How do you prepare for various Civil Services examinations like the Indian Adminsitrative Services, Indian Foreign Services, Indian Police Service, Indian Revenue Service, Indian Civil Accounts Service, Indian Railway Traffic Service, Indian Railway Accounts Service, Indian Railway Personnel Service, Central Secretariat Service, Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Customs Appraisers' Service, Posts of Assistant Commandant in Central Industrial Security Force etc?

In a chat with Get Ahead readers on january 20, Desh Deepak Khanna and Amit Nigam of Competition Masters answered these and other related queries.

For those of you who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:

priya01 asked, Hello sir, this is priya...well i m preparing for Civil service preliminary exams. I just want to know that i have only 3 months for preparing preliminary exams. How should i study to clear the exams. Regards, Priya

Desh Deepak answers,  at 2009-01-20 13:13:34You need to put in at least 6-8 hours of study every day. For more on how to prepare please read in Career Info section of www.competitionmaster.com

Mithun asked, which is the best book for preparing for IES Electrical?

Desh Deepak answers, Any graduate level book will do

Amit Nigam says, Good afternoon guys. This is Amit Nigam,ready to answer your questions...

vikram asked, hello sir this is vikram and i want to make the preparation foe ias .can u guide me which book i have to refer for GS

Desh Deepak answers, To prepare for GS regularly read The Competition Master along with India 2008 or 2009 (whichever is available) graduate level books on Indian Constitution, Geography and Indian History

ramesh asked, hello sir,which stream you think is better for preparation.....e.g.science,commerce,arts....

Desh Deepak answers, You should choose your optional subjects on basis of your previous knowledge and interest in them No point choosing a subject which you find difficult or which you have not studied at graduate level

anup asked, helloo this is anup , i hv 3 yrs experience in mnc organization , i want to give IAS , give some tips about this is a good decision or not

Desh Deepak answers, Well choice of a career stream is purely personal. Civil Services has its own advantages and disadvantages vis-a-vis private sector.

anup asked, helloo this is anup , i hv 3 yrs experience in mnc organization , i want to give IAS , give some tips about this is a good decision or not

Amit Nigam answers, I think this decision should come from you alone, depending upon your career objectives and personal preferences etc. Everything comes in a package and has its own positives and negatives. There is no right or wrong answer here

SS asked, Hi, I am working as an IT professional. I want to prepare for civil services exams. Please tell me which all institutes i can join for preparation and how should i plan my studies. Thanks,

Desh Deepak answers, To know in detail how you should plan your studies please read in Career Info section of www.competitionmaster.com

harshvs asked, Hi Deepak, Is there any age limit for Civil Services exams..?

Desh Deepak answers, Yes there is age limit. Refer to the notification available at upsc.gov.in

SS asked, Hi, I am working as an IT professional. I want to prepare for civil services exams. Please tell me which all institutes i can join for preparation and how should i plan my studies. Thanks,

Amit Nigam answers, I suggest you visit career info section on http://www.competitionmaster.com/ for a comprehensive information on this...

Venkatram asked, I have heard romours that most civil services exams candidates are all booked before the exams ,do such scams happen in these examinations?Is it reasonable to expect to clear these exams.

Desh Deepak answers, I am not aware of any scam in Civil Services exams though one has come across few in State lelvel recruitments.

Razia asked, Hi this is razia here.I'm working as a HR.So can u tell me which exams should i prepare to be in same field.

Amit Nigam answers, Do you mean for Civil Services?

Rohit asked, Sir, i am a 1st year student of engineering(comp sc) in a reputed institution. I wish to pursue Civil services after graduation. Could you guide me to the planning and preparation one needs for a successful recruitment. Thank you, Rohit.

Amit Nigam answers, I suggest you visit career info section on http://www.competitionmaster.com/ for a comprehensive information on this...

Vijay asked, Hello Sir, Adding to Priyas question, i know that the number of hrs required are subjective but still want to ask that for an average person is 6-8hrs sufficient per day for 3months to clear the prelims..because ppl enrol for dedicated coaching classes a long time before the prelim exams

Desh Deepak answers, Well 3 months of study might not be sufficient for many. The course is extensive and you need one year of preperation, studying 4-5 hours initially and gradually building it to 6-8 hours.

jayant asked, sir,it is said arts subjects are the best for success in IAS...What do u say sir...

