Syllabus For UPSC IES/ISS 2009 Exam

Kerala Agricultural University:MBA in agri-business,2009

Important Books For IES (Indian Economics Service) Reference

Subject Recommended Author Books MicroEconomics Ahuja MicroEconomics MacroGeneralEconomicsI Economics MacroEconomics MacroEconomics SB Gupta (For both) M L Jhingan and RBI Report Soderston and Mannur M L Jhingan, Meir and Baldwin Bhatia Public Finance Indian General Economics Economy III Environmental Economics Planning chapter of Uma Kapila Any good books-topic wise coverage Koutsoyiannis Shapiro Ahuja Dornbusch and Fischer

Monetary Economics General Economics International Economics II Growth and Development

Indian Economy Indian Economy Indian Economics I Indian Economy Indian Economy

Dutt and Sundaram Mishra & Puri AN Agrawala Uma Kapila

NOTE: Listing below more references for Important sections under all the subjects: General Economics I: For Mathematical Methods section class 11th and 12th NCERT Maths books can be refered as they cover all the topics. Class 12th book of NCERT can also be referred for National Income Accounting section. General Economics II: For Statistics section Class 11th and 12th NCERT books along with some chapters of any graduation level statistics book and Econometrics book can be referred. Also Refer:

Latest Books by Amartya Sen.(For General Economics II)

General Economics III:

The Economic Times Newspaper Yojana Magazine

Indian Economy:

Economic Survey Last two years Budget-3 years, Very important Latest two Monetary & Credit Policy (mid term and annual). Latest data about CRR, SLR and Repos rate should be known., Different reports like Human Development Report, World Development Reports, papers by United Nations Environment Programme. Economy newspaper: The Economic Times

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Strategy for IES: Indian Economic service Examination

Strategy for IES: Indian Economic service Examination

ISS and IES are Central Government Services, which are involved, in economic planning and analysis through state boards, planning commission and other government owned bodies in the country. Out of several careers offered by the Government Sector, it is an attractive opening to post-graduates in Economics. Selected candidates are placed in the Planning Commission, Labour Bureau, Central Electricity Authority, Economic Advisers to many ministries, Forward Market Commission, Tariff Commission, Planning Board, Tariff Commission National sample survey and other allied offices where specialists in Economics are required. An illustrious yet highly specialized service where the appointees are giving critical inputs in the policy making of the financial and economic affairs, and, additionally, they can go on deputations to different agencies of United Nations. . Cadre Strength

500 approx. with approximately minimum 60 vacancies are lying vacant. Every year vacancies available are 6-10 based on expenditure commission norms that maximum vacancies to be filled in any year should not exceed the 2% of actual cadre strength. Because of this the requirements are put together and nowadays vacancies for two years are jointly advertised by UPSC to manage the logistic part of conducting the exam in an efficient manner. Time Horizon of Planning

At least Three (3) years so that any person can appear for this exam for minimum twice to give their best. Approximately 4000-4500 candidates are taking up this exam because of the eligibility of a Masters in Economics being prescribed. The Cadre Management

It is done by the Ministry of Finance. A person starts as Assistant Director and can go upto Additional Secretary level in the Government of India . Many RBI governors and other board chairman also have come from this service. Many IES officers also give vitals inputs as economic administrators in Planning Commission, Details 2003 Exam: For interview, the general criteria is to call 2.5 times the number of vacancies available. Like, for 2003 exam for which interview was being conducted in last week of September-October and result was declared on 13th October, 2004 in which Thirteen (13) people were being finally selected. The break-up was as follows: 1. Reserved: 07 2.Others: 06 In 2001/02: the vacancies were 09-10. Written Examination

The subjects of written examination, the marks allotted to each subject will be as under where allocation has been changed since the year 2000 with addition of a new paper i.e. General Economics-I with 200 marks and at the same time, the weight age was decreased forGeneral Studies and General English from 150 marks each to 100 marks each . Also for interview, the weightage has been decreased from 250 to 200 marks. Now further changes are going to happen as already a committee under Dr. Vijay Kelkar has given a report on revamping the selection and training and cadre management of this service.
Sl. No. 1 2 Subject General English General Studies Max. Marks 100 100

3 4 5 6 7

General Economics- I General Economics- II General Economics-III Indian Economics Interview

200 200 200 200 200

Strategy

for

English:

It may be observed that General English is a full-fledged paper and unlike in the Civil Services Examination, where language paper is just qualifying in nature and the marks obtained are not counted in the final merit, the marks obtained in General English Paper in this examination form part of the total score of the candidate. Hence, knowledge of English Language plays an important role in this examination. The General English Paper includes an essay, precis and other descriptive questions to judge the candidates' comprehension of English Language. Candidates with good base of English Language can hope to do well. Essay, particularly, is very important, as it is an instrument for judging not only the command over the language but also the depth of knowledge and expression of the candidate on a given topical essay. The good score is 55-65 depending on the proficiency level of a candidate. Strategy for General Studies:

