Preparation for general studies is composed of two parts:

Conventional topics.
General knowledge and current affairs.
Before I go into the books, some general points on preparation and approach:
Make notes as you read. Its impossible to come back to the text books during revision. Notes
should be so comprehensive that once you are done, you would not have to take the text-book
again.
The basic approach should be STUDY-REVISE-IMPROVISE.
Dont use guides, standard preparatory material or NCERT text books.
Keep on referring to previous years papers to check if you have missed any topic.
Prepare for the subjective papers ( i.e mains). Note down extra facts for the prelims as you
make descriptive notes. Prelims is just a necessary evil.
Conventional Topics:
It is composed of:
1. Indian History :
Pre-modern history (before Europeans) has lost significance. Last year no questions were asked in
mains. Besides, it is too bulky and is not worth the effort. One need to have a good understanding of the
National movement(1800s-1947).
Indias Struggle for Independence by Bipan Chandra is a good book for that. Read it cover
to cover.
One also need to study about the expansion and the decline of the other Europeans, the expansion of
British empire and the administrative development in India during the British period ( 1650-1857). Try
to get some book on Indian History from the library to make short notes. Brief notes will do for this
section.
2. Geography:
Use NCERT books only for geography. Non- geography optional students dont have to go in-depth. Read
Indian Geography ( NCERT class XI)
Fundamentals of physical geography (NCERT class XI)
Google and make notes on unfamiliar terms you may come across in the newspapers.
3. Indian Constitution:
Any good book on the constitution is fine. Introduction to the constitution of India by D.D. Basu is
the book that i used. Read it also cover to cover.
4. Indian Economy:
One needs to know about some basic terms of economics like repo rate, reverse repo, CRR, SLR etc.
These are needed for understanding articles in newspapers also. Just google them when you come
across then in the papers and keep a separate note-book. Read one good book on Indian economy. I
used Indian economy by Dutt & Sundaram. The book by Uma Kapila is also a good one. In both of
these books, each chapter deals with an issue. So make notes keeping in mind the requirements of a
20-30 marker. Download the latest Economic Survey of India and update the stats as you make notes.
Also leave some space after each chapter to add new info from newspapers as and when they come.
Also read Chapter 1 and the chapter explaining about the governments poverty alleviation schemes (
chapter 11 in 2010 survey). Follow the budget. Read some business newspapers at that time and also
read the summary of the budget which will be posted in the net.
5. Government policies and programmes:
Make notes on the policies that you come across in the newspapers. But this will not be exhaustive. Use
India yearbook published by the Publications division for an exhaustive approach. Its a huge book with
a lot of unnecessary facts and details which should be skipped. Just make short notes on the various
programmes ministry-wise. Anay dwivedi ( AIR-5, cse 2009) has this to say about reading the Year book
:
If you already read the IYB for prelims, just go through what you underlined and revise your notes. But
if you did not, then apart from the GOVERNMENT SCHEMES and agricultural data, read the following
chapters from IYB 2010:
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11 (NCES only), 13 (terms like FIPB, FCCB, ECB, ADR/GDR, FDI, etc), 18, 24,
25 and 28.
Note: I have not specified chapters 16, 17, etc as I have assumed that you must have covered all the
government schemes such as NRHM, JNNURM, etc irrespective of where they are given in the book.
In Mains 2009 many questions could be answered on the basis of information provided in the IYB, e.g.
significance of coastal regions, UMPPs, BSUP, fruit production in India and NNRMS.
6. Science and Technology:
Use wikipedia extensively for this. Find out about new topics as you come across them in the S&T page
of The Hindu. Also, make short notes on emerging technologies and recent nobel winning technologies
from these pages
List_of_emerging_technologies
List_of_Nobel_laureates_in_Physics (and chemistry and medicine)
Exhaustive preparation on these topics can be very hard. Try to cover as much ground as possible and
hope for the best. When writing answers, try to point out the applications rather than elaborating on the
technological part.
General knowledge and current affairs:
This is where you have to use newspapers and current affairs magazines. This is perhaps the most
important part because if you see the 2010 GS paper, questions are asked about the Palestine crisis,
Sudan civil war, Cambodia, CWG etc. I recommend The Hindu and Frontilne. The Hindu has less
unwanted news and has a balanced perspective on issues and is pro people. You shouldnt be an ultra
leftist or a right-wing hawk when writing the answers. The editorials and Op-eds present a very balanced
picture on issues.
When reading newspapers, go beyond the issue. Use the newspaper as a guide to broaden your GK. So
when you come across something you dont know in the newspaper, google it up and make a
comprehensive note on the topic.For eg, if the news item is Pakistan Prez visits India, I will google
about India-Pak relations and make notes on it with a historical perspective and also leave some space
to update future news. If the news is Jacques Diouf assumes charge as head of FAO , I will make notes
on FAO and other UN organisations from Wikipedia. The advantage of using wiki is that when you read
about one topic, you can move to other topics by clicking on the Related links. Follow the references in
wiki if you want to go deeper or confirm something.
I had kept two separate category of notebooks. One for noting down the events, date wise and the other
for noting down the issues after researching in the net. The advantage of keeping the second type of
notebook on issues is that when you revise you will have a complete picture under each heading, i.e, the
historical perspective + all the events in the last 2 years. This should be done on a daily basis without
any gap until the interview is over. You will need 2-2.5 hours daily for this initially. You can bring down
the time as you progress with your prepsReading topics of Indian economy and op-eds from any one of
the business newspapers will also help. I used Business line. I had also subscribed EPW after my prelims
and read articles selectively.
Extra Reading
India : Development and Participation by Amartya sen and Jean dreze
India after independence by Bipan chandra
Also make notes on topics that you come across in previous years papers from wiki and net.
Note:
Just exploit the internet. You have all the information you need at your fingertips. The coaching
institutes and magazines also make their notes using the information available in the net. Why
take secondary info at exorbitant costs when you can get the primary info and the whole picture
free of cost.
There is not strict boundary between conventional topics and GK. You should update your
notebooks with new info as and when you come across them in the papers.


