General category and OBC (creamy layer) category have a maximum of 6 attempts. OBC (non creamy layer) have a maximum of 9 attempts. For Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe category candidates there is no limit on the number of attempts till they attain the age of 37 years. Students belonging to OBC/SC/ST can give the first 6 attempts as General category candidates (if they so desire) and thereafter they can avail the relaxation in the number of attempts by availing the category benefit

The number of vacancies reported by Union Public Service Commission varies every year. The number of vacancies per year in the last few years had varied between 1000 to 1200.

No, An attempt is counted only if a candidate has appeared in at least one paper in CS (P) Examination.

No, Candidates have the option to write their answers either in English or in any one of the Eighth schedule languages.

General Studies is a crucial component of the Civil Services Examination, which is required for becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. It encompasses a broad range of subjects and topics that are essential for an aspiring IAS officer to be well-informed about, including history, geography, economics, science and technology, environment, and current affairs.

General Studies is important in IAS preparation because it tests the candidate's overall awareness and understanding of various issues that are relevant to the country and its citizens. It helps in developing the intellectual and analytical abilities of the candidate, and also helps them to build a holistic perspective on a variety of topics.

The General Studies paper in the Prelims exam is a screening test that helps the UPSC to filter out candidates who lack the basic knowledge and understanding required to be an IAS officer. In the Mains exam, General Studies is a major component of the syllabus, and its marks are critical in determining the final rank of the candidate.

Furthermore, the knowledge and skills gained from studying General Studies are also relevant to the job of an IAS officer, who must be knowledgeable about a variety of issues in order to effectively perform their duties and serve the people of the country.

Overall, General Studies plays a vital role in IAS preparation, and candidates should focus on building a strong foundation in this subject in order to succeed in the Civil Services Examination.

The essay writing section of the IAS exam is an important component that tests a candidate's ability to express their ideas, arguments, and viewpoints in a structured and coherent manner. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the essay writing section:

Improve your language skills: Having a strong command over the English language is essential for writing a good essay. You should read extensively and work on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and syntax

Practice writing essays: Practice writing essays on a variety of topics to get comfortable with the format and style. Make sure you stick to the word limit and use a clear and concise writing style.

Understand the format and structure: The essay should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should provide an overview of the topic, the body should present arguments and examples, and the conclusion should summarize the main points.

Analyze previous year's questions: Analyze the previous year's essay questions to get an idea of the kind of topics that are asked. This will help you understand the demand of the question and prepare accordingly.

Keep it concise and to the point: Avoid beating around the bush and stick to the topic. Make sure your arguments are clear and concise and directly address the topic.

Develop a balanced perspective: An IAS essay should reflect a balanced perspective on the topic. This means that you should present arguments for and against the topic and give your opinion only in the conclusion.

Practice time management: Make sure you manage your time well during the exam. Allocate time for planning, writing, and revising your essay.

Seek feedback: Practice writing essays and seek feedback from your peers, mentors, or teachers. This will help you improve your writing skills and gain confidence in your abilities . Remember, essay writing is a skill that can be developed with practice and perseverance. By following these tips and putting in the required effort, you can improve your essay writing skills and perform well in the IAS exam.