Punjab Public Service Commission to adopt UPSC pattern for PCS exams

PATIALA: To help Punjab youngsters in preparing for Punjab Civil Service (PCS) and Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams simultaneously, the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) has decided to change the pattern and syllabus of PCS main exam and adopt the UPSC pattern.
Officials said that PPSC would conduct the 2013 PCS exams on UPSC pattern.
After 2012 PCS main exam, the commission had observed that the present examination pattern of PCS main is quite subjective and lengthy.The commission also believes that some candidates might have got advantage of optional subjects offered by the commission.
Sources said that in the new syllabus for PCS main exam, importance will be given to aspects which assist an individual to perform his role as a civil servant more effectively, besides providing a level playing field to all candidates, irrespective of their educational background.
"The aim is to have a pattern of examination (both preliminary and mains) similar to UPSC. This will be advantageous to candidates from Punjab as they would be able to prepare for both PCS and UPSC," chairman of PPSC, Patiala, Lt Gen (retd) R S Sujlana told TOI on Friday.
As per the proposal, the optional subjects will be replaced by four general studies compulsory papers. Each general studies paper will be of 150 marks and will comprise objective and descriptive type questions.
The syllabus for four general studies compulsory papers has been designed and special care has been taken to cover relevant aspects of knowledge related to the state of Punjab, said an official.
When contacted, many youngsters supported the PPSC move. "Almost all want to join IAS or PCS and prepare for both exams. We hope the change of pattern would help many in preparing for both," said Narinder, a local youngster preparing for IAS in a local academy.