liv & let liv

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* Starter kit for Civil service Exam

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CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS STARTER KIT

Contents

Introduction

False Myths About civil service exams

Frequently asked questions

Reading Online

Books / Reference for some options

Sharing Experience

Contacts

Authors: Passed-out candidates and aspirants with experience

Preparation: Vinod Seshan

Book Source…

Document based on feedback from candidates sharing experiences and interaction session held on 10^th June at Karur at Valluvar institute.

FAQs based on questions received during the interaction session.

Books/Websites data based on experiences from candidates who have cleared the examinations.

FAQ answers based on replies from Mr. Prabhakaran, Director, Prabha Academy, Chennai

Thanking…

Mr. Venkatesh, IAS, Collector, Karur, Tamilnadu

Mr. C. Sylendra Babu, IPS, Inspector General of Police, Tamilnadu

Mr. Senguttavan, Director, Valluvar Institutes, Karur

Mr.Prabhakaran, Director, Prabha IAS-IPS Academy, Chennai

INTRODUCTION

The Civil Service Examinations conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) for recruitment to All-India services (like IAS, IPS…); Central services A etc…are the nation’s most coveted exams. It is one of the most popular examinations in the India. It is one of those admired tests which every youth, be it from the hinterlands or from the urban inners dreams of clearing…

These exams are conducted by the UPSC which is a constitutional body mandated with this specific purpose (and a few other mandates too). Candidates have to undergo a 3-step process over a period of around one year starting with preliminary exams in May, every year. This is followed by a main examination after which selected candidates are called to New Delhi for a personal interview. While the preliminary exams are objective in nature with 2 papers to clear, main examinations are subjective in nature with 9 papers to task.

A general studies paper is mandatory for preliminary exams along with an optional paper (chosen from one of the many options provided by UPSC). The break-up for main exams is also this way: 2 GS papers + 2 Optional-one papers + 2 Optional-two papers + One Essay paper + 1 English language paper + 1 language paper chosen from one the 22 official languages of India. The last two language papers are merely qualifying and do not play any role in the total score.

The motto of the personal interview is to test the common-knowledge of the candidate and his thinking abilities to instant-situations.

A mere glance at the past-results and syllabus would make any aspirant assume that these exams are extremely tough to clear. Well…that is a wrong assumption.

Civil service exams are easy compared to many other All-India competitive examinations. Just-that the portions are a touch vast.

Applications for the preliminaries come out in the month of December and hall tickets dispatched nearly a month before the exams. For mains and henceforth, there is direct communication from the commission.

For more details do visit http://www.upsc.gov.in

for FAQ about Civil service exam click here : http://ramsriajjay.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2009-10-29T02:17:00%2B05:30&max-results=1

* Negating false myths about Civil service exams

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NEGATING FALSE MYTHS ABOUT CIVIL SERVICE EXAMS

Civil Service exams are easy. While the syllabi is very vast compared to other competitive exams, it is not as mind-eating as those exams. It is relatively simpler and conquerable.

It doesn’t cost much to prepare for these exams. Some people think it costs nearly a lakh for preparation. Well…the truth isn’t that. Even when it comes to coaching institutes, there are some very good institutes that give quality education and charge less.

Anybody can take up these exams. All it requires is a degree. Right from science degree holders to engineering graduates and professionals to doctors and research specialists, everybody and anybody can take it up.

Language is not a barrier. It is not necessary that one should be very good in English language. In fact, even the main-exam language papers are just qualifying and their scores are not counted to get the final total

Delhi need not be the destination for preparation. This is myth that deserves to be broken. Not every person has the luxury to make it to the capital.

Follow a fewer magazines. There is no desperate need to buy a dozen magazines and build stock without ever reading them. Choose 2 (or 3 maximum).

Don’t depend on any particular institution’s notes just because it is popular. Build your own thoughts after reading from diverse sources.

Don’t think there is no life if you don’t make it through these exams. Life is diverse and maximum in any path chosen.

Don’t be miss-lead by advices like reading for 20-hours only will help you pass. This is no correct. Even about 5 hours of consistent work will be enough.

Reading newspapers is mandatory, but don’t spend more than 25-30 minutes/day on it. There will always be some magazine which will give you all the required news articles concisely.