Tips: Civil Services Examination Strategy - 2009-10
Civil Services Examination is mother of all exams. Once you compete this, nor only your world is
changed, but you can change the world. No doubt new generation is more inclined towards private jobs.
Availability of professional courses, liberalisation and very high salary are the main inspiration. But you
can never comprise any post, any money and any thing with the power hub. Actually Civil Service is in
the centre of power in India.
In the period of economic recession, when job security has become more important in the deciding of
employment, no doubt Civil Services is now on number one. Along with this it provides prestige and
power. After the sixth pay commission high salary, allowances and facilities like healthcare, palatial
bungalow and blue-red beacon light car make it a lucrative profession. Civil Service is the backbone of
the Central and States government machinery.
They constitute all the departments which runs the administration. A highly competitive and challenging
area, it involves a variety of jobs in different departments and different levels.
To fulfill such big aspiration, you have need many things-determination, very hard work, a well planned
approach etc. You can succeed through years hard work. After having above said all qualities, only few-
one amongst hundreds of thousands succeed. Why? Because winners have some different approach,
they choose the path according to changing scenario.
So you must become alert. Recent changes in syllabus is not a such change, which you can fulfill only
through new study materials, books etc but this demands changes in your methodology, changes in your
guides, magazines etc. Alas, many magazines, many guides are following the same old path. Who can
never support your destination. So open your eyes, now we are with you, with changed strategy which
suits you and we promise to fulfill all your needs in future.
Nine Papers of Main Examination
Paper I - One Indian language (selected by the candidate) 300 marks
Paper II - English 300 marks
Paper III - Essay 200 marks
Paper IV&V - General Studies 300 marks each
Paper VI-IX - Any two subjects (optional papers to be selected by the candidate) with two
papers each 300 marks for each

List of Optional Papers:
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce,
Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, Indian History, Law, Mathematics, Mechanical
Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration,
Sociology, Statistics, Zoology.
Be Familiar of the Examination
Civil Services Examination comprises of two successive stages-preliminary and main examinations.
There are two parts in main-written and personality test. Preliminary examination is of objective type
screening test, through which suitable candidates are selected for main Examination. Main examination
(written) is conventional descriptive test, which assess the overall depth of understanding of candidates
rather than merely the range of their information and memory. The written exam is consists of nine
papers two language papers of qualifying nature, two papers in General Studies and two papers each
of 2 optional subjects.
Marks of all papers, except language papers are added and play decisive role in final merit of selection.
Each paper is of 3 hours duration. Second part of mains and final stage of Civil Services examination is
personality test. It carries 300 marks and play very important role in the final selection.
In our inaugural issue, we are going to provide all information regarding first stage of exam ie.
Preliminary Test.
The First Stage
All India Combined Competitive Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission
(UPSC) at different centers spread all over the country for Preliminary test. A Notification for the civil
services examination is published by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in all the daily
newspapers and the Rozgar Samachar/ Employment News by the end of December each year. UPSC
provides the application form along with an Information Brochure containing general instructions for
filling up the form, an acknowledgement card and an envelope for sending the application through the
designated Head Post Offices/ Post Offices throughout the country against a specified cash payment.
List of Optional Subjects
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Botany, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Commerce,
Economics, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Geology, Indian History, Law, Mathematics, Mechanical
Engineering, Medical Science, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration,
Sociology, Statistics, Zoology.
The First Cut
Preliminary test is the first battle, in which candidate must survive to remain in long war of civil services
examination. Its objective is to select the serious candidates for the main examination. At this level,
approximately 12 to 13 times the total number of seats to be filled in particular year are selected for
main examination. Preliminary Examination is consists of two papers of Objective type (multiple choice
questions) and carry a maximum of 450. Paper first is of general studies in which 150 objective type
questions of each one mark is asked. It is compulsory for all candidates. The candidate has to choose
paper second is from a selected list of optional subjects for preliminary examinations. In the second
paper, 120 objective type questions of each two and half marks are asked. Both question papers are set
in Hindi as well as in English. Each paper is of two hours duration.
You have few attempts for civil service exam ie 4 attempts for general category candidate and when you
appear at prelim, your one attempt is counted. So you should be very prepared in your first attempt. So
take it seriously.
There may be few students around you, who were weak and insincere and without studying much, they
qualified for main. You can also think that without any efforts, you also can do. It may be, but if you are
serious about your exam, keep away such logic and misconception. Only you can do good for you that
you get mastery in General Studies and on of your optional subject within a time frame.

