Civil Services Examination A Perspective

The ever-changing pattern of Civil Services Examination has put the aspirants in a fix. The
recent changes introduced in Mains 2013 examination question-paper prove the futility of
following any one particular strategy to tackle the exams. As revealed by conversations,
many have called this years paper Easy and Predictable. However, It was only fair that
many questions were predictable, as it was clearly stated in the Civil Services Notification
2013 that, The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers (Paper II to
Paper V) will be such that a well-educated person will be able to answer them without any
specialized study. But, before being judgmental, one must understand that it is never about
Questions, it is about the Answers written in exam conditions within the prescribed time
limit.
To analyse an issue critically, come up with a structure for the answer and then finally write
it on paper under pressure would normally require more than seven minutes. And, who
knows whether next year it may be 30-35 questions instead of 25 this year? Or only 5
questions of 50 marks(1000 words) each?

When you write in a haste in the examination, no matter how much you have read, your
real understanding would be reflected in the paper. Selection thus depends not on the
quantity you write, but the quality you produce. Only a prior in-depth understanding of
issues will allow you to write relevant, meaningful and succinct answers in the
examination hall. With an in-depth understanding you will be able to handle any type and
any number of questions regardless of its difficulty level. And, this is what the UPSC expects
in the candidates, as the UPSC Chairman revealed in 3rd UPSC Lectures on Governance and
Public Services, 2011- I would like to make it very clear that the endeavor of the
Commission is to ensure that all the candidates are judged on the basis of in-depth
knowledge and understanding rather than information gathered at the last moment.
But, from UPSCs point of view, in-depth knowledge means multidimensional knowledge. It
is the ability to connect across topics, inter-relate them and find a meaning out of the
multiple dimensions. It is the ability to comprehend and consolidate your wide readings
without any bias in mind. It is not deep and technical knowledge about a particular topic.
These are the most important traits of an administrator, which the UPSC is looking for.
Therefore, the eternal question is how to build this kind of understanding?
This article intends to answer the same question. It is divided into two parts and would
contain several illustrations to clarify its message.

Framework of Mind
The first question that you may ask is what do multiple Dimensions mean?

UPSC expects you to look at issues from Social, Political, Economic, Ecological,
International, Administrative, Ethical, Legal and Security dimensions. What exactly do each
mean is explained below with an illustration.

The following question appeared in Mains 2013 GS Paper-I It is said that India has substantial
reserves of Shale Oil and gas, which can feed the needs of the country for quarter century. However,
tapping the resources does not appear high on the agenda. Discuss critically the availability and
issues involved.
As per available data, six basins Cambay (in Gujarat), Assam-Arakan (in the North-East),
Gondawana (in central India), KG onshore (in Andhra Pradesh), Cauvery onshore and Indo-
Gangetic basins, hold shale gas potential.

If you observe these areas, especially the Indo-Gangetic basins, they are fertile and cropped
lands. The livelihoods of many farmers depend on their fields. But, extracting shale gas
would mean that these fertile areas would have to be vacated and land be acquired. This
would affect farmers who will be displaced so that the energy needs of other sections of
society be fulfilled. This is what it means to look from thesocial dimension. You observe the
effect on different classes of society. A class is a section of society which bear similar
characteristics, e.g. farmers, women, children, rich, poor, tribal, SC, ST, literate, illiterate
etc. Looking from this point of view is very important for an administrator so as to
ensure Social Justice. It means no one section of society should suffer from injustice.
Besides affecting the livelihoods of farmers, who would have to be resettled and
rehabilitated; it may reduce the overall food production; it would supplement our energy
requirements; reduce our import bill and dependence on foreign supplies; generate new
jobs in shale gas sector etc. These cover the economic dimension. In this, you observe the
effect on the nations economy, both internal and external. Internal means domestic
economy with special focus on employment, inclusive growth, development, poverty,
budgetary constraints like fiscal deficit, infrastructure etc. Here also you should try to
analyse it to ensure Economic Justice.
Moreover, acquiring lands, resettling and rehabilitating farmers would be fraught with
practical challenges. They include protests, dharna, strikes, finding jobs for the farmers,
choosing a new place to resettle them etc. These cover the administrative dimension. Here
you observe the practical difficulties in executing or implementing a national
policy/law/rules/regulations etc. You should naturally acquire the skill to look from this
dimension to be a successful administrator.
One would also find that extracting shale gas economically requires advanced technology
possessed only by the United States. It is not possessed by India. It has to therefore import
this technology from the U.S. It was in news that the U.S. wants to make this sharing of
technology a give-and-take deal. It would like India to make several concessions on the
bilateral trade front or on Indias stand in climate negotiations. Therefore, extracting shale
gas also covers international constraints which may affect Indias foreign policy towards the
U.S. This is what it means to look from the international dimension. Here you observe the
international constraints and effects in fulfilment of domestic policies/plans/priorities etc.
You would have definitely noted the WTO dimension in implementing the Food Security
Act,2013.
Moving ahead, the technology that is used for extracting shale gas is not environment
friendly. Hydraulic fracturing technology for extracting shale gas requires huge amount of
water. In a country which is water scarce and facing growing urbanization, rising population
and increasing water pollution, it will be difficult to supply this quantity of water. Besides,
hydraulic fracturing of sedimentary rocks containing shale gas, pollutes groundwater amid
this scarcity. It may also cause minor earthquakes. These cover the ecological dimension.
Here, you observe the effects on natural resources and on the environment. Special focus
should be on sustainable development, pollution, conservation of natural resources, bio-
diversity etc.
You may not have noted, but this issue also has a political and ethical dimension. Most of the
farmers in the region are poor and they have little political voice. It is possible that their
lands may be acquired more easily than those of the rich and powerful farmers. Even if they
have political representation, they are politically neglected. The most they can do is to
arrange protests, dharnas, strikes etc. For, this is the only way to put forward their
demands. They can not meet the political representatives as easily and frequently as
business men and their lobbies do. For instance, you would have noted a news report where
many poor farmers were agitating outside the Karnataka Legislative Assembly recently for
their demands. This is the political dimension. Actually, political is a very broad word.
Whenever you hear this term, the following things should strike your mind. Right of free
speech and expression; political representation in legislature (Centre, states) and local
bodies; political voice and outreach; awareness about political rights; formation of unions
(e.g. trade union); etc. Of course, the political constraints like coalition, political will are also
a part of it.
After discussing nearly every dimension, ethical dimension deserves mention. When a class
of society is displaced to fulfil the needs of others like the urbanized, industries etc. ethical
issues arise. Is it right to destroy the livelihoods of many famers so as to find a source of
energy which would be possibly not used by they themselves? Or is right to abandon the
energy security of the whole nation for the sake of some thousand farmers? Whose rights
are more important in a society? What do we give primacy to economic interests of the
country or individual interests of farmers? Besides, the manner in which they are displaced,
resettled and rehabilitated also raises ethical issues. Was their consent taken? Was force
used to displace them? Etc. These and other are some difficult questions to answer. But,
administrators more often than not grapple with these ethical dilemmas. Therefore, you
must be able to see the ethical dimension of these issues also.
Finally, you would observe that many of these issues are conflicting in nature. And, you
would need to take a decision whether to go for shale gas extraction or not? UPSC demands
: The questions are likely to test the candidates basic understanding of all relevant issues, and
ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio- economic goals, objectives and
demands We have understood the basic issues, analyzed them, but still have not arrived at a
final view on these conflicting socio-economic goals. In order to do this, you must be aware
of the state of our nation and its priorities. It includes understanding our basic economic
needs, socio-cultural norms, geographical coverage of resources and the ultimate vision of
the Indian constitution. Therefore, you will be able to arrive at a reasonable stand only when
you have a holistic or comprehensive understanding of India.
Tackling The Complexity

