UPSC

Standard Books For UPSC Studying for the UPSC Civil Services Examination necessitates a comprehensive grasp of various subjects. Below are recommended standard books and resources for each subject: General Studies Paper I (Prelims and Mains) History: Ancient History: “India’s Ancient Past” by R.S. Sharma “History of Ancient India” by R.S. Sharma (Old NCERT) Medieval History: “Medieval India” by Satish Chandra (Old NCERT) Modern History: “A Brief History of Modern India” by Spectrum “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra Art and Culture: “Indian Art and Culture” by Nitin Singhania Geography: “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by G.C. Leong “Oxford School Atlas” by Oxford NCERT Books (Class 6-12) Polity: “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth “Introduction to the Constitution of India” by D.D. Basu Economics: “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh “Economic Survey” (Government of India) “Indian Economy” by Sanjiv Verma NCERT Books (Class 11-12) Environment and Ecology: “Environment” by Shankar IAS Academy NCERT Biology (Class 12) General Science: NCERT Science Books (Class 6-10) “Science and Technology” by Ravi P. Agrahari General Studies Paper II (Mains) Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations: “Governance in India” by M. Laxmikanth “Social Problems in India” by Ram Ahuja “India’s Foreign Policy” by Rajiv Sikri General Studies Paper III (Mains) Technology, Economic Development, Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management: “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh “Economic Survey” (Government of India) “Challenges to Internal Security of India” by Ashok Kumar “Environmental Studies: From Crisis to Cure” by Rajagopalan General Studies Paper IV (Mains) Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude: “Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude” by Subba Rao and P.N. Roy Chowdhury “Lexicon for Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude” by Niraj Kumar Additional Resources Current Affairs: Newspapers like “The Hindu” or “Indian Express” Monthly magazines like “Yojana,” “Kurukshetra,” and “Economic and Political Weekly” Practice Papers: Previous years’ question papers Test series from reputed coaching institutes These books and resources are commonly recommended by toppers and educators for their comprehensive coverage of the UPSC syllabus. Also Read- What Is Biohacking ? UPSC 2025 What Are Large Language Models (LLMs) UPSC BPSC Syllabus 2024 History of the Olympics 2024

What Is EPFO UPSC The EPFO, a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, was founded in 1951. It oversees the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), a compulsory savings program for Indian employees. Here are some important details about the EPFO: Key Functions of EPFO Management of Provident Funds: Established in 1952, the EPF Scheme is the primary scheme managed by the EPFO. Employees contribute a percentage of their salary to the provident fund, which is then matched by the employer. The total amount, along with interest, is disbursed to the employee upon retirement, resignation, or in the event of death. Retirement Benefits Scheme: The Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) of 1995 provides retirement benefits to employees who retire at the age of 58. This scheme also includes disability pension and pensions for the family members of deceased employees. Insurance Coverage Scheme: The Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI) of 1976 offers a one-time payment to the family of an employee in the event of their death during their service period. Important Features Universal Account Number (UAN): Every EPFO member is given a UAN, which remains constant throughout their career, regardless of job changes. This simplifies the transfer and management of EPF accounts. Online Services: EPFO provides a range of online services, including checking EPF balance, filing claims, and transferring accounts through its online portal and mobile app. Contribution Rates: Employees contribute 12% of their basic salary to the EPF, which is matched by the employer. A portion of the employer’s contribution goes towards the EPS. Interest Rate: The interest rate on EPF deposits is determined by the EPFO’s Central Board of Trustees and is typically higher than traditional savings accounts, making it an appealing savings option for employees. Recent Development Digital Initiatives: EPFO has improved its digital infrastructure to offer its members smooth services, such as online claim settlement and e-nomination facilities. Increased Pension Option: In response to a Supreme Court decision, EPFO now allows employees to choose a higher pension based on their actual salary, rather than the statutory ceiling. This may lead to greater pension benefits after retirement. Challenges and Criticisms Administrative Delays: Even with the use of digital technology, there have been cases of delays in handling claims and complaints, which have impacted the prompt distribution of funds to members. Awareness and Compliance: Employees, particularly in smaller companies, need to be more informed about their entitlements and advantages under EPFO schemes. Encouraging compliance from all eligible employers continues to be a difficulty. EPFO Official Website: EPFO India Also Read- Theory of Consumer Behavior UPSC

