UPSC General Studies Strategy: Part 3 - Economy, IR, Polity, History for Prelims and Mains

[Strategy] UPSC Civil Service Exam (Part 3 of 5): General Studies for CSAT prelims and Mains Mrunal
[Strategy] UPSC Civil Service Exam (Part 3 of 5): General Studies for CSAT prelims and Mains
1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 1. 2. 3. 4. 8. 9. World geography Indian geography Geography for GS-Mains Act III: Waging the War Loading Doze and Maintenance Doze Statistics Economy Economy : Prelims/ MCQs Economy : Mains International relations Polity History (GS/CSAT) Geography How to Approach Geography for CSAT-Prelims?
Environment and biodiversity Yearbook: prelims and mains 1. What is India Yearbook (2013)? 2. Why is India Yearbook important? 3. How to read India yearbook efficiently? Science-Tech 1. Science for Prelims 2. How to efficiently use THM GS Manual for Science segment? 3. Physics Chapter on Science 4. Biology 5. Science-Tech for prelims and Mains Public health and first aid First Aid Good governance, law and order Preparation Timetable Interview What should you do next? Your City-District-State Stress Interview
10.
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
Act III: Waging the War Loading Doze and Maintenance Doze
You fall sick and doctor gives you medicine. The initial doze is high : 2 tablets a day. (this is loading doze) Take tablets, they kill some bactaria and get eliminated through urine.= symptoms are decreased. But if you stop taking drug, then ultimately bacteria population will rise again. So doctor doesnt completely stop the medicine but reduces the doze, e.g. just 1 tablet a day. (this is maintenance doze) Ya but how is ^this relevant for UPSC exam? If youre already finished with the loading doze phase (e.g. core syllabus) then all you need is maintenance doze
http://mrunal.org/2012/11/strategy-upsc-civil-ias-ips-ifs-service-exam-booklist-part3.html#239[13-02-2013 21:10:58]
(revision). It leads to many positive effects 1. Now your vision expands. You can clearly see connections between topics and how theyre important for exam or not. 2. Now you can allot more time for upgrading your notes with current affairs. 3. Now you can digup Government sites and internet for follow up action on various topics. 4. Now you can practice mock MCQs (prelims) or answer writing (mains) Besides, finishing the core syllabus is also important for another reason:= career backup plan. In case you fail in the IAS exam and If youre not a CA, Doctor or IITian, what will you do? Well, the backup plans would usually involve Bank PO, State PSC, SSC type jobs or doing PG/MBA. Such exams are conducted throughout the year. Whatever you prepare general studies, will directly or indirectly help you in those exams. But Here is the problem: most of them require some specific side preparation as well for example Bank, SSC, CAT would require Aptitude. Similarly for State PSC, youd have to learn the history and geography of Punjab, Maharashtra etc. So, If your core syllabus of UPSC is not complete, then you will always be under stress on how to manage time between preparation of these exam and it will be like choosing between devil and the deep sea. Therefore, sooner you finish loading doze, better itll be for you.First of all complete the core/basic syllabus of following topics Topic 1. Economy 2. International relations 3. Polity You will have to spend less time before the mains on this topic. So that many days or weeks could be utilized for preparing other topics of general studies/opt subjects (if opt.subjects are kept) Otherwise, you will not be able to fully digest the newspaper columns. Why?
4. Statistics
Statistics
For mains. Already discussed earlier: click ME If you finish it in Nov-December then less time will have to be spent during August-October (i.e. after prelims result) and that many days/weeks could be then utilized into other topics and or optionals (if optionals are kept by UPSC )
Economy
The core syllabus of economy consists of the following things Theoretical economy Basic Concepts and terminologies, GDP,GNP,PPP,IIP, inflation etc. Indian economy (static portion) LPG reforms.
