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MODEL TEST PAPER DOWNLOAD 1

2011-05-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

Model Test Paper For General Studies (CSAT Paper-1)

[ SET - II ]

1. Why did Buddhism start declining in India in the early medieval times?

Buddha was by that time consideredas one of the incarnations of Vishnu andthus became a part of Vaishnavism
The invading tribes from Central Asiatill the time of last Gupta king adopted Hinduism and persecuted Buddhists.
The Kings of Gupta dynasty were strongly, opposed to Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
2. With reference to feimon Commission’s recommendations,which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) It recommended the replacement of diarchy with responsible government in the provinces.
(b) It proposed the setting up of interprovincial council under the Home Department.
(c) It suggested the abolition of bicameral legislature at the Centre.
(d) It recommended the creation of Indian Police Service with a provision for increased pay and allowances for British recruits as compared to Indian recruits.
3. Four resolutions were passed at the famous Calcutta session of Indian National Congress in 1906. The question of either retention OR of rejection of these four resolutions became the cause of a split in Congress at the next Congress session held in Surat in 1907. Which one of the following was not one of those resolutions?
(a) Annulment of partition of Bengal
(b) Boycott
(c) National education
(d) Swadeshi
4. After Quit India Movement, C. Rajagopalachari issued a pamphlet entitled “The Way Out”. Which one of the following was a proposal in this pamphlet?
(a) The establishment of a “War Advisory Council” composed of representatives of British India and the Indian States.
(b) Reconstitution of the Central Executive Council in such a way that all its members, except the Governor General and the Commander - in -Chief should
be Indian leaders.
(c) Fresh elections to the Central and Provincial Legislatures to be held at the end of 1945 and the Constitution making body to be convened as soon as possible.
(d) A solution for the constitutional deadlock.
5. Who among the following Governor Generals created the Covenanted Civil Service of India which later came to be known as the Indian Civil Service?
(a) Warren Hastings
(b) Wellesley
(c) Cornwallis
(d) William Bentinck
6. What was the immediate cause for the launch of the Swadeshi movement?
(a) The partition of Bengal done by Lord Curzon.
(b) A sentence of 18 months rigorous imprisonment imposed on Lokmanya Tilak.
(c) The arrest and deportation of Lala Lajpat Rai and Ajit Singh; and passing of the Punjab Colonization Bill.
(d) Death sentence pronounced on the Chapekar brothers.
7. Consider the following statements:
1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad persuaded Mahatma Gandhi to come to Champaran to investigate the problem of peasants.
2. Acharya J. B. Kriplani was one of Mahatma Gandhi’s colleagues in his Champaran investigation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
8. By a regulation in 1793, the District Collector was deprived of his judicial powers and made the collecting agent only. What was the reason for such regulation?
(a) Lord Cornwallis felt that the District Collector’s efficiency of revenue collection would enormously increase without the burden of ‘other work.
(b) Lord Cornwallis felt that Judicial power should compulsorily be in the hands of Europeans while Indians can be given the job of revenue collection in the
districts.
(c) Lord Cornwallis was alarmed at the extent of power concentrated in the District Collector and felt that such absolute power was undesirable in one person.
(d) The judicial work demanded a deep knowledge of India and a good training in law and Lord Cornwallis felt that District Collector should be only a revenue collector.
9. Consider the following statements:
1. The “Bombay Manifesto” signed in 1936 openly opposed the preaching of socialist ideals.
2. It evoked support from a large section of business community from all across India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
10. For the Karachi session of Indian National Congress in 1931 presided over by Sardar Patel, who drafted the Resolution on Fundamental Rights and Economic Programme?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi
(b) Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
(c) Dr. Rajendra Prasad
(d) Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
11.Who among the following were official Congress negotiators with Cripps Mission?
(a) Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel
(b) Acharya J. B. Kripalani and C. Rajagopalachari
(c) Pandit Nehru and Maulana Azad
(d) Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Rafi Ahmed Kidwai
12. What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?
(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore.
(b) The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab.
(c) He wanted topunish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot and Pasrur).
(d) He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi to his kingdom.
13. With reference to Pondicherry (now Puducherry), consider the following statements:
1. The first European power to occupy Pondicherry were the Portuguese.
2. The second European power to occupy Pondicherry were the French.
3. The English never occupied Pondichierry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
14. There are only two known examples of cave paintings of the Gupta period in ancient India. One of these is paintings of Ajanta caves.
Where is the other surviving example of Gupta paintings?
(a) Bagh caves
(b) Ellora caves
(c) Lomas Rishi cave
(d) Nasik caves
15. Among the following, who was not a proponent of bhakti cult?
(a) Nagarjuna
(b) Tukaram
(c) Tyagaraja
(d) Vallabhacharya
16. If a potato is placed on a pure paper platewhich iswhite and unprinted and put in a microwave oven, the potato heats up but the paper plate does not.This is because:
(a) Potato is mainly made up of starch whereas paper is mainly made up of cellulose.
(b) Potato transmits microwaves whereas paper reflects microwaves.
(c) Potato contains water whereas paper does not contain water.
(d) Potato is a fresh organic material whereas paper is a dead organic material.
17. Chlorination is a process used for water-purification. The disinfecting action of chlorine is mainly due to
(a) The formation of hydrochloric acid when chlorine is added to water.
(b) The formation of hypochlorous acid when chlorine is added to water.
(c) The formation of nascent oxygen when chlorine is added to water.
(d) The formation of hydrogen when chlorine is added to water.
18. Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria.
Why is it difficult to develop an effectivemalaria vaccine?
(a) Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium.
(b) Man does not develop immunity to malaria during natural infection.
(c) Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria
(d) Man is only an intermediate host and not the definitive host
19. A pesticide which is a chlorinated hydrocarbon is sprayed on a food crop. The food chain is: Food crop - Rat - Snake - Hawk. In this food chain, the
highest concentration of the pesticide would accumulate in which one of the following?
(a) Food crop
(b) Rat
(c) Snake
(d) Hawk
20. India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the Planning Commission as a mega science project under the 11th Five-Year Plan. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
2. Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but nonzero mass.
4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through human body every second.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
21. Consider the following:
1. Oxides of Hydrogen
2. Oxides of Nitrogen
3. Oxides of Sulphur
Which of the above causes/cause acid rain?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
22. Some species of plants are insectivorous. Why?
(a) Their growth in shady and dark places does not allow them to undertake sufficient photosynthesis and thus they depend on insects for nutrition.
(b) They are adapted to grow in nitrogen deficient soils and thus depend on insects for sufficient nitrogenous nutrition.
(c) They cannot synthesize certain vitamins themselves and depend on the insects digested by them.
(d) They have remained in that particular stage of evolution as living fossils, a link between autotrophs and heterotrophs.
23. What is the principle by which a cooling system (Radiator) in a motor car works?
(a) Conduction only
(b) Convection
(c) Radiation only
(d) Both conduction & radiation
24. King Cobra is the only snake that makes its own nest. Why does it make its nest?
(a) It is a snake - eater and the nest helps attract other snakes.
(b) It is a viviparous snake and needs a nest to give birth to its offspring.
(c) It is an oviparous snake and lays its eggs in the nest and guards the nest until they are hatched.
(d) It is a large, cold blooded animal .and needs a nest to hibernate in the cold season.
25. Consider the following statements:
1. The Taxus tree naturally found in the Himalayas.
2. The Taxus tree is listed in the Red Data Book.
3. A drug called “taxol” is obtained from Taxus tree is effective against Parkinson’s disease.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
26. Indiscriminate disposal of used fluorescent electric lamps causes mercury pollution in the environment. Why ismercury used in them anufacture of these lamps?
(a) A mercury coating on the inside of the lamp makes the light bright white.
(b) When the lamp is switched on, the mercury in the lamp causes the emission of ultra-violet radiations.
(c) When the lamp is switched on, it is the mercury which converts the ultraviolet energy into visible light.
(d) None of the statement given above is correct about the use of mercury in the manufacture of fluorescent lamps.
27. Which one of the following processes in the bodies of living organisms is a digestive process?
(a) Breakdown of proteins into amino acids
(b) Breakdown of glucose into CO2 and H2O
(c) Conversion of glucose into glycogen
(d) Conversion of amino acids into proteins
28. From the point of view of evolution of living organisms, which one of the following is the correct sequence of evolution?
(a) Otter - Tortoise - Shark
(b) Shark - Tortoise - Otter
(c) Tortoise - Shark - Otter
(d) Shark - Otter - Tortoise
29. Consider the following statements:
1. Hepatitis B is several times more infectious than HIV/AIDS
2. Hepatitis B can cause liver cance.-
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
30. Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO) into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decreases. What causes this condition?
(a) When inhaled into the human body, CO is converted into CO2
(b) The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for haemoglobin as compared to oxygen
(c) The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of haemoglobin
(d) The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory centre in the brain
31. Consider the following statements:
1. Every individual in the population is equally susceptible host for Swine Flu.
2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu.
3. To prevent the future spread of Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
32. With regard to the transmission of the Human Immuno deficiency Virus, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The chances of transmission from female to male are twice as likely as from male to female.
(b) The chances of transmission are more if a person suffers from other sexually transmitted infections.
(c) An infected mother can transmit the infection to her baby during pregnancy, at childbirth and by breast feeding.
(d) The risk of contracting infection from transfusion of infected blood is much higher than an exposure to contaminated needle.
33. Mon 863 is a variefy ofmaize. Itwas in the news for the following reason
(a) It is a genetically modified dwarf variety which is resistant to drought.
(b) It is a genetically modified variety which is pest resistant.
(c) It is a genetically modified variety with ten times higher protein content than regular maize crop.
(d) It is a geneticallymodified variety used exclusively for bio-fuel production.
34. Consider the following statements: The satellite Oceansat - 2 launched by India helps in
1. estimating the water vapour content in the atmosphere.
2. predicting the onset of monsoons.
3. monitoring the pollution of coastal waters.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
35. Genetically modified “golden rice” has been engineered tomeet human nutritional requirements. Which one of the following statements best qualifies golden rice?
(a) The grains have been fortified with genes to provide three times higher grain yield per acre than other high yielding varieties.
(b) Its grains contain pro-vitamin A which upon ingestion is converted to vitamin A in the human body.
(c) Itsmodified genes cause the synthesis of all the nine essential amino acids.
(d) Its modified genes cause the fortification of its grains with vitamin D.
36. Consider the following:
1. Bluetooth device
2. Cordless phone
3. Microwave oven
4. Wi - Fi device
Which of the above can operate between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz range of radio frequency band?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
37. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust”
(a) NH3
(b) CH4
(c) H2O
(d) H2O2
38. Recently, LASIK (Laser Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) procedure is being made popular for vision correction. Which one of the following statements in this context is not correct?
(a) LASIK procedure is used to correct refractive errors of the eye.
(b) It is a procedure that permanently changes the shapes of the cornea.
(c) It reduces a person’s dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
(d) It is a procedure that can be done on the person of any age.
39. Which bacterial strain, developed from natural isolates by genetic manipulations, can be used for treating oil spills?
(a) Agrobacterium
(b) Clostridium
(c) Nitrosomonas
(d) Pseudomonas
40. Which feature of some species of blue-green algae helps promote them as bio-fertilisers?
(a) They convert atmospheric methane into ammonia which the crop plants can absorb readily.
(b) They induce the crop plants to produce the enzymes which help convert atmospheric nitrogen to nitrates.
(c) They have the mechanism to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that the crop plants can absorb readily.
(d) They induce the roots of the crop plants to absorb the soil nitrates in larger quantities.
41. Other than Jatropha curxas, why is Pongamia pinnata also considered a good option for the production of biodiesel in India?
1. Pongamia pinnata grows naturally in most of the arid regions of India.
2. The seeds of Pongamia pinnata are rich in lipid content of which nearly half is oleic acid.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
42. Due to their extensive rice cultivation, some regions may be contributing to global warming. To what possible reason/reasons is this attributable?
1. The anaerobic conditions associated with rice cultivation cause the emission of methane.
2. When nitrogen based fertilizers are used, nitrous oxide is emitted fromthe cultivated soil.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
43. Given below are the names of four energy crops. Which one of them can be cultivated for ethanol?
(a) Jatropha
(b) Maize
(c) Pongamia
(d) Sunflower
44. Which among the following do/does not belong/belongs to the GSM family of wireless technologies?
(a) EDGE
(b) LTE
(c) DSL
(d) Both EDGE and LTE
45. With reference to the treatment of cancerous tumours, a tool called cyber knife has been making the news. In this context, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) It is a robotic image guided system.
(b) It delivers an extremely precise dose of radiation.
(c) It has the capability of achieving submillimetre accuracy.
(d) It can map the spread of tumour in the body.
46. In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news?
(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India.
(b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan - II.
(c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India.
(d) A space telescope developed by India.
47. With reference to Union Government, consider the following statements:
1. The Ministries Departments of the Government of India are created by the Prime Minister on the advice of the Cabinet Secretary.
2. Each of the Ministries is assigned to a Minister by the President of India on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and2
(d) Neither 1 nor2
48. Under the administration of which one of the following is the Department of Atomic Energy?
(a) Prime Minister’s Office
(b) Cabinet Secretariat
(c) Ministry of Power
(d) Ministry of Science and Technology
49. In India, who is the Chairman of the National Water Resources Council?
(a) Prime Minister
(b) Minister of Water Resources
(c) Minister of Environment and Forests
(d) Minister of Science and Technology
50. If a Panchayat is dissolved, elections are to be held within
(a) 1 month
(b) 3 months
(c) 6 months
(d) 1 year