Area wise time allocation based on last two years papers should be done like, polity, economy, general knowledge related to place, person, historical paces and any other general events of importance should be covered. Those who are preparing for civil services exam will find the GS paper easier to handle. The questions have word limit and it contains 75 words, 50 words and one sentence along with many 20 words questions. This is a potentially good paper where a candidate can expect upto75 marks out of possible 100. Paper-I and II are of vital importance as these papers assist a well-prepared candidate to get a higher percentage of marks. Paper on General Studiesincludes questions on Constitution of India, History, physical, regional and economic Geography, General Science, national and international affairs, etc. Preliminary and basic study of Indian Political System, History and Geography is required. A good book on General knowledge, supplemented by a good competitive magazine is a must for thorough preparations. In addition regular reading of a good and standard national newspaper also helps in updating the knowledge of current national and international affairs. The question paper may also have a question or two on planning and challenges (problems), which the candidates otherwise also prepare for General Economics-III and Indian Economics. Strategy for Economics

The remaining four papers are on Economics and carry 200 marks each. First is the paper on theory consisting of Micro and Macro- Theories. The syllabi of Micro and Micro Economics conform to the syllabi of post-graduate classes in Delhi University. To prepare for paper I of Economics, standard books prescribed at post-graduate level for theory are considered to be most suitable. Efforts of the candidates should be to acquire the conceptual clarity so that even the complicated questions are tackled properly. The questions, in fact, are directed at judging the depth of knowledge of the candidates in theory. A candidate with a clear understanding of the subject can expect to do well in this paper. Like define law of demand and are straight in asking the answers. Second paper of Economics consists of other allied theories of economics International Economics and Welfare Economics. The syllabusfor this paper also consists of important aspects of the above disciplines of theory, which are taught at the post-graduate level in any university. The paper also includes some input on basics of statistics. The candidates are also advised not to leave any part of thesyllabus untouched and should prepare all the aspects thoroughly. Third paper deals with Environmental economics including Monetary and Fiscal Theory, Development, challenges of Planning, While the material for first two papers of economics is available in plenty and in a structured form, the preparations required for the third paper on Economy require special efforts as mentioned in the book list. The problem that a candidate faces in preparing for this paper is that even the latest edition of book on Economics does not contain the latest developments. With presentation and analysis of latest developments a only one can expect to score good marks. The standard textbooks as mentioned should be diligently followed according to the topics.

The fourth paper is Indian Economics on Indian Economy, therefore, need supplementing with good and reliable sources of data on Problems. One good source of latest data on Economy is the latest Economic Survey, which is released every year by the Publications Division, Government of India. Another rich and reliable source is the latest Five Year Plan document which also gives an insight into the sector-wise five-year targets and performance of the previous plan. Yojana, a fortnightly magazine published by the Publications Division, is also useful. Magazines help in giving the latest data as well as analysis of the problems faced by Economy as well as its achievements. Understanding and knowledge of Economy is more important as even the questions on second paper on Economics are also asked with special reference to the Economy. A standard economy oriented newspaper also goes a long way in preparing for this paper. Every aspirant is presumed to be well versed with four papers on Economics. However, General Studies and General English should not be neglected. Thorough study, therefore, is a must to score over other candidates. Expect a call for interview if your score is 55% ie.e 550 out of 1000 marks.

Books [ The Paper General General 1. 2. 3. 4.

Following books

list is

prepared

by

successful

candidate

for

the

List: Aspirants. ] I: sufficient.

Studies: Magazines

and

general

knowledge

book

of

upkar

is

Economics-I: any other good book. and Fischer, Ahuja NCERT Maths book is sufficient. book of CBSEany one.

Micro: Koutsoyyiannis, Ahuja or Macro: Shapiro ,, Dornbusch For Mathematical Methods: class 11th and 12th National Income Accounting: Class 12th

General Economics 1. Monetary: SB Gupta (For both) M L Jhingan and 2. International Economics: Soderston ; , Mannur or any 3. Growth and Development: M L Jhingan, Meir and Baldwin., read any one or two latest book 4. Statistics: Class 11th and 12th NCERT books along with some chapters of any graduation level Gujarati-Econometrics General 1. Public 2. Indian 3. Environmental Economics Finance: Bhatia and one foreign Economy: Planning chapter of Economics: Any good books-only topic

-II RBI Report. other book. of Amratya Sen. statistics book or book. -III book. Kapila. coverage.