Desh Deepak answers, You will do best if you select subjects in which you have aptitude and knowledge. Choosing a subject, no matter how high scoring it might seem, in which you do not have prior knowledge or are not comfortable studying it will not help

rasheed asked, Good Afternoon sir can u guide me which book is sufficient for COMMERCE preliminary exam

Desh Deepak answers, Any graduate level book should be fine

Vijay asked, Hello Sir, Adding to Priyas question, i know that the number of hrs required are subjective but still want to ask that for an average person is 6-8hrs sufficient per day for 3months to clear the prelims..because ppl enrol for dedicated coaching classes a long time before the prelim exams

Amit Nigam answers, Much of this depends upon your prior strengths and weaknesses. If you have carefully chosen a subject which has been one of your favorite right from the beginning, you need not have to spends as much effort as you'd have to on something in which you were just about average. Yes, people do spend years preparing for such exams because the level of depth required is too fine grained.

Dina asked, Which is the easiest subject to score high marks?

Desh Deepak answers, Easiest subject will be in which you are comfortable and have previous knowledge.

Rohit asked, Sir, Is it true that students having B.E. degrees with Computer Science are often neglected and concentration is done more on the core branches ? Rohit

Desh Deepak answers, There is nothing of this kind.

Shailendra asked, Hi, I am an IIT/IIM grad working in an MNC. I want to appear for CSE 09 and I want to take management as a subject. How did you rate this subject in CSE? Any good successes with this subject? I don't find any material on this subject and except Brilliant tutorials, no coaching class seem to offer this subject. Can you please share any knowledge about it? Thank you.

Desh Deepak answers, Please check in the notification if Management as asubject is offered for civil services exam. For any subject paper you can prepare by reading graduate level books on the subject. If you are not comfortable with some sections of the subject you can opt for coaching.

vikram asked, for making the preparation for public administration which book i have to refer regards vikram

Amit Nigam answers, The choice of book is directly linked to the subjects you have chosen. In addition, Competition Master is a tested and proven resource for practice questions and current affairs etc

puja asked, can you suggest how to prepare for prem. exam

Desh Deepak answers, Please read on how to prepare for civil services exam in the Career Info section of www.competitionmaster.com

Vijay asked, In GS, science related questions are less compared to say history or geography, so are there different cutoffs for people with different optionals chosen in prelims like say ppl choosing Mathematics or History will have different cutoffs in GS paper

Desh Deepak answers, There are no separate cut-offs in GS prelims paper

ved asked, i have cleared the CDS-II september exam conducted by UPSC. how should i prepare for my SSB? any preparation special preparation required?

Amit Nigam answers, This session is specific to Civil Services. We plan to have more such sessions covering all UPSC exams. Meanwhile please refer career info section on http://www.competitionmaster.com/ for more information on this...

bijoysengupta asked, I am now doing MBA from one of the best colleges in India. With recession looming large, is appearing for IAS a good choice for me? Before MBA, I did my engg from a very good college in Comp Science but have no work experience at present. I have specialized in finance here and have a good grasp of Indian history. What subjects should I take

Desh Deepak answers, Let not be the current recession be a reason to choose Civil Services as a career. Chose it only if you feel you will be ocmfortable in it. Lets be clear the salary in govt jobs is much less than in private jobs and pressures in both are of very different kind. Having said thaqt, there is no harm in appearing .... you can always choose to leave later if not happy.

DS asked, Dear Sir, I am from Meghalaya , but a General category student ,do I need to appear for an Indian Language paper in the Civil Service Finals ?

Desh Deepak answers, Please read the exam notification available at upsc.gov.in for answer to your question

Surya asked, Sir, Can you recommend reference books that can cover most of Electrical Engg syllabus for Prelims in least amount of books? I am an engg bachelor and out of touch, so only need to refresh.

Desh Deepak answers, Civil Services exam is a tough exam. Mere reference books will not do. you need to be thorough in your preperation and study graduate level books to be able to succeed.

