Exam Pattern of the Indian Economic Service (IES) Exam 2024
The Indian Economic Service (IES) exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit officers for the Indian Economic Service. The exam is held annually in two stages:
- Stage I: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
- Stage II: Civil Services (Main) Examination
Stage I: Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination
The Preliminary Examination is a screening test for the Main Examination. It consists of two papers:
Paper I: General Studies
- Duration: 2 hours
- Maximum Marks: 200
- Syllabus:
- 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.
- Geography of India
- Economic 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 II: General Studies (CSAT)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Maximum Marks: 200
- Syllabus:
- Comprehension
- Interpersonal skills including communication skills
- Logical reasoning and analytical ability
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- General mental ability
- Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, percentages, decimals, fractions, ratios, proportions, basic algebraic equations, etc.)
- Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc.)
Note: The General Studies (CSAT) paper is qualifying in nature. Candidates need to secure a minimum of 33% marks in this paper to be eligible for the Main Examination.
Stage II: Civil Services (Main) Examination
The Main Examination is a written examination consisting of six papers:
Paper I: Indian Economy
- Duration: 3 hours
- Maximum Marks: 250
- Syllabus:
- Economic Development and Growth:
- Theories of economic growth and development
- Measurement of economic development
- Factors influencing economic growth
- Economic development in India
- Planning in India
- Poverty and inequality
- Human development
- Sustainable development
- Economic Structure and Policies:
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Services
- Infrastructure
- Foreign trade
- Fiscal policy
- Monetary policy
- Industrial policy
- Trade policy
- Competition policy
- Labour policy
- Social security
- International Economics:
- International trade
- Balance of payments
- Exchange rates
- International institutions
- Globalization
- Regional integration
- Current Economic Issues:
- Recent economic trends in India
- Major economic reforms in India
- Challenges facing the Indian economy
- Policy options for addressing these challenges
- Economic Development and Growth:
Paper II: Applied Economics
- Duration: 3 hours
- Maximum Marks: 250
- Syllabus:
- Microeconomics:
- Consumer theory
- Producer theory
- Market structure
- Game theory
- Welfare economics
- Macroeconomics:
- National income accounting
- Money and banking
- Inflation
- Unemployment
- Fiscal policy
- Monetary policy
- Econometrics:
- Regression analysis
- Time series analysis
- Forecasting
- Quantitative Methods:
- Mathematical methods
- Statistical methods
- Econometric methods
- Applied Economics:
- Agricultural economics
- Industrial economics
- Labour economics
- Development economics
- Environmental economics
- Health economics
- Education economics
- Microeconomics:
Paper III: Statistical Methods and Econometrics
- Duration: 3 hours
- Maximum Marks: 250
- Syllabus:
- Statistical Methods:
- Descriptive statistics
- Probability theory
- Statistical inference
- Hypothesis testing
- Confidence intervals
- Non-parametric methods
- Econometrics:
- Linear regression models
- Multiple regression models
- Time series analysis
- Panel data analysis
- Simultaneous equations models
- Forecasting
- Data Analysis and Interpretation:
- Data collection and processing
- Data visualization
- Data analysis using statistical software
- Interpretation of results
- Statistical Methods:
Paper IV: General Studies
- Duration: 3 hours
- Maximum Marks: 250
- Syllabus:
- Indian History and Culture:
- Ancient, Medieval and Modern India
- Indian Culture
- Indian Art and Architecture
- Indian Literature
- World History:
- Major events and personalities
- Contemporary world
- Indian Polity and Governance:
- Constitution of India
- Political System
- Panchayati Raj
- Public Policy
- Rights Issues
- Social Justice
- Indian Economy:
- Economic Development and Growth
- Economic Structure and Policies
- International Economics
- Current Economic Issues
- Geography:
- Physical Geography
- Human Geography
- Indian Geography
- Environment and Ecology:
- Environmental Issues
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change
- Disaster Management:
- Disaster preparedness
- Disaster response
- Disaster recovery
- Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude:
- Ethics and Human Values
- Integrity
- Aptitude for Civil Services
- Indian History and Culture:
Paper V: English Language
- Duration: 3 hours
- Maximum Marks: 200
- Syllabus:
- Comprehension
- Composition
- Precis Writing
- Grammar and Usage
- Vocabulary
Paper VI: Optional Subject
- Duration: 3 hours
- Maximum Marks: 250
- Syllabus:
- Candidates can choose one optional subject from the list of subjects provided by the UPSC.
- The syllabus for the optional subject is prescribed by the UPSC.
Note: The candidates have to choose one optional subject from the list of subjects provided by the UPSC. The syllabus for the optional subject is prescribed by the UPSC.