MODEL TEST PAPER DOWNLOAD

2011-05-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

Model Test Paper For UPSC Pre CSAT 2011 - (Paper-2)

SET - 3

Directions (Qs.1 to 4): Choose the best option to fill in the blanks.
1. The best punctuation is that of which the reader is least conscious; for when punctuation, or lack of it............ itself, it is usually because it..........
(a) conceals, recedes
(b) enjoins, fails
(c) obtrudes, offends
(d) effaces, counts
2. Their achievement in the field of literature is described as ..........; sometimes it is even called.........
(a) significant, paltry
(b) insignificant, influential
(c) magnificent, irresponsible
(d) unimportant, trivial
3. Companies that try to improve employees' performance by.......rewards encourage negative kinds of behaviour, instead of.......a genuine interest in doing the work well.
(a) conferring, discrediting
(b) bestowing, discouraging
(c) giving, seeking
(d) withholding, fostering
4. A growing number of these expert professionals ........ having to train foreigners as the students end up............ the teachers who have to then unhappily contend with no jobs at all or new jobs with drastically reduced pay packets.
(a) welcome, assisting
(b) resist, challenging
(c) resent, replacing
(D) are, supplanting

ROAD MAP

2011-05-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

Road Map For UPSC IAS Pre. Exam 2011

Dear Students,
As the Civil Services exam, not mearly test your knowledge but it also tests your ability to deliver within a limited time frame. In this regard you need to have a proper planning, proper strategy and a clear road map, where you can monitor your own progress, and if necessary you can change your strategy. In this background I am suggesting few things which I hope will help you in your planning. Here, I am only presenting the General Studies Paper-I by keeping in mind that you are going to prepare the CSAT paper in according to your own convenience.
Before making actual planning you must be aware of what to read, and from where to read in first stage, In second stage you must be aware of how to read, And in third stage you need to have a personal road map where you can implement the above 2 stages. This road map should be individual specific, because needs and awareness are different for different people.
Now let me discuss the first stage that is what to read and from where to read. For traditional area I am suggesting these following books which according to me are more then sufficient to qualify P.T.

Books are:

History:

Ancient - Ram Sharan Sharma, (old) NCERT
Medieval- Satish Chandra, (old) NCERT
Modern India- Bipin Chandra, (old) NCERT
Art & Culture chapter of India Year Book

Science:

NCERT- VI to X (New)
What, Why & How by CSIR.
Defence Current Affairs & Defence chapter of India Year Book
S&T Current Affairs & S&T Chapter of India Year Book.

Geography:

XI, XII NCERT (New)
Read current affair with Atlas, locate each & everything which are in news.
Thoroughly use your Atlas

And following chapters of India Year Book:

Land & The people.
Agriculture.
Energy.
Environment.
Water Resources.
States & Union Territories

Polity:

XI, XII NCERT (New).
Polity chapter of India Year Book.
General Information chapter of India Year Book.
Justice & Law chapter of India Year Book.
Indian Polity , by Laxmikant
Current Affairs of Polity

Economics:

Clear your basic concepts of Economics with any book.
Current Affair of Economics
Economic Survey -summery of each chapter which is given in the last page. And see the boxes given in every chapter.

And following chapters of India Year Book:

Agriculture.
Basic Economic Data.
Commerce.
Communication.
Education.
Finance.
Corporate Affairs.
Food & Civil Supplier.
Health & Family Welfare.
Housing.
Industry.
Labour.
Mass Communication.
Planning.
Rural development.
Transport.
Welfare.
Youth Affair & Sports.

Environment:

Environment chapter of India Year Book.
Geography books of NCERT (new).
Current Affair.
Internet

Current Affairs

This is the most important section of this paper. After analyzing the recent question paper it is necessary for every aspirant that he/she should give more attention to those traditional area which are in news. For Example:
(a) India’s Fast Breeder Reactor has achieved certain milestone or
(b) The launch of cryogenic technology had failed recently; in this respect you must be aware with the traditional portion of these areas, these includes:

What is Cryogenic technology?
When India started to develop this technology?
How many countries poses this technology? etc.

In the same manner:

What is India’s Nuclear programme?
When India started the programme?
How many stages are there in India’s Nuclear Programme?
In which Generation the Fast Breeder Reactor comes?
What are its major use /Advantages? etc.

In Short you should change your traditional way of preparation and mould it with the present trend. The present trend is that you need to prepare your traditional area through current affair. That is whatever is in news you must have the awareness of its traditional background & its concept, Now the next question comes in your mind is that, how one can achieve this?

In this background I would suggest you to follow these steps :

You need to have a sound knowledge of current affair and the traditional portion of your G.S. paper.
Read traditional area, historical background and constitutional provision (if necessary) to each topic which is in news.

For example In polity section what ever is in news try to connect that with the constitutional provision, and its political history. Suppose government has recently amended the constitution and provided 50% reservation for women in panchayat, so in this case you should read the constitutional provision of panchayat, its political history in India, that is from ancient India to till date. In this way you can prepare your traditional area with the current affairs. To achieve this you do not have to do any research because the above mention books are written in such a manner that you can find the historical background with its concept, in one place, you have to just update that with your current affair.
At the same time, with in the Current Affair section there are some special areas where you should have a good command because questions are asked directly from those areas.

They are:-

Various Bills and Acts and their important provisions.
Important Reports and their contents.
Various governments plans programmes.
Initiatives taken by the government in various fields.

I hope now you are familiar with what to read and from where to read. Then the next question comes how to read.

How to read?

In this regard I would suggest that what ever you read you must solve the multiple choice questions.
Make your own point wise notes (if necessary) revise your notes again and again.
If possible make your own multiple choice questions with the help of previous year question papers.

Clear your concepts from NCERT.
Think and analyze those concepts again and again.
Revise again and again, and no need to mug up the factual information, try to remember only important facts and figures so that you can utilize those, in your mains exam as well.
From, May solve the question papers in strictly exam like condition. That is with in the 2 hour time frame at morning and evening season.

The Road Map:

Now let me discuss about the road map, according to me the road map should be individual specific. A general road map will not provide any fruitful results because candidates awareness and needs are different from person to person, But there are some specific guide lines which one need to follow while making his/her road map. Those points I have already discussed in my what to read & how to read section. Here I would only suggest that according to your convenience make your own road map, at this you are now aware of what to read & How to read, the only thing you have to make is that when you are going to study. Here I want to clarify one thing that to qualify the P.T. you must have to revise the whole thing more than twice, So keep this in your mind before making your own road map.
I am here to help you call me with in the specified time, I will try my best to sought out your problem, work hard and be honest with yourself,
May God bless all of you!
Thank You
S.A. Majid
+91 9911626661

(courtesy:upscportal)

NOTIFICATION

2011-05-21T02:01:00.000-07:00

Civil Service Examination, 2011

Examination Notice No. 05/2011-CSP

F. No. 1/8/2010-E.I(B) : Preliminary Examination of the Civil Services Examination for recruitment to the Services and Posts mentioned below will be held by the Union Public Service Commission on 12th June, 2011 in accordance with the Rules published by the Department of Personnel & Training in the Gazette of India Extraordinary dated 19th February, 2011.

Indian Administrative Service.
Indian Foreign Service.
Indian Police Service.
Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service, Group ‘A’.
Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group ‘A’.
Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), Group ‘A’.
Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group ‘A’.
Indian Revenue Service (I.T.), Group ‘A’.
Indian Ordnance Factories Service, Group ‘A’ (Assistant Works Manager, Administration).
Indian Postal Service, Group ‘A’.
Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group ‘A’.
Indian Railway Traffic Service, Group ‘A’.
Indian Railway Accounts Service, Group 'A'.
Indian Railway Personnel Service, Group ‘A’.
Post of Assistant Security Commissioner in Railway Protection Force, Group ‘A’
Indian Defence Estates Service, Group ‘A’.
Indian Information Service (Junior Grade), Group ‘A’.
Indian Trade Service, Group 'A' (Gr. III).
Indian Corporate Law Service, Group "A".
Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group ‘B’ (Section Officer’s Grade).
Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Civil Service, Group 'B'.
Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli Police Service, Group 'B'.
Pondicherry Civil Service, Group 'B'.
Pondicherry Police Service, Group 'B'.

The number of vacancies to be filled on the result of the examination is expected to be approximately 880. The number of vacancies may get increased.
Reservation will be made for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes. Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and Physically Disabled Categories in respect of vacancies as may be fixed by the Government.

Note I : The list of services participating in the Civil Services Examination, 2011 is tentative.
Note II : Services identified suitable for Physically Disabled Categories along with respective functional classification and physical requirements are given below :-

Qualification:

The candidate must hold a degree of any of Universities incorporated by an Act of the Central or State Legislature in India or other educational institutions established by an Act of Parliament or declared to be deemed as a University Under Section-3 of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956, or possess an equivalent qualification.
NOTE I : Candidates who have appeared at an examination the passing of which would render them educationally qualified for the Commission’s examination but have not been informed of the results as also the candidates who intend to appear at such a qualifying examination will also be eligible for admission to the Preliminary Examination. All candidates who are declared qualified by the Commission for taking the Civil Services (Main) Examination will be required to produce proof of passing the requisite examination with their application for the Main Examination failing which such candidates will not be admitted to the Main Examination. The applications for the Main Examination will be called sometime in the month of July/August, 2011.
NOTE II : In exceptional cases the Union Public Service Commission may treat a candidate who has not any of the foregoing qualifications as a qualified candidate provided that he/ she has passed examination conducted by the other Institutions, the standard of which in the opinion of the Commission justifies his/her admission to the examination.
NOTE III : Candidates possessing professional and technical qualifications which are recognised by Government as equivalent to professional and technical degree would also be eligible for admission to the examination.
NOTE IV : Candidates who have passed the final professional M.B.B.S. or any other Medical Examination but have not completed their internship by the time of submission of their applications for the Civil Services (Main) Examination, will be provisionally admitted to the Examination provided they submit along with their application a copy of certificate from the concerned authority of the University/Institution that they had passed the requisite final professional medical examination. In such cases, the candidates will be required to produce at the time of their interview original Degree or a certificate from the concerned competent authority of the University/Institution that they had completed all requirements (including completion of internship) for the award of the Degree.

Age:

A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 30 years on 1st August, 2011

Plan of Examination:

The Civil Services Examination will consist of two successive stages (vide Appendix I Section-I below).
(i) Civil Services Preliminary Examination (Objective type) for the selection of candidates for the Main Examination; and
(ii) Civil Services Main Examination (Written and Interview) for the selection of candidates for the various Services and posts noted above.
Applications are now invited for the Preliminary Examination only. Candidates who are declared by the Commission to have qualified for admission to the Main Examination will have to apply again, in the Detailed Application Form which would be supplied to them. The Main Examination is likely to be held in October/November, 2011.

FEE :

(a) Candidates applying Online (exempting Female/SC/ST/PH Candidates who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay a reduced fee of Rs. 50/- (Rupees Fifty only) either by remitting the money in any Branch of SBI by Cash, or by using net banking facility of SBI or by using Visa/Master Credit/Debit Card.
(b) Candidates applying Offline (through Common Application Form) are required to pay a fee of Rs. 100/- (Rupees One Hundred only) through a single Central Recruitment Stamp. Central Recruitment Fee Stamp (NOT Postage Stamp) of the requisite denomination may be obtained from the Post Office and affixed on the application form in the space provided therein. The stamp must be got cancelled from the issuing Post Office with the date stamp of the Post Office in such a manner that the impression of the cancellation mark partially overflows on the application form itself but within the space provided on the Application form itself. The impression of the cancellation mark should be clear and distinct to facilitate the identification of date and the Post Office of issue.
Candidates residing abroad should deposit the prescribed fee in the office of India's High Commissioner, Ambassador or representative abroad as the case may be for credit to account head "051-Public Service Commission-Examination Fees" and attach the receipt with the application.