Choose not to take more than 3 attempts unless you are financially sound. Don’t lose your youth. You can go about your work running only when you are young. Be independent while you prepare for civil services or any other exam. Don’t expect your father to send you your cash. Remember, the society is waiting for you to take charge…somewhere.

A candidate is not expected to be strong in everything as many rumors prevail. That is not possible.

* FAQs about Civil service

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many attempts can be taken?

General candidates have 4 attempts (30 years), candidates with OBC quota have 7 attempts (33 years) and those with SC/ST quota have no attempt-limit but age-limit of 35 years.

How much time do you think one needs to prepare seriously to clear these examinations?

About 1 year of serious preparation is needed.

Can blind candidates write this exam? Is there any reservation for them?

Yes, blind candidates can also take up this examination. Also, they are given a reservation of 15% (Not sure of this number, it is 3% or 15%).

What factors are important while choosing optional papers?

Choose those options that are very scoring and are interesting to read. Also choose those subjects in which you have a prior knowledge. Some of the popular options include Public Administration, Geography, History, Tamil Literature (In Tamilnadu), Psychology, Sociology, Economics etc.

What should I focus in mains?

Focus on your writing skills and analytical abilities. It is important to analyze the current theme in any subject. Also build groups and discuss within your team. This is very useful.

What I should not focus (or give least priority to).

Give least priority to thinking what will happen if you don’t clear.

What is the best way to write the answers and present it in paper?

There is no best way. It is just important not to miss important points. Underline and order them point-wise.

Scoring sections in the exam paper, if any?

Don’t miss to score in polity and statistics in GS paper. It will fetch you a good jump. Being through in polity will help you in both GS and public administration.

Which magazines to refer to?

Choose one of the available magazines to read every month and but one issue of some other magazine every month…So that you have 2 magazines to read every month. Ex: Darpan & Yojana

What are the expectations from the candidate in UPSC exams?

A candidate is expected to have through knowledge of current affairs in the nation as also international matters. He has to prove his “basic” abilities in two option papers of his choice. In the interview, he is expected to prove his attitude for the nation as also his simple analytical prowess.

How to prepare for Economics?

Read economic times / politics and economic weekly and make a list of terms you don’t understand. Search for the definition of those terms in Wikipedia / Investopedia.com and write them down in a small pocket book. It will be very useful when you revise. Even high school books are very useful. Don’t forget to discuss with friends.

How important is the Essay paper? And how to prepare for it?

The essay paper is very important and a scoring paper. If you can choose the right essay to write and start well, you can expect a very good score. Remember, in an essay the start is very important. The conclusion should also be very good. Try to be innovative and write it from a practical view with reference to current happenings. Don’t use point-wise explanation in essay except for 1-2 occasions.

To prepare for an essay, keep reading the editorial in Hindu and other magazines. There is no hard and fast rule.

How important is managing time?

Time is crucial for any exam and civil services exams are no exception. Since this is subjective in mains, time management becomes very important. Have a good writing practice to manage time effectively.

How many hours should one study per day?

Again, this depends on a person. There is no need to prepare for 18-20 hours per day. Even 5 hours of quality time is more than sufficient.

Should I join coaching classes?

It depends on the person taking the exam. Coaching classes definitely help you a lot as you can interact with a lot of people and also get a chance to evaluate yourself by taking many tests. Coaching classes also make you more competitive. However, there are many people who have cleared without coaching classes also.

Should I go to Delhi to study?

No don’t go unless you are close to it. Going from Chennai / Bangalore to Delhi for a civil service coaching is like wasting time, money and fun. I call it a crime.

Can I work and also prepare for examination?

Definitely you can. There are many people who work and prepare. In fact, you will be having an indirect advantage in interview if you have work experience. Also your work experience will help you in understanding management concepts.

Is it necessary to have work experience?

No. It is not necessary to have any work experience at all.

Which is the key focus area in GS paper?

Polity, Current affairs and Stats help you score. They are the key. History and Science are also good, but a little unpredictable. Foreign affairs are always manageable.

Are these exams easy to clear?

These exams are as competitive as other exams. In fact they are little easier. While the subjects to cover are vast, it is not as mind-eating as many other exams.

Is it mandatory to read NCERT books?