Important Points to Remember
- The IES exam is a highly competitive exam.
- The syllabus is vast and requires thorough preparation.
- Candidates need to have a strong foundation in economics, statistics, and general studies.
- The exam pattern is subject to change at the discretion of the UPSC.
- Candidates are advised to refer to the official UPSC website for the latest information on the exam pattern and syllabus.
Table 1: IES Exam Pattern 2024
Stage | Paper | Duration | Maximum Marks | Qualifying Nature |
---|---|---|---|---|
Preliminary | General Studies | 2 hours | 200 | |
Preliminary | General Studies (CSAT) | 2 hours | 200 | Qualifying (33% minimum) |
Main | Indian Economy | 3 hours | 250 | |
Main | Applied Economics | 3 hours | 250 | |
Main | Statistical Methods and Econometrics | 3 hours | 250 | |
Main | General Studies | 3 hours | 250 | |
Main | English Language | 3 hours | 200 | |
Main | Optional Subject | 3 hours | 250 |
Table 2: IES Optional Subjects 2024
| Subject |
|—|—|
| Agriculture |
| Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science |
| Anthropology |
| Botany |
| Chemistry |
| Civil Engineering |
| Commerce and Accountancy |
| Economics |
| Electrical Engineering |
| Geography |
| Geology |
| History |
| Law |
| Management |
| Mathematics |
| Mechanical Engineering |
| Medical Science |
| Philosophy |
| Physics |
| Political Science and International Relations |
| Psychology |
| Public Administration |
| Sociology |
| Statistics |
| Zoology |
Tips for Preparation
- Start early: The IES exam requires a lot of preparation, so it is important to start early.
- Understand the syllabus: Go through the syllabus thoroughly and make sure you understand all the topics.
- Prepare a study plan: Create a study plan that covers all the topics and allows you to revise regularly.
- Refer to good study materials: Use standard textbooks and reference books for your preparation.
- Practice mock tests: Take mock tests regularly to assess your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Stay motivated: The IES exam is challenging, but it is important to stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation.
Conclusion
The IES exam is a challenging but rewarding exam. With proper preparation and hard work, you can crack the exam and secure a prestigious career in the Indian Economic Service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Exam Pattern
1. What is the structure of the IES exam?
The IES exam is conducted in two stages: a Preliminary Examination and a Main Examination.
2. What are the papers in the Preliminary Examination?
The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers: General Studies and General Studies (CSAT).
3. Is the CSAT paper qualifying or qualifying in nature?
The CSAT paper is qualifying in nature. Candidates need to secure a minimum of 33% marks in this paper to be eligible for the Main Examination.
4. How many papers are there in the Main Examination?
The Main Examination consists of six papers: Indian Economy, Applied Economics, Statistical Methods and Econometrics, General Studies, English Language, and an Optional Subject.
5. What is the syllabus for the Indian Economy paper?
The syllabus for the Indian Economy paper covers topics like economic development and growth, economic structure and policies, international economics, and current economic issues.
6. What is the syllabus for the Applied Economics paper?
The syllabus for the Applied Economics paper covers topics like microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, quantitative methods, and applied economics.
7. What is the syllabus for the Statistical Methods and Econometrics paper?
The syllabus for the Statistical Methods and Econometrics paper covers topics like statistical methods, econometrics, and data analysis and interpretation.
8. What is the syllabus for the General Studies paper?
The syllabus for the General Studies paper covers topics like Indian History and Culture, World History, Indian Polity and Governance, Indian Economy, Geography, Environment and Ecology, Disaster Management, and Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude.
9. What is the syllabus for the English Language paper?
The syllabus for the English Language paper covers topics like comprehension, composition, precis writing, grammar and usage, and vocabulary.
10. How many optional subjects can I choose?
Candidates can choose one optional subject from the list of subjects provided by the UPSC.
11. What are some of the optional subjects offered?
Some of the optional subjects offered include Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce and Accountancy, Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, History, Law, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science and International Relations, Psychology, Public Administration, Sociology, Statistics, and Zoology.
12. When is the IES exam conducted?
The IES exam is conducted annually. The exact dates are announced by the UPSC.
13. How can I apply for the IES exam?
Applications for the IES exam are submitted online through the UPSC website.
14. What are the eligibility criteria for the IES exam?
The eligibility criteria for the IES exam include nationality, educational qualifications, and age limit.
15. What are some tips for preparing for the IES exam?
Some tips for preparing for the IES exam include starting early, understanding the syllabus, preparing a study plan, referring to good study materials, practicing mock tests, and staying motivated.