Syllabus and Exam Pattern for ies iss Exam 2024

Syllabus and Exam Pattern for IES ISS Exam 2024

IES (Indian Engineering Services) Exam

The IES exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to various engineering services under the Government of India. The exam is held annually in two stages:

Stage 1: ** Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination**

• Paper 1: General Studies (200 marks, 2 hours)
  • Current events of national and international importance.
  • History of India and Indian National Movement.
  • Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.
  • Economy and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.
  • General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.
  • General Science.
• Paper 2: ** Engineering Aptitude** (200 marks, 2 hours)
  • Comprehension and Composition.
  • Reasoning and Analytical Ability.
  • Data Interpretation.
  • Engineering Mathematics.
  • General Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics).

Stage 2: ** Civil Services (Main) Examination**

• Paper 1: ** General Studies** (250 marks, 3 hours)
  • Essay writing.
  • General Studies (includes topics covered in Paper 1 of the Preliminary Examination).
• Paper 2: ** General Studies** (250 marks, 3 hours)
  • Ethics and Integrity.
  • Aptitude and Foundation in Engineering.
• Paper 3: ** Engineering Discipline** (300 marks, 3 hours)
  • The syllabus for Paper 3 varies depending on the engineering discipline chosen by the candidate.

Stage 3: ** Personality Test (Interview)** (200 marks)

Note: Candidates must clear the Preliminary Examination to be eligible to appear for the Main Examination. The final selection is based on the combined scores of the Main Examination and the Personality Test.

ISS (Indian Statistical Service) Exam

The ISS exam is also conducted by the UPSC for recruitment to the Indian Statistical Service. The exam is held annually in two stages:

Stage 1: ** Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination**

• Paper 1: General Studies (200 marks, 2 hours)
  • Same as the IES exam.
• Paper 2: ** Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)** (200 marks, 2 hours)
  • Comprehension and Composition.
  • Reasoning and Analytical Ability.
  • Data Interpretation.
  • Quantitative Aptitude.
  • General Mental Ability.

Stage 2: ** Civil Services (Main) Examination**

• Paper 1: ** General Studies** (250 marks, 3 hours)
  • Same as the IES exam.
• Paper 2: ** General Studies** (250 marks, 3 hours)
  • Same as the IES exam.
• Paper 3: ** Statistics** (250 marks, 3 hours)
  • Probability.
  • Statistical Inference.
  • Linear Models.
  • Design of Experiments.
  • Sampling Techniques.
  • Index Numbers.
  • Time Series Analysis.
  • Official Statistics.
• Paper 4: ** Statistics** (250 marks, 3 hours)
  • Demography and Vital Statistics.
  • Econometrics.
  • Operations Research.
  • Quality Control.
  • Computer Applications in Statistics.
  • Statistical Data Analysis.
  • Applied Statistics.

Stage 3: ** Personality Test (Interview)** (200 marks)

Note: Candidates must clear the Preliminary Examination to be eligible to appear for the Main Examination. The final selection is based on the combined scores of the Main Examination and the Personality Test.

Detailed Syllabus for IES and ISS Exams

General Studies (Paper 1 and Paper 2 of Preliminary and Main Examination)

1. Current Events of National and International Importance:

• Major events in India and the world.
• Significant national and international issues.
• Important personalities and their contributions.
• Current affairs related to science and technology, environment, and culture.

2. History of India and Indian National Movement:

• Ancient, Medieval, and Modern India.
• Important events, personalities, and movements.
• Art, culture, and literature of India.
• Social and economic reforms in India.
• Indian National Movement – its causes, important leaders, and stages.

3. Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.

• Indian Constitution – its features, principles, and amendments.
• Political system of India – Parliament, Executive, Judiciary, and Federalism.
• Panchayati Raj institutions and their role in rural development.
• Public policy formulation and implementation.
• Rights issues in India – fundamental rights, human rights, and social justice.

4. Economy and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

• Indian economy – its structure, growth, and challenges.
• Sustainable development and its relevance to India.
• Poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.
• Demographics and population dynamics in India.
• Social sector initiatives – education, health, and social welfare.

5. General Issues on Environmental Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change – that do not require subject specialization.

• Environmental issues – pollution, deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
• Environmental laws and regulations in India.
• Sustainable development and environmental conservation.
• Climate change – its causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies.

6. General Science:

• Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology.
• Science and technology in everyday life.
• Current developments in science and technology.
• Space exploration and its applications.
• Health and hygiene.