Center of Examination:

AGARTALA	CHANDIGARH	IMPHAL	LUCKNOW	RANCHI
AHMEDABAD	CHENNAI	ITANAGAR	MADURAI	SAMBALPUR
AIZAWL	CUTTACK	JAIPUR	MUMBAI	SHILLONG
ALIGARH	DEHRADUN	JAMMU	NAGPUR	SHIMLA
ALLAHABAD	DELHI	JODHPUR	PANAJI (GOA)	SRINAGAR
AURANGABAD	DHARWAD	JORHAT	PATNA	THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
BANGALORE	DISPUR	KOCHI	PUDUCHERRY	TIRUPATI
BAREILLY	GANGTOK	KOHIMA	PORT BLAIR	UDAIPUR
BHOPAL	HYDERABAD	KOLKATA	RAIPUR	VISHAKHAPATNAM

IMPORTANT

1. Candidates To Ensure Their Eligibility For The Examination

The Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions for admission to examination. Their admission to all the stages of the examination will be purely provisional subject to satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions.
Mere issue of admission certificate to the candidate will not imply that his/her candidature has been finally cleared by the Commission. Commission take up verification of eligibility conditions with reference to original
documents only after the candidate has qualified for Interview/Personality Test.

2. How To Apply

(a) Candidates may apply Online by using the website http://www.upsconline.nic.in Detailed instructions for filling up online applications are available on the abovementioned website.
(b) Candidates may also apply Offline in the Common Application Form devised by the Commission for its examinations, which can be purchased from the designated Head Post Offices/Post Offices (specified in Appendix III of the Notice) throughout the country against cash payment of Rs. 30/- (Rupees Thirty only). Each such Form can be used only once and only for one examination. In case of any difficulty in obtaining Application Forms from the designated HPOs/ POs, the candidates should immediately contact the concerned post Master or UPSC’s “FORMS SUPPLY MONITORING CELL” over Telephone No. 011- 3389366/FAX No. 011-23387310.
(c) Candidates are advised to read carefully the Instructions for filling up the "Online Application Form” given in Appendix-II (A) and Instructions for Offline Applications given in Appendix II (B) of this notice.

3. Lat Date For Receipt of Applications:

(a) Online:

The online Applications can be filled up to 21st March, 2011 till 11.59 PM after which the link will be disabled.

(b) Offline:

All offline applications must reach the “Controller of Examinations, Union Public Service Commission, Dholpur House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110069” either by hand or by Post/Speed Post or by Courier, on or before the 21st March,2011. Candidates should note that applications will be received by hand, only one at a time, at the designated counter(s) and not in bulk, till 5 PM only. However, in respect of candidates residing abroad or in certain remote localities specified in para 6 of this Notice the last date for receipt of application by Post/Speed Post only (not by Hand or by Courier) is 28th March, 2011.

4. Penalty For Wrong Answer

Candidates should note that there will be penalty (negative marking) for wrong answers marked by a candidate in the Objective Type Question Papers.

5. Facilitation Counter For Guidance of Candidates

In case of any guidance/information/clarification regarding their applications, candidature etc. candidates can contact UPSC’s Facilitation Counter near gate ‘C’ of its campus in person or over Telephone No. 011- 3385271/011-23381125/011- 23098543 on working days between 10.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs.

6. Mobile Phones Banned

(a) Mobile phones, pagers or any other communication devices are not allowed inside the premises where the examination is being conducted. Any infringement of these instructions shall entail disciplinary action including ban from future examinations.
(b) Candidates are advised in their own interest not to bring any of the banned items including mobile phones/pagers to the venue of the examination, as arrangement for safe-keeping cannot be assured.
7. Candidates are advised not to bring any valuable/costly items to the Examination Halls, as safe-keeping of the same cannot be assured. Commission will not be responsible for any loss in this regard.

Website: www.upsc.gov.in

Detailed Notification (In English)

हिन्दी में सूचना के लिये यहां क्लिक करें

For Hindi Font: Click Here To Download and Install

Courtesy: upsc.gov.in

THE SYLLABUS SHOULD BE SHORTLY PUBLISHED

2010-08-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

NEW DELHI: The government will soon come out with a detailed syllabus of the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) -- a new scheme of examination, which is to replace the existing Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination from 2011.

The test is meant for shortlisting candidates for the CS (Main) Examination, being conducted every year to recruit officers in IAS, IFS, IPS and other elite central services.

The Centre had in March approved the proposal for introduction of CSAT in place of CS (Preliminary) from next year, and subsequently asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to work out its syllabus.

"The government will shortly notify the new scheme of examination giving details of the syllabus which is being worked out. CSAT is expected to come into force from the Civil Services Examination, 2011", said the minister of state for personnel Prithviraj Chavan.

In written response to a parliamentary question in Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Chavan said: "In CSAT, one of the optional subjects which a candidate could have chosen out of 23 optional has been replaced with a common paper on aptitude test".

Referring to the syllabus, which is yet to be finalised, sources in the ministry explained that the candidates may now have to appear in two objective type papers, having special emphasis on testing their "aptitude for civil services" as well as on "ethical and moral dimension of decision making".

Both these papers -- having equal weightage -- will be common to all candidates in place of one common paper (general awareness) and one optional paper (any particular subject of choice) under the existing system, which lays greater emphasis on subject knowledge.

As of now, the change will be effective only for the first of the three stages of the CSE from 2011 onwards. The second and third stages -- CS (Main) Examination and Interview, respectively -- will remain the same till a panel of experts goes into various aspects of the entire system and submits its report.

The proposal to this effect was sent to PMO last year by UPSC.

Officials, familiar with the proposal, explained that the changes had been suggested by various committees. Most of the panels had advocated for laying greater emphasis on "aptitude" of candidates than their subjects' knowledges, arguing that the specialists or experts of any particular subject may not necessarily be good civil servants unless they have actual inclination towards it.

An official said: "The new system (CSAT) will also provide a level-playing filed and equity since all candidates will have to attempt common papers unlike the current format which provides for only one common paper".

Though scaling system is currently used in Preliminary examination in order to ensure that no candidate who has opted for any particular optional paper gets any undue advantage because of varying degree of difficulty of any paper or inherent scorability, the government has received a number of complaints objecting to the method on one or the other ground.

INTERVIEW WITH ADAPA KARTHIK

2010-08-27T00:39:00.001-07:00

Thinking beyond marks, appreciating the value of each subject and teaching these very subjects to students during his preparation helped him ace the exam.

Now stationed at Ranikhet, a small town in Uttarakhand, Karthik (who was ranked first in the IAS exam of 2008) aspires to make a difference by working at the grassroots...

Why did you opt for the IAS?
It offers a tremendous opportunity for leadership and to work at the grassroots level. For example, I now work in a small town with a population of around 20,000. It is such a backward region that even a little work we do has a tremendous impact on the people here. You also get a chance to impact people's lives across a variety of domains such as health, education, water, sanitation, roads and electricity. In fact, as a topper, I was given the option to go to my hometown in Khammam, Andhra Pradesh but I chose Ranikhet as it's a much more backward place and that's the kind of place I wanted to contribute to.

Medicine is considered a noble profession. What prompted you to move out of it?
I enjoyed being a doctor and in fact, continue to be a doctor even now. In my capacity as an administrator, I organise health camps, where I also serve as a doctor. But what I realised is that as a doctor, the canvas you get to paint on is very small. Health is the only field you can work in as a doctor.

Tell us about life as a student...
I was always a good student, which helped me secure admission to a national medical college. I got a scholarship for a postgraduation at both Harvard and Cambridge. I also got a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation scholarship for a PhD in Molecular Medicine at Harvard and the Jawaharlal Nehru [ Images ] Memorial Trust Commonwealth Shared Scholarship for my PhD in Cambridge. But I opted for the IAS. In two earlier attempts, I also got through the Indian Police Services, but I let it pass, too.

Three attempts? It sounds taxing! How did you prepare?
I enjoyed the process. I wish I had to give ten attempts so I could study for ten years! You actually grow a lot in the process; the reading is voracious. I look upon it as a way of life and not much has changed since those times for me. I still read a lot, keep abreast of what's happening in the world, in the country, in my state.

Which subjects did you chose during the mains and why?
Zoology and Psychology. Having done medicine, which is Advanced Biology, I wanted to go back to my basics and study Zoology, which is Basic Biology. I also wanted to study one subject that was different and would tell me something I enjoy in life and Psychology fitted the bill well. I worked really hard in Psychology. Though I didn't score too well, it gave me new perspectives to see my life events. It brings about a holistic change in your personality, which happens as long as you don't study merely for marks but internalise the subject. You must appreciate the basics of the subject and study its varied topics.

How did you prepare for the exam?
I referred to basic textbooks like Morgan & King and Barrons. Then you have advanced textbooks for each subject; Coleman for Abnormal Psychology, Pearson's for Education Psychology. I would devote six to eight hours a day, but more than the number of hours, it is the quality and consistency of your studies that matter. I used to be very consistent with my reading.

What did you do differently in Attempt 3, which enabled you to crack it?
I feel I was much more focused and also put in more effort than in my first two attempts; however, some things you learn only with experience. Lesson 1, I learned how to manage my time better after going through the entire process twice. Lesson 2, never to ignore Prelims even after your Mains or your interview because when the results are out, you don't have any time left for the next year's Prelims.

Any interview tips for IAS aspirants...
Just be yourself! The more artificial you are, the more you will struggle. While preparing, 'studying' newspapers is the ultimate thing. I read The Hindu, which is by far the best newspaper when preparing for the Civil Services Exam. While preparing, don't merely 'read' the newspaper, 'study' the newspaper, just like you would a textbook. Underline, make notes, analyse, draw some conclusions, discuss.

Who was the inspiration behind your success?
My teachers and my students.

Your students?
I taught Zoology and General Studies at Evolution, a coaching institute, during my preparation while simultaneously preparing for General Studies with study material from Rajaram & Ravi, another coaching institute. If I didn't teach a topic well, my students' faces said it all. This would encourage me to study and understand better, work hard and ultimately teach better. So I thank my teachers for teaching me and my students for bearing with me and tolerating me.

How has your administrative experience been so far?
We have a period of independent charge as part of my training. Hence I am at Ranikhet as the Joint Magistrate, for the last one-and-a-half months. I am the youngest but still the leader of the entire team. Hence I need to be the energy and motivator of the team. Ranikhet is located in the hills where everything usually closes by 6 pm. But our office remains open till 8 or 9 pm, sometimes longer. We are trying to make the administration friendlier and improve health, education, etc. In fact, I have lodged the first FIR against illegal mining in Uttarakhand, probably a first in all of North India

MY INTERVIEW -BY Anurima Sharma (Interview Marks 205)

2010-08-27T00:32:00.000-07:00

hi all…this was my civil services interview on 27 March 2010,fore noon session. I went in and greeted the members. Chairman(cm) asked me to sit

*CM :* So, you are from Miss Hill school,gwalior?

*ME :* yes sir..

*CM :* oh! i am also from the same school

*ME :* I smiled. Great sir.

*CM :* So,now tell me, why its known as miss hill?

*ME :* Sir,named on miss Agnes Hill,the founder who established it in 1900.

*CM :* ok.what did she do before that?

*ME :* Sorry sir! I am not aware.

*CM :* Kamaal hai!!

*ME :* (smile)

*CM :* She used to teach the kids of royal dynasty.

*ME :* Thank you sir.

*CM :* Can u guess,wich maharaja’s time she worked?

*ME :* Madhav Rao Scindia IInd

*CM and all Members: *Arey!

*ME :* Sorry sir,slip of tongue..its Madhav Rao Scindia Ist

*CM :* Now, lets come out of Gwalior.

*CM :* What is your opinion about foreign university’s bill?

*ME :* Sir,i feel it will help in raising the benchmarks and providing more options..but some checks and balances are required.

*CM :* Is it a competition betwen equals or unequals?

*ME :* Sir,as of now its competition between unequals. And thats why it should be monitored and regulated.

*CM :* What kind of checks?

*ME :* Sir,curriculum must be the same as they offer abroad. Then, exorbitant fee should not be charged. It should be in national interest and in tandem with Indian culture.

*CM :* You have used a very interesting term”Indian Culture”. I have never understood it. Now tell me, wat do you mean by it?

*ME :* Sir, its the existing socio- economic- political conditions. The way of living life in india. For example, IIT and IIM should teach managemnt and technology, which caters to our needs.

*CM :* No..indian culture…tell me..you are dressed in a sari, so a girl dressed in skirt should not be imparted education?

*ME :* No sir, definitely not, thats not wat i mean..

*CM :* Then?

*ME :* Sir,i meant that it should be sensitive to the indian society.

*CM :* When i go to Gurudwara, i cover my head.

*ME :* Thats what my point is sir.

cm n all members: You are a science student, be concrete. Dont be abstract.

*ME :* Right sir.

*CM :* Ok, so..my son who is born in America, stands nowhere infront of these youngsters who eat pizzas, use slangs and swirl to the tunes of shalika?

*Another Member Corrected CM :* sir… Shakira??

*CM :* Yes, yes…Mexican singer..Shakira.

*ME :* sir.

*CM :* So? what is Indian culture?

*ME :* Sir, the socio-political conditions of India are different from rest of the world. We are emotional people…religious beliefs…(cm interrupted)

*CM :* So, you mean, some other religions should be barred from education?

