How to become an SDM? How to Become an SDM?

The role of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) is highly regarded under the Indian administrative system. The SDM is responsible for maintaining peace and order, supervising revenue administration, and implementing development programs in a sub-division of a district. SDM is an esteemed career option and people consider it as national service. To become an SDM, however, one has to demonstrate significant commitment, and continuous preparation and have a clear understanding of the process. In this article, we review detailed information about how to become an SDM including eligibility, the examination process, and preparation.

What is an SDM?

An SDM (or the Sub-Divisional Magistrate), is a key officer at the sub-division level him. Typically, the SDMs are officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) who, as part of their training programme, are posted as SDMs after clearing UPSC Civil Service Examination. Also, in several states, they are referred to as Assistant Collector, Dy Collector, or Assistant Commissioner.

How to Become an SDM? Eligibility, Syllabus, Preparation

While it is not a simple process to become an SDM, achieving this role just involves fulfilling eligibility conditions and passing the UPSC examination. Here are the essential points to note:

Criteria for Eligibility for SDM

1. Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India.

2. Educational Qualification: It is compulsory that the candidate has a bachelor’s degree in any stream.

• Students in their final year or awaiting results can apply to the preliminary examination, but will be required to furnish proof of graduating for the final examination.
• Degrees obtained by distance or correspondence courses are accepted as well

3. Age:

• General: 21 – 32 years
• OBC: 21 – 35 years
• SC/ST: 21 – 37 years

Defense Service: 35 years (except active deployment in foreign service)

PwD: 42 years 

4. Fitness: Candidates must be physically fit as per UPSC medical standards with:

• Normal hearing and vision
• Healthy Heart and Lungs function
• No major complications from disorders such as Diabetes Mellitus

5. Number of Attempts:

• General: 6 Attempts
• OBC & OBC-PwD & General-PwD: 9 Attempts
• SC/ST & SC-ST-PwD: Unlimited Attempts (subject to upper age limit)

Can you become an SDM without passing the UPSC?

Though the UPSC Civil Services Exam is the most prominent and obvious pathway to being SDM, in some states a State Civil Service Officer may be laterally promoted to the SDM position. but this is very much contingent on the fact that it is posted and on the specific administrative requirements of the state.

Eligibility to become an SDM

To take on the role of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and to have the opportunity for public service, an aspirant of SDM will need to fulfill a few educational and procedural guidelines, these include: 

• Minimum Education Requirements: an aspirant will need to have completed at least Class 12, and a graduation or degree from a University recognized by UGC.
• Points of Entry: The primary entry point to becoming an SDM is the Civil Services Exam (CSE) which is run by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) once a year.
• Updates: It is essential for the applicant to subscribe to the official UPSC notifications where all updates about the exam such as the timeline for the exam, and admit cards, and whether you will be sitting at examination locations. If you miss updates or official announcements, it could cost you eligibility to appear.
• Exam Progression: Following each stage of the exam (Prelims, Mains, Interview), you will need to have access to the results to ensure you are eligible to proceed. Once you reach the interview stage at UPSC Bhawan in New Delhi you will be given the date and time you need to report.
• Position of SDM: If you are successful at the end of the processes, and you have completed training as an IAS, you could be put into SDM depending on what rank or cadre you are placed.

The location of your appointment will be decided by the administrative authorities of the caders and could be located and appointed to various regions.

Since this role is of utmost importance, there will be stiff competition. The amount of preparation required to get through each phase needs to be purposeful and pre-planned. You also need to clearly understand the SDM exam syllabus.

SDM Exam Syllabus

 The UPSC Civil Services Examination is conducted in three tiers:

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination
3. Interview (Personality Test)

1. The Preliminary Examination (objective type)

In total there are 2 papers (Paper I and Paper II) 

• Marks: 200 marks
• Language: English and Hindi
• Duration: 2 hours per paper (both papers are conducted on the same days in 2 slots)
• Examination Mode: Offline
• Examination Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).

Paper I: General Studies, highlighting general awareness/developments etc. The big thing for this paper would include:

• Current Affairs (National & International)
• Indian History and Freedom Movement
• Geography of the Indian and the World (Physical, Social, Economic).
• Indian Polity and Constitution
• Public Policy and Governance
• Social and Economic Development
• Environmental Ecology and Climate Change
• General Science

For Paper II  – Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT)  this paper is a test of analytical abilities and decision making. Main topics include:

• Logical Reasoning and Analytical Ability
• Decision Making and Problem Solving
• General Mental Ability
• Basic Numeracy (up to Class X level)
• Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts, Tables)
• English Comprehension

Note:

• Paper II (CSAT) is qualifying in nature, and a candidate is required to score 33% or above to be eligible for the second stage of the examination.
• Both papers have a provision of negative marking (1/3rd of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer).