Good Steps to Success
We are giving you some tips, if you follow them surely you will be succeed at preliminary level easily.
Syllabus of CSP General Studies- Preliminary
General Science.
Current events of national and international importance
History of India and Indian National Movement
Indian and World Geography
Indian Polity and Economy
General Mental Ability
Questions on General Science will cover general appreciation and understanding of science including
matters of everyday observation and experience, as may be expected of a well educated person who has
not made a special study of any particular scientific discipline. In current events, knowledge of
significant national and international events will be tested. In History of India, emphasis will be on broad
general understanding of the subject in its social, economic and political aspects. Questions on the
Indian National Movement will relate to the nature and character of the nineteenth century resurgence,
growth of nationalism and attainment of Independence. In Geography, emphasis will be on Geography
of India.
Questions on the Geography of India will relate to physical, social and economic Geography of the
country, including the main features of Indian agricultural and natural resources. Questions on Indian
Polity and Economy will test knowledge of the countrys political system and Constitution of India,
Panchayati Raj, Social Systems and economic developments in India. On general mental ability, the
candidates will be tested on reasoning and analytical abilities.
Relevant Study Material and Strategy: There is need of right balance in the selection of books,
guide. Coaching and coaching notes etc. For the optional subject, candidates must read basic books
related to the syllabus. Keep in the mind that there is no shortcut to success. Keep a guidebook, past
years unsolved paper to test yourself. Note down important facts on separate sheets, so you can revise
them easily. You can also highlight important facts are underlined them in your books. So you can recall
them easily. If your optional is one of two optional, which you have kept at main, then you should make
the proper notes of those areas which form the common portion in the syllabus of preliminary and main
examination. If you find some friends having the same optional, my be advantageous. Make a group and
solve the question papers, discuss the issue and topics which some one is feeling difficult.
Always give the importance over your weak portion. Some candidates leave the easy portion for last
moment and always engaged in difficult portion of the syllabus and some other leave the difficult portion
for the last moment. Both are not good. Avoid yourself from the such extremes and make a good
balance in the study of easy and difficult portion of the styllabus.
Keep in Your Mind
Test yourself with the revision-type Model Test Papers.
Do be nervous by initial low score.
Give emphasis and do hard on weak-section.
Have analytical approach.
Regular revision
Keep the patience and live in calm mental state.

General Studies (GS) is very vast subject which includes almost all the subjects. Indian History, Polity,
Indian Economy, India and World Geography, General Science and Current Events are main
components. For the GS always read NCERT and other school books for basic facts. Read daily news
paper, competitive magazine and see various news channel. Dont make lopsided study. Always read all
the portion of syllabus. Like optional, here also you can write important facts on separate sheets or in a
copy, so you can revise them easily. You can also highlight important facts are underlined them in your
books for quick revision. You should concentrate on basics and acquire as much facts about basics as
possible but avoid the element of excess in preparations.
Key Words : Note down the key words of important topics, sub topics and make a good practice to
recall all the associated facts through the key words. Try to make an image in the mind which will reflect
the details.


IAS Papers : Method of Making Notes

There are different methods of making notes and one should decide which methodsuits you the best. There are two
types of making notes, one is the LINEAR NOTES and the other PATTERN NOTES.


Linear Notes

Let us start with Linear notes first, it is a method in which you condense the material you have read using headings and
sub headings and jotting down the most important points. This method works best when making notes from a book where the
material is already properly organised. But one disadvantage of this method is that you end up copying a lot of material from
the book which defeats the very purpose of condensing.

The right way to use this method is to use loose sheets of paper instead of an exercise book since it is easier to keep adding
information. It is a good idea to leave space on each sheet of paper for additional information. Another way to make your
notes more interesting is to use colors, block letters, making boxes and highlighting as and when necessary. All this will
immediately draw our attention to the actual contents of our notes and make it more clear and comprehensible.


Pattern Notes

We now come to Pattern Notes. For this we have to begin the topic at the centre of the page. Each line radiating from it
represents a branch of the main idea. Each point is written as briefly as possible using a key word or a phrase. It is a better
method to adopt because it is more flexible than making Linear notes. One can add extra information to it at any point without
any problem. Second advantage is that we can see the whole pattern at one go without actually turning the pages. Thirdly we
can indicate the links between different topics more easily than we can do in a linear method. Another advantage of pattern
notes is that it is exceptionally useful when making notes from memory for revision as you keep jotting down points as and
when they occur to you. This makes it easier to revise for exams and writing out essays as only brief key words are used.
Lastly, it is easier to remember as notes is made in a shape format.


Civil Services (Main) Examination-2009
Winning Strategy
By R. K. Pandey
Civil Services in India provide not only jobs for earning and surviving, but a power seat; from where,
one can change the world. Yes, here you can change the face of country, you can eradicate poverty and
problems, and you can change society. In this service you execute decisions and also participate in
decision making and contribute in making law. After being successful at this exam, your fate is changed
and the same time you can change others fate. So ready to face one of the toughest hurdle and if you
cross it, you are the king.

To become a king, you should have a winning strategy, doing hard work systematically and good
guidance. Here, through this article, I am trying to make easy the toughest examination. Preliminary
examination is only gateway of mains, nothing more, but main exam is a real test and here each mark
not only decide your success but also your ranking. A good ranking means the more chance for you to
get your dream job. This article is useful for those, who are going to appear at main this year and it also
guides them, who are making plan to appear in coming year.

Ten Success Mantras

Self-Confidence:
Robert Collier says Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief
in yourself. Yes self confidence plays most important role in success of a person. A difficult and lengthy
process of Civil Services exam demands self-confidence because only this can keep you on the right
track during the long preparation and examination. Many candidates, who are hard working and
intelligent and have taken right decision, right optional, chosen right study materials but ultimately they
could not succeed, because of their lack in self- confidence. Due to lack of self-confidence some time
they see wrong in choosing options, some time books, some time timing and some time in their-self. So
after deciding, be determined and go forward till the process is not completed. Remember, self
confidence does not mean over-confidence, so be clear and ready to accept any negative side. Self-
confidence is about balance.