*ME :* Absolutely not sir. That’s what I am saying…Indian Secularism. We are different!!

*CM :* Aap apne ko fasaa rahey ho

*ME :* I smiled

*CM :* Ok ok. Forget it. Now, you come from Gwalior…There was a news recently where a political leader was given 101 salutes of rounds. Stupid people (laughs loudly)

*ME :* Yes sir.

*CM :* As a DM , what you would have done?

*ME :* Sir, i wouldn’t have allowed it.

*CM :* Ok, you wouldn’t have allowed it. Which section of IPC prohibits it?

*ME :* Sorry sir,i am not aware .

*CM :* Ok..so, you would have done what?

*ME :* Sir,i am sure, had i been the DM, i had known, what to do. But,as of now…i would say, i have take legal expertise and taken an action in legal framework.

m4: Oh..but you don’t know IPC section?

*ME :* Yes sir, i dont know that. But I know that firing in public is an offence.

*CM :* Anurima, your common sense is at its right place. And for a public offence, you can lodge an FIR.

*ME :* Thank you sir. Right sir, I would have done the same.

m 4: And you can seize the arms, cancel their licences also.

*ME :* Thank you sir. I would have done this also.

*CM :* Ok..now tell me who are Sahariyas?

*ME :* Sir, Sahariyas are the tribals who inhabit Gwalior, Morena, Raisen….

*CM :* Ok, tell me what’s their economic condition?

*ME :* Sir, they are weavers..kabirpanthis.

*CM :* No, no..economic condition?

*ME :* Sir, it’s not very good.

*CM :* Which area is having hunger and starvation more than Ethiopia and Sudan?

*ME :* Sorry sir, I am not aware.

*CM :* Its Sahariya belt.

*ME :* Thank u sir, i will take a note of it.

*CM :* Suppose, you are DM at Morena..what would you do to tackle it?

*ME :* Sir,effective implementation of PDS and TPDs. Bringing them under MGREGA, generating employment…by using food coupons, various subsidies and making sure they reach the needy.

*CM :* Ok. Now have you heard of honour killings?

*ME :* Yes sir.

*CM :* In your area also, there are honour killings.

*ME :* Yes sir.

*CM :* Suppose you are DM or IPS officer of Morena, a couple is being set to fire by a panchayat, what would you do?

*ME :* Sir,i would be flanked by many people, well armed and immediately i shall provide security cover to the couple. Nextly, i shall try to strike a conversation with people.

*CM :* Ok..scene changed..they dont listen to you. They are just going to murder the couple..your reaction?

*ME :* Sir,i wud take massive number of staff and somehow try to snatch the couple from their hands.

*CM :* Hav you been to any village there?

*ME :* Yes sir!

*CM :* Then, you think those people listen to anybody?(laughs)

*ME :* Sir, thats why, i said..i will take a large number of people.

*CM :* Ok, and if in that case, a few people are to be killed..what would you do?

*ME :* Sir, violence wouldn’t be my first priority.

*M4 :* Then? You will allow the couple to die?

*ME :* No sir.

*M4 :* But you said, you won’t resort to violence?

*ME :* Sir, i said..violence won’t be the first priority..but if i am left with no options…i will.

*CM :* Ok..if that means 7 people killed..who happen to be from the home minister’s party…and then your job??

*ME :* Sir,i would resort to violent methods if i am left with nothing else.

*CM :* Tell me,u will shoot or you won’t?

*ME :* I will go ahead sir.

*CM :* Think again….

*ME :* Sir, i am joining the services after lot of thinking. If this step helps in making a mark..i will go ahead.

*CM :* I wish that, wen you join services, you stick to your word.

*ME :* I shall never disappoint you, sir.

*CM :* Ok, can you trace India’s Foreign Policy over the last 60 years.

*ME :* Yes sir.

*CM :* Do that.

*ME :* NAM, Panchsheel, Rationalism, Pragmatism now…… I answered in detail.

*CM :* Is it a success?

*ME :* Yes sir.

*CM :* After 26/11,we are still talking with Pakistan, who’s not doing anything. USA giving aid to Pakistan. We are building relations with it also. How is it successful?

*ME :* Sir,we have followed madhyam marga (Middle Path) always.

*M4 :* Another abstract! (all smile)

*CM :* You say, IFP is successful. I say, its a failure. Defend yourself.

*ME :* Sir, we have always believed in talking and sorting out the issues. We have favoured sharing a common platform and exchanging notes. A terrible stand of violence would lead to bad consequences.

*CM :* Ok.

*M1 :* You come from gwalior. A Baarat in your area is considered to be good, when usmein bahut wardi aur bandookein ho?

*ME :* Smile

*M1 :* Do you appreciate this?

*ME :* Yes sir.

*M1 :* Why is it so?

*ME :* Sir, law and order is a problem there. Criminals are many. Hence, uniform is associated with power and dignity.

*M1 :* And such baarats have higher dowries?

*ME :* Smile…yes sir.

*M1 :* She is smiling!!

*M1 :* What is the meaning of your name?

*ME :* Sir, modified form of arunima….

*M1 :* Ravines are a problem in your area….any schemes?

*ME :* Yes sir. (I provide all details)

*M1 :* Tell me various welfare schemes by your state govt for females.

*ME :* Janani suraksha, Gaaon ki beti…..( in detail)

*M2 :* Bhopal gas tragedy, poison, has the compensation been paid….then?

*M3 :* (lady member): Sarva shiksha abhiyaan….if its successful. Mid day meals…its pros and cons

*M4* asked me to differentiate between cellular biology, microbiology and biotech. Then,he asked me to give examples of contribution of biotech to food and health, then asked me what are antibiotics? Is attaining them a biological process or chemical? Then, i was told my interview is over.

I thanked all. All wished me best of luck for future. I thanked all again. *M2 *laughed and said, Anurima! I wished i could understand your name better. All laughed. I also joined in….and got back!

REFERENCE BOOK FOR G.S. PRELIM & MAIN

2010-08-27T00:23:00.000-07:00

PRELIM

(1) NCERT 8th TO 12th STD.

(2) Prelim’s Manuals - Spectrum or Unique or TataMcGraw-Hill’s

(3) Any good School Atlas of Geography

(4) India Year Book

(5) History Ancient :

Romila Thapar
Medieval : NCERT
Modern : Bipin Chandra

(6) News Paper

The Hindu,
Statesman

(7) Economics :

Indian Economy by – Dutta & Sundaram
Economic Survey
Pratiyogita Darpan Indian Economy

(8) Science :

TataMcGraw-Hill’s + NCERT 8th to 12th Std.
Science & Tech. - by Spectrum Publication

(9) General Mental Ability :

TataMcGraw-Hill’s Prelim’s Manual
Maths by R. S. Aggarwal

(10) Polity :

Introduction to Indian Constitution – D. D. Basu
Perspectives on Constitution – P.M. Bakshi

(11) Geography :

NCERT VIIth to XII std.
Goh Cheng Leong
Atlas (School)

(12) Current Affairs :-

News Paper + Magazines - Civil Service Times, Competition
Wizard, India Today, Chronicle, Yojana, Out look, Front Line, Pratiyogita Darpan, etc. + Spectrums guide on current affairs (Published in April & September)

MAIN

(1) History : -

Indian Freedom Struggle of independence - Bipin Chandra
Culture & Present Movements Relevant sections of - Krishna Reddy
Socio – Religions Movement - Agnihotri ( Relevant Section )

(2) Economics : -

Dutta & Sundaram
Uma Kapila
Pratiyogita Darpan ( Indian Eco.)
Economic Survey
The Hindu Survey of Indian Industry
For basic economics read XI th Std book of NCERT

(3) Statistics : -

XI & XII (NCERT) and Spectrums Book

(4) Polity : -

Perspectives on Indian Constitution – P. M. Bakshi

(5) India & World :-

News paper cutting ( The Hindu Editorials) V. N. Khanna

(6) Current Affairs : -

Spectrums Book (Published in Sept.)

(7) Geography : -

NCERT ( XI , XII ), Goh Chang Leong , School Atlas

PREPARATION TIPS BY B.S.WARRIER.

2010-08-24T00:47:00.000-07:00

1. CRUCIAL STEPS TOWARDS CLEARING C.S.E

2.FACING THE INTERVIEW BOARD

3.SOME STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

4.SCAILING THE SUMMIT CALLED IAS

5.TACKLE TRICKY QUESTIONS

6.ROUTE MAP TO CIVIL SERVICES

7.FACE IT RIGHT

8.CREATE MIND MAPS FOR LEARNING

9.FINE ART OF LISTENING

10.HOW TO MEMORISE EFFECTIVELY

11.DRIVE AWAY ALL YOUR MISCONCEPTIONS

12.DEVELOP YOUR ESSAY LOGICALLY

13.THE KEY TO LONG TERM PREPARATION

The key to long-term preparation

2010-07-29T22:02:00.001-07:00

B.S. Warrier

Here are more tips on long-term preparation for examinations.

HEART AND SOUL: Sound health is of great importance while preparing for an examination. Photo: K.K. Mustafah

THIS WEEK we will discuss a few more steps for long-term preparation. An important step in developing good language skill is learning more words. Some people call it `vocabulary development.' If language is considered a building, words are the bricks. We say we build brick by brick. Without bricks we cannot build.

Likewise, you cannot write without words. How can you improve your vocabulary? The first step is to develop the habit of referring to a dictionary. Unless you go to the dictionary, you will not know the correct meaning of words.

One word may have different meanings. You may wrongly believe that you know a word even if you have learnt only one of its various meanings. Let us take an example. All of you know the word `round.' What does it mean? You may say that it means `shaped like a ball or circle.'

The answer is correct. But that is not the full answer. Look at the following sentences using the word `round.'

The police fired ten rounds.

The doctor is on his rounds.

She called him roundly a liar.

He rounded off his career by becoming an actor.

Gandhiji attended the round table conference.

Round your salary to the nearest thousand.

The wolf rounded on the sheep.

Does the word `round' mean `shaped as a ball or circle' in any of these? There are other senses also for the word `round.' Unless you know the different senses of the word, you will not be able to use it well. It is a good idea to make use of a `learner's dictionary.' Another method is to make use of books that help to develop your vocabulary quickly. They advise the method of looking at the roots of words. Whatever is your method, the objective should be to enrich your vocabulary so that you can write fluently with precision, using the most appropriate words on any occasion.

As hinted earlier, there are several points that are common in learning strategies and examination strategies. We will, therefore, have to repeat some of the points we had discussed in the previous series on learning that were featured in these columns. However, there are many new points as well. This is for the reason that the best-prepared student need not necessarily score the highest marks. The assessment result in an examination depends on how well the matter has been presented, to match the examiner's expectations. Let us now look at the examination strategies.

Timetable

The first step is to frame a realistic timetable for your studies during the days of the examination.

You may have only limited time at your disposal to cover a vast area. Prioritise the lessons, taking into consideration the probability of questions from each of them.

You should admit that your limited objective during the pre-examination preparation is not the ideal widening of your knowledge for purposes of personality development, but giving finishing touches to your knowledge and skills to meet the specific demands of the examination and to secure the highest scores.

During the framing of the timetable, the gap in terms of days between two papers permitting eleventh hour preparation, number of examination sessions each day, relative difficulty or ease of the subjects from the point of view of each individual, areas left uncovered previously are some of the factors that deserve attention. Your scores during previous tests in individual subjects may give you some indication of how you would perform in the next examination.

Eleventh hour

Anticipating the test content is a wise strategy that would help you in the eleventh hour preparation. The patterns of questions asked during the previous examinations of the same type would give you an insight into the possible structure of the question paper you should tackle.

The quantum of time, the number, style, and difficulty level of questions, instructions regarding choice and options, and the percentage of numerical problems that are likely are some of the elements you can guess through the exercise of analysing previous question papers. Also, in university-level examinations, this would help you to identify certain possible questions through a process of elimination. Very often, question-setters leave out those areas that have been dealt with in the just previous examinations. Nevertheless you should be prepared to face surprises as well. Those who blindly plan selective learning based on this kind of speculation may have to repent later. Who knows a question-setter may not nurture a queer flight of fancy?

Last minute

In an emergency test preparation, you may have to resort to cramming in the last moment. It is no sin, although cramming should not develop into a habit.

Note down all formulae, definitions, and key points for essays at a single place for a quick look just before the examination. Refresh your mnemonics.

As old soldiers would tell, "Keep your powder dry."

Health-wise

Another aspect that is seldom discussed by educationists, but has a profound influence on your performance in the examination is the keeping of sound health through proper diet, exercise, rest, and sleep. Some overanxious students ignore the health aspects when they are blindly immersed in the examination-oriented efforts, with the unfortunate result that at the crucial time they fail to deliver their best.

They may not be able to learn with concentration during the eleventh hour, or write effectively in the examination hall.

Such a possibility should be carefully prevented. Avoid stimulants as far as possible and keep away from depressants. After any test or examination, find some free time to make a thorough analysis of your performance.