All of this sounds very complex. Keeping so many dimensions in mind with all the facts,
concepts, values etc. is indeed difficult. And, this is one of the most common problems faced
by aspirants. How to acquire, process and produce so much information critically and
analytically?

Individuals have different methods of reading, but the mental orneural processes of
retrieving, storing, processing and reproducing information is nearly the same for every
human being. The following discussion would help in understanding your mind and tackle
this complexity.
Many aspirants enjoy reading voraciously and quickly. But, this habit may not work if you
have to get an in-depth understanding of issues. At best, you would get a superficial or uni-
dimensional understanding of issues.

The way of handling this is to read less, think more and apply even more. Read slowly so
that your mind can grasp the information not only for remembering but also for inter-
linking. The reason is that even if your eyes can move very quickly, your mind can not.
Neural processes are very slow. And, the whole process of receiving, processing and storing
information takes a lot of time if it is to be remembered forever and to be reproduced
immediately. You must stop while reading and think over and over on an issue.
The basics that you read should be in your mind all the time so that you can cross-link them
with whatever you read. At times, you would feel that you have understood a particular
issue, but cant interlink it with other issues. This is because you have only understood an
issue and have not absorbed it. Reading, understanding and absorbing are three different
stage of getting information. Absorption of information or a concept requires some more
time. It happens sub-consciously and not consciously. It means that you may not even
realize it. It is similar to learning dance, music, sports etc. You must be able
to internalizethis knowledge. It should become a part of you.
When you sleep, the information and concepts that you have gained consciously slowly get
absorbed in your sub-conscious mind. The more slowly you would have read and the more
thinking you would have given to particular issues, the easier would it become for your
brain to absorb it while sleeping. Do not read so much that your brain can not absorb.
Whenever you feel saturated, take a break and allow your brain to absorb the information. A
short nap or walk is the best way to desaturate your mind and to allow the information to be
absorbed.

Why is all this important? Because, it would help you directly in the exams. Information
absorbed subconsciously would automatically flow from your mind while writing even
without stressing your mind. Your answers would automatically get a structure, logical flow
and would have depth. This is what exactly is required in the examination hall.
You must combine this with Daily answer writting to gain complete command over your
thinking and writing skills. Only with consistent practice and hard work would you be able
to crack this examination in any of its patterns or forms.
Finally, you must understand that this examination is very different from others. UPSC is
looking for well-educated people to serve the highest echelons of administration in India.
And, you should really be educated and not merely learned to crack this examination. This
means to make your mind such as to become multi-dimensional, unbiased and highly
analytical. UPSC is looking for original thinkers, who can express themselves clearly and
concisely.
Myths and Lies About UPSC IAS Preparation
We often hear about various lies or myths about IAS exam preparation. Most of them demoralize
freshers, and some even perturb veterans. Following write-up is an effort to bust such myths/lies to
help new aspirants focus on their preparation.

1) They say IAS is the mother of all exams. Is it?

Wrong. This is just another exam. The mother of all exams is Life. You can afford to fail in IAS, but
not in Life. So, take IAS preparation as a phase in Life, not as your Life.

2) They say IAS is not for faint-hearted. Is it?

If you think you are faint-hearted, better start preparing for IAS soon it makes you stone-hearted.

3) One topper in an interview said that she studied 20 hours every day for 365 days. Is this true?

May be she suffered from insomnia. Even now she will be working 20 hours a day as an officer. On a
serious note, good sleep is very necessary to prepare well for this exam. It keeps you in good health.
Dont study beyond 14 hours unless you suffer from Insomnia.

4) Now you are saying 14 Hours! Are you mad?

Calm down. If you have left your job, as a punishment you should devote these many hours. Didnt
you work 12 hours for your company? Anyway, every day at least 8 hours of planned study is
required. If you can study more than that, it is well and good. But please ensure that you also get 6-8
hours of sound sleep.
5) My English is very poor. They say I am out of the race. Am I?

No. You are still part of the race. Now you have figured out the problem that your English is poor.
Work on it. All you need is basic English. Moreover, you can write this exam and give the interview
in your mother-tongue. Buy a basic Grammar book read it, listen to English news on TV and radio,
try to write something in English, everyday (dont worry if it is very bad, keep trying) Necessity
should push you to learn. Push yourself. Win the race.
6) I am worried. I cant go to Delhi because of some personal reasons. They say it is Mecca for
IAS aspirants.
Cant go to Delhi? Thats great. These days you can study from home itself. IAS preparation is
neither religion nor life to seek enlightenment in a far away concrete desert. Do your duty sincerely,
if pleased, almighty UPSC will call you to its shrine, if pleased with your personality, it will give you
a pass to Heaven the IAS. Why go there uninvited?

7) Oh! So luck is needed for this exam.

Ya, only if you think you are unlucky. Anyway, let me modify a famous quote for you Success is
one percent luck and ninety-nine percent perspiration. Dont let that 99% thing slip from your hand.
Toil sincerely, and you will be rewarded with that 1 percent luck.

8) It was my last attempt. I failed in Prelims. Now I want to kill myself. Help me.
To kill you? First, kill your ego, not yourself. You took a journey but couldnt reach the destination.
It doesnt mean the end of your life or the end of the road start a new phase in your Life from
where you are now. What matters in the end is how well you lived your Life, not how many
successes you achieved.

9) Lakhs of aspirants give this exam and only few get into IAS. I am scared.
Though lakhs of aspirants apply and write this exam, the real competition is between only 2000-3000
serious aspirants. Those who study systematically and consistently, get into service. If you do the
same, you will be one among them. Dont have fears even before you start. You must enter the race
and work hard to win it.
Remember this: I never did a days work in all my Life. It was all fun (Edison). Make the process
fun, enjoy reading, love what you do and do everything to please your heart. Not the society.

10) They say there is corruption in recruiting IAS officers. Is it true?