Venkatram asked, what is the renumaration offered to IAS officers who pass out of this civil services is it a good choice of career?Is it true most of the people in IAS end up making lot of money and thus most candidates are nt really bothered about thier salaries?

Amit Nigam answers, Like I said, everything comes in a package. One cannot look at only the salary component and decide on whether Civil Service is good or bad. It has many other intangible benefits which are extremely important from someone else's point of view. Even the salaries have become very decent after 6th PC

vijila asked, hello sir,is preparing for IAS the most difficult process?roughly how much time one should dedicate before applying for the exams

Desh Deepak answers, You need to prepare for the exam for atleast 8-12 months

SuryakantKate asked, I am doing MCA. Will it be good decision to go for UPSC exams?

Desh Deepak answers, Yes why not if you feel good about being in this stream.

puja asked, can you suggest how to prepare for prem. exam

Amit Nigam answers, I suggest you visit career info section on http://www.competitionmaster.com/ for a comprehensive information on this...

PRASAD asked, How to prepare for Competetive Exams like SSC, UPSC. what is the Amount of Time to be spent on them. Do you suggest Group Study would be the best preparation?

Desh Deepak answers, Please read in career info section of www.competitionmaster.com on how to prepare. Group study will indeed be a good option but you will need to balance out on studying together and on your own. Group activity can be used to discuss and assess each other.

nikhil asked, hi sir i have done hotel management degree course and my age is 27 and i have 2+ yrs of exam i want to know how can i applly for civil services xams and what subjects will be there

Desh Deepak answers, The application form can be procured from your local Head Post office/Post office. You can read about subjects on offer in the notification available at www.upsc.gov.in

aditya asked, would a physically challenged (orthopaedically handicapped) person be eligible for the IAS? If yes please let me know the extent of reservation for the person.

Desh Deepak answers, Yes, physically challenged persons are aeligible and there is also a separate quota for them. Please read the notification for further details.

nikhil_n asked, Is it beneficial for an individual to apply for Civil services with an agenda. Like if someone has done a lot of work & research related to IAS stream.

Desh Deepak answers, Your research might help you as an officer but to be successful in the recruitment it might have a limited effect only.

sanjeev asked, sir what r the books 4 geography

Desh Deepak answers, You can read NCERT books on the subject

harshvs asked, Deepak is here only to advertise his website http://www.competitionmaster.com/ ... please do not waste your time.. google has better and in detail answers..

Amit Nigam answers, There is no point in duplicating all the information already available in a central place. We are here to take up any specific issues that people face, and the information about which is not readily available.

Phani asked, Hello sir. I would like to know whether you think my choice of Civil engg. as an optional is good. I'm a civil engineer but acquaintances have told me that I should have chosen Geography instead. Please guide me. Thank you

Desh Deepak answers, Choice of a optional subject should depend on your knowledge and previous study experience. For example if you would have chosen geography and your previous study and knowledge is limited you will end up spending more time preparing for it. This time could have been used more effectively for preparing other portions of the exam.

a asked, what are the books that can be read for General studies And public admin

Desh Deepak answers, For Public Admin read graduate level books. For GS you need to study from various sources. This has been answered already in this chat

vaibhav sinig asked, HELLO SIR CAN U PLEASE TELL WHAT IS AGE CRITERIA FOR THE EXAM.

Amit Nigam answers, The candidate must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on August 1 every year for the exam. Relaxations to the age limit are available for 5 years for candidates belonging to the scheduled castes or those who were domiciled in J & K from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 1989. A relaxation of 3 years in the case of Defence Services Personnel disabled in operations; upto 8 years for Scheduled Caste candidate who is also a defence personnel, disabled in operations; upto 5 years in case of ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers who have rendered at least five years Military Service as on August 1 of that year; upto 10 years in the case of ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers who belong to the Scheduled Castes and who have rendered at least five years Military Service

tinku asked, i have complete my gradution in crosspondence in delhi uni can i apply

Desh Deepak answers, Yes you can apply if you fulfill outher criteria. Please read the eligibility conditions in the notification.

