Most of us opt for Civil Services for a red beacon or just to become famous, but as long as there is no commitment towards helping people and addressing their solutions – the real point of becoming an IAS is suppressed. Civil Services, unlike the private jobs and businesses, shouldn’t be approached with ‘what is there for me?’ Rather it should have an outlook of societal reformation, and candidates must see the macro picture of what they can deliver for the nation and how they can bring positive changes in the current manifesto of society.
Unlike any other job which remains confined to the organization you work for, Civil Services gives an opportunity to work towards the country and its citizens. One who knows this service can understand why there is too much flux of people opting for IAS, even if we keep the power and status aside – theirs is still something substantial in the picture.
Civil services not only demand knowledge, which most of the IAS aspirants traditionally think, rather cracking UPSC surpasses all the primitive approaches and seeks for candidates who possess a strong love, dedication, and commitment towards the nation. UPSC is meant for such candidates who yearn of administering rightful traits, meticulous decision-making skills, exhibit right judgment powers along with the ability to handle the difficult situations at all given circumstances.
UPSC examination closely monitors these social traits of each examinee through their well-defined 3 stages namely Prelims, Mains & Interview. Therefore, UPSC exam pattern is crafted in a manner which is case study oriented, while giving importance to current affairs and trending issues in collaboration with past years government schemes and national policies.

Let’s have a look at the stages of Civil Services Exam Preliminary Exam
Prelims
Being the first stage of Civil Services exam, Prelims is the first step which takes the aspirants towards the ladder of Success. Preliminary exam tests the basic knowledge and general aptitude of the candidate. Therefore, UPSC demands the candidates to work on their personalities and aptitude, right from the beginning of the preparation. Students often make a mistake to gain knowledge of almost everything under the sun and forget the basic requirement of UPSC, i.e., right aptitude and administrative traits. Therefore, to begin with, candidates should thoroughly study NCERT books to make a stronger foundation and then start solving previous years question papers. Current affairs should never be avoided and must be on fingertips of every candidate. Hence, reading Newspapers is one of the most important parts of the preparation process.

Mains
Moving to the 2nd stage, which is the Main Exam, UPSC undoubtedly looks for in-depth knowledge of the candidates on different subjects. But the preparation process in itself is a wonderful journey which transforms the candidate entirely; the thought process, the way of looking at the society, the way of interacting with people. Students should study efficiently and should not limit themselves to their rooms and books. It’s highly advisable that they move out and see things from higher perspectives and look at what and how they can change the society. This helps candidates in essay writing as it increases their thinking capacity.
Current affairs should not be mugged up rather be discussed with other people; as the important discussions always stay in mind. The optional paper must be selected wisely and should be completely based on personal interest. Attaining efficient speed of writing is another crucial point for general studies, as UPSC gives stipulated time within which the candidate has to answer all the questions efficiently. Therefore, students must practice question paper of past years, literally by writing answers to each and every question. Apart from this, essay writing practice is mandatory and should not be neglected at any cost.

Interview
As we are approaching for UPSC interview 2020, let’s look at the final stage of Civil Services exam which most of the aspirants must be eagerly waiting for. After completion of Mains comes the final stage – “Interview”.
As termed by UPSC, the Interview process is completely a personality test of the candidate and aspirants should keep this fact in mind during their preparation. Usually, around 5 to 6-panel members are present during an interview headed by the chairperson. The interviews are conducted at the UPSC office at Dholpur House in Connaught Place, New Delhi. Each panel member holds a specialized degree and knowledge in his or her particular field; they could be a retired judge, a
lawyer or a former officer. Though there is no shorter way – good way or bad way, one’s way to prepare is to develop their zeal, passion, and ability to take pressure in order to achieve success for a lifetime. In the course of the career of an IAS – the post promises, with respect and fame, a series of achievements that are undeniably enticing and at the end of the day – makes a substantial difference. It’s a wonderful journey; let’s have a look at the benefits an IAS officer gets after their allocation at their post.

Policy Making
An IAS Officer contributes towards the Policy formulation and helps the system to effectively implement it. IAS Officers have become an integral part of policy construction and the bureaucrat system that governs it. And, reserving the top posts of our bureaucracy – IAS officers have become the central power houses of our system.

Impact
Most of the decisions by an IAS affects the lives of thousands of people in and around the region. It’s not a secret that impact zone of an IAS is wider and varied in nature, as an IAS officer is held responsible for regulations of policies, developmental activities and also, the administration.

Power
Being an IAS officer, the person is endowed with unmatched power. Even state government cannot take action against IAS officials without taking permission from MHRD. The job protects and keeps you away from the plethora of detrimental effects which are otherwise unavoidable for people working in private sector and other government jobs. All of this tie-up to become a package of immense value and that is why our youths are behind it. Most importantly, the candidates opting for Civil Services must not forget the basic reason of entering into this service; to serve the nation, serve the people and to bring positive changes in the society.