Engineering Aptitude (Paper 2 of Preliminary Examination)

1. Comprehension and Composition:

• Reading comprehension passages.
• Writing essays, précis, and reports.
• Grammar and vocabulary.

2. Reasoning and Analytical Ability:

• Logical reasoning.
• Analytical reasoning.
• Decision-making.
• Problem-solving.

3. Data Interpretation:

• Interpretation of data presented in tables, graphs, and charts.
• Analysis and drawing inferences from data.

4. Engineering Mathematics:

• Calculus.
• Algebra.
• Differential equations.
• Linear algebra.
• Probability and statistics.

5. General Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Electronics):

• Basic concepts of civil, mechanical, electrical, and electronics engineering.
• Engineering materials and their properties.
• Engineering principles and applications.

Engineering Discipline (Paper 3 of Main Examination)

Civil Engineering:

• Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics.
• Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering.
• Structural Engineering.
• Surveying.
• Transportation Engineering.
• Environmental Engineering.
• Construction Technology and Management.

Mechanical Engineering:

• Thermodynamics.
• Fluid Mechanics and Machinery.
• Strength of Materials and Theory of Machines.
• Production Engineering.
• Industrial Engineering.
• Design Engineering.
• Heat Transfer and Refrigeration.

Electrical Engineering:

• Electric Circuits and Networks.
• Electromagnetism and Electric Machines.
• Power Systems.
• Control Systems.
• Electronics and Communication Engineering.
• Instrumentation and Measurement.

Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering:

• Analog and Digital Electronics.
• Communication Systems.
• Microwave Engineering.
• Optical Fiber Communication.
• Computer Networks.
• Signal Processing.

Statistics (Paper 3 and Paper 4 of Main Examination)

1. Probability:

• Basic concepts of probability.
• Probability distributions.
• Random variables.
• Statistical inference.

2. Statistical Inference:

• Estimation theory.
• Hypothesis testing.
• Confidence intervals.
• Regression analysis.

3. Linear Models:

• Linear regression.
• Analysis of variance.
• Design of experiments.

4. Design of Experiments:

• Principles of experimental design.
• Analysis of experimental data.
• Factorial designs.

5. Sampling Techniques:

• Types of sampling.
• Sampling distributions.
• Sample size determination.

6. Index Numbers:

• Construction of index numbers.
• Types of index numbers.
• Uses of index numbers.

7. Time Series Analysis:

• Components of time series.
• Forecasting methods.
• Seasonal adjustment.

8. Official Statistics:

• Sources of official statistics.
• National statistical system.
• Data collection and analysis.

9. Demography and Vital Statistics:

• Population growth and distribution.
• Mortality and morbidity.
• Fertility and family planning.

10. Econometrics:

• Regression analysis.
• Time series analysis.
• Simultaneous equations models.

11. Operations Research:

• Linear programming.
• Network analysis.
• Inventory control.
• Queueing theory.

12. Quality Control:

• Statistical quality control.
• Control charts.
• Acceptance sampling.

13. Computer Applications in Statistics:

• Statistical software packages.
• Data analysis and visualization.
• Statistical modeling.

14. Statistical Data Analysis:

• Data cleaning and transformation.
• Exploratory data analysis.
• Statistical modeling.

15. Applied Statistics:

• Applications of statistics in various fields.
• Case studies.

Exam Pattern for IES and ISS Exams

Preliminary Examination:

Paper	Subject	Marks	Duration
Paper 1	General Studies	200	2 hours
Paper 2	Engineering Aptitude (IES) / CSAT (ISS)	200	2 hours

Main Examination:

Paper	Subject	Marks	Duration
Paper 1	General Studies	250	3 hours
Paper 2	General Studies	250	3 hours
Paper 3	Engineering Discipline (IES) / Statistics (ISS)	300 (IES) / 250 (ISS)	3 hours
Paper 4	Statistics (ISS)	250	3 hours

Personality Test (Interview):

Subject	Marks	Duration
Personality Test	200	30 minutes

Note:

• The exam pattern and syllabus may be subject to change by the UPSC.
• Candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC website for the latest information.