It is by the realisation of your errors that you can learn lessons and avoid repeating the errors in future.

Develop your essay logically

2010-07-29T22:01:00.001-07:00

B.S. WARRIER

More tips to write high-scoring essays are included in this concluding part of a series.

STYLE COUNTS: Remain calm and relaxed, as it will help you concentrate and come out with a good presentation PHOTO: K. MURALI KUMAR

Think well before you put pen to paper. Read the directions regarding number of questions to be answered, choice of questions and so on carefully in the beginning. Do not assume anything based on previous year's experience; there can be changes. Setting out in the wrong direction takes you to unwanted destinations. A planned traveller should have a wise itinerary.

Write legibly. Even without having a beautiful handwriting, you can certainly do so. Number the pages of the answer book serially, if this is not printed.

Avoid poor spelling, bad grammar and wrong punctuation. All these become habits. So, take proper care of these aspects during the long-range preparation.

Do not make the pages crowded. There should not be too much of scoring through. If you want to cancel a sentence, just draw a line over it. Make the pages easy to read; the examiner may not strain himself to decipher your illegible writing. Letters should not be too large or irritatingly small.

You may underline a word or phrase or sentence, so as to indicate its importance. But too much of underlining, highlighting with colours, capital letters or red ink is undesirable. Resorting to such methods indirectly suggests that you are underestimating the skills of the examiner.

Do not give instructions or directions to the examiner, such as "Go to page 12 and see the rest of the essay."

If you are not sure of a fact, do not mention it. An error made will certainly create a poor impression in the examiner's mind. But an omission does not cause that kind of damage.

While making an argument as part of providing evidence in support of a theme, do not give the impression that you are a fanatic. Often, an understatement is more powerful than a stubborn declaration.

Read the question carefully, know what exactly the examiner asks for, and only then organise your essay. A small error at this stage will prove costly. It is possible that the question demands something different from what you have gathered from your textbook essay. A new perspective or approach or a fresh analysis is what the examiner maybe looking for. Lack of initial planning may cause you to drift from the topic.

Make your statements precise. Avoid guesses and vagueness. "Next to irrelevance, vagueness is the chief sin of examination answers."

Never make unsupported generalisations. "He who generalises generally lies," is often true.

When an essay type answer is expected, indicating the points alone is inadequate. The strategy of only mentioning the points, without expanding the ideas envisaged, should the last resort; for instance, when you face lack of time. "Essay-type questions require essay-type answers."

The introductory paragraph has to be a clear statement indicating the tenor of the essay.

Do write a paragraph of conclusion. It may show your inferences.

During the course of writing, watch how much you have covered in the first half of the time you have allotted for the question. If you are too slow, accelerate your writing or decide to omit the description of the unimportant.

While developing arguments, move smoothly from one point to the other. Transition from one paragraph to the next may also be made as smooth as possible. Reading becomes easy if there is logical continuity, without sudden jumps. Whenever you want to bring forth a fresh point, start a new paragraph.

Avoid repetition of ideas. The examiner will certainly grasp the idea when you mention it once.

If you quote a great man, use his exact words. You have no right to alter them.

Make use of a good watch, preferably a clock-faced one rather than digital, in the examination hall. Timing is vital. Clock face helps visualisation, much easier than calculation involving numbers.

If you are short of time as you reach the last question to be answered, prioritise the points to be explained. Relatively less important points may be just indicated.

Do not abruptly end your essay. Earmark a couple of minutes to write the concluding lines so that you wind up smoothly. Avoid daydreaming in the examination hall.

Familiarise yourself with the previous examination papers, so that you have a reliable picture of the type and standard of questions to be expected.

Do not leave the examination hall early, even if you have finished writing the essays. Make use of the time effectively by reading your answers and correcting or modifying them, if necessary. Do not be reluctant to make such useful checks. Utilise the full time given to you. Do not write excuses in the answer book, for not having been able to write the necessary number of answers or something similar. Try to write a few essays in full during your preparation, simulating the environment in the examination hall. This will help you measure your speed and the quality of the answer you are likely to write in the examination.

Sometimes, you may find that you cannot but attempt a tough question. Take it as a challenge, reassure yourself, think afresh and do your best. You cannot import fresh material in the examination hall; but you can invoke your innovative skills for developing new ideas using your own mental repertoire. In times of trial, cling to self-confidence.

Remain calm and relaxed. It will help you concentrate and think logically.

Drive away all your misconceptions

2010-07-29T21:56:00.001-07:00

Do not get swayed by `myths' about examinations. Put your best foot forward and plan well.

TAKE IT EASY: Think logically and keep your confidence in tact at the examination hall.

THERE ARE several myths about examinations. Never fall a prey to these. Some of the popular myths are:

The examiners deliberately set difficult questions. (A baseless conjecture.)

I will not understand the questions properly. (Why? What others can understand, you will also understand. You are not particularly inferior to others.)

Anyway, I will not pass the examination. (The past results will tell you a different story.)

Unless I know everything, I cannot pass the examination. (In the first place, there is no one who knows everything. Even if you do not know some parts of the syllabus, normally you can score well in the examinations.)

I will forget everything in the examination hall. (You are unnecessarily nervous, if you feel so. Be confident that if you have learnt your lessons well, your memory will not fail you in the crucial moments. Get rid of needless anxiety and focus on your lessons.)

You can learn everything the previous night; your memory will be fresh. There is no point in struggling to prepare for the examination wasting several months. (This is an old wives' tale. Systematic preparation is the key to success in any examination.)

If I fail in the examination, everyone will make fun of me. (Yet another instance of unwanted fear. You think about success and not failure. However, the failure in a single test does not make you a laughing stock. There are candidates who pass and those who fail in most examinations. Even if you fail once, you will pass the next time and forget the failure and move forward. Hope for the best and work steadily.)

If someone suggests any such myth to be true, do no trust his/her words. Think logically and keep your confidence in tact.

In the hall

Your performance in the examination hall is the most vital factor that decides your score. Something similar to the serving of a well-prepared dinner. All your hard work in preparation would come to nought if you fail in doing the right things at the right time in the examination hall. If the questions are of the descriptive type, you should necessarily go through them at the outset, so that you can identify the relatively easy ones to be attempted in the beginning.

Also if there are choices, you should make a plan of the questions to be attempted. The optimum combination of questions that would give you the best score should be carefully selected.

At this stage, it is necessary to make a point very clear. If the question paper is of the objective type, in which all questions are compulsory with no option for individual choice, do not waste time by going through all the questions in the beginning. Read each question and provide the answer then and there.

The popular use of objective questions is in competitive examinations that aim at ranking the candidates based on relative merit, and, therefore, there will be deliberate inbuilt time constraint. Each second is precious in such a situation; even a small amount of time wasted may tilt the balance in one way or the other.

Prior analysis

A prior analysis of previous question papers of the same examination would give you an insight into the possible style of questions that are likely to appear in your examination. A discussion with senior students may take you to some point of guidance, preventing you from falling into any kind of traps or errors like the ones committed by them. Experience is the best teacher. But you cannot make all possible errors and then correct them. The wise invariably learn not only from their own errors, but from the errors committed by others as well.

The marks allotted to each question should be considered while deciding the time you should devote to answer it. What is expected from you is not writing all you know on the subject, but presenting what forms a good answer to the question.

To the point

Elimination of irrelevant data is as important as presenting the essential data. Do resist the temptation to write everything you have learnt on the topic.

The popular dictum of schoolmasters, `Answer to the point', is pertinent in this context.

Further, if you write all that you have learnt and not just what is expected of you, the examiner would feel that you have not come to grips with the content of the lesson. This, in turn, will go against your interest in gaining a good score.

While allocating time for each question, you have to give some allowance for unforeseen roadblocks during writing.

First impression

The first answer should be your best answer; this would create a fine impression about you in the mind of the examiner. This impression will certainly have a benign influence in the matter of deciding the marks for other descriptive answers. To gain this advantage, start with a question you are confident of scoring well. It is important that you write legibly.

B.S WARRIER

How to memorise effectively

2010-07-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

B. S. WARRIER

Here are ways in which you can make the best use of your memory in the learning process.

BY ROTE: Memorising helps see you through examinations. - Photo: K. Ramesh Babu

ANY LEARNING process involves application of memory. Skills in memorisation help you recall at will the information you had once mastered and perform well in tests and examinations.

There is a school of thought that relying on memory is not a healthy way of learning, and that you should apply logic on each occasion for deriving information.

This may be a good platitude; students in schools and colleges aiming at good scores in examinations have to remember a lot, irrespective of the test style.

Take for example a formula in mathematics or physics. Of course, there are ways to derive them. But it will be a sheer waste of time if you go in for ab initio derivation on every occasion you have to apply them.

We easily remember matter that has some meaning. Let us illustrate it with an example. See the words arranged in different columns.

The first column is the toughest to remember, as is contains nothing but nonsensical syllables. The second column is relatively easier, since it has words with some meaning.

The third one is still easier, as the words belong to a family. The fourth one is a meaningful sentence; we can commit it to memory in one reading. The last one is the easiest, as it is a meaningful sentence with a rhyme. It may be remembered that the ease comes not only in just remembering but also in meaningful learning as well.

If the words carry some sense, we learn the idea easily. As part of learning, if an effort is made to translate tough matter we wish to remember into something that can be taken in with ease and delight, we make memorisation and learning more effective.

Memory is often classified as short and long-term. When you recite a passage, the idea may be in your memory only for a couple of seconds.

This cannot last long. If you want to commit the idea to long-term memory, you have to think about it for a few minutes. This is, of course, part of any learning process. Trying to recall an idea frequently will entrench it in your memory.

While learning a piece for the first time, you may benefit by reciting it a few more times after you have learnt it.

This is called over-learning, which ``engraves the mental trace deeper and deeper, thus establishing a base for long-term retention.''

Aspects of memory

There are various aspects of memory one should be aware of. Good memory cannot be developed, but its full potential can be used by developing the right habits. Here are some right steps:

Total concentration: Concentrating on the lesson content while learning is one of the important steps. We should focus on names and numbers. Even difficult material has to be converted into easily digestible logical matter.

There should be a deliberate will to remember; the approach should not be casual. In other words, you should attempt active learning.

Reviewing should not be after a long time, since the material would have faded from your memory in the meantime.

Logical organisation: Material that is logically organised clings to our memory far better than random or disjointed floating bits of information. Infuse meaning into whatever you learn.

Nothing you learn should be like nonsensical syllables.

From the woods to the trees: First try to get an overall idea of the lesson before going to specific details. Sometimes this style is called the funnel method.

From the general to the particular. Awareness of the general concepts makes the details more meaningful and easier to remember.

Associating with known facts: With each additional bit of knowledge committed to our memory, the brain goes to a new configuration and this is a continuous process. It is wise to take new bits as additions to existing knowledge.

At the recall stage, such association will help easy retrieval.

Mock teaching: If you find a particular portion of the lesson difficult to digest, imagine that you are teaching it to a student sitting before you.

Speak it out in the form of an explanation so that the idea gets hammered into your mind.

This method is more effective than just reciting it aloud, since teaching involves the explanation of the same idea in different phrases, bringing illustrations, raising questions for clarification, and so on.

Visual encoding: Those who have a special aptitude for remembering pictures or charts or graph may translate information into visual formats.

Do not get dispirited if you find that occasionally your learning becomes slow or is at a standstill.

This is normal, if you try to study difficult lessons for more than four or five hours a day, or if you have anxiety, fatigue, or boredom.

Rest assured that you will recover from such negative spells. Also, it is not advisable to go in for invidious comparisons with regard to learning speeds. Some of us may be faster than others in learning.

Learning a bit slowly need not alarm any student, since he can learn as much as a bright student is able to do, provided he devotes a little more of time for learning with appropriate breaks. You cannot denigrate the use of mnemonics or memory crutches such as the popular VIBGYOR, which helps one list the seven rainbow colours in the right sequence.

We should make an intelligent use of aids to memory, without sacrificing the effort to grasp the ideas contained in lessons.

The fine art of listening

2010-07-29T21:52:00.001-07:00

B.S. WARRIER

Here are ways in which you can make the most of a classroom lecture. B.S. Warrier

MAKE NOTES, QUESTION YOURSELF: Classroom lectures can be very interesting, provided there is total involvement and interaction between the teacher and the learner. Photo: V. Ganesan

There are many reasons why you may not listen properly. You may have this pre-conceived notion that the teacher is dull and cannot evoke your interest. Sometimes the dress or demeanour of the teacher may put you off.

Mannerisms such as the frequent repetition of certain words or expressions by the teacher may prove a deterrent to the pupil. If the teacher mentions a new term that you do not understand, then further listening will not be effective. So you have to raise a doubt and get it cleared. A good teacher will only welcome such doubts, since it will help not only you, but also the entire class. Irritating gesticulations or poor voice levels of the teacher may also discourage students. Good teachers normally speak loud enough so that all the students can hear the lecture well.

