Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) : New Examination Pattern from Year 2011
From 2011 onwards there will be change in the pattern of the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination as aspirants will be tested with a Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). CSAT focuses on analytical abilities of aspirants rather than the ability to memorise.Students would have to give two objective-type papers that have emphasis on testing their "aptitude for civil services" and "ethical and moral dimension of decision-making". These two papers will have equal weightage and will be common to all candidates and will replace the current common paper -- General Studies -- and the optional paper.Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) Pattern (not yet finalized / speculative)
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination will be known as Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)
PAPER I (Compulsory): 150 marks - Aptitude Test for testing the candidates from moral and ethical dimension.
PAPER II (Compulsory): 150 marks - Similar to present General Studies to test the conventional, un-conventional and current affairs knowledge of candidate.
CSAT FAQ:1. So will the optional subject be done away with?
As of now the Civil Services Prelims exams will not have optional subjects but two common papers for all candidates.
2. Will the IAS mains pattern also change?
No decision in this regard has been taken so far by UPSC. But the mains pattern will also be changed drastically sooner than later.
3. Will the number of attempts remain the same?
Although the UPSC favors reducing the maximum number of attempts for the IAS exams, the final decision will be taken by the central government. So this is a political question and will depend on the will of reformers within the government to push for lowering the attempt limit against stiff resistance from certain quarters.
4. Will the upper age limit be reduced?
This was also recommended by the second ARC and PC Hota committee and the UPSC favors reduction in the age limit but again a political decision and any reduction will see large scale student protests as witnessed in Andhra Pradesh recently.
5. Any tips?
Have a back up, be ready for any eventuality and prepare for the current attempt like it’s your last one and look to clear the civils this year itself.
