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A new format is likely to be introduced in the Civil Services Examination from the current year by the UPSC following approval by the prime minister.

Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy confirmed to Deccan Herald that the government would bring in changes soon.

“The notification is being prepared and is likely to be issued shortly,” he said.
Asked if the new pattern would be introduced from 2013 itself, Narayanasamy added: “We are working towards that. The process has started.”

He, however, refused to share the details of the new format although it is understood that the new format  will give more weightage to general studies.

An indication towards the new pattern being introduced was, however, available from a notice put up on the UPSC website  which said: “The Civil Services Examination, 2013 was scheduled to be notified on 02.02.2013. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, this examination will not be notified on 02.02.2013. The revised date of notification will be intimated in due course.”

The notification, according to the minister, will have the details of the new format.
The annual UPSC examination is conducted to recruit candidates for three all-India Services — Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and Indian Foreign Service — besides several other allied  services.

The civil service exams are held in three stages — preliminary, main and personality test (interview). Prelims are held in May, main exams in October while interviews are conducted for successful candidates  in March.

As per the current practice, the main examination has General Studies Paper I and II of 300 marks each, including Compulsory and Optional subjects.  “The aim (of the new format in civil services (main) examination) is to make it more relevant with the present day,” Narayanasamy had told Rajya Sabha recently.

At present,  ‘Mains’ pattern consists of two General Studies papers and four compulsory and optional subjects papers (two each). These six papers constitute 1800 marks. This includes an essay paper and personal interview of 200 and 300 marks each, making a total of 2300 marks. There is also a qualifying paper in an Indian language.

Partially, the UPSC has already brought in changes in the pattern.