CF INDIA PORTAL: Changes likely in UPSC main exam from 2013

After successfully introducing changes in the civil services (preliminary) examination this year, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is looking at bringing some changes in its 'main' examination with likely effect from 2013.

UPSC has constituted a panel which is expected to come out with its report early next year. The civil services examination (CSE) that is meant for selecting candidates for elite central services like IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS and others has three stages comprising s'preliminary', 'main' and personality test (interview).

·         IAS Coaching Institutes  Find Top IAS Coaching Institutes, Like CF INDIA PORTAL get info on Admissions, Courses.

·         Accounting Software  Leading Finance Solutions For Companies of All Sizes UPSC chairman D P Agrawal said: "Consistent with the need for selecting right kind of person from huge pool consisting of multiple languages, culture and communities, the commission has now constituted a high power panel to suggest possible changes in the pattern of CS (main) examination".

Though the chairman did not elaborate, he made it clear that the endeavour of the commission is to ensure that all the candidates are judged "on the basis of in-depth knowledge and understanding rather than information gathered at the last moment".

UPSC, which changed the 'preliminary' exam pattern this year by infusing elements of 'aptitude' test, had brought a minor change in the 'main' test pattern last in 1993 when it introduced an additional paper of 'essay' of 200 marks. The 'essay' paper, meant for testing aspirants' knowledge of a chosen topic and presentation skill, carries substantial weight in the entire written examination of 2,000 marks.

However, it is felt that the new paper introduced 18 years ago has not served the desired purpose of bringing candidates opting for high scoring science subjects at par with those opting for humanities and languages as their optional papers in the main exam.

Besides, officials feel, the existing pattern is tilted towards short-listing those candidates, who are good at their 'subjects' instead of having knowledge of general studies, comprising modern Indian history culture and socio-economic and political system. It also does not test the candidates' administrative and managerial potential.

Officials said that the committee, which has been working on bringing certain changes, will take into account the recommendations of the second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) on changes in the civil services examination.

The ARC, in its recommendation in 2008, had suggested that UPSC should only keep two compulsory papers (general studies) and an essay paper for the 'main' examination. It also suggested that there should not be any optional subject.

Now, aspirants have to appear in two optional subjects (two papers each), besides one paper of essay and two papers of general studies. Hence, candidates having good knowledge of their optional subjects (four papers having 1,200 marks) get through the main examination easily, even if they score less marks in two papers of general studies (600 marks) and one paper of essay (200 marks), an official explained.

"Getting high scores in science, engineering, medicines papers is easier than getting good marks in humanities and language papers. No wonder, the existing system tests aspirants unfairly," said an official.

For more information call on  7738364800 or visit www.cfindiaportal.com

CF INDIA PORTAL: GRE 2013 Pattern, Preparation, Practice Test & Word List

To get admission in one of the foreign university you have worked hard during your three years of graduation studies. However, do not let your struggle get wasted by not being able to deliver your best on the exam day. GRE is one such exam which is important to take admission in Post Graduate programmes in America and Canada. Here are some simple steps which will prove helpful for you to score high in your GRE.

1. The requisites of the GRE

 First and most important step is to secure a date to take the exam. Try to schedule a date around six months from the start of your GRE preparation. To make the payment for the exam fee you require a credit card. If you attempt the exam only once it will cost you around Rs. 6000. Make sure that you get your seat reserved on time and according to your availability, it happens many times when students do not get a test date according to their wishes as the slots get full. The GRE exams are conducted five times a week in most of the major cities of the country. The minimum time gap to be maintained between two attempts is a month. Most universities take the higher score among your attempts, though some universities do consider the average score. The purpose of the GRE is to test a student basic verbal and quantitative aptitude, along with his/her writing skills. The test requires a basic knowledge base of class 10th Mathematics and basic fluency in written English.

2. Format of the GRE exam

You will appear for a two-and-a- half hour long computerised test. The exam is divided into three different sections: Quantitative, Verbal and Essay. In this GRE paper except the essay section, all the questions are objective type, each question carry five options as answer choice. The total marks for the GRE exam are 600, and the essay section will be graded on a decimal grade of 6. Quantitative and Verbal section both carried 800 marks. Every post graduate discipline has its own section requirement of the score. If any student score a score of 1,400 or above it is considered as good score. An essay of grade of 5 or above is regarded as good score.