Bhupendra asked, Could you pls refer some books for History for prelims & mains?

Desh Deepak answers, NCERT books on Indian history alongwith any graduate level book on the subject.

joy asked, sir i have choosen Mechanical Engg. as one of my subject as i have done B TECH but i am confused for 2nd subject as presently i am pursuing MBA so thinking about MANAGEMENT as 2nd subject sir this combination will be good or it will tough to prepare these to subject plz show me right way?

Desh Deepak answers, AS said earlier choose your subjects based on your comfort level, knowledge and aptitude in them.

sweety asked, hi sir,am currently doing pg , i am preparing for this last 6 months.would like to know about is there need of joining a some institute where they prepare for us this exam exams.also my english is not very good good.is there language option.sir i also would like to know about this exams,as how we prepare ,what kind of paper is this.how many catigores in this.thanks.

Desh Deepak answers, To know the syllabus and categories please read the notificaiton available at www.upsc.gov.in. You can opt to join a coaching institute although that is not a compulsory option. Many mange to clear the exam by self study.

Jiggs asked, Hi sir, what is the max age limit to appear for the exams? I am a software professional. So which stream would be best for me so as to take full advantage of my experience? Thanks

Amit Nigam answers, I am assuming that you are an engineer with Comp. Sc. background. Electrical, Maths, Physics etc. might be of interest to you

sumitr asked, Sir can u please let me know what are the prospects for a chartered accountant to appear for IRS.

Desh Deepak answers, There are many CAs who opted for Civil Services. You will definately become a better IRS officer with your background of CA.

Bhupendra asked, Hi Sir, i want to know what optional subjects should a Computer science or Engg graduate should choose for civil services?

Amit Nigam answers, Electrical, Maths, Physics etc. might be of interest to you if you are from IT b/g. Other core branches have a more direct overlap

aniruddh asked, i have missed to submit the for '09, is there any chance to give exam on this year

Desh Deepak answers, If you have missed the last date for application then you have missed the bus for 09. You can apply in 2010 if you meet the eligibility criteria

khan asked, please give specific info for prelims

Amit Nigam answers, The Preliminary Exam consists of two papers of objective type having maximum marks of 450, as follows: Paper I General Studies 150 marks Paper II One specific subject to be selected 300 marks Total 450 marks The question papers are in Hindi and English and each paper is of two hours duration. The course content of the syllabi is of degree level

surbhi asked, good afternoon sir.. I m pursuing 5 years BA LlB Hons course from a national law university and plan to give my first attempt in 2010... can you guide me regarding my optional subjects

Desh Deepak answers, Choose the subjects based on your knowledge, aptitude and comfort level in them. You can start preparing for the exam from now onwards itself.

Aanand asked, I am a Software Engg. With OBC quota. If i am still applicable for OBC Quota. Is there any age relaxation Applicable for me.

Desh Deepak answers, Yes there is relaxation for OBCs. You can read the info in detail in the notification

RAHUL asked, WHAT IS THE SYLLABUS OR WHAT KIND OF SUBJECTS I SHOULD READ FOR THIS EXAMINATION

Desh Deepak answers, Syllabus is extensive. Read it in the notification. For the GS paper you will need to read GK, Current Affairs, Indian history, geogrpahy, general science, Indian constitution and general information about India. Read NCERT and graduate level books on history and geography, Indian Constitution as also Govt of India Publication "India 2009"

sumitr asked, what is the way to proceed for the IRS.

Desh Deepak answers, You need to appear in Civil services exam and choose IRS as your first option.

kartik asked, Hello sir, I am planning to appear for the prelimnary exam in may 2010, how do i start my preparation, once i hav decided with my optional paper.

Amit Nigam answers, Exhaustive study of each and every aspect of the General Studies is essential. It would be wrong to presume that any single book would suffice. Every book has its strong and weak parts. It is, therefore, left to the candidate to consult as many books as possible, so that every aspect is studied in the required detail. Another important point is efficient time planning. The time available with the candidates for preparations is limited and it has to be intelligently utilised.

joy asked, sir during my tenth and tweleth i was second divisioner but got first class in B TECH i am an average student but i have dream to become an IAS but when i think about other other IAS OFFICERS they were first class throuhout there career,it get depress me sir should i leave my dream to be an IAS AFTER LOOKING MY ACADEMIC CAREER?

