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TheUPSC Main exams 2024started today, September 20. A hope was revitalized in the minds of the aspirants targeting the prestigious central government services in the last one year for over eight lakh people. Main is the second stage of the grueling process of the Union Public Service Commission or UPSC. This would also suffice to check the knowledge of the candidates but also their analysis and writing skills that, after all are critical for IAS, IFS, IPS, and other central services among others.
All that you may need for this comprehensive paper is summed up from the exam schedule, the time, guidelines to candidates, and much more.
UPSC Main 2024 Exam Overview
UPSC CSE accommodates three stages of processes of examination. There are three stages of processes of examination: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and the Personality Test-also called Interview. Only candidates qualify to give the Main Exam who cross through the Preliminary Exam. The Main Exam includes objective papers and descriptive papers.
More than eight lakh candidates will sit for the UPSC Main Exam, which is considered to be the most grueling stage-one that would determine who would finally make it to the Personality Test.
Upcoming UPSC Main 2024 Exam Dates
There would be two different sessions of UPSC Main 2024 on separate dates. So, all kinds of knowledge, except writing skills, of candidates is tested in both stages in entirely different aspects.
Here is the breakup of the schedule:
20th September Essay Paper Morning Session
21st September:
General Studies Paper I (Evening Session)
General Studies Paper II afternoon session
22 September
General Studies Paper III (Day Session)
General Studies Paper IV (Evening Session)
September 28:
Paper A Indian Language Morning Session
Paper B English Afternoon session
September 29:
Paper IV Core Topic Paper I Day Time
Paper V Any Elective Subject Paper II Afternoon Session
UPSC MAIN 2024 EXAMINATION TIME TABLEExam Pattern
The UPSC Main 2024 will be held in two shifts a day.
9:00 -12 : 00 PM Morning Session
Afternoon Session: 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
All examinations are conducted for three hours, and the applicant has to join the venue well in time to minimize highly stressful scenes of arrival just in time and fulfillment of all formalities.
The UPSC Main Exam is as under.
There are nine papers in the Main exam, though only seven out of these nine will count towards reaching the final list of merit ranking. All of the rest qualify as language papers-Paper A and Paper B. These are qualifying ones. There are assessment papers which check the knowledge of Indian languages and English, but these are not added to the final list.
Here is a short outline of the Main Exam:
Essay Paper. This test assesses a candidate’s capacity to write out clear and eloquent thoughts on any given topic.
General Studies Papers I-IV: These present history, geography, polity, economy, ethics, and numerous other aspects of the socio-economic and political scenario of India.
Elective Papers I and II Every candidate must answer one of the subjects published in an annual notice. They test his applied knowledge of the subject.
Paper A: Indian Language Paper Qualifying paper to test proficiency in the Indian language chosen by the candidate.
Paper B: English Paper Qualifying alternative paper Assessing competence in English.
All the papers carry 250 marks except qualifying papers, for which the candidate is declared either pass or fail.
What the Essay Paper Should Be Expecting
Essay paper often forms the core part of the Final exam. For this final paper, a student is supposed to produce two essays from a provided choice of topics. The essays are graded based on three parameters: content, coherence, clarity of thought, and one’s ability to present a tenable argument.
Some common essay topics are social issues, economic hardships and failures, governance, international relations, and philosophical thinking. The essay paper for this year would be sat for in the first day of exams, when September 20 falls.
UPSC Main 2024: Advisory to Candidates.
Candidates are supposed to observe the rules set during an examination. The rules cut down on malpractices and distractions while promoting fairness and discipline.
Important things that candidates need to carry to the examination hall
E-Admit Card: All candidates are required to download their e-admit card from the UPSC website and reach the venue for the examination.
Valid photo id proof can be an Aadhaar card, Voter Identity Card or PAN Card, or a valid Passport.
Pens and pencils: Bring along a blue or black ball point pen for writing and pencils for quick work.
Self Photos: The applicants have to submit passport sized photos as stipulated by UPSC. All clarifications about what to carry and what needs to be avoided are checked regularly on the UPSC portal.
UPSC Main 2024: Articles Banned
UPSC has enacted stringent prohibitions as to what should not be carried inside the hall when there are exams going on. This is done so that the examinations are conducted credibly. Avoids cheating and unauthorized communication in the process of an exam.
Candidates should not bring the following articles to the examination hall
Mobile Phones: No mobile phones are allowed in the room, whether they are switched on or off.
Electronic Appliances: Pendrives, smartwatch, any cameras or devices using Bluetooth.
Bags and books: Everything inside one’s pocket, note book, or other literature pieces are off the table.
According to the UPSC FAQs paper that has been uploaded on the official website, entry into the venue of the examination would be closed 30 minutes before each session. Candidates need to reach the venue much ahead of time.
Significance of Time Management and Stress Control:
Hence, time management stands out as the major success factor for any candidate. Every paper lasts for a period of three hours, and the UPSC exams come with really huge and comprehensive questions that call for well-thought-of answers within an extremely narrow frame of time. Here are a few key tips for effective time and stress management during the UPSC Main Exam. Practice Answer Writing: Given that it is the Main exam with much writing, practice your writing of structured answers within time. This will both increase the rate of answering and clarity. Questions to Focus First: Read the whole paper before you start. This way, you can plan your time out to prioritize answering questions you know best. Take Breaks: The three-hour period can be very mentally tiring; hence take some time to stretch or relax your mind during the exam in order to pay attention and not burn out. Stay calm and concentrated: Nervousness and apprehension about failing do come into play while sitting down for an examination. Deep breathing relaxation is what you’ll need during the exams. Keep telling yourself, “You are well prepared for this moment.”. Papers for the extra subjects That depends on the elective subjects that issue out the final merit list of the candidates. The level is relatively high because candidates can choose any desired subject, which makes all the difference for those who try to rank on top. Certain optional subjects are highly preferred. Amongst these are Public Administration, Geography, History, and Sociology. Candidates have to revisit the notes, answer writing practice, and familiarize themselves with current issues surrounding their subject areas. Conclusion Features The UPSC Main 2024 is going to be the make-or-break level for aspirants who wish to join the country’s most coveted positions in the central services. Eight lakh plus aspirants are lining up, which is cut-throat competition. But with proper preparation, time management, and focus, success cannot be kept at bay. Assuring compliance at the time of exams is also a must for hopefuls in order to make it through this brutal process, familiarity with the pattern and content of each paper. Good luck to all candidates!