Low self-confidence and over-confident are two extremes. If one is under-confident, hell avoid taking
risks and stretching himself; and he might not try at all. And if he is over-confident, he may take on too
much risk, stretch himself beyond his capabilities, and crash badly. Getting this right is a matter of
having the right amount of confidence, founded in reality. With the right amount of self-confidence, one
will take informed risks, stretch oneself and try hard.

Time Management:
Last but not least, time management is very important to achieve success. It plays very important role
in preparation. For this you should divide your study plan in parts. Set a goal to complete one or some
parts in given time. If you complete a part in given time you will not feel overburdened and this mental
freedom will provide you more understanding and grasping capacity. So make a plan according to your
need and convenient rather than following others path.

Clarity:
Candidate must have a clear approach during the preparation and examination. If you have clarity, you
will easily overcome of many problems. One should be clear about optionals, study materials, concept,
thought, facts and at every step. Do not stay in dilemma. After selecting optionals, materials and
selection of study portion of syllabus, follow them strictly.

Go through the syllabus and past-year Q papers:
Read syllabus past year questions of GS and your two optionals carefully, specially past two years. In
this way, you will understand what and how to read to tackle the questions and also important and less
important part of syllabus. Follow the syllabus instead of reading whole of the book. Choose only those
portions of the book which are part of your syllabus and especially you have made guess for this year
examination. When ever what ever you read, frame questions on them and try to present an ideal
answer. In this way you can increase understanding and expression.

A Balanced Approach:
A balanced approach is needed at every step during preparation. Give equal importance to both of
optionals and compulsory papers. Do not neglect any area of syllabus. To get good marks in the exam,
on should take seriously question number 1 and 5 (short notes). While preparing, one must note down,
from where short notes can be asked. It will facilitate you in exam hall. In this way you can write your
complete answer in within the time frame. Many of you often do not take every part of General Studies
seriously.

Such step may futile, so read every portion of GS and prepare them well. In your answer, balanced view
is important and at the same time one should give approximately equal time to all long answer type
questions. Do not write some answer very long and some very short.

Develop Writing Skill:
Writing skills play an important role in the IAS Mains. Most of the candidates appearing for the Mains
examination have a lot of knowledge, but lack writing skills. You should be able to present all the
information/knowledge in a coherent and logical manner, as expected by the examiner. For example:
Quoting with facts and substantiating your answer with related concepts and emphasizing your point of
view. Prepare a standard answer to the question papers of the previous years. This will also make your
task easy in examination hall. Do not neglect the concepts.

Sometimes the questions are conceptual in nature, aimed at testing the comprehension levels of the
basic concepts. Get a list of standard textbooks from the successful candidates, or other sources and
also selective good notes. The right choice of reading material is important and crucial. . For subjects
like Mathematics and Statistics and Geography maps etc, practice is very important. One should also
practice other subjects and should not treat the same examination, as an experience gathering
exercise to get a chance for writing mains is a great thing, which you may not get again.
Go through the unsolved papers of the previous papers and solve them to stimulate the atmosphere of
the examination.

Try not to exceed the word limit, as far as possible. Sticking to the word limit that will save time.
Besides, the numbers of marks you achieve are not going to increase even if you exceed the word limit.
Its the quality that matters not the quantity. Revision is very important. Revise after a gap. The reason
is that you have been preparing for months or years together. It is a human tendency to forget
something after some time. Follow paragraph writing rather than essay form. A new point should start
with a new paragraph. It is easy to write and understand.. If the question needs answer in point format
give it a bullet format. Try to maintain uniformity in the writing throughout the paper. Under time
pressure, the script should not go from bad to worse in the later stages of the answer sheets. This may
irritate the evaluator. Stick to the time frame. Speed is the very essence of this examination. Hence,
time management is very crucial. For developing the writing skills, write model answers at the time of
preparation. This helps get into the habit of writing under time pressure in the examination. Develop and
follow your own style of writing. Try not to be repetitive and maintain a flow in the style of your writing.

Importance of General Studies
Many candidates, particularly those with a professional degree in science, often ignore serious
preparation of GS and focus mainly on their optional subjects. Such attitude is more like a bad gamble.
Economy, Science & Technology and Statistical Analysis are the areas that can pose problems in scoring.
If you have prepared economy for your Prelims, doing it for the mains must not be difficult. Statistical
analysis has to be practised with the help of previous years' solved questions given in all the guides as
also the NCERT's Statistical Analysis.

One year regular reading of a national daily, India Year book relevant NCERT books and magazines for
the purpose are the basic necessities that you must go through. Scoring in GS is mathematical and any
additional score gained through serious preparations must be tried.

Do Not Forget Essay:
Where each number is important to give the shape of your future, how can you miss manage Essay,
which carries 200 marks. Essay paper was re-introduced in 1993, created a sort of storm among the
aspirants. Rumors was spread that the step had been taken to neutralize the scoring pattern which is
highly skewed in favour of some subjects. Though there is no denying the fact that many subjects like
Maths, Physics, Commerce etc do not encourage the development of language skill. Those of you with
such an academic background but a natural flair for writing developed during school or college days,
should be definitely at an advantage.

