Our country needs honest, efficient, competent and dynamic officers in government. The
civil services is an excellent profession for those with the right attitude. The author says that the civil services are a gateway to distinction. And this is more than a career choice, for success may take one to positions of responsibility and some authority. The civil services includes twenty six distinct services such as the Indian Police Service, the Indian Foreign
Service and the Indian Administrative Service.
Those candidates holding university degrees, and a minimum twenty one years of age, are eligible to sit for the civil services examination. The upper age can be relaxed in the ase of eligible candidates. A candidate is allowed a maximum of four attempts. The civil services
examination consists of the Prelimnary, the Main (Written Part) and the Interview. The Prelimnary is only a screening test, in that the marks scored will not be counted for the final ranking. However, if you do not qualify in this you cannot appear in the Main examination. The Interview is a comprehensive personality test.
Proper planning is essential for success in this competitive examination. The answers should indicate analytical skills. One should exercise one’s judgement and skills for evaluating the
views expressed by the news media. Facts should be clearly demarcated from social and political opinions. As the syllabus is vague, one should be able to form clear views and draw the necessary inferences. Proper time management, both during the preparation and in the examination hall, are a key to success.
Optional subjects should be chosen with great care. The subject of graduation, aptitude, content and availability of reference material are some of the deciding factors. Selection of textbooks is also crucial – the aspiring student should
choose one or two standard texts. Some students even choose to take guidance and / or training from known experts in the field while preparing for the examinations..
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