Strategy for General Studies of Civil Services Main Exam 2011

The General Studies paper of the Civil Services Main examination is as important as the other two optional papers of the exam. It consists of two papers GS paper I and GS paper II, 300 marks each. Paper I covers topics such as Current National Issues and topics of Social Relevance, History of Modern India and Indian Culture, Constitution of India and Indian Polity and Geography of India. While, paper II covers topics such as India and the World, India’s Economic Interaction with the rest of the World, Development in the field of Science and Technology,  Information Technology,  Space, International Affairs and World Organisation and Institutions and Statistical Analysis, Graphs and Diagrams etc.

Before starting the preparation for GS main, it is of utmost important to study the syllabus and previous years’ question papers. This serves guides you to the right way of preparation, and selecting the right material and sources for the preparation. It is better to start with the section, in which one is most comfortable; this builds confidence and provides positive energy in moving forward with the rest of the syllabus.

During the preparation process, selection of the right books is very important because, there is innumerable number of study materials available in the market, and a candidate may easily get confused with which book to study and which one to leave. For Civil Services Exams, NCERT books can be considered as important as the bible in Christian religion. So a candidate needs to read them carefully.  Reading selected number of important books many times better than reading too many books. However, it depend personally, how anybody is comfortable in reading and grasping information and ideas; thus there is no hard and fast limit to cut down somebody’s spectrum of preparation. Multiple number of revisions is the key to success for this examination.

When you see the previous questions you will find that instead of memory based questions, conception based and analytical questions are being asked in the recent past. But one must remember that UPSC checks both dimensions of one’s mind i.e. memorization capability as well as analytical ability.

Conceptual clarity is necessary for fetching good marks. So, while reading any topic, try to understand it nicely and try developing a fair concept about it. If you understand the concept you will be able to answer any question asked on that topic. So, instead of rote memorization first try to understand and then try developing concept on the same.

Time management is very important for covering the whole syllabus on time. At least one month before the exam, the syllabus should be covered properly. The last month of preparation should be kept for revision only. In GS, the number of questions has increased; so, focus should be on giving maximum information in minimum words.

Earlier there was a tradition in CSE that there was a fixed number of questions that were asked from different sections of GS; for example, history 100, polity 100, economy 100 etc. but now the trend has been changed. There is no fixed area in which questions are asked in the CSE, so instead of selective study, one should give importance on the depth of the subjects
News paper is very important for general studies preparation. Any of the National Daily read newspapers is considered good for the GS and Current Affairs preparation. Newspaper reading should be included in the daily routine. There are lots of stuff in newspaper which are not important for the exam preparation and which can actually waste your time. Hence, it is important to know what to study from newspaper. Issues that impact a large section of the society, verdicts of the High Courts, Supreme Court, government policies, India’s relation with the world and the bilateral relation between India and any other countries that can impact the world order, speech of finance minster, RBI governor, issues from ecology and environment, issues related to human rights etc. are worth reading from the newspaper. The editorial page should be necessarily read. After reading the editorial page, one should try to write it in one’s own language in precise form; this will develop a concept regarding the topic and also will improve writing skill and knowledge.

Use of Internet has become important now a days, however, always be careful in internet usage because, if it is not used in the right way, it couldwaste time for sudies.  It is necessary to know how to use internet. The reading of the newspaper should be supplemented and complemented with the internet time to time. New concepts, terms, terminology from the area of Economics, Science and Technology etc. should be checked and explored on the internet.

Statistics is a scoring area, so it can increase your rank in the final result. Generally Arts background student leave this portion due to the fear of numbers. Don’t get scared, it is very interesting; only half an hour regular practice can make you perfect in statistics as questions are asked on basic statistics in the exam.

One should be very careful in choosing a coaching centre for General Studies and also for optional subjects. Along with this, it’s a better idea to broaden ones knowledge horizon through standard magazines and internet usage.

There is no short cut to succeed in this examination; and there is no single formula to make it to the list of e successful candidates. The students should evaluate themselves according to their interest and capability and take the required steps to succeed. A constant feedback from a senior or a friend or a teacher if available will definitely help in polishing ones skills and shine in the Civil Services examination.