Desh Deepak answers, Your previous record should not discourage you. If you work hard now you have all the chances as anyone else to succeed.

a asked, is the concept of creamy layer applicable for an OBC candidate

Desh Deepak answers, Yes it is.

Subash asked, Hello Sir, I am working and stay away from home during day time. I get hardly couple of hours everyday and only week-ends to study. Do you think with just 4 months ahead for Prelims, it is a feasible aim for me to attempt for exams? I know many coaching centers around and again I have excuse of time (I am not lucky to be in 10-6 government jobs). My aim is to service my country through either IAS or IPS and not much interested about other benefits like many (I am already in a lucrative job myself). Do you suggest me to attempt this year (I have already sent application anyways). Thanks !

Amit Nigam answers, Since you have already sent the application, the call whether to appear for the exam or not can be taken few days before the exams, depending upon your comfort level.

israr asked, hello sir, is there any age limit to take this exam up. pls advice.

Amit Nigam answers, This qs has already been answered, Please refer the transcripts

Sunita asked, Hi i m doin my Phd ion entrepreneurship./.. but would love to enter IAS IFS cadre... will it be a gud choice after doin ma phd?

Desh Deepak answers, We suggest you start appearing now along with your MA Phd. You are allowed 4 chances and if your aim is to get into Civil serivces then earlier the better. You can also take a call on first trying for Civil services and if successful work for few years and then take a study leave to complete your Phd.

ManishAwasthi asked, hi I am interested for civil service examination but i m a professional so how can i adjust my routine for this work plz advice me

Amit Nigam answers, You must have a regular study schedule. If time permits, you can study in early mornings otherwise late evenings. Weekends should be utilized to maximum extent possible.

Sus asked, Si I am Sushil Ambad can i know how much is cutting marks in Sociology and GS in pre to qualify for mains?Do the marks change for reserved communities

Desh Deepak answers, This information is not provided by UPSC.

Saurabhi asked, sir my DOB is 2-7-1979.may itake this exam

Amit Nigam answers, The candidate must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on August 1 every year for the exam

sumitr asked, Sir, Can u please let me know that what are the stages in the civil services exam . please answer in details so as to have a first hand information.

Desh Deepak answers, You first have to clear Prelims exam. Once selected after Prelims you have to appear in Mains exam. The merit list of mains is then asked to appear for interview and final selection is based on your socre in mains exam and interview.

RAM asked, Hello Sir , This is Ram .. i want to ask you that, how much text books of all subjects of 8th to 10th std can help us for preparation ?

Amit Nigam answers, NCERT's format has been found to be very helpful. It has a concise information on the topic and easy to refer. Thats what you need when you are wading through a whole lot of information

middleclassboy asked, I am an OBC boy with very poor background. Although i managed to stand first in class through out my career, i am worried about the expenses to be incurred for civil exams. I will be greatful to you, if u can give round about expenses and whether i can avail scholarship, donations as a loan for my study?

Desh Deepak answers, Most State universities offer free coaching to poor students. There is no scholarship though. You can study expensive books by borrowing them from State Library at very low rates. Some books can be studied sitting in Library itself.

umi asked, Hello sir!I am currently working in Food Industry, do you think there is any prospect for me if i apply for this.

Amit Nigam answers, If you can share your educational b/g we can possibly suggest

rajan asked, how is english literature as an optional subject...though i am from engg background.

Desh Deepak answers, Optional subject should be chosen based on your knowledge, previous study experience and comfort level in them.

RAHUL asked, WHAT IS THE SYLLABUS OR WHAT KIND OF SUBJECTS I SHOULD READ FOR THIS EXAMINATION

Amit Nigam answers, Please refer career info section on http://www.competitionmaster.com/ for a detailed information on this

joy asked, DEAR SIR I AM LIVING IN DEPRESSION CAN U SUGGEST ME SOME TIPS OR BOOKS SO THAT I COULD READ THEM TO MOTIVATE MYSELF AND GET BAK MY CONFDANCE PLZ SIR HELP ME?

