting

d. Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation and

irrigation systems storage, transport and markeing of agricultural produce and issues and related

constraints , e-technology in the aid of farmers.

e. Issues related to direct and indirect farms subsidies and minimum support prices; Public

Distribution system – objectives, functioning, limitations,m revamping, issues of buffer stocks and

food security, technology missions, economics of animal rearing.

f. Food procession and related industries in India – scope and significance, location, upstream and

downstream requirements, supply chain management.

g. Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial

growth.

h. Infrastructure : Energy, Ports, Roads, airports, Railways etc.,

i. Investment models.

Test – 8

General Studies – III

Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster

Management.

a. Science and Technology – developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

b. Achievements of Indians in science & technology, indigenization of technology and developing new

technology

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c. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nano technology, Bio – Technology and

issues relating to intellectual property rights.

d. Conservations, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

e. Disaster and disaster management

f. Role of external state and non – state actors in creating challenges to internal security.

g. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social

networking sites in internal security challenges, basis of cyber security, money – laundering and its

prevention.

h. Security challenges and their management in border areas ‘ terrorism.

i. Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate linkages of organized crime with

comprehensive UPSC simulation test.

Support Program

a. Students will be free to seek guidance throughout the day through instant e-mails, G-talk, wassups and We

chat.

b. We also encourage students to seek one to one talks with our mentors and Faculty.

c. Discussion on Classroom Tests starts.

d. Institute will provide model answers into classroom students.

Test Series for Optional ( Public Administration)

1. June - Paper I : 1. Introduction 2. Administrative Thought 3. Administrative Behaviour

2.July - 4. Organisations 5. Accountability and Control 6. Administrative Law

3. July : 7. Comparative Public Administration 8. Development Dynamics

i. Personnel Administration

4. July : 10. Public Policy 11. Techniques of Administrative Improvement

12. Financial Administration

5. August : Comprehensive Paper

6. August : Paper II : 1. Evolution of Indian Administration

2. Philophical and Constitutional frame work of government

4. Union Government and Administration

7. August: 6. State Government and Administration

7. District Administration since independence

11. Rural Development 12. Urban Local Government

8. August : 3. Public Sector Undertakings 5. Plans and Priorities

14. Significant issues in Indian Administration

9. September : 8. Civil Services 9. Financial Management

10. Administrative Reforms since Independence

13. Law and Order Administration

10. September : Comprehensive Paper II

11. September : Paper I

12. October : Paper II

13. October : Paper I and Paper II

Important points to remember while answers.

1. Incorporation of contemporary writings on thinkers in Paper – I

2. Inputs from News papers and Magzines in both papers

3. Individual feedback session after every test

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4. Extensive discussion sessions after every test

5. Emphasis on structuring answers

6. Additional selective reading for enrichment to meet requirements of unexpected questions.