This allegation is utterly false. The whole examination is so opaque that you have to trust it blindly
(Oxymoron). There may be lacunae in the way examination is held, or there may be loopholes in how
an UPSC member is appointed, but there is never corruption involved in the recruitment of civil
service officers. The steel produced is pure. You can trust it. (it gets corroded later, that is a different
story though)
11) Those veterans laugh when I tell them I am preparing for IAS. Instead, they insist I should say
that I am preparing for civil services. What is the difference?
When you say you are preparing for civil services, you are not sure about getting into IAS/IPS. When
you say you are preparing for IAS, you are confident that you want only IAS and you know how to
get it. Choose the one suits you best. Not the veterans.

12) I am getting headache while making notes. There are so many books to refer and I want my
notes to be the best. What to do?
Note this. Leo Tolstoy writes in Anna Karenina If you look for perfection, youll never be content.
Also someone said, Perfection is the child of time. When you scout too many sources to make that
perfect notes, you end up both loosing invaluable time and discontented. Managing time during the
preparation is the most important aspect of this examination. Read one or two books for a topic. Re-
read the same book even if some coaching institution or a publication house releases new notes/book
in the market that has become famous.

13) They say IAS is the best job on Earth! Is it?

Well, I thought becoming the President of US was the best thing on Earth. Anyway, the above
statement is wrong.

14) At least in India it is the best job. Right?

Yes. If you want to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of poor, IAS is the best job. But
you have to swim in the ocean infested by so many sharks. You should know how to swim, be
fearless and armed with ammunition. There is a silver lining though. The ammunition is personal
integrity and The People if you do a good work, help the poor man on the streets and in the huts,
people will love you. Sharks love votes. And the ocean will be safe for you.

15) Some say this exam is like a vast ocean and question are asked from outside the syllabus, even
from extraterrestrial sources. Is it?
No. Again wrong. UPSC strictly adheres to the syllabus. Though sometimes it seems like question
are asked from outside of the syllabus, they are actually in some ways related to it. For example, if
there is a question like this, Opportunity on Mars, one should not get bedazzled why UPSC is
asking questions from ET source
UPSC Civil Services Examination Pattern For Mains Exam

DETAILED SYLLABUS
The written examination will consist of the following papers:
Qualifying Papers:
Paper A
(One of the Indian Language to be selected by the
candidate from the Languages included in the Eighth
Schedule to the Constitution). 300 Marks
Paper B
English 300 Marks

Papers to be counted for merit

Paper-I
Essay 250 Marks

Paper-II
General StudiesI- 250Marks
(Indian Heritage and Culture,
History and Geography of the World
and Society)

Paper-III
General Studies II- 250 Marks
(Governance, Constitution,
Polity, Social Justice and
International relations)

Paper-IV
General Studies III- 250 Marks
(Technology, Economic Development,
Bio-diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management)
Paper-V
General Studies IV 250 Marks
(Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude )

Paper-VI
Optional Subject
Candidates can choose only one optional instead of two, and there will be two papers from a single
optional (Paper VI and Paper VII); Also only students who have graduated with language as a major
subject can chose that language literature as their optional. i.e., people with BE, MBBS or B.Sc., BA
(History) can not opt for English/Kannada/Tamil/Telugu or any other language as their optional for
mains)
Optional Subject Paper 1-250 Marks

Paper-VII
Optional Subject Paper 2- 250 Marks

Sub Total (Written test) 1750 Marks

Personality Test 275 Marks.
Grand Total 2025 Marks
BOOKS

1) Introduction to the Constitution of India 20 Edition

2) India Since Independence - Bipan Chandra

3) India's Struggle For Independence Bipan Chandra

4) Indian Economy : For Civil Services Examinations Sanjeev verma

5) Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations 4th Edition - Laxmikanth & D.D Basu

6)Geography of India- NCERT & DR.Khullar (vol. 1& 2)

7) Ethics In Governance

8)India After Gandhi: The History Of The World's Largest Democracy

9) Mastering Modern World History -5th Edition, Norman Lowe

10) Select Constitutions: 16th Edition - S Chand

11) Challenge And Strategy : Rethinking India's Foreign Policy - Rajiv Sikri

12) India's Foreign Policy - Muchkund Dubey

13) History of the World from the Late Nineteenth to the Early Twenty First Century - Arjun Dev

14) Social Problems in India 2 Edition - Ram Ahuja

15) Politics and Ethics of the Indian Constitution

16) Public Institutions in India: Performance and Design - PRATAP BHANU MEHTA

17) Certificate Physical and Human Geography - Goh Cheng Leong

18) Indias National Security A Reader

19) Indian Social System - Ram Ahuja

Books for Prelims:
PAPER I
1. From Plassey to Partition A History Of Modern India (A must buy in my
opinion)orA Brief History of Modern India Spectrum Publications (For Mains,
you should read the book by Bipan Chandra, but it is better if one can finish it
before Prelims if you have more time)
2. The Indian Economy Sanjiv Verma (this is for people who find economy
difficult/distasteful -a must read before you hop for other books)
3. Indian Economy : For Civil Services Examinations 5th Edition (2013) Ramesh
Singh (This book is now universally recommended by every one should be read
only after reading the above book by Sanjiv Verma)Indian Polity for Civil
Services Examinations 4th Edition Laxmikanth (For prelims you dont have
read any other book on Polity except this one. However, for Mains, you should
read D D Basu as it helps you to form opinions to attempt some difficult
questions in the exam)
4. Certified Physical and Human Geography Goh Cheng Leong
5. Environment & Ecology: Biodiversity, Climate Change and Disaster Management
: General Studies for Civil Services (Main) Examination Paper II and IV (This
is both for Prelims and Mai
6. India 2015 Publication Division, Govt. of India (Buy the latest edition next
year, or even this one will do)
7. Indian Polity Question Bank TMH
8. General Science Question Bank TMH
9. Geography (India+World) Question Bank TMH
10. Social & Economic Development Question Bank TMH
 PAPER II
Actually, you dont need any special books for Paper- II if you have some basic
knowledge in Maths and relatively good in basic English. But, for most
beginners, especially from Arts/Commerce background, some basic idea is
needed on Paper II, if not unnecessarily they start to think that Paper-II is
full of Maths, reasoning and its is very difficult etc.

1. Cracking the CSAT Civil Services Aptitude Test with Solved Papers
2. Tata Mcgraw Hill Manual of GS Paper-II 2014
Above books must be read only after completely reading NCERT textbooks:

Class VI to Class XII Social Science (Geography, Polity, History,

Economics and Sociology Class XI and XII)

Class VI to X Science for non-Science students + Class XII Biology last 6

chapters.

For UPSC mains one need to supplement their every day Newspaper (The
Hindu) reading with certain books to have a deep insight over varied topics
that are now part of the new syllabus.
To gain knowledge on diverse topics it is prudent to read standard texts . First
hand reading of basic books enables aspirant to tackle questions of different
dimensions.