The GRE test is not an accurate and precise evaluation of your aptitude. This is because the exam has a little tricky format, which generally hampers a student to score well in the exam. It is always advised that one should be well informed and use it to your advantage.

3. Make your GRE strategys

The GRE is computer based exam. Always make sure that before moving to next question, the previous question has to be attempted. An attempt would mean that you click any of the available options from the choice and confirms the same before moving to next question. Once a question is attempted, you can not revert to it. So be sure about the question you attempt.

GRE exam is adaptive in nature. The first question you attempt in the GRE exam will be off average difficulty. Half the people attempting the GRE get it right, which is generally indicates that it is fairly simple.

If you click on the correct option, the next question on your screen will be bit more difficult. If you answer the first question of the exam wrong the next question will be easier. Once you attempt 7 to 10 questions, the computer fixes a difficulty level for you depending upon your answer in the previous questions. If you attempt more tough questions, your chances of getting high score will increase accordingly. The first questions carries the maximum marks, followed closely by the second and then so on.

The first seven to ten questions are very important and decisive. Your section score in GRE will be decided by your performance in these questions. For example if you answer first eight questions correctly, your score will range between 700 to 800, which is maximum score.

Therefore, take time to crack the first 7-10 questions, even if you miss out on five questions at the end. A good performance in the initial questions will help you to score good in the exam and increase the chances to score of 800.

To knowmore visit us on www.cfindiaportal.com or call on  7738364800

CF INDIA PORTAL: SAT Myths

Because the SAT is such a prevalent test, there are a number of misconceptions about the test or testing format. These myths about the SAT can be more than misleading to the test taker - they can negatively impact his score or his chances of college admission. Listed below are the top ten misconceptions about the SAT what CF INDIA PORTAL found.

1. In general, it's better not to guess on a question

Actually, this is partially true. If you are totally stumped on a question and cannot even eliminate a single answer choice, then yes, you should omit the question. However, if you can eliminate even one choice, it is statistically to your advantage to guess among the four choices on that question. The College Board applies a "guessing penalty" of one-quarter of a question per missed question and does not penalize for omitted questions, so guess accordingly.

2. The length of the essay is irrelevant

Even though the College Board will tell you that the length of an essay is not related to its score, studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between essay length and higher scores. Therefore, it is always better to write an essay that is lengthier and incorporates more details, examples, and experiences. However, you should not fill an essay with "fluff" - such mundane, wasted words only annoy the graders.

3. The best time to take the SAT is on (so-and-so) testing date

We've heard this one time and time again. Many students feel that the curve is easier on the June and September testing dates because more students who performed poorly on the first test are retaking, or because fewer students overall are taking the test. Neither of these claims is necessarily true, and there is virtually no link between difficulty of the curve and testing date. Test after you have studied, and base your decision only on your own abilities.

4. You can guess which section is the "experimental" one

Simply put, there is really no way to determine the "experimental" section. It could be writing, math, or reading. It could feature easier or tougher questions. You should not work "less hard" on a section because you think it is the experimental section

5. A 2100 is much better than a 2090

To admissions counsellors, a total score of 2100 is identical to that of a 2090. In fact, most counsellors would find a score of 2050 identical to the 2100. First of all, the variance of the "curve" could account for much of the difference between scores. Second, 50 points usually represents a few questions, hardly a "make-or-break" assessment for college admission.

6. Since the Writing section is new, it doesn't matter/It harder

The Writing section has a lower mean score because it is newer, but most prepared students actually find the Writing section easier than the Reading section. In fact, students who have taken test preparation courses experience the highest score increase in Writing. Along those same lines, even though the section is new, you cannot dismiss it. Colleges may claim not to look at it, but its right there next to your other two scores on the score report. Don't take your chances - do well!

7. Re-Testing "looks bad"

Total nonsense. Almost all colleges do not consider a student who re-tests any worse than the student who does not, and most students re-test. Why? Re-testing usually marks a very mediocre increase in score because the SAT is designed to test intelligence, not knowledge. Students do not typically become "more intelligent" between testing periods. However, some students experience great success after preparing for the exam. In general, if you are not happy with your score, re-testing is a great option.

