The Indian Statistical Service (ISS) exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is considered one of the toughest exams in the country. But with the right preparation and understanding of the exam pattern, cracking the ISS exam can become achievable.
The ISS exam is conducted in two stages: the written examination and the viva-voce. The written examination consists of six papers, out of which two are compulsory and four are optional.
The compulsory papers are General English and General Studies. The four optional papers are Statistics-I, Statistics-II, Statistics-III, and Statistics-IV. The syllabus for each paper is vast and covers topics ranging from basic mathematics and statistics to advanced topics.
It is advisable to choose optional papers based on one’s strengths and previous academic background. Opting for papers that one is familiar with or has a background in, makes it easier to prepare for the exam.
Each paper is of three hours duration and carries 200 marks. The question paper is set in both English and Hindi, except for the General English paper which is only in English.
To prepare for the exam, one needs to have a thorough understanding of the syllabus, which is available on the UPSC’s official website. It is advisable to make a study plan and stick to it. Regular practice through mock tests and previous year question papers also helps in understanding the exam pattern and timing.
The viva-voce carries 200 marks and is conducted for candidates who qualify in the written examination. The viva-voce is aimed at assessing the candidate’s personality, aptitude, and general awareness.
To crack the ISS exam, it is important to have a clear understanding of the concepts, especially in the optional papers. Also, time management is crucial in the written exam, as each paper is of three hours duration.