It is not mandatory to read NCERT books, but those books are very good to read through. Many important points are clearly highlighted and hence they are important.

What are the advantages of choosing public administration?

Public administration is a subject which has direct reference to daily news and content is various magazines. Hence reading newspapers is like understanding public administration only.

Also, reading public administration helps you with polity also which is very scoring in GS paper. Moreover public administration is also a successful option.

What are the advantages of choosing geography?

Geography is a scientific subject and very interesting to read. The preliminary exam in geography is more factual and very scoring. Main examination has a map which is worth 60 marks and again scoring. Also, there is lot of material available for geography.

Can sociology and psychology be good options?

Sociology is one of the simpler options available. The material for sociology is also easily available and preliminary is usually based on under graduate standard

Psychology is also an easier and interesting option. Apart from being simple it is also based on practical thought. However, gathering material will take some time.

Is History a good option? What are its advantages?

History is an option that is generally easier to clear. Cut-off for history in prelims is lower than other options. It is a very interesting subject with easy material availability. Another advantage is that, it can be read online too.

Is commerce a good optional choice?

Yes, it is a good choice provided the candidate has a commerce background and is confident of the subject.

Is law a good optional choice?

Yes, it is a good choice provided the candidate has a law background and is confident of the subject.

Which books to read for GK?

There are many books available in the market for GK. One can pick a couple of them and prepare. Manorama year book is a good choice to start with.

What is the importance of India Year Book?

India Year Book is a yearly publication from the publications divisions of government of India. It has factual information about a lot of sectors where the government is operating. There are many questions asked from that book.

Is there an online book for NCERT books?

http://www.ncert.nic.in/textbooks/testing/Index.htm

Can I read online?

Yes you can. You should learn to read online in this internet age. However, if you don’t have a computer with internet connection, you can always read different books and magazines. However, reading online will definitely help.

What books should I refer to?

This is provided in the books section below.

When is the ideal time to start preparing for main exams?

Ideal time is immediately after prelims. Start with GS and one option before the prelims results come out and start the second option once you have cleared prelims. However, if you are starting preparations one year before prelims, then spend about 3 months preparing for mains also.

What is the advantage of negative marking system?

Negative marking system is a very efficient system. It helps the right candidates to go to the next step and prevents people who do just guess work from entering mains.

What is the minimum age required for appearing in civil service examinations?

Minimum age required is 21.

In which month do applications come out?

Applications generally come out in the month of December. Please visit this site for more details. http://www.upsc.gov.in/

Is it important to read newspapers? How many hours should I spend?

Yes, it is important to read newspapers. They help in current affairs. But don’t spend more than 30 minutes per day on newspapers. If you miss a few articles don’t worry, there will b current affairs magazine that will cover them later on.

Is it enough to read notes only?

No. It is not enough if you read just notes. It is important to read some textbooks and reference books also. Reading widely is necessary to answer a question of 60 marks with good number of points.

Is there enough material available for persons writing the exam in Tamil?

Yes there is enough material and support from professors for candidates writing the exam in Tamil. Please contact Mr. Prabhakaran.

Is there any degree course in public administration?

Yes, there is one such course organized at Valluvar institute in Karur.

Can final year students take the exam?

Yes you can take provided you are 21 in the month of August that year.

for details about preparing online click here:http://ramsriajjay.blogspot.com/2009/10/reading-online-for-civil-service.html

* Reading Online for Civil service

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READING ONLINE

Useful Websites apart from Google and Wikipedia

http://goidirectory.nic.in/
http://india.gov.in/
http://www.ncert.nic.in/textbooks/testing/Index.htm (Download NCERT Books)
http://planningcommission.gov.in/
http://www.investopedia.com/university/economics/
http://indiabudget.nic.in/ (Budget and Economic Survey of India)
http://www.pib.nic.in/
http://www.threeauthors.com/ (Useful)
http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/welcome.html
http://www.dlshq.org/messages/caste.htm
http://www.indianchild.com/Pms_and_presidents.htm
http://www.civilserviceindia.com/
http://www.onestopias.com/
http://www.publicationsdivision.nic.in/
http://exim.indiamart.com/economic-survey/
http://cabsec.nic.in/abr/welcome.html (Allocation of business rules)

