More than 16,000 students will be appearing for Civil Service (Main) exams in December 2013. Civil Services Main exam will be held between December 1 and December 5. This exam is conducted by UPSC and will be taken by those candidates who have qualified in the Prelims exam.
There are changes in this year exam pattern:
1) Number of papers
There will be four general studies papers. Each paper will be of 250 marks.
2) Optional will be given less weightage
Optional will be given less emphasis.
Current Pattern:
Two optional papers carry 250 marks each
Old Pattern:
There were two optional with 600 marks each. Two-thirds of the exam’s weightage was given for the optional subjects.
3) There is a paper on ethics
This section will contain case studies that will test a candidate's analytical and decision making skills.
IMPORTANT:
Students taking the exams in December 2013 will be the first to take the new format. It is extremely important that students read the instructions carefully.
Read the questions carefully and Make sure that you understand what the question is asking for.
Pay attention to the word limit. Do not exceed or go under the word limit. It is best to stick to the word limit given.
All the best - You will crack it :)