Desh Deepak answers, You can read Personality Development features at www.competitionmaster.com. There is also an e-book on Personality development available on the website.

BalaMurugan asked, What is the Upper age limit for appearing? I belong to OBC category.

Amit Nigam answers, The candidate must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on August 1 every year for the exam. Relaxations to the age limit are available for 5 years for candidates belonging to the scheduled castes or those who were domiciled in J & K from January 1, 1980 to December 31, 1989. A relaxation of 3 years in the case of Defence Services Personnel disabled in operations; upto 8 years for Scheduled Caste candidate who is also a defence personnel, disabled in operations; upto 5 years in case of ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers who have rendered at least five years Military Service as on August 1 of that year; upto 10 years in the case of ex-servicemen including Commissioned Officers who belong to the Scheduled Castes and who have rendered at least five years Military Service

siva26chennai asked, Sir, Can a B.Tech I.T Student can apply for the Engineering Services exams sir

Desh Deepak answers, Yes u can

Anjan asked, Hi Sir, I am 28 years old. I would like to appear for IAS 2010.Can you suggest me what should be my approach to it.Presently I am working as consultant with a management consulting firm in Bangalore. I have done my MCA.

Desh Deepak answers, You should leave everything else and get down to preparing for the exam for next 1 year. It is a highly competitive and difficult exam and only those who prepare thoroughly an extensiely can hope to be successful

kartik asked, What are the challenges involved ina IAS officer's job ? Could you also elaborate on the job profile, the major resposibilties handled by an IAS officer at any level.

Desh Deepak answers, An IAS officer is taken as jack of all trades. You can be entrusted to look after administration of a district or a department of the goverment or even sent on a deputation to look after a PSU unit. In course of your career you will find yourself posted in highly satisfying posts and there will also be times when you get posted to some irrelevant department or a job not of your liking. You will need to take good times and bad times in stride. But remeber the job offers you trmendous opportunities to work for your people and it will be on you how you take it and perform

kartik asked, which books of NCERT do you recommend while u start preparing, the graduation level or std 12th books?

Desh Deepak answers, +2 level

uttapa asked, after passing IAS or IPS services can I join politics

Desh Deepak answers, Yes you can but you will need to redign from Civil services job first.

aks9686 asked, Hi sir, I have heard that the upper age limit for CSE examinations are going to be reduced to 25 years .Is it true?

Desh Deepak answers, No such move is known to be in pipeline yet.

Monalisa asked, which are the good books for studyin sociology as an optional subject??

Desh Deepak answers, Any good graduate level book

Desh Deepak says, It was a pleasure answering all the questions. Unfortunately the time was limited we have to now close this chat. You can post your questions on the discussion board of www.competitionmaster.com and we will try to answer them all. Good bye and good luck

SS asked, Hi, I am B.Tech in Computer Science. If you can then please suggest some subjects that i choose for civil services. Thanks

Amit Nigam answers, Since there is no direct overlap, you can look at Physics, Maths, Electrical Engg. and the likes...

SS asked, Hi, I am B.Tech in Computer Science. If you can then please suggest some subjects that i choose for civil services. Thanks

Amit Nigam answers, Since there is no direct overlap, you can look at Physics, Maths, Electrical Engg. and the likes...

Hussain asked, Dear Sir, I have no knowledge on this type of examinations, Where can I get the detailed information
Amit Nigam answers, Please refer career info section on http://www.competitionmaster.com/ for a detailed information on this

Amit Nigam says, Thanks everyone for the enthusiastic participation. We'll be happy to take more questions through http://www.competitionmaster.com/contactus.aspx. Good bye and good luck with your preparation.

Desh Deepak is the editor and publisher of Competition Master (http://www.competitionmaster.com/) -- a widely popular magazine in competitive exam preparation space -- with more than 25 years experience in career counselling and publishing of books and magazines.

Amit is vice president of Competition Master. He is an alumnus of IIM Calcutta and has more than 7 years of industry experience in hi-tech space. He had also had entrepreneurial stints with higher education and career counselling ventures.