Reading newspaper everyday is sine qua non of UPSC preparation. A fortnightly

magazine like Frontline & Economic Political Weekly is a must to enhance
understanding about current events related to India and abroad.
For Beginners:

1)The Indian Economy Sanjiv Verma

2) Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations 4th Edition Laxmikanth
3) Geography of India- Majid Hussain

4) Ethics In Governance

5) India After Gandhi: The History Of The Worlds Largest Democracy

6) Mastering Modern World History New Edition Norman Lowe

7) Indian Culture and Heritage: For Civil Services

Or this book from Government of India: The Gazetteer of India: History and Culture Vol II

8) Select Constitutions: 16th Edition S Chand

9) Indias Foreign Policy Muchkund Dubey

10) Challenge And Strategy : Rethinking Indias Foreign Policy Rajiv Sikri

11) History of the World from the Late Nineteenth to the Early Twenty First Century
Arjun Dev
12) Social Problems in India 2 Edition Ram Ahuja

13) Politics and Ethics of the Indian Constitution Review

14) Public Institutions in India: Performance and Design PRATAPA BHANU

MEHTA

15) Certified Physical and Human Geography Goh Cheng Leong

16) Indias National Security A Reader (Oxford University Press Important for Paper-IV GS)

23) Indian Social System Ram Ahuja

Other Books Civil Services Aspirants Must Read (DURING Relaxation):

1) The Wonder That Was India- A.L.Basham

2) India Unbound: The Social and Economic Revolution from Independence to the
Global Information Age Gurcharan Das

3) Pax Indica: India and the World of the 21st Century Shashi Tharoor

4) An Uncertain Glory: India and its Contradictions Amartya Sen and Jean Dreze

5) The Argumentative Indian : Writings on Indian History Amartya Sen

Of course you need to read NCERT texts as well. The above list is for reference
and reading as well. As you have plenty of time for Mains, you can savour these
books leisurely.
Dont forget: The Hindu is the mother of Mains preparation now. Cut and Paste
every article related to syllabus from October 2014 to November 2015.
How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper-II
(GS-1)
UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the pattern and the
syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies Papers apart from one Essay and
Optional paper each.
This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies -1 (i.e Paper-II, Paper-I is
Essay)

Before you start reading further, please remember the following important mantra given by
the Almighty UPSC:
The questions are likely to test the candidates 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.
This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You dont have to master the topics,
all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to analyze.

Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze what you have
understood from reading comes fromWRITING PRACTICE.

STRATEGY
GS-1 broadly covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and
Society.
Under this heading total 12 topics and around 40 sub-topics are given in the syllabus.

Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:

Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times they should be
strongly etched in your memory.
Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.
 Now, how to deal with GS-1?
Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-1, we will discuss a topic by topic
what to read, from where to read and what not to read for these topics.

TOPIC-1
Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and Architecture from
ancient to modern times.
In this topic, the sub-topics are Art forms, Literature, Architecture from ancient to modern
times. Before jumping into Big Books, first go through these beautiful books by NCERT to
get a glimpse of the sub-topics they are
1. NCERT Class VI History Our Past
2. NCERT Class VII Our Past -I
3. NCERT Class VIII Our Past II and III
4. NCERT Class XII Themes In Indian History I
5. NCERT Class-XII Themes in Indian History II (chapter 1&2)
6. NCERT Class XII Themes In Indian History III
Apart from these you should have a reference book for getting more information:

1. Facets of Indian Culture or

2. Indian Art and Culture

TOPIC-2
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present
significant events, personalities, issues
Read this book: Comprehensive History Of Modern India Spectrum (It covers topics from the
Advent of British to Indias Independence so covers this part of the syllabus completely.
.
It is bulky and factual, so it is recommended for beginners both for Prelims and Mains along
with Bipan Chandras book, but not for aspirants writing Mains this year who are running
short of time.
TOPIC-3
[The Freedom Struggle its various stages and important contributors /contributions from
different parts of the country.]
Because this topic demands specific knowledge of Freedom Struggle and its various facets,
you must, along with the above mentioned book, read Bipan Chandras Struggle For Indias
Independence.

TOPIC 4
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
For this you need to study Chapter 6 to 12 of India Since Independence Bipan Chandra
0r Chapters 8 to 14 from India after Gandhi: the History of the Worlds Largest
Democracy (above mentioned chapters cover completely this part of the syllabus)

TOPIC-5
[History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution, world
wars,redrawal of national boundaries,colonization,decolonization, political philosophies
like communism, capitalism,socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the society.]
Except for Industrial revolution, Mastering Modern World History by Norman Lowe Above
book is not available anywhere these days. Best alternative is a book by Arjun Dev History
of the World from the Late Nineteenth to the Early Twenty First Century
If both books are not available, then read this book Old NCERT World History Class-X

TOPIC-6
[Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.]
About salient features of Indian Society dont look anywhere else Just read this NCERT
Indian Society Class 12 (Complete book without watermarks)
Two indispensable books to cover this topic:

Indian Society Ram Ahuja

Social Problems in India Ram Ahuja
TOPIC-7
[Role of women and womens organization, population and associated issues,poverty
and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.]
For India specific women related issues download this beautiful report (PLATFORM FOR
ACTION-REPORT ON INDIAN WOMEN) where you can find everything you want to learn
about Womens issues.
Other sub-topics are general in nature and can be found in Magazines and Newspapers. If
one is thorough with current events questions on these sub-topics can be answered very well
by consolidating their knowledge.

TOPIC-8
[Effects of Globalization on Indian society]
This is also general in nature. If you have a basic understanding of Indian Society and
Globalization, their mutual relation can be elucidated with ease. Here is a good article from a
Marxist politician about the topic. (UPSC people love the slightly leftist version of
everything)
To know more about effect of Globalization on Indian Society, you need to know better
about Indian Society. This book is a must have for broad understanding of the Indian Society.
Indian Society Ram Ahuja
Social Problems in India Ram Ahuja

TOPIC-9
[Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.]
This is again generic. But you must know the basic concept of communalism, regionalism
and secularism. Wikipedia comes handy here.

