UPSC Prelims 2011: The New Syllabus & CSAT

Media reports today are abuzz about the new syllabus for Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT), 2011.

The proposed changes sound very good in both ensuring fair competition and selecting the best candidates.

According to the reports, CSAT will have two compulsory papers each of 200 marks and two hours time duration.

 

Paper I is much like the present day General Studies except the General Science portion: It will include:

• history of India and Indian National Movement, 
• Current Events of National and International importance, 
• Indian and World geography-physical, social, economic geography of India and the world. 
• Indian Polity and governance, Political System, Constitution, Panchayati Raj, 
• Rights Issues, Public Policy, Economic & Social Development, 
• Poverty, Sustainable Development, Demographics, Inclusion, 
• Bio-diversity & Climate change, Social Sector Initiatives etc 
• and general issues on Environmental Ecology, which do not require subject specialization

Paper II will include subjects like: 

• General Science, 
• General Mental Ability, 
• Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability, 
• Interpersonal Skills including Communication Skills, 
• Decision Making & Problem Solving, Basic Numeracy (numbers & their relations, orders of magnitude etc, class X standard). 
• English Language Comprehension Skills (class X level), 
• Data Interpretation (charts, tables, graphs, data sufficiency etc, class X level) 

So, the preliminary examination is all set to be replaced by CSAT. This new change seeks to ensure fairness in competition as all the candidates will have to take two compulsory papers - optionals have been done away with.

I know thousands of students whose prospects at the prelims were marred due to the inherent subjectivity of the optional subjects. On the other hand, just by choosing a popular optional, many have hit the jackpot. And no one could predict the trend,  as it differed year after year.

Clearing the civil services exam, particularly the prelims, depended a lot on luck. CSAT is a welcome change in this direction.

And, CSAT now seeks to test the numerical aptitude, English language skills, knowledge on social issues etc. These new areas will help select the best out of the lot.

CSAT might encounter opposition from politicians, but if it gets implemented, that will be good for the Nation!

Bala