Blog Material

Online magazines / books

http://www.yojana.gov.in/ (Yojana)
http://www.frontlineonnet.com/ (Frontline)
http://70.87.196.226/Pratiyogitadarpn/ (Pratiyogita Darpan)
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ (Economic Times)
http://www.hinduonnet.com/ (The Hindu)
http://www.publicationsdivision.nic.in/others/india_2008.pdf ( India Year Book)

Other good sites

http://www.un.org/ (United Nations)
http://www.saarc-sec.org/main.php (SAARC)
http://www.aseansec.org/ (ASEAN)
http://www.ibsa-trilateral.org/ (IBSA)

for details about books for preparing civil service click here : http://ramsriajjay.blogspot.com/2009/10/books-to-prepare-for-civil-service-exam.html

* Books to prepare for Civil service Exam

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BOOKS: (Don’t read all, choose and read)

General Studies

History: 6-12^th NCERT books (Important)
Geography: 6:12^th NCERT books (Important)
Science: 6-12^th NCERT books for physics, chemistry and biology
Foreign Affairs: Read from magazines
Statistics: B.COM first year book (7-8 chapters)
General Math: R.S. Agarwal
Current Affairs: News papers / magazines / news
Indian Polity: Lakshmikanth / DD Basu / Bakshi (Important)
Wizard Polity
Economics: Basics from any book / Investopedia (online site) / Dutt and Sundaram: Indian Economy
The Hindu book of Science thoughts
Economic Survey of India
Any other general studies book
GK Topics: World Organizations, International Nations Unions, Awards, Sports, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Parks, Countries-capitals-why famous for, Presidents, current events, inventors-discoveries, authors etc etc…

Public Administration:

Rajni Goyal: Indian Administration (Important)
D. D. Basu: An Introduction to the Constitution of India (Important)
Mohit Bhattacharya: New Horizons of Public Administration (Important)
Stephen P. Robbins : Organizational Behavior (5-6 chapters) (Important)
Lakshmikanth (Important)
Fadia and Fadia (Important)
Prasad and Prasad – Administrative thinkers
Avesti and Maheswari
Rumki Basu: Public Administration, concept and theory (mains)
Ferrel Heady : Public Administration-A Comparative Perspective (First 2-3 chapters reference)
Nicholas Henry : Public Administration and Public Affairs (some 3-4 chapters)

Geography

Certificate Physical and Human Geography - Goh Cheng Leong (Important)
NCERT books (Important)
Physical Geography by Savindra Singh (Important)
Comprehensive Geography – Khullar (Important)
Geography through maps
Physical Geography - Made Simple, Rupa Publisher
Physical Geography by Strahler & Strahler (Reference book)
Climatology by D.S.Lal
Evolution of Geographic Thought by Majid Husain
Indian Economy by Dutt and Sundaram
Hindu's Survey on Industry
Atlas mandatory – Oxford

Psychology

XI and XII NCERT books (Psychology) - Useful for starters with no knowledge of Psychology.
Introduction to Psychology - Morgan & King
Introduction to Psychology – Atkinson & Hilgard
Psychology – Robert A. Baron
Psychology: An International Perspective - Michael W. Eysenck
Organizational behavior – Stephen Robbins
Organizational Behavior – Fred Luthans
Developmental Psychology – Hurlock
Abnormal Psychology – Carson,Butcher & Coleman

Note: These books cover only about 50%-60% of the syllabus, for all other topics use Wikipedia or Google search, British council library and standard material from any reputed institute (Keep it as a last resort).

Tamil Literature

To be filled

Economics

Advanced Microeconomics by Ahuja
Advanced Macroeconomics by Ahuja
Monetary Economics by Gupta and Rani / Gupta
Statistical methods by S.P. Gupta
Fiscal Economics by Tyagi
Indian Economy by Dutt and Sundaram
India Economy by Mishra and Puri
Economic survey of India
IGIDR (Indira Gandhi Institute of Developmental Research) Dev Report
Relevant reading pertaining to post liberalization (read all supporting books according to syllabus)
International Economics by Dominic Salvatre / M.L Jingin

