Civil services examination: the key to General Studies

Updated on: Tuesday, August 11, 2009

With the announcement of the prelims results of the civil services examination 2009 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, preparation for the mains has gained momentum among aspirants.

The 600 marks of the two papers of General Studies play a role in cracking the examination. A score of 320 plus is considered safe. Even though hundreds of books for the General Studies paper are available in the market, a successful candidate will al ways read the least number of the right books. NCERT books, current affairs magazines and broadsheet newspapers continue to be the simple and major source of preparation for the two papers.

Tackling the examination with a vast syllabus can be easy with proper planning. The first step should be the analysis of question papers of the previous years. After analysis, the proper source for the subjects can be identified by the candidate on his own.

The questions will test a candidate’s general awareness on a variety of subjects and the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and concise answers.

NCERT books and IGNOU material are found to be sufficient to cover the history of modern India and Indian culture. The questions will cover history of the country from the middle of the nineteenth century and also take into account important personalities and social reformers who shaped the freedom movement. The part relating to Indian culture will cover all aspects from the ancient to modern times as well as principal features of literature, arts and architecture. Organised notes on the portion are crucial.

NCERT books and an atlas are vital for questions on geography which includes physical, economic and social geography of India.

Focussing more on Articles relating to fundamental rights, directive principles of State policy and constitutional bodies can be useful. Books on the Introduction to the Constitution of India, and our Parliament are enough to answer questions on the legal, administrative and other issues emerging from current politico-administrative developments.

A small group of aspirants who have a collective effort of writing answers for previous year’s questions on polity would have an edge over other competitors.

Simple and organised writing skills can be gained by consistent reading and making notes from important broadsheet newspapers and current affairs magazines. Current national issues and topics of social relevance include planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. Notes from the Economic Survey will help.

Magazines such as Yojana and Kurukshetra of the Publication Division are vital.

Equal importance has to be given for all the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Analysis of current issues in broadsheet newspapers and magazines can help the aspirant answer questions on India’s relationship with the world in various spheres including defence-related matters, nuclear policy and Indian diaspora. Any of the specialised magazines such as the Civil Services Chronicle are of immense help.

Selecting topics on cutting-edge technology from sources such as the Wikipedia is enough for questions on developments in science and technology.

Basic ideas about computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and related issues regarding intellectual property rights can be gained from NCERT books and CSIR publications.

NCERT books are enough for questions on statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams.

Orderly expression combined with due economy of words is needed. SI units and international form of Indian numerals have to be used. Answering all the questions is the key to success.

Civil services examination: the key to General Studies

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