author Uma wise

Indian Economics 1. Indian Economy by Dutt and Sundaram.-topics wise coverage of syllabus. 2. Indian Economy: Mishra & Puri 3. Indian Economy: A N Agrawala 4. Indian Economy: Uma Kapila 5. Indian Economy: Economic Survey -Last two years 6. Indian Economy: Budget-3 years, Very important 7. Indian Economy: latest two Monetary & Credit Policy (mid term and annual). Latest data about CRR, SLR and Repos rate should be known., 8. Different reports like Human Development Report, World Development Reports (available on net) and many other good reports including report and papers by United Nations Environment Programme will help in GE-III paper, as questions are highly unconventional in paper III of Economics. 9. Any good economy newspaper Interview The interview is important for drawing-up the final merit list. Although the Candidates called for the interview have to be thoroughly prepared. The performance of the candidates and their academic record is before the interview board and hence, the interview is aimed at judging the depth of the knowledge of the candidates. The board not only judges the knowledge of the candidate in Economics, it also tries to ascertain the suitability of the candidate for the IES. The interest of the candidates in the current national and international events in economics perspective is also an important criterion to judge the versatility of the candidates. The candidates must also prepare adequately in the current economic and business events, both national and international. Regular reading of a standard competitive magazine and good newspaper would help the candidates to prepare well for the interview. Mock-interviews may

help if conducted by the economists. Candidates having right aptitude and interest in a career in economic policymaking may, can start preparations early. Prepare a list of probable interview questions in a notebook and prepare crisp answers and practice them again and again. For entire duration between mains result and interview every moment should be devoted to preparing, which involves studies as well as mental preparations

INDIAN ECONOMIC SERVICE

In today's competitive world, one is dazed by the variety of careers available. The lure of fast track careers, offered by the private sector has reduced the number of candidates aspiring to join Government service as officers, yet there are many candidates who still have preference for Government jobs. Even today, the position of a government officer is considered to be a prestigious one. Out of several careers offered by the Government Sector, Indian Economic Service (IES) offers a very attractive opening to the graduates in Economics and Statistics.

CURRENT AFFAIRS

CURRENT GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

EVENTS

SPORTS

Career Prospects
IES is the gateway to an exciting career in which the selected candidates join the service as Group 'A' Officers with excellent service conditions. The IES officers are placed in the Planning Commission, Planning Board, Ministry of Economic Affairs, National Sample Survey and other allied offices/departments that need specialists on economic and statistics. The nature of job is that of a specialist but at the same time having administrative mould. The service conditions offered by the IES are similar to other Central Civil Services. The places of posting are usually in the State capitals or New Delhi. A candidate selected at a favourable age can expect to rise quite high in the career and touch the level of even Secretary to the Government of India, in any Ministry concerned with economic affairs.

CAREER INFO

PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

DEBATE

ESSAY

ARTICLE

FEATURE

COVER STORY

The examination
The competitive examination for the IES is conducted every year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and consists of two partswritten examination and interview. The written examination contains maximum of 900 marks with five papers as under: Paper-I General English 150 marks Paper-II General Studies 150 marks Paper-III General Economics-I 200 marks Paper-IV General Economics-II 200 marks Paper-V Indian Economics 200 marks Each paper is of three-hour duration and is in the form of conventional essay type questions. Candidates are allowed to appear only in one medium of examination i.e., English. The candidates taking the exam should have completed 21 years of age and should not be over 28 years. Minimum academic qualification required is Bachelor's Degree with Economics or Statistics. It is, however, observed that post-graduates in Economics find it easier to take this examination.

How to Prepare?
It may be observed that General English is a full-fledged paper and unlike in the Civil Services Examination, where language paper is just qualifying in nature and the marks obtained are not counted in the final merit, the marks obtained in General English Paper in this examination form part of the total score of the candidate. Hence, knowledge of English Language plays an important role in this examination. The General English Paper includes an essay, precis and other descriptive questions to judge the candidates' comprehension of English Language. Candidates with good base of English Language can hope to do well. Essay, particula y, is very important as it is an instrument for judging not only the