TOPIC-10
[Salient features of worlds physical geography.
To cover this part two books are necessary:

1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography 1st Edition

2. NCERT Class-XI Fundamentals of Physical Geography
TOPIC-11
[Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian
subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector
industries in various parts of the world (including India)]
1) NCERT Class XII Human Geography
2) NCERT Class-XII India-People and Economy
3) For reference:Geography of India 4 Edition
TOPIC-12
[Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic
activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical
features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such
changes.]
This is a repetition actually. You can read Physical Geography book by Goh Cheng Leong
which is mentioned above (Certificate Physical and Human Geography 1st Edition)
This topic on critical changes in geographical features is broadly related to climate change and
other anthropogenic factors(such as depletion of resources, dumping of wastes etc).
Geographical features like rainforests, ice caps, rivers, corals, cyclones all get affected by
climate change. Anthropogenic factors are involved in increasing desertification, vanishing
forests, biodiversity, pollution of rivers and lakes, etc.
Your focus should be on such changes. Question may be on how monsoon is affected by
global climate change? or how a cyclone is affected by global warming? What effect has the
melting ice cap on the biodiversity in the polar regions? etc

Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember most of the
things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a single
topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things clearly and concisely.
Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the
temptation of doing Research on a topic.
Always Remember UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do RESEARCH and
scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.
Remember that old saying? Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do Research, most
probably your name wont appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
 For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in enabling you
to acquire analytical skills.
Very Important Part In The Preparation
Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take a Mock Test.
Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent lot of time on answer writing.
Most Important Part In The Preparation
Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
If you dont Revise what you read all these months you slightly miss the Personality Test, or
You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.
Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read the same
source, Write and Revise.
How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper-III (GS-2)
UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the pattern and the
syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies Papers apart from one Essay and
Optional paper each.
This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies -2 (i.e Paper-III)
Before you start reading further, please remember the following important mantra given by
the Almighty UPSC:
The questions are likely to test the candidates 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.

This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You dont have to master the topics,
all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to analyze.

Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze what you have
understood from reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.

Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:

Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times they should be
strongly etched in your memory.

Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.

Now, how to deal with GS-2?

Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-1, we will discuss a topic by topic what
to read, from where to read and what not to read for these topics.
Syllabus Of GS-2 is:
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

Before you start preparing for this paper, please read following NCERT texts, which might
take 2-3 days of your time.

1. NCERT Class XI India Constitution At Work

2. NCERT Class XII Political Science II

3. NCERT Class X Democratic Politics

TOPIC-1
Indian Constitution historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant
provisions and basic structure.

This part is very useful both for Prelims and Mains. Best book to study this section is D.D.
Basus Introduction To The Constitution Of India First 5 chapters in this book exclusively deal
with this part of the syllabus.
For Basic Structure, These two articles might help you.

1) Basic Structure of the constitution revisited

2) The Basic Structure of the constitution (PDF)

TOPIC-2
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to
the federal structure,devolution of powers and finances up to local levels andchallenges therein.

One good source to get the critical perspective about these topics is Report of the 2nd
Administrative Reforms Commission, named Organizational Structure Of Government of
India (13th Report)
For the concept part read Laxmikants Indian Polity. (Chapters 12, 13 14 and 30).
But Mains demands not only basic understanding of these topics, but your critical and
analytic abilities to answer questions on these topics. So, try to relate these concepts to
current event topics and write small articles. ARC reports will help you in this regard.

Eg. Though devolution of funds, functionaries and functions is taking place in the local
governments, development is still a mirage in many parts of India. Critically analyze. (you can
frame many questions like this)

TOPIC-3
Separation of powers between various organs,dispute redressal mechanisms and institutions.

BASICS: Public Grievances and Redressal Mechanism

This topic is a dynamic portion we read lot about conflict between the Judiciary and the
Executive to answer dynamic topics, one should first understand the constitutional
provisions, redressal measures with the constitution, checks and balances provided in the
constitution etc.
ARC reports come to the rescue again. 7th report of 2nd ARC namedCapacity Building for
Conflict Resolution talks elaborately on various issues such as Left Wing Extremism,
Regional Disparities, Land and Water related issues, SC and ST issues, Religious conflicts
and North East conflicts which involve numerous institutions in the conflict management
and resolution.
Later, scan current events and find any latest instances of conflict between any
constitutional bodies, or between a constitutional body and statutory body.

Again, concepts can be studied either from D.D. Basu or Laxmikant..

TOPIC-4
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

A book by S. Chand Select Constitutions of the world is famous among Law students. This
covers this topic comprehensively. One should be careful to not to study this topic in depth.
In case you can afford to buy costly book D.D. Basus Classic on the Indian Constitution
Shorter Constitution Of India not only covers all above topics, it also covers the present topic.
Few links that might help:

Constitutions around the world

Evolution of Indian Constitution (It is compared with other constitutions you have to search in
between)
Difference between US and EU constitutions.
Try to know some basics about the New Constitutions/reforms being framed/brought out in
Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Pakistan.

(Again, emphasis should be on relating all these topics to the current events)

TOPIC-5
Parliament and State Legislatures structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers &
privileges and issues arising out of these.

To cover this topic, one stop source is Subhash Kashyps Our Parliament. (Why this book?
Because it is written by someone who worked inside the Parliament for most of his career,
and this book gives a detailed idea about the functioning of our Parliament as the above
topic suggests, you should be familiar with all aspects of our Parliament.
TOPIC-6
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries and
Departments of the Government; Pressure and formal/informal associations and their role in the
Polity.

BASICS:
Union Executive
Parliament of India
Supreme Court of India
Executive in the States
State Legislature
High Courts and Subordinate Courts
Local Government:Urban and Rural
Pressure Groups
Again, Laxmikant is enough for this topic. Regarding pressure groups/ informal associations
recent activism shown by Civil society, conflict with the government and other such topics
should be studied in depth.

TOPIC-7
Salient features of the Representation of Peoples Act.

First read this beautiful article by Yogendra Yadav. (PDF)

This topic has generated more heat in the past and present eg, office of profit bill, anti-
defection bill, electoral reforms bill etc.
This topic should be

Recent supreme court ruling disqualifying MPs and MLAs with criminal background, and
current topics like this should be studied carefully.
TOPIC-8 and 9
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of
various Constitutional Bodies.

. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

Read Laxmikant for this part. Part VII,VIII and IX of this book completely covers these
topics.
This part of the syllabus has given rise to some contentious issues such as political
interference in the appointment to various constitutional posts and statutory bodies. Eg EC,
CBI, CVC, CAG, SC, Governors, Lokayukta, Lokpal (if it comes into existence) etc. So, read
this topic keeping in mind these above issues.

As I said before, you need to read all the above topics with an analytical perspective. To
provide you with this, there is a wonderful book published by Oxford University Press and
authored by Pratap Bhanu Mehta, named Public Institutions in India Performance and
Design, will be immensely useful.
As its back cover says, This volume analytically assesses the design, performance, and
adaptability of the principal institutions of governance in India and their critical role in a democratic
polity. That is what you need for this paper.
TOPIC-10
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out
of their design and implementation.

This part is covered well in the same book I mentioned above: Public Institutions in India
Performance and Design
Also, refer Economic Survey for government policies and PIB siteregularly.

TOPIC-11
Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups
and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

[Please note the phrase Development Industry it refers to aid industry developed around
NGOs, UN bodies, Charities etc and their role in the development process.]
Planning commission has various articles on these topics.
This report gives critical account of success and failure of SHGs in India. (just read the summary,
conclusion and recommendations )
Article on NGO their evolution and role.