8. You should use your calculator to solve most math problems

The students who receive 800's on the math section are typically not the ones who are calculator whizzes - they are simply better-prepared for the exam. Using a graphing calculator to solve simple math problems may seem like a great solution to your math issues, but in the end you will only be shorting yourself. Calculators require time and effort and are prone to input errors. While practicing for the math section, do as much as you can without a calculator.

9. The SAT doesn't really matter anyway/doesn't test intelligence

We can debate the merits of the SAT all day, but at the end of the day, it is the standard for college entrance. Just as you should not become infatuated with SAT preparation, you should not blow off the SAT. Your personal opinion is not that of the college you will be applying to.

10. A bad score may be due to a bad day

Unless you were sleep-deprived during a particular day, it is unlikely that re-testing alone will boost your score. Many people attribute low scores to "having a bad day," but CF INDIA PORTAL research shows that this is generally not the source of the low score. If you get a bad score, take it as such - don't blame your mood or the way you felt - and find out how you can improve.

For more information call on 7738364800 or visit www.cfindiaportal.com

CF INDIA PORTAL: All about the SAT

What's all the hype about the SAT? CF INDIA Portal survey find that  Most college-bound juniors and seniors take the test at least once and probably more than once, and many colleges specifically require the SAT. Some even have cut-off scores for admission. Entire books, courses, and classes have been devoted to the SAT exam. What is the SAT all about?

The College Board SAT, simply put, is a nationally-recognized college entrance exam that tests a student's ability to logically reason. The full name of the SAT I, in fact, is the SAT Reasoning Test. Through the assessment of reading, writing, and mathematics abilities, the College Board assigns a score to a student. This score is considered "scaled" and based on the performance of other students on the same test in the same testing period. Each of the three sections is scored independently on a scale of 200-800, 800 being the top score. Thus, the highest cumulative score you could hope to earn is a perfect 2400.

In terms of reading, most of the passages on the SAT are at or below the high school reading level. The mathematics section only assesses students' knowledge of algebra and a bit of geometry, and the writing section covers only the most common grammar errors. In fact, the writing section doesn't even cover such common errors as comma use and conventions. So why do so many students stress out about the SAT?

 According to CF INDIA portal Survey one reason is the importance placed on the test. Many students become nervous and feel that the SAT is a "make-or-break" test that will solely determine their future. However misguided and silly this view may seem, it is actually common to many dire test-takers.

Another source of stress is the pure length of the test. The SAT spans three hours and forty-five minutes, plus breaks. It is broken down into ten sessions, including a 25-minute essay section. To many students, sitting through this or deal can be more challenging than the test itself.

The SAT is by no means an easy test, and it is certainly not an exam to be taken lightly. In fact, it can have a large impact on where you go to university and the amount of money in scholarships you may receive, among other things. Hirers have even been known to request SAT scores on job applications. But the SAT is not something to be feared - it is actually manageable assessment of your ability to logically reason. You need not be a math whiz or a grammar nut to score high on the SAT, but you do need to think critically, logically, and in an organized manner. If you can do so, you will be impressed by your results.

For more information call on 7738364800 or visit www.cfindiaportal.com

CF INDIA PORTAL: Planning to appear for MPSC or UPSC exam? Experts tips to prepare and score high for MPSC and UPSC exam.

The best way to prepare for any civil service exam is that read and learns how much you can. You have to act to your full potential with no flaws because clearing civil services examinations needs perfection. Following are some tips for you.

i) Prepare for the pre-exams and also complete the syllabus of any one of the selective subject.
ii) When you clear the pre-exams your one selective subject is complete by that date so start preparing for second optional subject.
iii) If you complete mains then start preparing for interview.
iv) For interview you must have good English skills so start preparing as soon as possible since you can't prepare English in one day.
v) You must possess good general knowledge. For this you must read newspapers and magazines.
vi) You must choose those optional subjects which you spike and which are marks gaining as well.