Budget making process. RBI monetary policy: Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR etc. Source: Static portion of the economy 1. NCERT Class 10, 11, 12 (links @bottom of this article) 2. NOS Study material for Economy (links @bottom of this article) 3. Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh (Tata Macgrawill Publication) You have to move to the next level = current affairs related to Indian and world economy. 1. DTC, GST,WTO, IMF, World bank etc. 2. Various for committees formed by government and their recommendations: Kelkar, shunglu, Parekh etc. 3. Economic Survey and Budget 2013. 4. Eurozone crisis, American recession, dollar-rupee exchange etc. Source: Current affairs on economy 1. 2. 3. 4. Newspaper (The Hindu / Indianexpress / Economic Times) Anyone competitive magazine. Investopedia, Wikipedia, internet Mrunal.org/economy What is Economic Survey? And why is it important? It is a report published on the official website of Finance Ministry (before General budget is announced). This report contains information on the present situation of Indian economy, various schemes of Government and future approach required for the next year. It has lot of boring and unimportant data tables but also contains good fodder material and exam-worthy information. If youre subscribed to any competitive Magazine, you would usually find the highlights of economic survey in the subsequent issues of the magazine. Yet I would recommend you to go through the original economic survey report because magazines or newspapers only tend to cover the dramatic items. Whatever important details you find, make a note out of it.
Economy : Prelims/ MCQs

1. You are given a term and 4 explanations for that term. You have to identify the correct definition 2. You are given a problem (inflation or low IIP or currency depreciation) and 2-4 possible solutions, you have identify the correct solution to fix the problem. (This can also be framed as assertion reasoning type question) 3. You are given name of a committee and 2-4 recommendations. You to tick the correct recommendations. 4. Match the following: you are given name of some organizations on one side and functions performed by organizations on the other side. You have to match them 5. Your given name of an organization SEBI/NABARD/CCI/RBI etc and four statements associated with them you have to find correct statements. 6. You are given name of some government scheme or policy or act related to economy and four statements associated with them. You have to find the correct statements 7. The trivial GK based questions e.g. names of businessmen/company, repo rate in particular month, establishment of particular organization etc. BUT theyre are generally not appearing under back breakingTM move In short, whenever you are preparing anything related to economy, think on those lines and try to frame the questions by yourself. Also solve the mock questions given in your GS Manual.
Economy : Mains
In the 90s era, you could expect direct questions example 1. Difference between the functions of IMF and World Bank =10 marks 2. Explain the functions performed by RBI = 12 marks 3. Explain the budget making process=20 marks. Such direct questions are very unlikely to appear in future mains. At most they may ask such things on two markers or five marker question. The 12, 15, 20 marker economy-questions seems to be reserved for critically examine/ Analysis this and that type of questions. You have to keep gathering fodder material from newspaper columns. For example Critically examine the issues involved in implementation of goods and services tax or Direct Tax code. These topics will again gain momentum before and after the budget-2013. Keep an eye on the newspaper columns, TV reports during that time and maintain notes. Same advice for each and every topic. For example SEBI- e-IPO issue was in news few weeks back. So if you prepare the notes when the issue is still hot= best. Sometimes issues are very complicated and require you to do research on Internet. If you cant do It immediately, then note down the title of topic in your To-Do list/diary. Otherwise after two three weeks youll forget it and get busy with some new important topic. Then same question would appear in Mains/ Prelims and you will curse yourself damn I should have done that topic, when I had the time. You may also visit www.egyankosh.ac.in and download the relevant PDF files from Economics section for selective study and fodder material.
International relations
Prelims: not part of syllabus. (ofcourse one or two random questions can come on world geography, Summits, Current Affairs) But for mains, international relations/ diplomacy =extremely important. In Mains examination, The General Studies Paper II rests on four pillars 1. 2. 3. 4. International relations Economy science tech statistics
If any one pillar is weak, your building will collapse. How to approach International Relations =Already explained in a separate article. Click ME You also keep an eye on websites ministry of external affairs and ministry of overseas affairs. Notes making = extremely important for international relations because usually you will not find direct answers in any single chapter or article. Youve to keep following news for months. For example 1. In Xyz Month, suppose there is big protest / PIL regarding POSCO. Newspapers will cover it and you get say 3 fodder points. Note it down 2. After a few months, either S.Korea President comes to India or Mohan makes a trip there (Mohan usually makes foreign trips when there a new scandal at home, because then he is saved from answering the media
or lets the high command cover up the problem hehehe.) 3. Anyways back to the topicso when leaders make trip to each others nation, they release a joint press statement. Youll usually find 5 fodder points in it. Note down. 4. After some months, China and S.Korea start fighting over some sea/land/island. Again newspaper columns start covering it and you get 3 more points. Total youve 3+5+3=11 points. When they ask you about India-S.Korea relations, you can use those points to write a decent answer.