TOPIC-12
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and
the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for
the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Note the word STATE schemes by the states are also important.

Focus on the schemes being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child welfare, Ministry
of Social Justice, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry of Tribal affairs.
List Of Government Schemes India Wikipedia link.
List of All state and central scheme Govt. of India Website (here you can filter queries by the
ministry- it is not easy though, govt site you know..)
One more option is visit this link on my site to go to the site of any Ministry and find schemes
there.
TOPICS 12 and 13
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to
Health, Education, Human Resources.
. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

We read lot about this these days: Food security bill, PDS reform, Poverty reduction schemes,
Poverty-line controversy, Malnutrition figures, report on malnutrition(remember HungMa
report?) etc.
TOPIC-13
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance-
applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency &
accountability and institutional and other measures

This introductory article on 2nd ARC site and 2nd ARC report on Promoting e-Governance: The
SMART Way Forward will be very useful to cover this topic.
E-governance Concept and Significance (IGNOU)
TOPIC-14
Role of civil services in a democracy

Again, 2nd ARC report (10th report) Refurbishing of Personnel Administration has whole
chapter (ch-4) on this topic.
International Relations

TOPIC-15
India and its neighborhood- relations.

Two sources for this topic:

1. India and its neighbours MEA Website

India Afghanistan
India Pakistan
India Nepal
India Bhutan
India Bangladesh
India Sri lanka
India Maldives
India China
India Myanmar
2. For critical analysis This Book by Dr.Arunoday Bajpayee-India And The World & Rajiv
Sikri Challenge and Strategy Rethinking Indias Foreign Policy is must for reading this part of
the syllabus.

TOPIC 16
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
Indias interests

For Indias relations with the other countries, click here. (read only important counries
USA, UK, EU, SA, Brazil, Japan, Russia, Australia etc)
Ministry of External Affairs has briefs on all bilateral relations of India with regional and
global groupings:

Andean Community (CAN)

Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
 BRICS
Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM)
Central American Integration System (SICA)
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Commonwealth
Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) August 2012 eraction and
Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA)
East African Community
East Asia Summit
G-20
Gulf Cooperation Council
India-African Union Relations
India-ASEAN Relations
India-EU Relations
Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC)
India-United Nations Relations,
Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC)
Pan African e-Network Project
Southern African Development Community Cooperation
TOPIC-18
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on Indias interests,
Indian diaspora

This is a dynamic part effects of globalization, WTO policies, domestic policies of

developed countries and their effect on other countries (lot of examples from USA, UK can
be given visa row, war on terrorism, immigration policies, economic policies etc)

Indian diaspora their contribution to India, Indias contribution to them, Their

contribution to the world etc. Their problems in the residing countries, their rights in India
constitutional/statutory provisions if any, their participation in track two diplomacy, their
role in Indian economy etc etc.

Newspaper is the best source I guess. For more info, visit the official site.
TOPIC- 19
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

UNO and its various bodies, agencies must be studied with respect to their structure, role,
relevance and reforms. UN reforms is the hot topic.
International Organizations (no UN bodies) such as APEC, ADB, ASEAN, OECD, NATO
should be studied.

For links to all these organizations: click here.

Five Indispensable Books For paper-III

1. D.D.Basu Introduction to the Constitution of India 20 Edition

2. Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations 4th Edition Laxmikanth

3. Select Constitutions: 16th Edition S Chand

4. Challenge And Strategy : Rethinking Indias Foreign Policy Rajiv Sikri

5. Public Institutions in India: Performance and Design Pratap Bhanu Mehta

TWO RECOMMENDED BOOKS (Only If You Have More Time At Your Disposal) Both
By Granville Austin Classics On Indian Polity
1) The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of A Nation (Classic Reissue)
2) Working a Democratic Constitution: A History of the Indian Experience
A SMALL LECTURE

Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember most of the
things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a single
topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things clearly and concisely.
Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the
temptation of doing Research on a topic.
Always Remember UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do RESEARCH and
scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.
 Remember that old saying? Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do Research, most
probably your name wont appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in enabling you
to acquire analytical skills.
Very Important Part In The Preparation
Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take a Mock Test.
Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent lot of time on answer writing.
Most Important Part In The Preparation
Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
If you dont Revise what you read all these months you slightly miss the Personality Test, or
You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.
Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read the same
source, Write and Revise.
Preparation for this paper can be finished in 20 days provided you are focused and
determined.
How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper IV (GS-3)
GS-3 broadly covers
Technology,
Economic Development,
Bio diversity,
Environment,
Security and
Disaster Management.

(You can observe that it resembles GS-2 of old patterns statistics and
international relations) Two important things fundamental to your exam
preparation:
Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times they
should be strongly etched in your memory.
Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.
Now, how to deal with GS-3?
Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-3, we will discuss a topic by topic
what to read, from where to read and what not to read for these topics.
TOPIC-1
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,
development and employment.

This is a very broad area and includes both static and dynamic part. Before
going for big books, it is compulsory to read following NCERT textbooks
(download full textbooks -PDF without watermark)
1. NCERT Class X Understaning Economic Development
2. NCERT Class XI Indian Economic Development
3. NCERT Class XII Macroeconomics (chapters 2,5 and 6 are very important)
Three books above will make your concepts very clear. After understanding
your concepts, you have to read the above topics by relating them to the
current events. For this reading one Business newspaper helps a lot. Business
standard is the best (if you are comfortable with ET, it is fine. But do try BS
once)

More questions from Economics can be expected in this paper henceforth. To

be ready for any questions that UPSC might ask, it is good to read a standard
book on these topics.

Indian Economy for Civil Services Examinations Ramesh Singh

TOPIC-2
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it

We had 11th Five year plan which exhorted the Inclusive Growth mantra and then
12th Fiver year document, going a step further aiming for a Faster, More
Inclusive and Sustainable Growth.
These two documents are good to understand issues related to inclusive
growth, approach of the government and achievements in the 11th plan period.
However, to get conceptual clarity, reading one or two articles from the
following document would help you immensely.

Conceptualizing Inclusive Growth

For a thorough review of Inclusive Growth strategy in India read this article:

Inclusive Growth in India Past Performance and Future Prospects

TOPIC 3
Government Budgeting

It is nothing but knowing about what is a budget and how it is passed in the
parliament and then how it is implemented.

These documents should help you understand these:

First Basics GOVERNMENT BUDGETING

NCERT Class XII Macroeconomics (Chapter 5)
The Budgetary Process
TOPIC-4
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of
irrigation and irrigation systems; storage, transport and marketing of agricultural
produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers

Understanding concepts is important here too. NCERT comes to the aid here;

NCERT Resources and Development (a quick reading of this book will also
help in understanding many other topics in this paper)
For cropping pattern read this, only this document:

Cropping Pattern in India (give stress to understanding the concept in it, no need
to read entire paper)
For irrigation methods, irrigation systems and Irrigation in India,

Irrigation Methods
Types of Dams (storage structures)
Irrigation types (Government Source)
For agriculture marketing, storage and reforms in these areas, one should
resort to State of India Agriculture report and Economic Survey.