2. Mains examination (Descriptive type):

If you qualify Prelims, you will be eligible to sit for Mains which is more serious and descriptive in nature. 

• No. of papers: 9
• Marks: 1750 (does not include the interview)
• Duration: 3 hours for each paper
• Qualifying Papers (not included in ranking)
• Paper A: Indian Language – 300 marks
• Paper B: English – 300 marks
• Compulsory papers (will be counted for merit)
• Paper 1: Essay – 250 marks
• Paper II: General Studies I – 250 marks
• Topics: Indian culture, history, geography, and world events

Paper III: General Studies II – 250 marks

• Topics: Indian Constitution, governance, politics, international relations.
• Paper IV: General Studies III – 250 marks
• Topics: Economy, Science & Tech, Environment, disaster management
• Paper V: General Studies IV – 250 marks
• Topics: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
• Papers VI & VII: Optional Subject Papers – 250 marks each

Candidates can select any one subject from a list supplied by UPSC. 

3. Interview/Personality test

Those who qualify the Mains are called for a personal interview which will be conducted by the board members of the UPSC test. Max Marks: 275 The interview will assess the intellectual capabilities of the candidates, presence of mind, moral integrity, and suitability for a career in civil services.

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Interview Process for SDM

When you pass the Mains exam, and you are in the final stage of the Interview round, which is a personality test allocated 275 marks. The Interview is meant to measure your sharpness of mind and mental composure, leadership qualities, and real-world dilemma facing decisions. The range of questions varies from Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Hobbies, Communication skills, and much more.

An interview is not a cross-examination, an interview is meant to be a leisurely and informative chat, however, it is worth noting that the interview is still the hardest portion of the process when it comes to UPSC as many participants are unable to keep their heads straight when confronted with pressure. It is crucial to be confident, have clarity of thought, and good presence of mind while attempting to succeed in this round.

Can you become an SDM Without UPSC?

Straight answer: No. You cannot become an SDM without getting through the UPSC Civil Services Examination. There is no loophole that can be utilized here, the examination must be cleared, no matter how much you scour the interwebs for lack of alternative options.

Just like one cannot play cricket with a bat, you cannot become an SDM if you do not clear UPSC. All phases require completion on a linear order — right from passing class 12, to obtaining a meaningful recognised graduation certificate.

Cross-reference: The daughter of a tea vendor has secured 21st position in the UPPSC examination and has been appointed as SDM in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Functions of a Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM)

The SDM has a prominent position, having both executive and administrative functions. Their functions are defined in the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 and include functions as a revenue officer or in regard to disaster management or administrative functions. Let’s understand more in detail:

1. Revenue Functions

• Keeping records of land.
• Deciding revenue cases.
• Checking demarcation and mutation of land.
• As a custodian of public land and overseeing settlement work, etc.
• Providing important documents such as caste certificate, nationality and domicile certificate, property registration document, and so on.
• As an Assistant Collector, and as a Revenue Assistant.

2. Administrative Functions

• Exercise power as Executive Magistrate (mainly preventive power through section under CrPC).
• Investigate cases of unnatural death about woman within seven years of marriage.
• Investigate cases of death in custody or in institutional deaths (in Jail or homes).
• Conduct official inquiries related to major incidents like riots, natural calamities, and major fire accidents.

3. Disaster management

• Function as Head of Relief and Rehabilitation during natural and man-made disasters.
• Implement disaster management plans (including chemical and industrial accident disasters).
• Conduct awareness campaigns with United Nations blend in association to raise risk awareness and community engagement on disaster preparedness and response.

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SDM Salary and Benefits

Considering that the position of an SDM is very important, you’d expect a well-compensated remuneration. The SDM salary in India is in a wide range, from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month. With promotion, it can exceed that range as they can benefit from many pay grades and rank promotions.

Other benefits of being an SDM

• Accommodation provided by the government
• Free electricity and water
• All vehicle and medical expenses
• Cost of Living (DA) and other financial scholarships

The Bottom Line

Getting to be an SDM takes hard work, patience, and careful prep. Not only does one need to understand the SDM exam syllabus but also develop communication skills, leadership skills, and a concrete idea of governance and law. To elevate preparation one can:- 

• Attend coaching classes
• Read standard reference texts
• Participate in mock tests, and online practice test you do the hard work, and get considerable guidance it is quite possible that you will achieve your SDM ambition.

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