IAS Main(Written) 2014: Understanding General Studies Question Papers

The IAS Main is expected to be conducted from 14 December 2014 and is one of the toughest exams on Earth due to the vertical and horizontal expansion of its Syllabus and the level of competition. From IAS Main 2013 the number of questions in General Studies Question Papers(GS I , GSII , GS III , GS IV) has been increased to 25 questions which made the Papers more than lengthy.  The maximum words required to be written in the General Studies Paper is 5000 words. To understand the Exam it is also important to see the IAS Main Syllabus.

Word Limit

The Candidates are required to read all the Questions and write 5000 words in 3 hours only. It means the candidates should be able to write 1700 approximately in One hour in order to complete the whole paper. It will come out to be around 30 words per minute. It includes the reading of the Question, brain storming about the topics, framing the answer and then writing with a speed of 30 words per minute.
The margin of error is very less in the IAS Main (Written) Exam and above all the competition also plays its role in the final selection.

Learning the Keywords

The candidates are expected to know the topics in its entirety and should be able to process those aspects of information which are asked in the questions because writing the relevant answers is the key to selection as suggested by the previous year’s IAS Toppers. So learning is as important as understanding the topics.Because “Content of the answer is more important than its length”
The candidates need to learn the keywords related to each topic so that a correct terminology can be followed in the Answer writing. The candidates are required to Synchronise between Learning, Understanding and writing the Answer in order to secure good marks in the examination.

Plan of Examination

The General Studies Papers are conducted back to back and hence very less time is there for the candidates to revise the important topics. At this moment hand written notes play a very important roles because the candidates are able to revise more quickly form their own hand written notes.

Hard Work and Physical Strength

The Physical Strength of the candidates also play a important role because the level of Stress is very high during the examination and the candidates needs to cope up with the pressure and at the same time required to give his or her best.

Actual hard work is required in doing these all things. Moreover the coverage of the topics should be on its entirety because each and every aspect of the topic is important for the IAS Mains Exams. So the candidates need to take good nutritious food in order to maintain the physical efficiency during the preparation as well as in the Exams. The Candidates should also take adequate rest to recharge the brain and to remain stress free.

The candidates can discuss/share their preparations related experience and queries  on of Myjosh.