Distractions such as the conversation of students next to you while the teacher goes ahead with the lesson, or your own preoccupation with other thoughts can also result in poor listening.

Worry or fear, anger or depression may prove a barrier to listening. In fact, such internal distractions are more damaging than the external ones. Another reason for poor listening could be your lack of interest in the subject. Or perhaps you fear that the subject is tedious or boring. The inability to see the teacher's face because of a poor seating arrangement is yet another reason.

Good listening

- Make prior preparation for each class, by revising the previous lesson, reviewing class notes, and reading the day's lesson in advance.

- Maintain good eye contact with the teacher. (You may have to shift your eyes to the notebook for writing lecture notes.)

- Face the teacher squarely.

- Take note of non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, posture, tone of the voice, and gestures of the teacher.

- Remain open-minded while listening. You need not try to predict what the teacher would say next, even if you have read the lesson in advance.

- Sit relaxed and composed.

- Never get distracted by extraneous sounds.

- Don't look out of the window or at whatever else is going on in the room. Focus your attention on the teacher.

- Never allow your mind to wander. Never daydream. Maintain your concentration at the highest level during the lecture. Listen actively. Be alert, attentive, and enthusiastic.

- Listening to a classroom lecture should not be taken as a passive act. You have to focus on what is said by the teacher and process the new ideas continuously in your mind, and promptly write the salient points in your notebook.

- Asking mental questions will keep you active and alert.

- As a part of listening, go on asking mental questions such as `What is the key point at this stage?' `What is the application of this idea?' `How well does this point agree with my prior knowledge?' or `How can I easily remember this idea easily?' This is not at all difficult, since you think much faster than the teacher can speak. Your mind remains occupied with the lesson content; you do not give room for distraction of any kind.

- If you feel that your mind has started wandering after you listen for sometime, forcefully tell your mind "Come back".

- Be responsive to the teacher through your expressions and confirm that you are listening. Never keep a blank face

- Look for key points presented by the teacher and note them promptly in your notebook. Write out clearly new words or terms or expressions mentioned by the teacher.

- You can ask questions such as what, why, when, where, how, and who in your mind while listening. If you cannot find answers to the relevant questions, you can raise your doubts in the class or ask the teacher for clarification after the class. You can link the new ideas you hear with your prior knowledge.

- In higher classes, students should practise critical listening of a high order. You are not supposed to swallow what is heard hook, line, and sinker, but process the lesson in the crucible of your mind, appreciate it fully, and arrive at proper conclusions and inferences.

You should necessarily apply logic and systematic reasoning as a part of exercising wise judgement.

No amount of theoretical discussion can help us, unless we practise systematic listening and learn lessons from our lapses. Remaining silent is no proof of good listening.

Practise

Try to put your best effort in listening and check how well you can recollect the points made by the teacher. Try to focus on the points brought forward by the teacher, and not on the teacher or his techniques and strategies. If you are analysing in your mind what the teacher is speaking about, you are on the right track.

Apply the steps to ensure proper listening and find out how much improvement you could make.

This is the application of the `hot stove' principle. You may read or hear a lot about the damage that would be caused by touching a hot stove. But that would be nothing like the real experience of touching a hot stove with your own fingers.

There is no substitute for practise in any human endeavour, and developing good listening skills is no exception. Remember that there is always room for improvement.

Create mind maps for learning

2010-07-29T21:51:00.001-07:00

Mind maps help you to prepare effective learning notes. In a two-part series we look at the concept of mind maps and how to go about preparing them.

TODAY IS a Monday. How many of you can recall what you had for breakfast last Monday, unless of course you had the same menu such as bread, butter and cornflakes or idli-sambar on all seven days of the week? This is because there is a limitation to your memory.

One of the significant elements in effective learning is the process of committing what you have in short-term memory to long-term memory. As a handy memory crutch, you make use of well-prepared brief notes. A valuable style of preparing notes is the use of mind maps.

Mind maps make use of key words and images. The visual nature of mind maps makes them easy to remember. The non-linear profile of mind maps enables them to easily link different elements of the map.

Brain and mind maps

Our brain functions may be divided into two - the left handles reason and logic, while the right deals with emotion and creativity. Mind maps make use of both. They take care of sequences and indicate causes. They offer visual patterns that simplify recall of verbal and non-verbal content. Since relationships are shown in a visual style, they appear before us vividly and accurately.

Those who have not used mind maps are not likely to appreciate their value because of sheer inexperience.

After all, the father of mind maps, Tony Buzan, renowned British psychologist, evolved the style only in the Sixties. Most of your teachers and parents may not be very familiar with their application. But you can use them to your advantage.

Usually you make notes by listing things under different items. Each item may have sub-items, and some of them may have sub-sub-items or even sub-sub-sub items. This constitutes a ladder-like profile. You may run some arrows to link one sub-sub item with a distant sub-item and so on. Further, you may add some sentences here and there, not adhering to the finer aspects of grammar. This is the style followed in your notes.

Let us try to know how a mind map represents a set of ideas, concepts or pieces of information. The easiest method is to learn this from an illustration. Here is a mind map representing the aspects to be considered while contemplating a `presentation.'

In order to prepare for a presentation, you should apply your mind to several aspects. There has to be a lot of long-range planning and effort to sharpen your presentation skills. Developing diverse aspects of language including grammar, pronunciation and right choice of words are important. Practising the right movements and expressions is also vital.

Then there is the phase of short-term preparation on a specific topic that you have to present. You may have to browse through diverse sources such as book and journals and the Internet and consult experts for garnering relevant information.

You may end up with too much of information. Here, the question of prioritising comes. This should be done wisely. No presentation would be enjoyable to the listeners unless you add some spice in the form of quotes or anecdotes or sparks of fine humour. This also should be identified and blended judiciously to the main body. The sequence in which all these are to be presented, an appropriate introduction and conclusion are other points you should plan. You have to put the prepared material in an interesting, presentable form using Microsoft PowerPoint or other software. The diagram indicates the important steps in the preparation of a presentation.

Graphic technique

Now let us go into some more of details. A mind map is a graphic technique for representing ideas, using words, images, symbols and colour. It reflects better the pattern of thinking in the human mind. You need not be a gifted artist to draw mind maps. Anyone with a logical mind can easily draw them, and use them with ease. Also, they enhance the quality of thinking and gives better insight of the subjects of your study.

Mind mapping, sometimes termed concept mapping, involves writing down a central idea and thinking up new and related ideas that radiate outwards from the centre. It is a tool that encourages creative thinking and generates creative solutions to problems.

You do away with the concept of sentences and paragraphs. You look at keywords and symbols. You start with a blank non-lined paper and a pencil with an attached eraser. Better keep the paper in the landscape orientation (width longer than height). Write the most important word or short phrase at the centre of the paper and circle it. You may alternately mark a symbol at the centre, if you feel that it serves better.

Relocate words

Post other important concepts around the circle. Edit the phrases, if an,to make them shorter, or think of substituting words with symbols or forms. You may have to do a lot of erasing. If necessary, relocate the words or symbols, taking into account their logical relationships. In each of the concepts marked, there would be subdivisions. Go on marking them, and repositioning them as required. In other words, you would be gradually working outwards from the central circle.

As you work outwards, you should label the lines appropriately. A complete map will have lines radiating in all directions from the main topic at the centre. Sub-items will branch off, like branches and twigs from the trunk of a tree. You may have to modify your markings as a part of editing the diagram. As you expand the map, you go into the details and reach sharper specifics. You can use colours to add to the effectiveness of the mental picture. This map comes out as your learning document.

B.S. WARRIER

Face it right

2010-07-29T21:49:00.001-07:00

Interview is inevitable in securing a good job. Good preparation backed by a positive frame of mind can make it an enjoyable experience.

Putting one's best foot forward may make the difference between scoring or missing the mark in the extremely competitive job market. Here's how to approach interviews the right way.

First, the basics. Even the best candidate who has made the finest of preparations for an interview is nervous during the crucial moments. Sir Winston Churchill, one of the greatest communicators of the 20th century, once confessed that he did experience nervousness before interviews. Katherine Hepburn, world-famous Hollywood star, could never face an interview without nervousness.

If this is the story of such stalwarts, what about ordinary people like us? It is only natural then that we are jittery when our speech and movements are under the scrutiny of discerning experts.

A blessing

A bit of tension and nervousness is a blessing since it would prompt us to take the interview seriously and thereby force us to prepare well. We would try to prove our capabilities, gain acceptance and live up to the claims in our curriculum vitae before the interview board.

Our performance will improve if we approach the interview with a positive frame of mind. The interview has become inevitable in securing any good job. If we prepare well, we can easily make it an enjoyable experience.

Negative views

There may be some people around you, who may tell that interviews are a farce arranged by the employer and that candidates have already been selected.

Turn a deaf ear to such negative views. Any good organisation requires the service of competent employees. No board worth its name can reject a competent candidate or select a worthless one. The interview is only a mechanism for identifying the best talent to meet the challenges of the organisation. Let us not behave like a thoughtless general who runs away from the battle scene even before the first bullet is fired. Get ready and face the test.

No to tension

Many candidates who excel in the written tests approach the interview with a sense of anxiety and fear. It must be remembered that when we are anxious and worried, we may fail in making the best presentation. Boundless anxiety will impede logical thinking and retrieval of information from our memory. We should dispel unwanted tension from the mind and apply simple common sense.

We should face the interview with confidence and try to give it our best shot.

We must tell ourselves repeatedly that we do have the skills and abilities, which other candidates may possess, and that we are well prepared to face the interview.

The intention of an interview board is not to frighten any candidate, but to identify the most suitable one who meets the job demands. The board will, therefore, help bring out the best in the candidates.

Spotting talent

Just as the candidates desire selection, the board wants to spot the best talent. We must consider the members of the interview board not as opponents, but as sympathetic seniors.

Some may ask whether an interview for a few minutes can help identify the qualities and skills of a candidate. The answer is an emphatic `yes'.

It can effectively judge qualities such as balance of mind, clarity of expression, comprehension, confidence, diction, pronunciation and other language skills, love for meeting people, pleasantness/getting along with others/thinking well of others, polite speech, prioritising, willingness to take responsibility, problem-solving ability, reasoning and knack for keeping secrets. Such judgment will go a long way in selection of the most suitable candidate for any given job.

Assessing ability

An interviewer can assess the depth of knowledge of the candidate in a given subject through a few properly planned questions. Ability for quick comprehension and talent for problem solving can be evaluated objectively through graded questions.

Originality and innovative skills can also be judged. No interview is a farce, but a valuable management tool for effective recruitment of personnel.

The emergence of globalisation and the presence of several multinationals have spawned international styles and approaches in the conduct of job interviews in India. There are new approaches and types of questions. If we delude ourselves into believing that we can face any interview effectively without special preparation, we may be in for disappointment.

Overconfidence

Of course, we should have confidence, but not overconfidence. Appropriate learning, preparation, and training should support our confidence.

Never be under the impression that wearing a charming suit, or sticking a never-ending smile on your lips can take you to success. The interview board will have discerning members experienced in the art of assessing persons.

Be prudent

Our responses during the interview should be wise; we cannot just leave everything to our natural instinct. This needs some clarification. One's assessment of his/her movements or behaviour is never objective. All of us, in a way, wear masks. There is a lot of difference between our persona and our personality. My persona represents my character that I show to others; this would be different from my real character. It is rather impossible to wear the mask of another person for a long time before the interview board. Our reactions and responses in this two-way communication experiment should, therefore, be cautious and prudent.

The interviewer attempts something more than getting a few answers from candidates. As an illustration, see what the Union Public Service Commission states about the interview in the Civil Services Examination:

The candidate will be asked questions on matters of general interest. The object of the interview is to assess the personal suitability of the candidate for a career in public service by a board of competent and unbiased observers.

The test is intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate. In broad terms, this is really an assessment of not only his intellectual qualities but also social traits and his interest in current affairs. Some of the qualities to be judged are mental alertness, critical powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgment, variety and depth of interest, ability for social cohesion and leadership, intellectual and moral integrity.

The technique of the interview is not that of a strict cross-examination but of a natural, though directed and purposive conversation, which is intended to reveal the mental qualities of the candidate.

The interview is not intended to test either specialised knowledge or general knowledge of candidates that has been already tested through written papers. Candidates are expected to have taken an intelligent interest not only in their special subjects of academic study but also in the events which are happening around them, both within and outside their own State or country as well as in modern currents of thought and in new discoveries which should rouse the curiosity of well educated youth.

By B.S. Warrier

Route map to the Civil Services

2010-07-29T21:44:00.002-07:00

Getting into the administrative services is a cherished dream of many youngsters. What does it entail?

A view of the campus of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie.

All governments require a strong administrative base for planning and implementing their programmes. During the British rule, the administrative set-up, often called the steel frame of the empire, focussed on the maintenance of law and order, and collection of revenue. Today, the approach is radically different; the emphasis is on development for the welfare of the people.

