A gateway to the coveted appointments in Government services is through civil services examinations. However, there is a misconception amongst aspirants that UPSC & MPSC civil services examinations are very tough and they can’t be tackled simultaneously. Recent changes in syllabus and pattern of UPSC & MPSC civil services examinations is a blessing in disguise as it provides an opportunity for the aspirants in Maharashtra to modify their approach towards civil services examination preparation  in such a manner that both these exams can be prepared simultaneously.

The first stage of civil services examination is preliminary examination where there is an approximately 80% similarity in the syllabus of UPSC & MPSC civil services examination. Both these exams consist of MCQ type of questions. MPSC civil services exam aspirant, additionally need to  emphasize on Maharashtra related aspects of syllabus in terms of social reformers, geography of Maharashtra, Panchayati Raj Institutions and economy of Maharashtra, respectively. They can supplement their study material with Economic survey of Maharashtra, Government of Maharashtra published ‘Lokrajya’ magazine and a regular follow up of current events related to Maharashtra. A detailed and systematic approach towards covering entire syllabus of UPSC preliminary examination with additional inputs related to Maharashtra, will make it easier for a candidate to crack the preliminary stage of UPSC as well as MPSC civil services examination simultaneously.

The most important stage of civil services examination- the mains examination- requires an independent strategy  for UPSC and MPSC exams, respectively. UPSC conducts a written examination for mains of 1750 marks where as MPSC conducts a MCQ based mains exam of total 800 marks. UPSC expects a balanced, analytical and an all-rounder approach from a candidate in mains examination whereas MPSC examination is a continuation of MCQ type question pattern as that of prelims examination. UPSC civil services examination aspirants can’t afford to restrict themselves to short-cut methods of preparation but need to be able to assimilate, grasp and write the answers systematically in their own language. Clarity of thoughts, brevity in words and ability to correctly express the concept is the key to score good marks in the mains examination. UPSC civil services examination aspirant has to prepare for General Studies Paper IV of Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude; an Essay paper of 250 marks and one optional subject of total 500 marks, respectively over and above the common syllabus with MPSC examination. In contrast, MCQ based nature of MPSC mains exam requires a factual data oriented approach rather than an analytical approach. The syllabus of MPSC mains examination is basically an extension of UPSC & MPSC prelims examination with addition of certain topics like cooperative movement, agriculture, RTI and other laws, science and technology section and so on. A separate General Studies paper on Human Resources Development and Human Rights has been added in MPSC mains examination which needs an additional focus as compared to prelims examination preparation. A MPSC mains examination candidate has to prepare separately for English and Marathi language papers of 100 marks each which are the part of total score of mains examination.

The last obstacle, a civil services examination aspirant has to cross is the personality test or popularly known as ‘Interview Test’.  The personality test is an assessment of suitability of a candidate’s personality for a civil servant job. Questions related to personal biodata of a candidate as well as current affairs of local, national and international relevance are usually asked in the interview test. A civil services examination aspirant who has simultaneously prepared for different stages of UPSC & MPSC civil services examination holds an advantage at the stage of Interview, as he has already thoroughly prepared for state related questions during MPSC exams preparation and has also done a comprehensive coverage of national and international issues in UPSC exams related preparation, respectively. The depth of knowledge as well as coverage of wider areas of current affairs related events gives him an additional advantage at this final stage of preparation.

A detailed, systematic and well directed combined preparation strategy for UPSC & MPSC civil services examination is a key to success in civil services examination as UPSC and MPSC exams preparation is not contrary to each other, but is complementary and supplementary to each other.

 

(The author of this article ,Lt Col (Dr) Satish Dhage, is an ex Army officer and has been qualified for IPS (Indian Police Services) through IPS LCE 2012. Presently, he is Director, MGM Institute of Competitive Exams Aurangabad.                                    

For any queries or feedback, he can be contacted on email id : drsatishdhage@gmail.com)