Important Points to Remember

• The IES and ISS exams are highly competitive.
• Candidates need to have a strong foundation in their chosen engineering discipline or statistics.
• A thorough understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern is essential for success.
• Candidates should start preparing early and follow a well-structured study plan.
• Mock tests and previous years’ question papers are helpful for practice.
• Candidates should focus on developing their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Tips for Preparation

• Understand the Syllabus: Carefully go through the syllabus and identify the key topics.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic study plan that covers all the topics in a timely manner.
• Refer to Standard Textbooks: Use standard textbooks and reference materials for in-depth understanding.
• Practice Previous Years’ Question Papers: Solve previous years’ question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and difficulty level.
• Join Coaching Classes: Consider joining coaching classes for guidance and mentorship.
• Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Keep yourself updated with current events of national and international importance.
• Develop Time Management Skills: Learn to manage time effectively during the exam.
• Practice Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to assess your preparation level and identify areas of improvement.
• Stay Motivated: Stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation journey.

Table 1: ** Comparison of IES and ISS Exams**

Feature	IES	ISS
Eligibility	Engineering graduates	Statistics graduates
Exam Pattern	Two-stage exam (Preliminary and Main)	Two-stage exam (Preliminary and Main)
Subjects	Engineering disciplines	Statistics
Job Profile	Engineering services under the Government of India	Indian Statistical Service
Salary	As per government pay scales	As per government pay scales

Table 2: ** Important Dates for IES and ISS Exams 2024**

Event	Date
Notification Release	(To be announced by UPSC)
Last Date to Apply	(To be announced by UPSC)
Preliminary Examination	(To be announced by UPSC)
Main Examination	(To be announced by UPSC)
Personality Test (Interview)	(To be announced by UPSC)
Final Result Declaration	(To be announced by UPSC)

Note: The dates mentioned above are tentative and may vary. Candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC website for the latest information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers

General:

• Q: What is the eligibility criteria for the IES/ISS exam?
  • A: For IES, you need to be an engineering graduate. For ISS, you need to be a statistics graduate. Both exams require Indian citizenship.
• Q: When is the IES/ISS exam notification released?
  • A: The notification is usually released in the month of June/July by the UPSC.
• Q: What is the exam pattern for the IES/ISS exam?
  • A: Both exams have two stages: Preliminary and Main. The Preliminary exam consists of two papers (General Studies and Engineering Aptitude/CSAT). The Main exam has four papers (General Studies, Ethics, Engineering Discipline/Statistics, and Statistics for ISS only).
• Q: What is the syllabus for the IES/ISS exam?
  • A: The syllabus covers a wide range of topics including General Studies, Engineering Aptitude/CSAT, Engineering Discipline, and Statistics. You can find the detailed syllabus on the UPSC website.
• Q: How can I prepare for the IES/ISS exam?
  • A: Start early, refer to standard textbooks, practice previous years’ papers, join coaching classes, stay updated with current affairs, and take mock tests regularly.
• Q: What is the selection process for the IES/ISS exam?
  • A: The final selection is based on the combined scores of the Main exam and the Personality Test (interview).

Preliminary Exam:

• Q: What is the difficulty level of the Preliminary exam?
  • A: The Preliminary exam is considered moderately difficult.
• Q: How many questions are there in the Preliminary exam?
  • A: Each paper in the Preliminary exam has 100 questions, with each question carrying 2 marks.
• Q: What is the negative marking scheme for the Preliminary exam?
  • A: There is a negative marking of 1/3rd mark for each incorrect answer.

Main Exam:

• Q: What is the duration of the Main exam?
  • A: Each paper in the Main exam is of 3 hours duration.
• Q: What is the marking scheme for the Main exam?
  • A: Each paper in the Main exam is marked out of 250 marks, except for the Engineering Discipline paper in IES which is marked out of 300.
• Q: What is the syllabus for the Engineering Discipline/Statistics paper?
  • A: The syllabus for the Engineering Discipline/Statistics paper varies depending on the chosen branch of engineering or statistics.

Personality Test:

• Q: What is the purpose of the Personality Test?
  • A: The Personality Test assesses your personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for the Indian Engineering Services/Indian Statistical Service.
• Q: How is the Personality Test conducted?
  • A: The Personality Test is conducted in the form of an interview by a board of experts.

Other:

• Q: What are the advantages of joining the IES/ISS?
  • A: It offers a prestigious and secure career in the Government of India with good salary and benefits.
• Q: What are the job profiles for IES/ISS officers?
  • A: IES officers work in various engineering departments of the government, while ISS officers work in the field of statistics and data analysis.
• Q: What are the best resources for preparing for the IES/ISS exam?
  • A: Standard textbooks, previous years’ question papers, online resources, and coaching classes are some of the best resources.

Note: These are just a few frequently asked questions. The actual questions and answers may vary depending on the specific context. It is always best to refer to the official UPSC website for the most up-to-date information.