Writing an essay is an art and if you are not naturally inclined to write that way, you will have to spend
at least some time in practising; more so because many of the issues asked in the form of essay are the
ones that you generally prepare for your GS where you limit your preparation upto about 250 words.
Candidates are advised to keep a thorough eye on all the happenings of the last one year with critical
evaluation of those which could be asked in the form of an essay.

Language Papers:
Though, language papers are of qualifying nature only, on should also give some time. Take the last five
year papers and solve them, later either check yourself or asked to do so to a teacher or any friend. If
you get more than 50 percent marks, then I think no reason to worry. But if you get less than 40 marks,
you should give some time. For this, reading news papers and any grammar book is sufficient. If one is
very poor, he or she must prepare well on regular basis.

Current Affairs:
It plays very decisive role in your success. Why is it decisive? Because, if you are good in current affairs,
you can write better answer of Polity, Economy, Science, Geography questions in GS. Beside these it
helps you in the optionals like Political Science, Public Administration, Sociology, Anthropology and
others many optionals. Do not forget that it also may become a decisive factor in essay writing in the
personality test. Preparing current affairs is very tedious job, so during the whole preparation, you must
develop your own methodology. But there is some common approach, which one must not forget to be
good at the current affairs.

To study current affairs, it is essential to read one national newspaper, Mainstream, one from Frontline,
India Today and Outlook and one from any competitive magazine. When you are studying the round up
of national and international affairs, efforts should not be merely taking up the information but also to
understand the issues involved. Go into the background of events. for example, the recent Lok Sabha
elections, racial attack in Australia threw up many issues. Get to know these issues and be clear about
them so that you can answer questions on them.

Study Idea for GS
The books published by the NCERT are important source material. Take up the text-books for classes IX,
X, XI and XII. Beside it, some books published by NBT and India Year Book is also useful. But only
reading these books will not serve the purpose. What is crucial is that the person taking up self-study
must pick up past question papers and write down the answers to questions asked therein. A practice in
writing is what is required to attempt the paper. Many students make the mistake of studying for hours
but have no practice in writing down the answers, which costs heavily during the exam. The skill
required is that of organising the arguments and making a coherent answer from the diverse material.

One more thing that must be kept in mind is that the answers must be a little different from others and
must have some extra bit that is missed out by others. This is not difficult if one has understood the
issue in depth.

One important characteristic of the Civil Services Mains Exam is that the questions do not ask for mere
information as a reply, but seek analysis backed with opinion from the candidates. Usually, one gets the
impression that one knows everything but thoughts do not flow out naturally as one puts pen to paper.
Therefore, writing down the answers is an important facet of the preparation.

Next thing is that one must carefully read the questions in order to make out what the examiner is
asking. After this important is to organise one's thoughts before writing and the sequence of the answer
should be from the most important/potent aspect to less important aspects.

If you do not have someone to check your answers, keep them away and after a gap of time, read them
again. You will discover many mistakes, which earlier you could not. Analyse the answers in order to
improve them. This exercise of re-analysis of answers improves the ability to be precise. One of the
important requirements of this exam is that the answers should be crisp and to-the-point.
PAPER - I
(Syllabus, Related Questions and Strategy)
(a) 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.

Questions
1. Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words): 30---2007
(a) What was the character of social religious reforms in the 19th Century and how did they contribute
to the national awakening in India?
(b) The crisis of the colonial order during 1919 and 1939 was directly linked to the constitutional
reforms, disillusionment and militant anti-colonial struggles. Elucidate.

2. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each) : 15x2 = 30---2007
(a) What are the salient features of the Government of India Acts of 1858 and 1909?
(b) Do you think Mahatma Gandhi's support to Khilafat Movement had diluted his secular credentials?
Give your argument based on the assessment of events.
(c) Evaluate the contribution of revolutionary terrorism represented by Bhagat Singh to the cause of
Indias Struggle of independence.

3. Write about the following (not 20 words each) : 2x15 = 30---------------------2007
(a) Age of Sangam Literature
(b) Bhakti
(c) Ashtadhyayi of Panini
(d) Charvakas
(e) Ajivikas
(f) Gandhara Art
(g) Mlechchas
(h) Lingayats
(i) Megasthenes
(j) R. C. Dutt
(k) Nagarjunakonda
(1) Pastoralism
(m) Rudramadevi
(n) Sati
(0) Ramanuja

Study Material -Toppers Choice
For the complete understanding of India's freedom struggle, NBT'S, India's freedom struggle by Bipin
Chandra and Barun De's books are important and 12th class N.C.E.R.T. From the period 1939-1947,
History spectrum is comprehensive, it is also helpful for specific topics such as evolution of press,
education etc.

This is also handy for final revision. 2 markers - needs to be focused from all the three periods- Ancient,
Medieval and Modern. Now focus should be on art, culture, religion, science, rather than on political
personalities.

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

Questions
4. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 125 words each) : l0x2=20--------
2007
(a) Explain how the Himalayan and the Tibetan highlands play an important role in the development of
the South West monsoon.

(b) Technological changes have brought in a major shift in the use of roads as transport corridors in
India. How far do you agree with this view?

(c) Explain the nature and causes of growing slum problems in the metropolitan cities of India.

5. Write notes on the following (in about 20 words each): 2 x 5= 10-----------------2007
(a) Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
(b) Inceptisol
(c) Jarawas
(d) Indira Point
(e) Causes of Chambal Ravines

Study Material -Toppers Choice
Class XII books of Geography (NCERT), Mains Guide in Geography and a good atlas.