Sociology

Prelims

IGNOU material
Sociology-Themes and Perspectives by Harlambos
Sociology-A guide to Literature and problems by Bottomore
Social Anthropology by Madan and Majumdar
Principles of Sociology by Shankar Rao
Dictionary of Sociology by William.P.Scott
Wizard Sociology Workbook
Sociology Question Bank by IIMS publications

Mains

Paper 1

IGNOU material
Sociological Thought by Francis Abraham and Henry Morgan
Masters of Sociological Thought-Coser L.A
Sociology-Themes and Perspectives by Harlambos
Sociology-A guide to Literature and problems by Bottomore
Principles of Sociology by Shankar Rao
Sociology of Religion by Robertson
Dictionary of Sociology by William.P.Scott

Paper2

IGNOU material
Social Anthropology by Madan and Majumdar
Indian Society-S.C.Dube
Sociology and the Dilemmas of Development by Ramachandra Guha
Tribal India by Nadeem Hussein
Society in India by Ram Ahuja
Modernization of Indian Tradition by Yogendra Singh

History

To be filled

Questions papers

Last 10 years prelims in each General studies, Public Admin and geography
Last 10 years mains for each subject (purchase once you are confident of clearing prelims)

few words from people who got through the exam : http://ramsriajjay.blogspot.com/2009/10/experianced-civil-service-personnel.html

* Experienced Civil Service Personnel

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SHARING EXPERIENCES

Preparation for the Civil services exam is a process, once out of which, we would be a lot more capable, matured and seasoned. So, it doesn’t really matter if you clear this exam or not, for, it is always a win-win situation. My journey on this path began some eight years ago. My options were Law and Tamil Literature. My first serious attempt was in 2006. I was called for the Personality Test in that attempt. In the following attempt, I cleared the exam. Smart working will pay you better than hard working. Planning is essential and keeping your cool throughout the exam process will ensure success.

- Narmada Ravichandran, 2007 All-India rank 519

The civil service examination is easy-to-crack provided the candidate puts in intense and diligent preparation. There is also a clear emphasis on studying smart. As far as GS is concerned there must be a special thrust on current affairs. My optional was Sociology. Sociology is one of the simpler options available. The material for sociology is also easily available and preliminary is usually based on under graduate standard. Another point is that the knowledge acquired never gets wasted. So whatever one prepares for the prelims, he/she will always find its use in the mains or in the interview. Though proficiency in English is not a prerequisite, good English skills always help a lot. This has been a major setback for candidates from Tamilnadu and consequently there are comparatively lesser people clearing the exam…I wish you all the very best!

- Ramya Bharati, 2007 All-India rank 362

Right focus and persistent efforts are keys to success in these examinations. This was my first attempt and my options were Economic and Public Administration. Economics is a subject very interesting, but it requires a good amount of passion to engage with. Material though is easily available. On the other hand, public administration is a popular-cum-scoring paper. Keeping oneself updated with current happenings helps a lot in these exams. Another useful thought is that, regular wait for results time-and-again makes an individual become neutral and tougher to take both success and failure easy to heart. One also learns to understand his/her positives and negatives and work accordingly. All the best to all aspirants…!

- Praveena, 2007 All-India rank 633

Attempting civil services exams with 100% effort was a resolution I took in 2006. I managed to clear in 2008. My options were public administration (1^st option) and geography. Since I was working, I could not put more than 4 hours of work on weekdays. I used the weekends to prepare and luckily got one month leave before the exams. To people who are attempting these exams, I would say, “Give 100% effort and always have plan B ready for life”

- Vinod Seshan, 2007 exam All-India rank 3

Civil service exam is one which requires systematic and consistent preparation. As far as possible current affairs must be inter twined with the syllabi be it options or the GS. Reading papers and preparing notes from current affairs magazines for easier recall is advisable, as far as possible the syllabus must be condensed into small easily recallable hints. My option was public administration and geography, public administration requires thorough knowledge of the Union and state governments to begin…with equal thrust on other topics as well as their weight is not known. In geography candidates must try to include maps and diagrams as much as you can. In maps accuracy is of prime importance. Both the subjects require acceptable communication skills. For grammatical and lingual errors…at this level is considered appalling. I am sure with a systematic and concentrated preparation this exam can be tamed.

- Aroon Prasad, 2007 exam All-India rank 527

SOME CONTACTS