Agriculture Marketing Reforms

 Agricultural Prices and Markets State of India Agriculture Report
E-technology for the aid of Farmers

E-technology in the aid of farmers

TOPIC 5
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices;
Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of
buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing

This is the most important topic in this paper all sub-topics are dynamic in
nature and 1-2 questions will be directly asked from these. This topic
encompasses the broad area of Food Security, which is a hot topic these days.

Apart of getting conceptual clarity on these topics, aspirants also have to

develop critical perspective on these sub-topics. I will provide links to
important articles that have come in The Hindu, Business Standard and
Business Line.

First, Minimum Support Price and Farm Subsidies:

Agriculture Price Policy and MSP

News Articles (to develop opinion)

Farms need a free market -BusinessLine

How to fix agricultural pricing mess Business Standard
Indias food conundrum The Hindu
Regarding Public Distribution System, it is a vast area, so careful study of less
materials is needed.

Public Distribution System IGNOU Notes 1

Public Distribution System and Food Security IGNOU Notes 2
News Articles;
 Food Security Bill The devil is in the detail The Hindu
The shaky geopolitics of Indias food security The Hindu
For basics of Food Security NCERT source Class IX Economics
Now, technology missions! Government of India is fond of launching these
technology missions for various crops to boost their production, area coverage
and make their production profitable. This is a boring topic and I dont think
UPSC will ask any question on this (it is completely factual)

I will provide links to few such Technology Missions;

Technology Mission on Cotton

Technology Mission on Jute
Technology Mission on Horticulture
Technology Mission on Sugar
New Missions under 12th plan
(You need to know only what these missions were meant for and whats their
progress so far)

Economics of Animal Breeding! This has come from nowhere. Study it here
You can have a look at this report of Planning Commission (only 3 pages)

Role of livestock in Indian Economy

TOPIC 6
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location,
upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Food processing is a sunrise industry and lately there has been a lot of thrust
from the government on this industry.

PIB article on this industry

Food processing ministry schemes
 In the 12th Plan
Articles:

Economic Times
The Hindu Businessline Untapped Potential
The Hindu Businessline Key Challenges
TOPIC 7
Land reforms in India

This is a hot favourite topic for UPSC and luckily you get plenty of material to
read on this topic. That is the problem. In this exam, sticking to one source is
the secret of success (of course, not for all topics)

For this topic read from following two sources (IGNOU):

Land reforms 1
Land Reforms 2
TOPIC 8
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects
on industrial growth

You can read these topics from the above mentioned book by Ramesh Singh. It
is explained very well.

Indian Economy for Civil Services Examinations Ramesh Singh(Chapters 6 and

10, 4th edition the above link is for latest 5th edition)
TOPIC-9
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc
Just two sources; one, India 2013 and Economic Survey

India 2015 (chapters on Energy and Transport)

Economic Survey Chapter 11 Energy, Infrastructure and Communications
Latest Energy stats Very Good Report
TOPIC 10
Investment models

This is a puzzling topic. Because it is given along with Infrastructure related

topics, I assume it to be related to investment models applied to the same
field. If not, one can enumerate so many investment models just for financial
sector alone!

For example, within PPP model, there are various modalities are involved (see
below)

Table 1: Schemes and Modalities of PPP

Schemes Modalities

Build-own-operate (BOO) The private sector designs, builds, owns, develops,

Build-develop-operate (BDO) operates and manages an asset with no obligation to

Design-construct-manage-finance transfer ownership to the government. These are variants

(DCMF) of design-build-finance-operate (DBFO) schemes.

The private sector buys or leases an existing asset from

Buy-build-operate (BBO)
the Government, renovates, modernises, and/ or expands
Lease-develop-operate (LDO)
it, and then operates the asset, again with no obligation to
Wrap-around addition (WAA)
transfer ownership back to the Government.

Build-operate-transfer (BOT) The private sector designs and builds an asset, operates

Build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) it, and then transfers it to the Government when the

Build-rent-own-transfer (BROT) operating contract ends, or at some other pre-specified

Build-lease-operate-transfer (BLOT) time. The private partner may subsequently rent or lease

Build-transfer-operate (BTO) the asset from the Government.

Source: Public Private Partnership, Fiscal Affairs Department of the IMF.

These two sources might help:

Infrastructure Investments Planning Commission

Public-Private Partnership in Indian Infrastructure Development: Issues and Options RBI
SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY

TOPIC -11
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing
new technology.
. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology
and issues relating to intellectual property rights

There are many sources for these topics:

First, for non science grads, a reading of NCERT Class VI to X Science Texts is advised.
This will clear many concepts for you and will enable you to understand other topics in the
syllabus.

Second, earlier, toppers used to recommend a book by Spectrum publications,

Developments in Science and Technology

The problem with this book is its vastness they have simply dumped every topic in detail
like paranoid. For students with science background this book is advised, you have to
study it selectively. Very selectively. This book has all the topics that are included in the
syllabus and that are not included also.
If one goes through previous question papers, one can observe that UPSC has always asked
questions on S&T from within the syllabus. For example, there will be a question on
biotechnology, space, robotics, nanotechnology and computers they might be from latest
developments in the respective fields, but all are from the syllabus.

Third source is The Hindu and Frontline. Every Thursday, The Hindu carries a separate
page on S&T if one is regular with this page and have the collection of cuttings, this will
help in 5 mark and 2 mark questions asked from current event section.

Fourth source is Wikipedia and New Scientist sites. From this site, read articles
on Nanotechnology, Robotics, IPR etc.
Under IPR, you may have to read about Novartis case, so The Hindu article is
here. Also TRIPS is important.
For Indias achievements in the field of S&T, you must read India 2015 Year Book (chapters
on Defence and Scientific and technological developments)
TOPIC-12
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

BASICS:

Environment and Pollution

Atmosphere Oxygen and Pollution (Technical)
This particular topic encompasses topics such as biodiversity and climate change, forest and
wildlife conservation, river conservation, pollution in cities, waste management, pollution
from human activities, marine pollution etc so it is a vast area.

This has to be read with respect to India and the world.

First choice should be The Hindu Environmental Survey (they may release 2015 survey now).
Sources from the ministry of environment(look at the left side for related links when you land
on the page):
Annual Report of the Environment Ministry 2012-13 (for chapters on conservation, EIA and
forests etc) Click Here.
Complete info on Conservation. click here.
Complete details on Environmental Impact Assessment, FAQs on EIA
Current events on EIA The Hindu article
TOPIC 13
Disaster and disaster management

This is again a current event and a dynamic portion.