Polity
Just one word Laxmikanth The question is how to effectively use Laxmikanth? For that, dont study the book in linear fashion (chapter 1,2,3,4) Instead I suggest you move in following direction 1. First you read the chapter on President, Vice President and immediately move to the chapter on governor. Then read on Emergency provisions. 2. Read chapter on PM and cabinet, then move to CM and state council of Ministers. 3. Chpater on Parliamentary system and then directly to parliament, but after budget topic is done pause this chapter and move to on CAG. Then come back and resume the chapter on parliament. 4. Once parliament is finished, move to State legislative assembly. 5. Same way Supreme Court and then High court, tribunals. 6. Attorney Gen =>Advocate General 7. UPSC =>State PSC 8. Finance Commission =>Planning Commission=>Nat.Development council 9. Now Centre State and Interstate relations. 10. Election Commission=> chapter on election, Anti-defection 11. All the National Commissions on Women, SC, ST,OBC, CVC, Lokpal and so on. Once ^this is done. Move to 1. 2. 3. 4. Citizenship, Fundamental rights, DPSP, duties. Amendment of Constitution=> preamble Jammu Kashmir => Scheduled and Tribal Areas. UT, Panchayati Raj, municipalities
After ^this is done. Read whatever chapters are remaining. Note: the short explanations given in appendix of every chapter= should be read. Q. Should I make notes out of Laxmikanth? M.Laxmikanth has the skill of writing book in a note-format. So whether it is his book on polity or on Public Administration, there is no need to maintain a special note out of his books. Just highlight/underline important lines. Note down keywords on the margin. And keep revising it as many times as you can. When youve done enough revision, solve mock questions given at the end of his book (around 300). Then solve another 400 Mock Qs given in the GS manual. So total 700 questions practiced. Then UPSC MCQs on polity will not give you much trouble. Anyways ^this is only the static polity.
What about the current affairs on Polity? Womens reservation bill = explicitly polity topic. But at times polity related current affairs and possible questions are subtly hidden in the current affairs. So be vigilant. For example, Nuke power plant issue would superficially appear as environment/yearbook but can be well asked from Centre-State relations point of view. Supreme courts order on Ganga/Yamuna clearing would appear as environment topic but can be asked under Centre-States responsibilities in water Management also. Same goes for 2G scam, mining scams and so on. (Judicial Activism, Seperation of power, CAG Activism and so on) Sources for current affairs 1. Newspaper 2. Prsindia.org 3. Mrunal.org/polity So far we have seen how to approach International affairs, Economy and Polity. You should finish their core syllabus first, in order to fully digest the newspaper items. Now moving to the other topics of syllabus.
History (GS/CSAT)
For prelims (CSAT General Studies Paper I), History is subdivided into three segments Ancient Harappa, Vedic Age, Buddha, Mahavir, Gupta,Maurya Kingdoms etc.
Medieval Delhi Sultanate, Vijaynagar, Mughals etc. Modern British Raj. 1857 Mutiny onwards. Freedom struggle.
In the 90s, questions used to be based on 1. 2. 3. 4. Timelines: wars, kings, Locations: of Harappa Sites where xyz type of pottery was found, or Asokas pillars Match the following Maps: theyd give you a blank map, you had to locate xyz state or kingdom.
In last three years, questions are mostly based on religion, culture, art and features/cause/reason type. Although UPSC hasnot asked map based question lately but if youve time, it doesnt hurt preparing the maps (because UPSC is the baddest thug in this part of South East Asia.) youll find the Ancient/Medieval maps in NCERTs and in GS Manual.