There is a popular misconception that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the `IAS Examination'. The Civil Services examination held annually by UPSC selects candidates for appointment to the 18 services given below. This number and nomenclature may change marginally from year to year.

* Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

* Indian Foreign Service (IFS).

* Indian Police Service (IPS).

* Indian P & T Accounts & Finance Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Audit and Accounts Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Customs and Central Excise Services Group `A'.

* Indian Defence Accounts Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Revenue Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Ordnance Factories Service, Group `A' (Assistant Works Manager, Non-technical).

* Indian Postal Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Civil Accounts Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Railway Traffic Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Railway Accounts Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Railway Personnel Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Defence Estates Service, Group `A'.

* Indian Information Service (Junior Grade), Group `A'.

* Indian Trade Service, Group `A' (Grade-III).

* Armed Forces Headquarters Civil Service, Group `B' (Section Officer's Grade).

The training for IAS probationers includes rock climbing.

Among the different services, IFS, IAS, and IPS are usually the most preferred ones. All these services offer remarkable opportunities for youngsters to participate in crucial decision-making and make significant contributions towards India's development and progress. This career takes you to positions of authority and prestige. The need of the hour is socially committed, intelligent officers who are aware of the ethos of our people.

Eligibility

The candidate should be a graduate. He should be between the age of 21 and 30 on August 1, of the year of the examination. Upper age would be relaxed in the case of eligible candidates. Usually, a candidate is allowed four attempts. OBC candidates are allowed seven attempts, and candidates belonging to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes may try any number of times, if they are eligible.

Schedule

Notification inviting applications: end of December.

Preliminary Examination: May.

Results of Preliminary Examination: July /August.

Main Examination: October/November.

Personality test: April/May.

There would be nearly three lakh applicants in the initial stage. Nearly, 1.25 to 1.5 lakhs appear for the Preliminary. The number of candidates admitted to the Main examination is about 12 to 13 times the vacancies to be filled. The number of candidates called for the personality test would be about twice the number of vacancies. The vacancies notified in 2002 and 2003 are 413 and 385 respectively. (To be continued).

B.S. WARRIER

Tackle tricky questions

2010-07-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

Advice and tips on how to anticipate and prepare for the questions that might be asked during an interview.

Candidates should spend some time framing the answers to questions that might be asked by the interview board.

We could try to guess some of the questions that might be asked during an interview and plan the answers to these. Not that we should parrot some prepared replies, but we should not be at a loss if the board poses inconvenient questions.

For instance, consider the case of an engineering graduate appearing before a selection board for bank officers. The interviewer is likely to suggest that the candidate might possibly be wasting the time, money, and effort he had put in for his technical education if he were to become a bank officer.

Possible answers

How well could the candidate politely counter the argument? A candidate who had applied his mind to such a query could respond like this:

"My engineering education has helped me to develop certain qualities such as appreciation of accuracy and precision, scientific approach, analytical skills, keen observation, computational speed, deriving conclusions from a series of observed facts, logical scrutiny, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. All these could be applied in the discharge of my duties as a manager in the bank. The time and money spent on engineering education never goes waste, irrespective of the position a person holds. On the other hand, I feel that it enriches one's personality.

"Further, I feel that neither the Government nor society has the capacity to offer specific jobs in the area of specialisation to all the engineering graduates in this country. This social reality has to be appreciated in the present context. So I feel that my association with your organisation as a manager would help me to utilise my professional training."

This kind of a reply does not sound like the response of a depressed or unemployed youth with a defeatist mind, but a bright and pragmatic response from a youngster with a positive frame of mind, trying to make the best of the available opportunities.

About yourself

"Tell us something about yourself" is a usual question. If handled well, it could help us a lot. In a way, it is one of the best questions from the candidate's point of view. Never try to narrate in detail your childhood, schooling or hobbies. This would be a waste of time. Focus on your objective to convince the interviewer how relevant your education, training, or experience is, and how they would suit the job. You could indicate in a few select words, your co-curricular activities, useful hobbies, interests, part-time work, reading preferences and aptitude, provided they have some relation to the job in question. Remember, you are trying to prove your suitability for the job. Since the time allotted to a candidate would be limited, you should ensure its most effective utilisation. Never try to make false claims about your abilities or attainment, at any stage of the interview. The members of the interview board would see through such tricks.

Plan and practise

As a part of short-time preparation, plan and prepare the answers to questions of this sort. Even if the board puts an expected question, do not jump forward with the answer, but try to speak calmly, so that it sounds natural.

Technical jobs

In interviews for selection of technical personnel, there would be questions on practical aspects, to be answered based on theoretical knowledge or from practical experience. Skills for application of known principles or innovative dexterity may be judged by the interviewer.

Teaching

In the selection of teachers at any level, usually two different aspects would be checked : knowledge of the subject and communication skills.

Of course, it is important that the teacher is thorough with the subject content. But a person who knows most is not necessarily the best teacher. Conveying ideas to the pupils in a simple language and in an interesting style, without sacrificing precision or clarity is an essential attribute of a good teacher. This aspect will normally be tested during the interview. Perhaps the board may ask the candidate to make an exposition of a topic of the candidate's choice in two or three minutes, simulating a classroom environment. A teacher should be able to motivate the pupils. It is essential that for an interview for the selection of teachers, the candidates should revise all the relevant subjects well.

You should update your knowledge in your subject, before appearing for any interview. This is particularly significant in areas such as technology and science where new trends are usual.

In subjects like biotechnology, electronics, computer science and information technology, candidates must be aware of the rapid obsolescence of information. You should never dish out outdated information before an informed board of selectors.

B.S. WARRIER

Scaling the summit called IAS

2010-07-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

B.S. WARRIER

The Civil Services Examination is highly competitive. But planning and careful preparation can help a candidate emerge successful.

Photo: R. Ragu

Need for balance: At a civil services preliminary examination. Knowledge and time management have a crucial role to play in performing well.
As in any endeavour of significance, success in the Civil Services Examination, conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, requires planning and execution. The test is highly competitive. The cream of educated youth vie for a career in the civil services, and a candidate has to prove his or her superior knowledge, skills and other attributes of suitability over those of the competitors.
It is desirable that the preliminary and the main examinations are taken as a single unit for preparation. In the general studies paper, questions on anything under the sun can be asked. Since no one can master everything, the focus areas should be carefully selected.
Selection implies judicious elimination of ‘unimportant' areas as well. With its inexhaustible content, general studies demands concentration on the more probable areas from the point of view of the examination. Question papers of the previous examinations are the sole guide in the matter. The trend may change, but the previous question papers can still be an anchor to go ahead with the preparations.
Different styles
Keep in mind that the question styles in the preliminary and the mains are different. Usually, candidates select a common optional subject for the preliminary and the main examinations. But the preparation for each of these segments has to be unique. Suppose a long-distance runner who won the gold medal in 10,000 metres is suddenly asked to take part in a sprint event of 100 metres, based on the logic that the distance involved is much shorter. The athlete is most likely to fail miserably in the 100-metre event because of lack of specific practice for the sprint.
Hence, the preparation for the preliminary examination should be in a style that suits objective-type questions and that for the mains should be in tune with essay-writing.
Objective questions
Many will be unfamiliar with question papers exclusively of objective-type questions. The answering style has to be different from that of conventional descriptive papers in a university examination.
There are only two papers in the preliminary examination. The questions are of the multiple-choice objective type. Each question comes with a choice of four answers, out of which the correct answer has to be chosen. If certain answers are right in part, choose the most correct one.
The answer need not be brought forth from memory, but use discrimination in selecting the right answer. All questions are compulsory and carry equal marks.
Every wrong answer carries a penalty — one-third of the marks assigned to that question. If more than one answer is marked for a question, it will be considered a wrong answer even if one of the answers is correct. And the penalty will be applicable.
If no answer is given to a question, there is no penalty. So it is prudent to leave a question unanswered, if unsure of the correctness of the answer. It is advisable not to go for guesswork, and thereby invite penalty. For example, look at a question that appeared in the 2009 preliminary examination.
Who among the following is the founder of World Economic Forum?
(a) Klaus Schwab
(b) John Kenneth Galbraith
(c) Robert Zoellick
(d) Paul Krugman
If you know that the German economist Klaus Martin Schwab founded the forum, answer the question. Otherwise, leave the answer blank and avert the penalty.
Even the best candidate may not be able to answer all the questions correctly in the allotted time; nor is it necessary to do so to clear the preliminary examinations.
The objective papers are in general a time test, much more than a knowledge test. Usually, the general studies paper has 150 questions and the subject paper, 120.
For many candidates, the examination proves to be a test of nerves, since they take it as a life-and-death struggle. The performance of those who lack in confidence may not reflect their knowledge and capability. So focus on nothing but the questions and answers, and not allow the mind to wander during the test.
Rehearsals
The distinctive characteristics of objective-type tests point to the need for systematic drilling that simulates the environment in the examination hall. Increase answering speed through constant practice using questions of the previous examinations or with those of comparable standard, keeping time using a watch. During rehearsals and the examination, follow certain styles to get the best results. Do not waste time by reading all the questions from the beginning to the end of the paper. This exercise is of no use, since there is no ‘choice' in the questions. Better read the questions one by one from the beginning and move forward answering the easy ones and skipping the tougher variety.
Special training is essential for maintaining equanimity for logical thinking in an atmosphere charged with tension caused by time constraint. How can we get such training? One method is to sit inside closed doors, free from all distractions, and answer the questions of previous examinations, keeping time using a watch. In other words, simulate the atmosphere in the examination hall. With every such drill, record the number of questions answered in a fixed duration, say 30 minutes. After more and more rehearsals, you gain speed.
It is impossible for anyone to prepare for tests solely based on the declared syllabus. The content of the syllabus is invariably vague. Only questions from the previous examinations can offer a reliable guidance in the matter.
Everyone aspires to answer all the questions correctly in the given time. So it is likely that a candidate waits at a question to find its answer, even if he or she does not have a ready answer. This results in loss of time. The clock needle does not wait for anyone. So when coming across a difficult question, skip it without a second thought. You may get time for a second round to try a hand at the questions that were skipped. Not a moment should be wasted in the examination hall. All movements should be rehearsed repeatedly and things should proceed strictly according to plan. Make the preparation an enjoyable experience. Do not consider it a difficult task that can never be done satisfactorily by us. It is the will that paves the way.

Some strategies for success

2010-07-29T21:39:00.000-07:00

Success in any test depends on how well you have prepared for that particular test. A candidate who knows most does not necessarily secure the highest score. There are other factors such as careful management of time, following directions in full, avoiding silly errors, total concentration, and most importantly self-confidence in the examination hall.
Selection of easy questions is important. In tests with multiple-choice questions, do not spend time for questions that appear to be tough.
Skip them and proceed to the questions that follow; they might be easier for you. Plan well and work your plan in the examination hall.
You should start preparation for SAT well in advance. The Official SAT Study Guide published by the College Board is of great help. It contains directions on approaches to test taking, eight practice tests, and sample essays and prompts.
Also, there are official publications such as The Official Study Guide for all Subject Tests, College Handbook, The College Board Book of Majors, and Getting Financial Aid. These can be ordered by filling the appropriate column in the registration form.
The SAT Online Course that offers practice tests, interactive instruction, and explanation of answers is another option. There are books and guides published by private agencies as well.
You may make full use of the material available in the ‘Subject Tests Preparation Center’. Official SAT Practice Test of the College Board is available on its web site, www.collegeboard.com .
You can learn the nuances of the test format of each subject, reinforce your test-taking skills, and focus on areas where you need additional study.
You can download the SAT Subject Tests Preparation Booklet free of cost from the web site, and gather further details of the tests.
For securing high scores in reading and writing, you should have good proficiency in the English language.
Reading English language newspapers, magazines, and books of quality will help you in this area. Listening to English news and discussions in the television channels has mnay advantages.
Make a habit of referring to the dictionary. You should try to write quickly passages or summaries of stories in your own words.
Studying carefully a couple of books on correction of common errors, and attempting deliberately to use correct expressions will make your speech and writing free from such errors. Try to gain speed in using a calculator for solving mathematical problems.

B.S. WARRIER

Civil Services exam: facing the interview board

2010-07-29T21:37:00.000-07:00

B.S. WARRIER

Candidates must remember that the interview board looks for competent candidates, and so one must remain confident and truly believe that one's chances are bright.

Speak with clarity. Never be vague. Use simple language. Do not try to flaunt your vocabulary. Do not use technical jargon.