Download special edition of Yojana on Disaster Management.

A report on Disaster Management. (read selectively). You will find everything in it you ever
wanted to know about the topic!
 SECURITY ISSUES

TOPIC-14
. Linkages between development and spread of extremism.
. Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
. Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social
networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering and its
prevention
. Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime
with terrorism

Internal Security Internal Security Challenges (visit :idsa)

Cyber Security National Cyber Security Policy 2013 assessment
Money Laundering
Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)
What is Money Laundering Basics
FATF on Money Laundering
For a starter, here is a book just released by Oxford University Press, exclusively on these
topics. Titled Indias National Security A Reader

TOPIC-15
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

This topic is completely factual. You can read it on Wikipedia.

Indian Armed Forces

Indian Paramilitary Services
Agencies
A SMALL LECTURE

Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember most of the
things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a single
topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things clearly and concisely.
Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the
temptation of doing Research on a topic.
 Always Remember UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do RESEARCH and
scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.
Remember that old saying? Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do Research, most
probably your name wont appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in enabling you
to acquire analytical skills.
Very Important Part In The Preparation
Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take a Mock Test.
Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent lot of time on answer writing.
Most Important Part In The Preparation
Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
If you dont Revise what you read all these months you slightly miss the Personality Test, or
You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.
Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read the same
source, Write and Revise.
How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper V
(GS 4 Ethics, Aptitude and Integrity)
UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the pattern and the
syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies Papers apart from one Essay and
Optional paper each. Of these, new paper on Ethics Aptitude and Integrity has been a
headache for many aspirants as quality source is elusive even now when the exam is
nearing.
This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies 4 (i.e Paper-IV -Ethics
Aptitude and Integrity )

Before you start reading further, please remember the following important mantra given by
the Almighty UPSC:
The questions are likely to test the candidates 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.
This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You dont have to master the topics,
all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to analyze. Basic understanding
comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze what you have understood from
reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.
This article was tough to write as its new and sources for this article were difficult to find.

Sources for this article are diverse. Books published by Oxford, Cambridge university
presses, Springer, Sage publications have been referred. Britannica encyclopedia and
IGNOU materials were of immense help too.

Many PDFs are of advanced nature. You dont have to read all the PDFs in toto. Read first
few paragraphs to understand the essence. Remember the above UPSC mantra.
Question paper will have questions on theory and case studies.
I have given only links to sources. I am no authority to explain the topics.
 STRATEGY

Ethics and Human Interface

Lets start with basics:

Ethics A Very Basic Introduction BBC Guide to Ethics

Introduction to Ethics
Essence, determinants and Consequences of Ethics in human actions
What is Ethics? Cambridge University
Dimensions of ethics
Read Chapters One and Two from this book
Ethics in private and public relationships.
Ethics in private relationships Read chapter 3 in the link. Its in Google Books and the
chapter has all pages. It is very good with lots of case studies. If any IT guy can extract
pages and covert them to PDF
Ethics in Private Relationship
Ethics in Public Relations
Human Values
Human values IGNOU Material
Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators
You can read about them from school books or from website.

Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Chapter Ten of this book. Google Books Value Education.
Attitude

Structure and Function

Source 1 Very Basic
Source 2 Structure
source 3 Functions
Source 1 Attitude and Behaviour
Source 2 Values, Attitudes and Behaviour
Source 3 Very Advanced
Moral and political attitudes
Source 1 Political Attitudes
Source 2 Moral Attitudes
Social influence and Persuasion
Source -2 Very Advanced
Related Article
Attitude for Good Governance

Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service

Integrity
Critical Look at Integrity
Integrity and Transparency critical article
Impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance
and compassion towards the weaker sections.
These are actually civil service values recommended by the second ARC in its report (10th
Report, Chapter 16)
Emotional intelligence

Concept
Source 1 Very Basic Excellent one.
Source 2 Conceptual clarity
Their utilities and application in administration and governance
Emotional Intelligence and Public Leadership
Emotional Intelligence in Bureaucracies
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.

Ethics in the history of Indian Philosophy

Ethics in Contemporary Indian Philosophy
Ethics in the history of western philosophy
Ethics in Medieval Western Philosophy
Ethics in Greek Philosophy
 Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration:

Status and problems

Public Service Values Status
Professionalism and Ethics in Public Service UN Document. Read only Chapter One and
Conclusion. Problems and Issues about Public service values is given in it.
Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
Ethical Concerns in Public Administration
Ethical Dilemma
Ethics in Public Administration
Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance

Accountability and ethical governance

Ethical Governance in twenty first century

Ethics As element of Good Governance
Ethics and Governance T N Chaturvedi (he was CAG and Governor of Karnataka)

Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance

Ethical issues in international relations and funding

Ethics in International Relations Taken from a reputed book and is a primary source on the
topic.
Ethics in International Relations This is in relation to corporate responsibility. It covers
some aspects of ethical issues in funding mentioned in the syllabus.
Corporate governance
Corporate Governance Read it as it contains many new facts and ideas. (not so good,
though)
Corporate Governance An Ethical Perspective It is critical article, a research paper.
News Report Economic Times
PPT Presentation IIT Bombay
 Probity in Governance

This part of the syllabus is completely covered in the following book. It is written by two
retired IAS officers of Gujarat cadre. All the topics of this part of the syllabus and other
topics of importance are covered in this book.

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination (Paper 5)

Probity in Governance
Probity in Governance Excellent one It is published by Law Ministry and contains many
concepts.
What is Probity in Governance Private context
Concept of public service
Probity in Governance it defines whats public service.
Philosophical basis of governance and probity
Information sharing and transparency in government Right to Information
Articles on RTI from The Hindu, EPW will be posted.

The above mentioned book has a chapter on this topic.

Codes of Ethics
Codes of Ethics OECD
Codes of ethics World Bank
Codes of Conduct
Refer the above mentioned book.
Citizens Charters
Citizens Chartes FAQs
Citizen Charter Handbook
Work culture
Quality of service delivery
Utilization of public funds Planning Commission PDF
 challenges of corruption
Source 1
Apart from the above book, the following book might be useful as it is written by a renowned
author Ramesh Arora (his books on Public Administration are well received)

Ethics in Governance Ramesh K Arora

A SMALL LECTURE again!?!

Note: You can skip this if you are already bored!

Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember most of the
things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a single
topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things clearly and concisely.
Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source. Avoid the
temptation of doing Research on a topic.
Always Remember UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do RESEARCH and
scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not 100% satisfied with it.
Remember that old saying? Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do Research, most
probably your name wont appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in enabling you
to acquire analytical skills.
Very Important Part In The Preparation
Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take a Mock Test.
Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent lot of time on answer writing.
Most Important Part In The Preparation
Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
If you dont Revise what you read all these months you slightly miss the Personality Test, or
You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.
Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read the same
source, Write and Revise.