Essential Booklist for History (GS/CSAT)

1. NCERT class 7 to 10 Social Science 2. NCERT class 11, 12 on History 3. NOS Studymaterial on Indian Culture and Heritage. ^all of these free, download links @bottom of this article 4. Selective Study of History portion in Tata Macgrawill General Studies Manual (to fill up vacuum of whatever details are missing in the NCERTs). But again skip very tiny details such as Middle Palaeolithic tools were found at Nevasa, Maharashtra by HD Sankalia . Because it wont go in long term memory. Your time and energy can be better utilized in other topics. Once this is done, solve all the Mock MCQs given in the General Studies Manual.
In The NCERT Class 9 and 10, youll also find information on World History (WW1, WW2, French Revolution, Russian Revolution etc) While theyre not specifically mentioned in the syllabus, you should read it because indirectly important for Essay and interview.
History (Mains/GS)
In the 90s, the General Studies paper used to have following structure, in History section 1. 3-5 descriptive question (60 marks) 2. Freedom fighter 2 markers (10 marks) 3. Culture related 2 markers (10 marks) Ofcourse there would be fluctuation each year, but this was the usual makeup. Success formula in 90s era= basically mugup Spectrums three books + Bipin Chandra. That doesnt hold true anymore, as we saw in GS Mains-2012 Analysis (click ME if you didnt) Nowadays weightage given to History in GS mains paper = declined and emphasis has been shifted to Culture. So how to proceed in this new era? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Indias Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra Selective Study of IGNOU BA/MA History (only related to freedom Struggle) Click ME Selective Study of IGNOU Tourism Course (for culture) CLICK ME NOS material on Indian culture CLICK ME Spectrum Book on Indian Culture Optional reference Because of the backbreaking TM move of UPSC, following books have lost their former glory. So Im putting them under Secondary. If youve time, read else dont bother. There are many other areas where you can utilize your energy. 1. Spectrum Book on Brief History of Modern India 2. Spectrum Book on Freedom Fighters However, for State PSC exams, whore still in the 90s mood, these books would come handy. In that case, mug them up :)
Geography
Geography classified into three parts 1. Physical geography 2. World geography 3. Indian Geography the first two topics come in prelims syllabus. but they are not included in the main syllabus. for Mains syllabus of General Studies, youve to prepare Indian Geography only.
How to Approach Geography for CSAT-Prelims?

First of all complete
1. NCERT class 7 to 10 social science 2. NCERT class 11, 12: Geography (except that practical book on mapping and survey methods) 3. NOS Studymaterial on Geography (if the time and eyes permit you!) Free download links for above PDF files, have been given in previous Act II. Click ME When this is done, move to general studies manual to fill up the missing gaps if any. Now lets check how to effectively utilise Tata McGraw-Hill General studies manual for Geography portion. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. branches of geography= important origin of Earth= important ignore the geological history of Earth ignore the facts about earth (weight, volumne and stuff like that) understand the concepts related to longitudes, latitudes, meridians, inclination of Earths axis and its effect, standard time, cycles of the moon, atmosphere, Aurora -magnetism, insulation and heat budget, templated, mecanism of winds, monsoon ignore table of Beufort Scale ignore types of clouds understand the difference between dew, frost, fog, smog, mist and haze. types of climate, water table = important, also from environment and biodiversity Angle Understand the mechanism of cold and warm currents = because they are also related with climate change From lakes, only important and famous ones : Caspian Sea, Lake Superior, Superior, Victoria, Baikal, Aral Sea, Wulur, Vostock Same for rivers Marine resources= important for environment topic also Classification of rocks: prepare a small note on features and example of each type Theories of Plate tectonics, continental drift etc - just get overview Volcanos, Earthquakes important but no need to get in minute stuff. Just supplement NCERT Weathering, Erosion, landforms = important from environment topic angle. ignore table on major water falls, except famous ones : Angel, Victoria, Niagara, Soil is important but from agriculture point of view only. ignore the table containing classification of soil ignore US Taxonomy classification
World geography
1. Go through entire human geography but ignore trivial details like Lapps= people of Eurasian trunda. (But famous tribes are important e.g.Bushman=Kalahari Desert.) 2. Migration, resource classification, farming system, types of cultivation, agricultural typology= extremely important 3. Chief agro products (tea, wheat etc) : the land/climate conditions required = important. 4. Forest products= important from environment and biodiversity angle. 5. Mineral producers= only the major ones (coal, iron ore, gold, nuclear, oil etc). Otherwies Mercury producers = Spain and Italy= ignore. 6. industrial products= just get an overview 7. important boundary lines= as the name suggests, it is important 8. important cities= not that important for UPSC , but may help you in GK based questions in SSC/Bank. 9. old name and new name for various countries and cities= indirectly important for the interviews.