(C) Indian Polity
This part will include questions on the Constitution of India, Political system and related matters.

Questions
6. Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words) : 30 ------------------2007
(a) What is a Constitution? What are the main sources of the Indian Constitution?
(b) Bring out the differences between the Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State
Policy. Discuss some of the measures taken by the Union and State Governments for the implementation
of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

7. Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words): 30----------------2007
(a). What is regionalism ? In which way regionalism has affected the Indian Polity.
(b). what are the Main determination of voting behavior in India?

8. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 150 words each): 15x2 = 30---------
2007
(a) What are the exceptions when the President of India is not bound by the aid and advice of the
Council of Ministers?
(b) What is pro tem Speaker?
(e) Under what circumstances, Parliament may legislate on State subjects?

9. Answer the following questions (in about 20 words each): 2 x 5 = 10------------2007
(a). What is criminalization of politics?
(b). How president of India elected?
(c). what is casting vote?
(d). what is the difference between council of Minister and Cabinet?
(e). what is the importance of Right to constitutional remedies?

Study Material -Toppers Choice
For polity I had made notes from Vazi Ram material and Magazines. (Special issues of Polity). For
particular topics, DD Basu is authentic and reliable book.

(d) 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 the present-day India, such as the following.

Demography & Human Resource & related issues. Behavioural & Social issues & Social Welfare
problems, such as child labour, gender equality, adult literacy, rehabilitation of the handicapped and
other deprived segments of the society, drug abuse, public health etc.

Law enforcement issues, human rights, corruption in public life, communal harmony etc. Internal
Security and related issues. Environmental issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural
resources and national heritage.

The role of national institutions, their relevance and need for change.

Questions
10. Answer anyone of the following questions (in about 250 words): 30----------2007
(a). what were the main recommendations of the Platform for Action (PFA) adopted at the Beijing
Women Conference 1995?
(b) Discuss the steps to get rid of child labour in India.

11. Answer any two of the following questions (in about 125 words each): l0x2=20--------207
(a) What is stealth technology?
(b) Differentiate between Natural and Cultural heritage.
(c) What is value-based politics?

12. Write notes on any two of the following (in about 125 words each) : I0x2=20---------2007
(a) Integrated Child Services (lCDS) Development
(b) Prime Minister's 5-point agenda for India's development as a knowledge society.
(c) The Lokpal Bill.

13. Write short notes on the following ( in about 20 words each ) 2 x 5 = 10----------2007
(a) Yakshagana
(h) PACE.
(c) Footloose Industries
(d) The Statue of Liberty
(e) Genome

Study Material -Toppers Choice
For Current Affairs, National and Social Issues, the need is to read National Newspaper such as Hindu
regularly. Issues such as child labour, gender inequality, Poverty, Problems of Senior Citizens, should be
focused on, and 2 or 3 pages on each of these above topics should be prepared. For this Manorama Year
Book and Yojna would be helpful.

Civil Services (Main) Examination-2009
Winning Strategy
PAPER - II
Syllabus, Related Questions and Strategy
(a) India and the World
This part is intended to test candidate's awareness of India's relationship with the world in various
spheres, such as the following:-
Foreign Affairs
External Security and related matters
Nuclear Policy
Indians abroad

Questions
1. Answer any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words):
15x2=30-2007
(a) Indo-Russian Defence Co-operation
(b) India's response, to political crisis In Bangladesh
(c) Elaborate on India's Nuclear Doctrine

2. Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words): 2x5=I
0-2007
(a) SAFTA
(b) India and East Asia Summit (EAS)
(c) Shanghai Cooperation Organization, (S.C.O.)
(d) Panchsheel in India's Foreign Policy
(e) Relevance of NAM

3. Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words) :
2x5=10--2007
(a) Pravasi Bhartiya Bima Yojana, 2006
(b) Indian All-Women Contingent to Liberia
(c) Madheshis in Nepal
(d) Know India Programme (KIP)
(e) Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs

Study Material -Toppers Choice
For International Relations- both related to India and the world and International Politics, I had, relied
on coaching class notes, but for comprehensive preparation, 12th Standard N.C.E.R.T. of Political
Science - particular chapters- related to India's Foreign Policy should be focused.

b) Indian Economy
In this part, questions will be on the planning and economic development in India, economic & trade
issues, Foreign Trade, the role and functions of I.M.F., World Bank, W.T.O. etc.

Questions
4. Answer anyone of the following (in about 250 words): 30--2007
(a). What is Dumping? Evaluate the remedial measures taken by Government of India vis--vis WTO
provisions regarding dumping.
(b) Comment on the relationship between credit availability and agricultural growth in India.

5. Answer any two of the following (answer to each question should be in about 150 words )-
-2007
(a). What is the meaning and aim of social forestry ? What are the main weakness noticed in social
forestry programme?
(b). Bring out the main objective of Rastriya Krishi Bima Yojana. The scheme is being implemented by
which agency.
(c). Explain Mega Food park Scheme of Government of India.