First you decide your career field and if you want to make your career in govt. sector then you need to do spontaneous study. Make your ideal schedule for study. If you want to prepare for both UPSC and MPSC then you start the study of UPSC examination.
Guidelines for UPSC:
1.Various posts are filled by UPSC so you watch the website regularly. (www.upsc.gov.in)
2.The books of NCERT from 5th to 12th is very important for preparation of this exam.
3. First you take the syllabus and look at the subjects you have to go through.
4. You should know the current affairs and issues because the UPSC civil services have no boundaries on it. It can be asked for any current topic.
5. Classify all the syllabus in following three main areas.
(I) General awareness-
(ii) Subject expertise- e.g. History
(iii) Skill development- like reasoning, quantitative, etc.
6.There is long list of books you can find but no book is perfect which fulfil your all requirements. According to your basic knowledge you can select the books.
Guidelines for MPSC:
1.If you are preparing for UPSC then automatically you are completing 50% to 70% study of MPSC. Remaining study of Maharashtra and its history and geography can easily learn because you are residence of Maharashtra and you have studied all history and geography up to 10th class.
Tips for study
1.Such types of exams have wide syllabus so that you have to study regularly. Decide your daily hours for study.
2. You should attend the seminars, read the motivational articles, and meet to the seniors who passed the UPSC and     MPSC and listen their experience and try to convert your way of study.
3. Solve the previous year question papers so that you might be know the pattern of question papers, important topics and points.
4. Set your goal first so that you will not miss your way and struggle to catch your goal.
Try to follow these tips which will definitely help you. Best luck.

For appearing Civil Service Examination graduation is needed in any field. To prepare you have practice competitive and objective type of exams. There are many books available in market. You can join CF INDIA PORTAL class to get study material and guidelines. For updates and news about MPSC and UPSC examination use CF INDIA PORTAL link (www.cfindiaportal.com) .

Best option is to open upsc India portal website where you can find all questions and answers related to upsc exams and the pattern as well.
Another way is to go through your technical as well as all the matters outside happening thoroughly and deeply.
Main way to crack is to study hard and answer it smartly.
For that, first prepare for short questions in which many books are available in market and you can also opt for your own technical book. Rest of our knowledge depends upon your interest toward that.

Friend, if you are just planning to start UPSC and MPSC examination, you have to plan it well as you are pursuing your degree as well.
Whenever you get some time like 10 days or so when you can make out some more time for arranging and knowing UPSC examination and requirements for its preparation (this may be after sessionals or after exams).
In this time register yourself at civilserviceportal.com. From there you may know all recent vacancies, all important books and important news that will help you a lot in preparation. This all information will be provided to you through email. As you know you have to pay some extra time for studies, in starting do not try to finish up the books, just try to be regular and learn by heart. To avoid not necessary thing you have to go for important newspaper only.UPSC use to ask questions from those current affairs which are having some international importance. In pre examination science questions are also increasing. Those are easy to learn and to complete you need to study NCERT books only.
You have to go though last year papers and surely need an encouragement behind you, that role can be played by any Magazine. Start with any good magazine, with time you will be able to differentiate between good and bad magazine. Be in touch of those who are also preparing for same examination this will help you to rate you progress and knowledge about recent happenings through discussions.

For more information call on 7738364800 or visit www.cfindiaportal.com

CF INDIA PORTAL: SAT Scores Fall as More Students Take Exam

SAT scores for the high-school graduating class of 2012 fell in two of the test's three sections, with reading dropping to the lowest level in four decades on the college-entrance test, according to data released by CF INDIA PORTAL.

Only 43% of the 1.66 million private- and public-school students who took the college-entrance exam posted scores showing they are prepared to do well in college, according to data released by the College Board, the nonprofits group that administers the SAT. That was unchanged from last year.

Nationwide, 44% of high-school freshmen go on to attend college and 21% earn a bachelor's degree in six years, the College Board said.

The SAT tests students in reading, math and writing, with a possible score of 800 on each section. Students needed a score of 1550 out of the total 2400 to indicate college readiness, defined as a 65% chance of maintaining at least a B-minus as a university freshman.

The  SAT data mirror scores from the ACT college-entrance exam—which showed about 75% of students failed to meet college-readiness standards—and served to increase the hand-writing over whether U.S. high-school students are prepared to attend college and compete in a global economy. Colleges generally accept results of either test.

College Board officials and other experts noted that the declining scores could have much to do with the testing pool, which is growing and becoming more diverse. Last year, 45% of students who took the exam were members of a minority group, up from 38% of the 1.56 million who took it in 2008. And 28% of test takers reported that English wasn't exclusively their first language, up from 24% in 2008.