How To Choose UPSC Optional Subject Choosing the right UPSC optional subject is a vital choice that can greatly affect your performance. Below is a detailed guide to help you choose the optimal optional subject : 1-Interest and Passion Select a topic that truly captivates your interest. Your passion for the subject will fuel your drive during the preparation process.Think back on subjects that you found enjoyable during your time in school or any other formal education setting. 2-Educational Background Choose a subject you have studied before, as a strong understanding can give you an advantage. If you have a professional degree in fields such as engineering, medicine or law, consider choosing subjects related to your expertise. 3-Availability Of Resources Make sure there are enough study materials, books, and resources for the subject. Look into coaching institutes or online courses that provide guidance for the subject. 4-Syllabus Overlap When planning your study schedule, take into account the overlap between the General Studies (GS) syllabus and other subjects. This can help streamline your preparation process and save time. Subjects such as Geography, Public Administration, Sociology, History, and Political Science frequently share content with the GS papers. 5-Scoring Potential Analyze the historical scoring trends and success rates of different elective subjects. Seek advice from top experts. 6-Length Of syllabus Evaluate the breadth and depth of the curriculum. Certain subjects may have a more extensive curriculum, necessitating additional time and effort to fully cover. 7-Writting Skill & Analytical Ability Certain subjects necessitate proficient writing abilities and the capability to articulate arguments clearly, such as Sociology and Public Administration. On the other hand, some subjects may require strong analytical and quantitative skills, like Mathematics and Physics. 8-Guidance Take advantage of the resources available such as mentors, coaching, and peer support for the subject. Engage in study groups or online forums to have discussions and get clarification on any doubts you may have. Popular Optional Subjects and Their Advantages Geography: There is a significant overlap with GS Paper I, and there are abundant resources and guidance available. Public Administration: The syllabus is concise with good overlap with GS Paper II, making it popular among aspirants due to its relevance to civil services. Sociology: The syllabus is short and concise, making it useful for Essay and Ethics papers. History: Although the syllabus is extensive, it is useful for GS Paper I and rich in content for Essay writing. Anthropology: With a short syllabus and relatively high scoring potential, Anthropology is increasingly popular among aspirants. Steps to Finalize Your Optional Subject: Create a list of potential subjects that align with your interests, background, and the specified criteria. Review the syllabus and past exam papers to understand the types of questions that may be asked. Seek guidance from top performers, mentors, and coaching professionals. Begin by studying fundamental books and resources related to the subjects you are considering. Ultimately, make a well-informed decision based on your confidence, performance in practice tests, and the resources available to you. Also Read Best Books for UPSC Preparation For more visit official Site    

UPSC preparation strategy for beginners Preparing for the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) exam can be overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the process. To help you start your UPSC preparation, here is a detailed UPSC preparation strategy for beginners 1-Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus Preliminary Exam consists of two objective type papers – General Studies (GS) and Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). Mains Exam includes nine descriptive type papers, such as Essay, General Studies (4 papers), Optional Subject (2 papers), and two language papers (one English and one Indian language). Interview is a personality test. 2-Create a Study Plan Daily Routine: Set aside designated hours for each subject. Consistency is crucial. Weekly Objectives: Divide the curriculum into achievable weekly goals. Review Sessions: Schedule regular revision periods to reinforce your knowledge. Mock Tests : Include frequent mock tests to evaluate your readiness. 3-Collecting Resources Begin by using NCERT books from grades 6 to 12 to establish a foundational understanding. Additionally, refer to the following standard books for in-depth knowledge:  “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth for Polity “India’s Struggle for Independence” by Bipan Chandra for History “Certificate Physical and Human Geography” by Goh Cheng Leong for Geography “Indian Economy” by Ramesh Singh for Economy 4-current affairs Stay updated on current affairs by reading newspapers such as The Hindu or Indian Express daily. Additionally, make use of monthly magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and compilations from websites like Insights IAS . etc 5-Selecting Optional Subjects Pick a subject that you are passionate about or have experience in. Take into account the availability of study materials and coaching. 6-Answer Writing Practice Practice writing answers for mains right from the start. Participate in test series and writing practice groups. Use feedback to review and enhance your answers. Also Read   List Of All UPSC Optional Best Books for UPSC Preparation Effective study plan for UPSC beginners 2024

How To Become An IAS Officer Becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer is a prestigious and demanding career choice that demands commitment, perseverance, and a well-thought-out plan. Below is a detailed roadmap on how to pursue a career as an IAS officer: Step 1: Understand the Role Responsibilities of an IAS Officer:   Enforce government policies and initiatives. Oversee government operations and resources. Provide guidance to ministers on policy issues. Ensure public safety and oversee infrastructure projects. Step 2: Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be Indian citizens to apply for this position. The age requirement is between 21 and 32 years for general category candidates, with age relaxation available for SC/ST and OBC categories. A graduate degree from a recognized university is required for educational qualification. Step 3: Apply for UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) Notification: The CSE notification is released by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in February annually. Application Process: Submit your application online via the official UPSC website. Step 4: Examination Process The CSE is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) : General Studies Paper I & General Studies Paper 2 GS 1 consists of – Current events, history, geography, polity, economy, environment, etc. GS 2 Consists of – Comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, etc. Note: Only the marks of Paper I are counted for selection; Paper II is qualifying in nature   Main Examination (Descriptive Type): Compulsory Papers: One essay, four General Studies papers, two optional subject papers, and two language papers (one Indian language and one English). Optional Subject: Choose one subject from a list provided by UPSC (e.g., History, Geography, Public Administration). click here  to see list of all optional subjects Personality Test (Interview): Interview Panel: The UPSC board members conduct interviews to evaluate candidates for a career in public service. They focus on general awareness, personality traits, communication skills, and overall suitability. Strategy for becoming an IAS officer – click here for more info. visit UPSC Official site