6. Write about the following (answer to each question should be in about 20 words ) :
2x15=30--2007
(a) Explain the term Merit Goods
(b) What is Cheap Money?
(c) What is Countervailing Duty?
(d) What is Hot Money?
(e). Explain the Concept Trickle Down Theory
(f) What is Stagflation?
(g) What is Engel's Law?
(h) Meaning of CCIL
(i) What is Administered Price?
(j) What is Venture Capital?
(k) Explain the term Balance on Current Account
(I) What is Consolidated Fund?
(m) What is Budget Deficit?
(n) Explain the term Most Favored Nations
(0) Meaning of Capital- Output Ratio

Study Material -Toppers Choice
N.C.E.R.T. 11th Standard (New) and Uma Kapila for understanding the problems of Indian Economy
have been very helpful for in depth analysis of Indian Economy. For two markers - India Year Book and
Pratiyogta Darpan special issues are important. The current happening can be studied through Economic
survey and Newspaper.

(c) International Affairs & Institutions
This part will include questions on important events in world affairs and on international institutions.

Questions
7. Write about any two of the following (in about 150 words each): 15x2=30
(a) Impact of globalization on state system and its institutions
(b) SAARC Summit 2007--2007
(c) The UN conference on Environment and Development (The Earth Summit)

8. Write about the following (in about 20 words each): 2x5 = 10--2007
(a) G-8 Summit 2007
(b) Hyde Act of 2006
(c) Global Governance
(d) Operation Silence
(e) SAARC Human Rights Report 2006

9. Write about the following by expanding and explaining the objectives (in about 20 Words
each): 2x5=10 --2007
(a) ICT4D
(b) BEMs
(c) IAEA
(d) BIMSTEC
(e) ECJ

Study Material -Toppers Choice
Any Book on International Organization such as UN, Regional Organizations, Human Rights Organization
etc, Frontline, World Focus etc

(d) Developments in the field of science & technology, communications and space
In this part, questions will test the candidate's awareness of the developments in the field of science &
technology, communications and space and also basic ideas of computers.

Questions
10. Answer any one of the following in about 250 words: 30 --2007
(a). Explain the phenomenon of ozone depletion, its cause and effects . What efforts are needed to
reduce it.
(b). what do you understanding by the term biodiversity? Examine the cause and consequence of
degeneration of biodiversity?

11. Answer any two of the following (answer for each question should be in about 150 words)
: 15x2=30 --2007
(a) What are the alterative fuels available for the transport sector? Discuss their characteristics,
advantages 'and disadvantages in their utilization.
(b) Explain the objectives and the current achievements of human genome project.
(c) Discuss the missile technology initiatives undertaken by India.

12. Answer all the five (in about 20 words each) : 2x5=10 --2007

(a) What is firewall ?
(b) What is mal ware ?
(c) What do the following stand for?
(i) MPEG
(ii) ISP
(iii) HTML
(iv) ASCII
(d) What is Root kit?
(e) What is computer architecture?

Study Material -Toppers Choice

Science and Technology from Hindu, Yojna and Vaji Ram Notes.
(e) Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams

This part will include exercises to test the candidate's ability to draw common sense conclusions from
information presented in statistical, graphical or diagrammatical form and to point out deficiencies,
limitations or inconsistencies therein.

Questions

13. (a) In the year 2000 out of a total 1750 workers of a factory 1200 workers were members
of a union. The number of women employed was 200 of which 175 did not belong to the
union. In 2005 , the number of union workers increased to 1510 of which 1290 were men . On
the other hand the number of non union workers fell down to 208 of which 180 were men. 8 -
-2007
(i) Put the above information in a proper table with title.
(ii) Calculate the increase in the percentage of the female workers belonging to the union in that five
year period.
(b) The marks obtained by 20 students in a subject are given: 8
32, 62, 72, 46, 52, 74, 53, 42, 58, 61, 59, 46, 36, 76, 58, 77, 62, 48, 36, 39.

Form a frequency distribution table with class interval 10. Also Draw the Histogram.

14. (a) For the following distribution of statistics test grades, construct a frequency polygon
and answer the following: 8 --2007
(i) How many test grades are greater than 87 ?
(ii) What percentage of test grades are greater than 83?
(iii) What percentage of test grades are lower than72?
(iv) What percentage of test grades are between 72 and 79 (inclusive )

Test Grades:
73, 92, 57, 89, 70, 95, 75, 80, 47, 88, 47, 48, 64, 86, 79, 72, 71, 77, 93, 55, 75, 50, 53, 75, 85, 50,
82, 45, 40, 82, 60, 89, 79, 65, 54, 93, 60, 83, 59
(b). Construct an appropriate diagram to show the following data of a university: 8 --2007

Course No. of Students:
Engineering 440
Arts 220
Agriculture 120
Home Science 80
Economic 60
Total = 920

15. (a) What do you understand by 2 --2007
(i) Primary and secondary data
(ii) Data classification
(iii) Measures of central tendency
(iv) Characteristics of good average

(b) The mean wage of 100 laborers working in a factory running two shifts of 60 and 40
workers respectively is Rs. 38. The mean wage of 60 labourers working in the morning shift is
Rs 40. Find the mean wage of 40 Labourers working in the evening shift. 2 --2007

(c) The mean age of a group of 5 boys is 16 years. Another boy joins the group and then the
mean age of the group becomes 18 years. How old is the newcomer? 2 --2007

(d) Arithmetic means of two completely different sets of values may be same. When extreme
values are taken into consideration, the arithmetic mean is largely affected. Is it merit or
demerit of arithmetic mean and give reasons for your statement? 2--2007

Study Material -Toppers Choice

Spectrum is good. Practice last 10 year questions properly. Time management is the most important
thing in Statistics.