Minority and low-income students are less likely to take a core curriculum—defined as four years of English and three or more of math and the sciences—that would help them prepare to do well on the exam.

CF INDIA PORTAL TEAM said the results are a "call to action" for students, parents and schools to ensure more teenagers enrol in a core curriculum. "There are many students who have the potential to succeed in college, but they are not being supported by our education system," CF INDIA PORTAL TEAM said.

The graduating class of 2012 posted an average score of 496 in reading, a one-point drop from 2011 and a 34-point decline since 1972, the first year the College Board began tracking the scores of "college-bound" seniors. The way the test is scored changed in the mid-1990s, but the mean scores in prior years were recalibrated to make them comparable.

Writing dropped to 488 this year from 489 in 2011—the lowest score since that section was introduced in 2006. The average math score was 514, virtually unchanged since 2007, but down by four points since 2006.

Latino and African-American students posted lower average scores than white and Asian students did.

Two years ago, the Houston Independent School District began offering the SAT free during class time. The number of test takers jumped 32% to 6,211 in 2011 from 2010, the most recent data available, according to district officials. The average score dropped 33 points to 1355, the largest decline in four years.

Still, CF INDIA PORTAL said it was vital that all students at least have a shot at taking such tests. "You can take a kid who has never even considered going to college and, once they have this exposure, they might change their mind and say, 'Hey I can do this,' " CF INDIA PORTAL said. "If that makes the average score drop, it is worth it."

For more information call on 7738364800 or visit www.cfindiaportal.com

CF INDIA PORTAL: Demonstrating subject-area mastery on SAT Subject Tests

Students take the SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects such as English, history, mathematics, science, and foreign languages. The content of each test is not based on any one approach or curriculum but rather evolves to reflect current trends in high school course work.

Five general subject areas

The SAT® Program offers 20 Subject Tests that fall into general subject areas.

English ·         Literature	Languages ·         Chinese with Listening ·         French ·         German ·         Modern Hebrew ·         Italian ·         Latin ·         Spanish
History and Social Studies ·         United States History ·         World History	·         French with Listening ·         German with Listening ·         Japanese with Listening ·         Korean with Listening ·         Spanish with Listening
Mathematics ·         Mathematics Level 1 ·         Mathematics Level 2
Science ·         Biology E/M ·         Chemistry ·         Physics

SAT Subject Tests facts

·         The SAT Subject Tests are offered six times a year in the United States and at international sites.

·         Students can take one, two, or three tests on a single test date.

·         Each takes one hour.

·         All Subject Tests consist of multiple-choice questions, but some have unique features or formats.

·         The types of questions change little from year to year.

·         All Subject Tests are machine scored.

Unique features and formats on SAT Subject Tests

 Students need to be prepared for some differences between the Subject Tests. The SAT Subject Tests Preparation Centre in the student area of this site covers these differences in depth. The unique features and formats of the tests include:

·         Languages with Listening: Subject Tests in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish consist of a listening section and a reading section. Students taking these tests must bring an acceptable CD player with earphones to the test centre.

·         Biology E/M: This test contains 60 general-knowledge multiple-choice questions, followed by 20 multiple-choice questions that emphasize one of the following:

o    Ecological (Biology E) subject matter

o    Molecular (Biology M) subject matter
Students choose the section they feel most prepared for at the start of testing. After completing the 60 core questions, test-takers move on to the section that they chose.  

·         Chemistry: This test includes approximately five questions that ask students to evaluate two related statements based on equation balancing and/or predicting chemical reactions. Students answer these five questions in a special section of the answer sheet, labelled "Chemistry."

·         Mathematics Level 1 and Level 2: These tests include questions that cannot be answered without the use of at least a scientific or graphing calculator. Mathematics Subject Tests are developed with the expectation that most students will use a graphing calculator.

 CF INDIA PORTAL  helping  students  decide which  SAT  Subject Tests to take

Help your students decide on the right test for them, including:

·         Whether to take a listening test

·         Which Biology emphasis to choose

·         Which Mathematics level to choose

For more information call on 7738364800 or visit www.cfindiaportal.com