Indian geography
In last two years, very few questions are coming from world geography. but at the same time, it is not a good idea to completely ignore world geography especially when you have time. because a something really straightforward asked Tropical Savannah climate, then you should not miss the opportunity.
In the 90s, they would give you some map based questions. ( location of rivers, mountains, nations etc). but they have not asked map-based questions in last two years. but it does not hurt much preparing the Atlas because it indirectly helps you understand the internationalrelations and diplomacy topics in better manner. More emphasis should be given on the Indian geography because it is common for both prelims and mains. While Indian geography is important for prelims, the nature of question has changed. earlier it used to be mapped based or location-based Indian geography but nowadays it is mostly related with agriculture, environment angles. 1. first start with NCERTs and them move to TMH GS Manual. 2. keep an Atlas Ready while reading everyline, otherwise things will not go long-term memory. 3. for the lakes, rivers, waterfalls, irrigation projects, wildlife parks and sanctuaries etc. only prepare the famous ones and those related with odd animals such as Wild Ass. and prepare the trivial ones only if they are from your home state (for profile based interview questions and for State PSC) 4. Indias industrial towns/tourist places: famous ones + those from your home state and surrounding neighbour states. No need to go in trivial. These things are for indirectly understanding the issues of socio-economic Development and for profile based interview questions. Otherwise direct MCQs are very unlikely. 5. seasons, soil types, wildlife= important. 6. ignore places connected by national highways. 90s era is over. 7. sex ratio, literacy rate :top 3, bottom 3, and your home state. 8. Tribal groups = important from culture angle. 9. India maps on political, physical, wildlife and biosphere, seaports, soil-vegetation, = important for indirect MCQs. Once this is done. (Physical, World and Indian Geography.) Again restart process and then solve MCQs from GS Manual.
Geography for GS-Mains

The way things have started taking shape, the conventional and clichd questions are unlikely to appear anymore (for example monsoon mechanism.) But still prepare Indian Geography from Economic, sustainable Development, Disaster and Environment angles. Books: 1. 2. 3. 4. NCERTs, NOS, GS Manual. India Yearbook (Wastelands, Drough Management etc) and follow up on respective Government websites. 2nd ARC report on Disaster Management. http://arc.gov.in/ Traditional books on Indian Geography are not likely to help directly like they used to in 90s (for example Spectrum/ Majid Hussain/ Khullar) But still you may go through any one of them, if youve the time.
That concluded talk on Geography. Moving to next topic of syllabus.
Environment and biodiversity

When we talk of history or polity, there are already decent standard books available because those topics have been in syllabus since the beginning of UPSC exams. But this Biodiversity is newly introduced syllabus topic since CSAT 2011. Most of the ready-made books (and magazines special issues) on this topic provide you too much data, above what is necessary. For example in case of biodiversity, theyd give you a huge list of endangered species and their Latin names and how many animals are left. The establishment year of every wildlife park and their surface area with accuracy upto two decimal points like 48.25 kms!
Environment biodiversity is not about becoming master of trivial GK, UPSC MCQs are not same like Kaun Bangegaa Crorepati. Like every other topic in UPSC (except History and Statistics), we can classify EnB under two heads Static basic theoretical and static stuff such as biomes, bios, insitu, ex-situ modes of wildlife conservation, keystone species, umbrella species, project tiger, elephant, biosphere reserves and things like that. Current Based Issues involving various protocols or world conventions. IPCC reports, Kyoto etc.Supreme court orders on xyz issue: Clearing of Yamuna, Ban on Mining, Tiger tourism etc.
