IAS Prelims 2014: Strategy for General Studies Paper I

UPSC is conducting the IAS Prelims 2014 on 24^th August, 2014 and January has almost passed. That leaves the candidates with almost 7 months for the preparation. But it is not late yet, and if the candidates start preparing now with a proper strategy, there is enough time to prepare for the IAS Prelims 2014. Here is the strategy for General Studies Paper I,which has very wide syllabus, that the candidates can follow to increase their chances of selection:-

• The candidates should start studying at least one daily national newspaper to get hold of the current events of national and international importance. They can devote 45 minutes to 1 hour daily to the newspaper initially, and then reduce it as they get an understanding of what to read and what to leave. The candidates can clarify the doubts about the things that are new to them, or they find difficult, on the internet. Keep on making notes from the newspaper side by side, as this is going to help in IAS Main (Written) too.
• Read one monthly Magazine on current affairs to make sure you do not miss out on any important news. The monthly current affairs e-book of Jagranjosh is a good option.
• Simultaneously, start going through the 6^th -12^th NCERT books for General Science, Indian History, Geography, Polity and Indian Economy.
• In History section, the focus should be more on Modern India and Indian National Movement, as more questions are being asked from this section in recent years.
• Try to explore the main issues behind the recent controversies and what are the legal points hidden in it. Also link it with the Constitution and any specific national and International Law.
• The candidates can purchase any one book for the different sections of the IAS Prelims syllabus. The candidates should go for the best available book rather than to wait for the best book.
• Go through India Year book (you can read specific chapters related to syllabus) and read Budget and Economic Survey.
• For the environment related topics, read ICSE board books for class 9-12. Also surf through internet for environment related issues. The related IGNOU Material is also good to study.
• Keep on making notes simultaneously while reading the topics, and mark the important points.
• Keep on browsing the internet for the points where you find any difficulty, or for the topics which the candidates cannot find any study material for.
• In the last one month, stop reading any new material. Try to revise at least twice what you’ve read. As the candidates revise for the first time, they can mark the difficult and the very important points with the help of a highlighter or make a synopsis. This will make the second revision a much easier and quicker process.

Candidates can discuss their preparation related issues and queries at IAS/PCS group of Myjosh.

Jagranjosh.com wishes its readers all the best for the exams.