command over the language but also the depth of20knowledge and expression of the candidate on a given topical essay. Paper-II (General Studies) has a maximum of 150 marks. Like other papers, it is descriptive in nature and is spread over three-hour duration. Paper-I and II are of vital importance as these papers assist a well-prepared candidate to get a higher percentage of marks. Paper on General Studies includes questions on Constitution of India, Indian History, physical, regional and economic Geography, General Science, national and international affairs, etc. Preliminary and basic study of Indian Political System, Indian History and Geography is required. A good book on General knowledge, supplemented by a good competitive magazine is a must for thorough preparations. In addition regular reading of a good and standard national newspaper also helps in updating the knowledge of current national and international affairs. The question paper may also have a question or two on economic planning and other economic problems, which the candidates otherwise also prepare for Paper-V (Indian Economics). The remaining three papers are on Economics and carry 200 marks each. First is the paper on Economic Theory consisting of Micro and Macro-economic Theories. The syllabi of Micro and Micro Economics conforms to the syllabi of post-graduate classes in a standard university. To prepare for this paper, standard books prescribed at post-graduate level for theory are considered to be most suitable. Efforts of the candidates should be to acquire the conceptual clarity so that even the complicated questions are tackled properly. The questions, in fact, are directed at judging the depth of knowledge of the candidates in economic theory. A candidate with a clear understanding of the subject can expect to do well in this paper. Second paper of Economics consists of other allied theories of economics including Monetary and Fiscal Theory, Development, Planning, International Economics and Welfare Economics. The syllabus for this paper also consist of important aspects of the above disciplines of economic theory, which are taught at the postgraduate level in any standard Indian university. The paper also includes some input on basics of statistics. The candidates are also advised not to leave any part of the syllabus untouched and should prepare all the aspects thoroughly. While the material for first two papers of economics is available in plenty and in a structured form, the preparations required for the third paper on Indian Economy require special efforts. The problem which a candidate faces in preparing for this paper is that even the latest edition of book on Indian Economics does not contain the latest data. With presentation and analysis of latest data only one can expect to score good marks. The standard text books on Indian Economy, therefore, need supplementing with good and reliable sources of data on Indian Economic Problems. One good source of latest data on Indian Economy is the latest prebudget Economic survey, which is usually released every year by the Publications Division, Government of India. Another rich and reliable source is the latest Five Year Plan document which also gives an insight into the sector-wise five-year targets and performance of the previous plan. Yojana, a fortnightly magazine published by the Publications Division, is also useful. To get first hand and latest information on the important topics on Indian Economy, the regular feature titled as ARTICLE in the Competition Master is particularly important as it gives latest data as well as analysis of the problems faced by Indian Economy as well as its achievements. Understanding and knowledge of Indian Economy is more important as even the questions on second paper on Economics are also asked with special reference to the Indian Economy. A standard economic oriented newspaper also goes a long way in preparing for this paper. While preparing for this examination, it must be remembered that it is a competitive examination. Every aspirant is presumed to be well versed with three papers on Economics. Candidates, thus, must prepare well not only in three papers on economics but also in the subjects of General Studies and General English. Thorough study, therefore, is a must to score over other candidates. Like other competitive examinations, IES also requires planned preparation, determination, hardwork and will to succeed. The competition is distinct from the

Civil Services Examination in as much as it has only one medium of examination, i.e., English and the marks obtained in General English are counted towards the final merit of the written examination. Moreover there is no preliminary examination. The competition is slightly restricted, as the graduates with Economics or Statistics only are eligible.

Interview
After the merit list is prepared on the basis of written examination, it is followed by an interview. The interview has a maximum of 250 marks and the marks obtained in the interview are added to the score of the written examination, for drawing-up the final merit list. Although there are no prescribed minimum marks for getting an interview call, this is decided by several factors like the number of vacancies and the level of marks obtained by the candidates in general. Candidates called for the interview have to be thoroughly prepared. The performance of the candidates and their academic record is before the interview board and hence, the interview is aimed at judging the depth of the knowledge of the candidates. The board not only judges the knowledge of the candidate in Economics, it also tries to ascertain the suitability of the candidate for the IES. In this effort, the expression and intelligence of the candidate particularly comes under close scrutiny. The interest of the candidates in the current national and international events is also an important criterion to judge the versatility of the candidates. Other qualities which are also judged are initiative, intelligence, and communication skills. To do well in the interview it is essential that the candidates carry out special preparations. Allied subjects like Indian Polity, Geography, Science and Technology, etc are required to be prepared. The candidates must also prepare adequately in the current events, both national and international. Regular reading of a standard competitive magazine and good newspaper would help the candidates to prepare well for the interview. Discussion on current national and international issues with other aspirants and friends also goes a long way in assisting a candidate to prepare well. While preparing, the candidates may practice by using the technique of mock-interviews. Interview gains more importance in this competition as the marks of interview come to about 22 per cent of maximum marks (i.e. 1150 marks). In contrast, interview marks form only 12 per cent of maximum marks (i.e. 2050 marks) in the Civil Services Examination. A thorough preparation would, therefore, result in success of the candidates at this examination and would help the candidates desirous of taking up this prestigious career. The number of vacancies vary from 20 to 40 every year. The selected candidates can get the mundane satisfaction of being instrumental in taking policy decision for the economy within their area of operations. Candidates having right aptitude and interest in a career in economic policy-making may, thus start preparations straightaway.

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