Booklist/Preparation sources for Environment and Biodiversity Static (theory) Current based 5. Website of Ministry of Environment and Forest 6. Yojana, Kurukshetra magazine issues involving those particular themes 7. The Hindu: Energy and Environment segment http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/ 8. Climate Change section of IndianExpress: http://www.indianexpress.com/section/climate-change/912/ 9. Economic Times section on Environment http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/planetsos/2647163.cms 10. http://mrunal.org/enb 11. Magazine (just to make sure we did not miss anything!) 12. Google: incase follow up action is necessary for a particular topic.
1. NCERT Social science (7-10): because Geography, Forest etc given in it. 2. NCERT Geography Class 11, 12 3. NOS Study material on Biodiversity. Free download link @bottom 4. India Yearbook, chapter on Environment
^Prelims questions: mostly theory based= multiple revision must. (+ a few on current affairs) ^Mains questions: mostly current based. You must maintain notes. The source list may look intimidating but it is not! Because environment news doesnt happen everyday (unlike Economy), so every week there will be no more than 2-3 news items. Moving to the next topic
Yearbook: prelims and mains

[Yearbook] is the collective term used to describe following 1. Organization of various ministry and offices and their functions 2. Various schemes and projects of Government 3. Issues of socio-economic Development, five year plans In a way, Yearbook is a mixture of Economy + Polity.
What is India Yearbook (2013)?

A book released by Publication division under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. In common parlance we refer this as Yearbook but otherwise technically name of the book isIndia 2011, India 2012, and India 2013 and so on (according to year of publication). Earlier, government used to provide free PDF file of this book. But they started doing it since 2012. This book also helps in rights issue, environment, public health topics.
Yrbook
My advice: if you dont have this book then wait and watch, buy the new edition 2013, when it comes in the market. If you already have a India 2012, no need to buy new, just update any new Government schemes using Government websites/newspaper/magazines. If you have a very old edition (something like India 2007) then dump it and buy the latest edition, because many schemes are consolidated / their salient features have been changed.
Why is India Yearbook important?

Many publication houses, provide their own version of yearbooks for example Chronicle, wizard. They have the same content of India yearbook, but in bulleted form, some details are omitted, some side current affairs GK is added. While superficially, they may feel more easier to read and prepare but my advice go directly to the original source because many times 4TF type MCQs are directly lifted from the statements and paragraphs given in India yearbook (i.e. India 2013) From Yearbook topic, usually following type questions appear in the exam Prelims (CSAT) Mains Basically Two types of questions can appear 1. The give you two for four statements related to a particular scheme or Government organization (e.g. Haj Committee). You have to find out the correct/incorrect statements 2. Name of some schemes are given, youve to match them with their objectives. 1. you are given name of a government scheme or project and you have to write its salient features (12-15 marks) 2. you are given some socio-economic problem and you have to analyze it, list the steps taken by government, or suggest about the future steps that should be taken.
Therefore You should have strong command over the salient features of every scheme, otherwise you will get confused in the MCQs. Besides the same salient features will also help you in descriptive answers during the mains exam. So prepare the topic on that line without wasting energy in useless stuff. Example. 1. Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Scheme provides for setting up of residential upper primary schools for girls of SC, ST, OBC and Muslim communities. = important. 2. In 11th five year plan, government of India allotted 8,000 crores under Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Scheme= NOT IMPortant.
How to read India yearbook efficiently?

Already explained in previous article. Click ME But this is only the static (theory/basic) part. What about the current affairs? Because India yearbook 2013 is printed in Dec 2012, but many new events will take place between December 2012 to May 2013 (Prelims) and November 2013 (mains). How to prepare them?
Sources for Yearbook Current affairs: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The Hindu Press releases from pib.nic.in (subscribe to them via Google reader) Economic Survey (will be uploaded on Finance Ministrys website) Yojana and Kurukshetra Mrunal.org/yearbook Competitive Magazine (just to make sure we did not miss anything.)