INTERVIEW : TOP TEN TIPS FOR UPSC INTERVIEWS


Many of us are theoretically excellent, but fail to get past in the oral rounds. This is not because we lack
the desired charisma, but we do not know the exact approach. So, hey guys, just relax & just remember
these easy tips and face the interviews confidently!!UPSCPORTAL.COM
UPSCPORTAL.COM
In the past twenty years of my professional life, I have come across people from all walks of
life.Amongst these, those who have been successful,all have some similar traits which have made them
achieve great heights.To put these into practice, I have devised an easy method to remember the
Tips!!!UPSCPORTAL.COM
UPSCPORTAL.COM
----------------------------------------------------------------
Three "U"s, Three "P"s, Two "S", Two "C"s:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Understand
Use
Update
-----------------------------------------------
Prepararation
Pleasing Personality
Provide
Positive Approach
-----------------------------------------------
Smile
Straighi from the Heart
-----------------------------------------------
Confidence
Consistency with Clarity
-----------------------------------------------
UPSCPORTAL.COM
UNDERSTAND the scenario thoroughly as soon as you walk into the interview.Observe each one on the
other side subtly and acknowledge them gracefully. You need not bend your back trying to please
them,just be as close to your real self as possible.

USE your plus points effectively while trying not to give out your minus.By this ,I mean, if you are good
at conversation,then go ahead and converse. But if you bungle things normally while talking, try to
answer to the point.

UPDATE yourself thoroughly with Current Affairs and the country's political scenario. This may help you
in starting a discussion about problems facing the country, especially something close to your
heart.UPSCPORTAL.COM
UPSCPORTAL.COM
PLEASING PERSONALITY- Everyone can always approach a person it he does not have a wall built
around himself.Thus having a cheerful & approachable manner can instantly build a rapport with the
other side and they can remember you amongst hundreds of aspirants.
UPSCPORTAL.COM
UPSCPORTAL.COM
PROVIDE a true picture of yourself instead of making tall claims of your achievements.Remember, you
have already cleared the exam & that itself is proof enough. So do not bore them by boasting too much
about how effective an officer you will be.Send across a signal of co-operation & willingness to learn.
UPSCPORTAL.COM
POSITIVE APPROACH can go a long way in an oral interview.When you are positive,even the most
cynical interviewer can begin to get positive vibes.I know, it is a bit difficult, but then in all your life,
even in future this may help in solving many a problems.

SMILE- They say, " A Smile can take you Miles". That holds good here too.As soon as they see your
smiling face, they know you have come willingly & earnestly for this post. It also infuses a bit of
Patriotism to your Personality automatically.
UPSCPORTAL.COMUPSCPORTAL.COM
STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART- This is a very important aspect of a UPSC interview. Mainly you shall be
tested for your honesty, integrity & leadership qualities. So whatever you say, should be what you truly
believe in & heartfelt.Analyse rationally, and put forth your point of view in as few words as possible. Do
not give long lectures.It may work against you.
UPSCPORTAL.COM
CONFIDENCE is what you should possess all throughout the interview. Whatever you answer, be
confident, Do not criticise the current leaders and confidently say that you can do a better job than
them, then it backfires. Otherwise maintain the air of confidence, so that they know you are capable of
leading a sector with a managerial quality.
UPSCPORTAL.COM
CONSISTENCY WITH CLARITY- You need to be consistent in whatever you say. If you keep changing
your opinions all along, you shall be categorized as trying to pull the wool over their eyes. Hence be
Clear & Consistent in your approach to a situation.Communication too should be very clear in words as
well as diction.
UPSCPORTAL.COMUPSCPORTAL.COM
Well, guys, what are you waiting for? See which areas you are strong & which areas you need to
improve yourself. Just work towards it slowly & steadily, & I am sure we shall see some of you guys
heading some important portfolios!! Al the Best to each one of you!!


TIPS : TIPS FOR GENERAL STUDIES
Read newspapers and magazines carefully, which will expand your knowledge base and give
good command and writing skill.
Preparation for General studies should be done hand in hand while preparing for optional
papers.
NCERT books should be studied carefully and newspapers like The Hindu and magazines such as
Frontline.
Trend nowadays has shifted more towards current issues, hence a thorough awareness of recent
events/happenings is mandatory.
In the Prelims, though the General Studies carries only 150 marks, all the candidates are
required to solve the same questions, hence, this paper assumes enormous importance, as
anyone spoiling this paper cannot have any chance of qualifying for the Mains stage of the
examination.
Other than the syllabus given, questions on planning, budgeting, developmental programmes,
latest issues of political and constitutional importance, Panchayati Raj, electoral reforms, natural
resources, culture, growth of nationalism, committees, commissions etc can be expected almost
every year.
Emphasis is normally placed on the general aspects of the subjects, which every educated
person aspiring to join the civil services is expected to know.
The General Studies paper needs special and thorough preparations and does not need to be
over-emphasised.
In General Studies, other than current affairs, each and every aspect is covered in our school
syllabi. Whatever one has studied upto Class XII is only asked in General Studies. The only
thing which is different is that it has an application but the basic is from our school textbook
only. A good, bright student who understood the basic concepts during his/her school studies
will definitely be strong in General Studies too.
Those who would like to appear for Civil Services should have a strong base, which will make
them easy to follow the subjects.
Exhaustive study of each subject and every aspect of the General Studies is essential.
An important point is efficient time management and proper planning. The time available with
the candidates for preparations is limited and hence has to be intelligently utilized.