Perseverance matters: Civil Service aspirants at a coaching centre in Chennai.
Last week, we had indicated the main features of the Civil Services Examination interview. A natural question that emerges is, “What would be the nature of the interview questions?” Well, it is anybody's guess. The questions would depend on the first impression created by you in the mind of the members of the interview board, your background, and the mood of the members. Indeed, there are areas in which you could focus during the preparation. Some of the possibilities are indicated below:
Meaning of your name.
Questions on your village/ town/ city/ State/ college
Detailed questions on your hobby
Why did you choose mathematics / history / electrical engineering / and so on as your subject of specialisation?
After your degree in engineering, you are opting for the civil services. Why? Does it not amount to wasting your hard work in technical studies? (We may avoid pleas like “opportunity for service to the nation”, while answering questions of this genre).
If you are a professional like an engineer or a surgeon, you may asked how you would use your specialised skills you have gained through hard work.
Questions based on situations, like how you would face flood havoc in the district under your control.
Your preferences among the different services
Latest developments in the national/ international scene. Hot topics of the day. (You have to update your knowledge on current affairs. If something significant happened a day or two before the interview, you should gather full details and be ready with our views and comments on it.)
Keep a copy of the form filled for the main examination, since it is quite likely that the board starts from it.
Desirable styles
Reach the exam centre at least half an hour before the scheduled time, so that you can be quite calm and well poised when you are ushered in. If you fear traffic jam or other hurdles, start earlier. Never listen to persons who might tell you that the interview is only a farce and that you have no chance in getting selected unless you have proper connections at the top. The board looks for competent candidates. Be confident that your chances are bright. Keep a positive frame of mind. While you are waiting for the interview in the reception, you may engage yourself in friendly chat (not nerve-racking discussions) with other candidates, so that you become totally relaxed.
Enter the interview room gracefully. Greet the board. Take your seat when asked to do so. Listen well. You body language should reveal that you are listening well. Maintain eye-contact. Do not be too smart and try to answer a question before it is spelt out in full by the member. You can think for a couple of seconds for organising your thoughts before giving an answer. You should appear to be earnest and serious about your success in the interview. Do not be casual in your approach.
Your dress should instil confidence in you. Avoid newly-stitched clothes, since you would be too self-conscious and uncomfortable in it in the beginning. Light colours may be preferred. Women should avoid gaudy dress, pungent perfume, and heavy jewellery. They can appear in their best attire for the occasion, in a saree or salwar-kameez of fine taste. They should avoid distractions like the saree slipping from the shoulder or hair slipping to the forehead during the interview.
Men can wear polished black leather shoes. Well-ironed dress, properly-combed hair, and trimmed nails will add to your self-assurance. After all, an interview is a mind game as well. Look and posture are important in any interview. Remain calm and composed in all circumstances. Never look agitated or tensed. Keep a cheerful disposition. Remember, there is no second chance to make a first impression.
Be natural in your poise, facial expressions, and movement of hands. Be relaxed. Do not show signs of nervousness by acts such as wiping your nose, rubbing your ear, or playing with any part of your dress or any article found on the table.
Be brief in your answers. Answer to the point. Never be too fast or too slow in speaking; maintain a normal pace ensuring clarity. If you have not understood a question clearly, do not try to answer it on any presumption. Get necessary clarification through a polite request and then proceed.
Do not miss the main point because of your anxiety in going through the details with great care. Never beat about the bush. If you do not know the answer to a question, confess your ignorance straightaway. You cannot hoodwink the board comprising experts. Never take extreme views on controversial subjects; it is a happy medium that would help you. You can take a stand, provided you have ample facts to support it. You should be consistent in your views. But never go for tiresome arguments to establish your views; you may present your views dispassionately through convincing words and body language. Be logical.
Never make unreasonable generalisation. Though there is an element of exaggeration in it, you may keep in mind the saying, “He who generalises, generally lies.”
Be polite and courteous through words and body language. If you have an occasion to mention one of your significant achievements, do not try to make it look something great. The board is endowed with ample skills for objective judgement.
Speak with clarity. Never be vague. Use simple language. Do not try to flaunt your vocabulary. Do not use technical jargon, except in a rare instance of a specific question on technical details being raised by a member. If there is an occasion when the members laugh, you need not join them; but you may smile.
Avoid mannerisms such as “You know,” “I think,” “Basically,” “sort of,” and “like.” If you feel that you made some error during the interview, do not brood over it. Think of the next answer you have to give.
Thank the board before you take leave of the interview.

Crucial steps towards clearing Civil Services exam

2010-07-29T21:36:00.000-07:00

B.S. WARRIER

Civil service aspirants must choose their optional subjects after careful consideration of all aspects including the availability of reference materials.

Photo: M. Vedhan

Choose wisely: Aspirants must choose a subject in which they could score good marks; civil service aspirants at a coaching academy in Chennai.
Choosing the optional subjects for the Civil Services examination involves a crucial decision. We have to select one optional subject for the Preliminary and two optional subjects for the Main exam. There is no rule that we should select a subject that we studied in the college. Anyone has the freedom to select any subject provided in the menu. But there are certain points one should keep in mind, for the sake of ensuring convenience in preparation.
The subject chosen for the Preliminary may be chosen as one of the optional subjects for the Main. We may make a thorough study of this one subject with the Main also in mind, so that we can focus on the second optional subject after the Preliminary examination. This thorough preparation will help us to score well in the Preliminary.
We may normally select our subject of specialisation in the college as the optional subject in the Preliminary. But this is not a hard and fast rule.
Students of science or technology often choose subjects such as public administration, sociology, Indian history, geography and political science and international relations. However, it is not advisable for students of humanities to trespass into the domains of science or technology. So also, students of biological and physical sciences attempting to switch sides may not yield good results.
We should select a subject in which we have a passion or at least a natural interest. Our aptitude is important.
We should select a subject which we feel would give us the best scores. We have to remember that we cannot get any unfair advantage by going for science subjects, since the scaling system is likely to bring candidates in science / engineering on a level with those in Arts subjects like history and sociology.
Guidance of experts in the field may be gainfully sought for the crucial decision of selecting the optional subjects. There are special advantages for certain subjects. Take for example public administration.
Some of the topics that come under this have to be mastered for answering questions in the General Studies. This advantage of overlap may reduce our burden in preparation to some extent, if we select public administration as an optional subject. Again, there are certain common areas in sociology and public administration. So also, economics and public administration have common areas of contents.
Once the optional subjects are chosen after careful consideration of all related aspects, be firm in the decision. Try to get as much knowledge as possible in the subjects, with the type of possible questions in mind. Many candidates often vacillate and change the decisions on optional subjects midstream with the result that they waste precious time in preparation. When they are back to square one with a different subject, all their efforts put in earlier to master the original subject comes to naught. This situation spoils their confidence and becomes a stumbling block in their otherwise smooth preparation.
The weightage for the optional subject in the Preliminary is twice that of General Studies. This has to be in our mind during preparation. In the Main, the optional subjects have a total of 1200 marks out of the total 2000 marks. These figures indicate the significance of the optional subjects in the Civil Services exercise.
Two significant factors that determines the quality of performance in the Civil Services examination are
Good general knowledge, and Proficiency in English language (There are, of course, candidates who manage well with their proficiency in Hindi.)
These two cannot be developed overnight. It requires sustained effort stretched over a long period. So it is advisable that students who nurture the hope of reaching Civil Services focus on these two elements right from the time they are in the high school classes.
Elements of classical general knowledge such as countries / capitals / currencies / language, inventions, books and authors, largest / tallest / longest can be learnt gradually over a period of several years. Current affairs can be mastered only during the last few months before the examination. This is a general statement.
However, there are several successful candidates who have spent only 15 to 18 months of intensive studies for the examination. It is not the duration alone that counts, but the quality of utilisation of the time at our disposal. If we start concentrating on the Civil Services by the time we are in the graduate classes, long-range preparation would be effective and relatively easy. In any case, intensive preparation with the examination in mind has to be for nearly 15 months.
Even though we take the examination as a three-part exercise, we can consider the Preliminary and the Main as one single unit for the purpose of preparation. There is an interval between the Preliminary examination and the announcement of its result. This period can be gainfully utilised for mastering the optional subject, which we had not opted for the Preliminary. The gap should not be taken as rest period.
The General Studies paper in the preliminary covers current events of national and international importance, general science, history of India and Indian national movement, Indian and world geography, Indian polity and economy, and general mental ability.
Questions on economic geography of India, planning, budgeting, developmental schemes, electoral reforms, amendments of the constitution, panchayati raj, national level committees and commissions are common. Updating the information is important for this paper.
We should undergo some self-training in answering the mental ability questions, so as to familiarise ourselves with the types of questions and to develop speed in answering. Our reasoning and analytical ability would be tested in this segment. That the general studies paper has only half the marks of the optional subject paper should not lead us to neglecting the former.

MAIN SYLLABUS OF G.S

2010-07-07T04:22:00.001-07:00

General Guidelines:The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers will be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will be such as to test a candidate’s general awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have relevance for a career in Civil Services. The questions are likely to test the candidate’s basic understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio-economic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct answers.

Paper-I

(1) History of Modern India and Indian Culture

The History of Modern India will cover history of the Country from about the middle of nineteenth century and would also include questions on important personalities who shaped the freedom movement and social reforms. The part relating to Indian culture will cover all aspects of Indian culture from the ancient to modern times as well as principal features of literature, arts and architecture.

(2) Geogrphy of India

In this part, questions will be on the physical, economic and social geography of India.

(3) Constitution of India and Indian Polity

This part will include questions on the Constitution of India as well as all constitutional, legal, administrative and other issues emerging from the politico-administrative system prevalent in the country.

(4) Current National issues and topics of social relevance

This part is intended to test the candidate's awareness of current national issues and topics of social relevance in present-day India, such as the following:

(i) The Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
(ii) Issues arising from the social and economic exclusion of large sections from the benefits of development.
(iii) Other issues relating to the development and management of human resource.
(iv) Health issues including the management of Public Health, Health education and ethical concerns regarding health-care, medical research and pharmaceuticals.
(v) Law enforcement, internal security and related issues such as the preservation of communal harmony.
(vi) Issues relating to good governance and accountability to the citizens including the maintenance of human rights, and of probity in public life.
(vii) Environmental issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources and national heritage.

Paper-II

(1) India and the World

This part will include questions to test candidate's awareness of India's relationship with the world in various spheres such as the following:-

Foreign Affairs with special emphasis on India’s relations with neighbouring countries and in the region.
Security and defence related matters.
Nuclear policy, issues, and conflicts.
The Indian Diaspora and its contribution to India and the world.

(2) India’s Economic Interaction with the World

In this part, questions will be on economic and trade issues such as foreign trade, foreign investment; economic and diplomacy issues relating to oil, gas and energy flows; the role and functions of I.M.F., World Bank, W.T.O., WIPO etc. which influence India’s economic interaction with other countries and international institutions.

(3) Developments in the Field of Science & Technology, IT and space

In this part, questions will test the candidate's awareness of the developments in the field of science and technology, information technology, space and basic ideas about computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and related issues regarding intellectual property rights.

(4) International Affairs and Institutions

This part will include questions on important events in world affairs and on international institutions.

(5) Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams

This part will test the candidate's ability to draw conclusions from information presented in statistical, graphical or diagrammatical form and to interpret them

MAIN SYLLABUS

2010-07-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

YOU CAN BECOME IAS........

MODEL TEST PAPER DOWNLOAD 1

Model Test Paper For General Studies (CSAT Paper-1)

[ SET - II ]

MODEL TEST PAPER DOWNLOAD

Model Test Paper For UPSC Pre CSAT 2011 - (Paper-2)

SET - 3

SUGGESTED READING FOR PAPER II

ROAD MAP

Road Map For UPSC IAS Pre. Exam 2011

Books are:

History:

Science:

Geography:

Polity:

Economics:

Environment:

Current Affairs

In this background I would suggest you to follow these steps :

They are:-

Various Bills and Acts and their important provisions.

Important Reports and their contents.

Various governments plans programmes.

Initiatives taken by the government in various fields.

How to read?

The Road Map:

NOTIFICATION

Civil Service Examination, 2011

Examination Notice No. 05/2011-CSP

Qualification:

Age:

Plan of Examination:

FEE :

Center of Examination:

IMPORTANT

1. Candidates To Ensure Their Eligibility For The Examination

2. How To Apply

3. Lat Date For Receipt of Applications:

4. Penalty For Wrong Answer

5. Facilitation Counter For Guidance of Candidates

6. Mobile Phones Banned

Detailed Notification (In English)

हिन्दी में सूचना के लिये यहां क्लिक करें

THE SYLLABUS SHOULD BE SHORTLY PUBLISHED

INTERVIEW WITH ADAPA KARTHIK

MY INTERVIEW -BY Anurima Sharma (Interview Marks 205)

REFERENCE BOOK FOR G.S. PRELIM & MAIN

PREPARATION TIPS BY B.S.WARRIER.

The key to long-term preparation

Develop your essay logically

Drive away all your misconceptions

How to memorise effectively

The fine art of listening

Create mind maps for learning

Face it right

Route map to the Civil Services

Tackle tricky questions

Scaling the summit called IAS

Some strategies for success

Civil Services exam: facing the interview board

Crucial steps towards clearing Civil Services exam

MAIN SYLLABUS OF G.S

Paper-I

Paper-II

MAIN SYLLABUS