Prepare a keywords note and revise it often else, youll mixup with salient features of various schemes and projects. Moving to the next topic
Science-Tech
Science can be classified into following parts Theory (Static) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Current Affairs
Physics Chemistry biology-subtopics: It is known as science-tech. plant and animals humans
Science for Prelims

The static (theory based) science has declined in importance. In the 90s you could expect 10-10-10 questions on physics, chemistry, biology each (theory based). Nowadays barely 8-10 question and that too mixture of both theory + current affairs. But it doesnt mean you should skip the static (theory based) science because a. competition is damn high b. UPSC =unpredictable. Therefore certain minimum level preparation is necessary for every topic. Beside there is lot of time still left before the exam. Start with NCERT Science textbooks class 7 to 10. Even if youre already an M.Sc, engineer or Doctor, still you should read these textbooks. because even if you have good command over your field, still you would have forgotten many important basic concepts from the school. So always start with NCERTs. And please dont read NCERTS lightly or just for namesake formality because UPSC will usually give you four statements and all of them would sound equally plausible. You should be thoroughly clear on principles/concepts. Once you have finished reading these textbooks, it is time for selective study of GS manual.
How to efficiently use GS Manual for Science segment? Physics Chapter on Science
1. difference between scaler and vector quantity=important 2. Newtons laws and their practical application=important
3. the working principles behind artificial satellites, geostationary satellites etc. =important, but no need to mugup equations. 4. The concept of densities important but you dont need to mugup absolute density value of various substances. Same goes for surface tension, viscosity etc. 5. Concepts and principles behind heat, electronic thermometer, refrigeration, radiation, solar cooker, thermos flask, carengine radiator, air-conditioners, pressure cookers, DTH TV, nightvision goggles, radar, oven, CAT Scan etc. 6. Optics: convex and concave glasses: differences applications, refractions, 7. Principle behind rainbow, LCD, camera microscope, LASER, compact disc etc. but no need to get bored with those complex diagrams. 8. Sound: echo, resonsnace, doplar effect, sonic boom, dolby etc. : again you need to have idea on basics. No need for going into minute details. 9. Same for Magnetism and electricity, Nuclear physics. 10. In short, you should be aware of the concepts and principles but You dont need to mugup equations of Velocity, acceleration, pendulum, sound etc.
Biology
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. Branches of biology important difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is important Parts of typical cell, and their functions= important Basics of cell division mitosis and meiosis =important but no need to do Ph.D from GS Manual. Classification of living organism= you should have overall idea but no need to go in minute details like the difference between Deuteromycetes and Basiondiomycetes. Tissue system : same as above Nutrition and digestion system important but no need to go in details like 8 hours of work = 972 calories. respiration and photosynthesis: no need for Ph.D or chemical reaction Heart, kidney: just functions, no need to go diagram ignore diagram of conduction of nerve impulse Basic functions of Endocrine glands and diseases asscociated with them = important. But Cacitonin raises blood calcium level =not important. skeletal system: simply ignore. THM has given Ph.D on this. reproduction : concepts important. diagrams are not important. artificial methods of vegatative reproduction =extremely important. Plant hormor diagram= ignore sex determination in humans, birds and bees= important Table and Diagram on ABO blood group, Rh factor = very important. List of genetic disease = important but no need to mugup all, only big dieases like Sickle cell, Thalassemia. Basics of Gene Expression, m-RNA, t-RNA important else other topics stem cell, cancer, genetic engineering, cloning etc will be hard to understand. Tables for Disease, types, mode of transmission and symptoms= important (including for mains). But no need to mugup Latin names of those bactaria etc. Table on Vitamin function and disease = important monoclonal antibodies=important for mains also. Basics of antigen-antibody=important because vaccination works on that principle
^This is the basic biology. Now in the TMH GS Manual, theyve given environment related stuff= important. Well discuss what to do with that, in separate topic environment and Biodiversity: for the moment skip it move on to the topic of drug abuse and alcoholism. No need to mugup tables but you should have idea the origin of various narcotic drugs . e.g. LSD from fungi, Marijuana from hemp,
Morphine, heroine = opium derivaties. Cocaine from coca leaves. +Basic idea on alcoholism e.g. Hooch / Zehrili Sharaab is basically methanol and it causes blindness. Alcohol is not stimulant but depressant. Alcohol causes cirrhosis of liver Animal Husbandry Now comes the topic of Animal husbandary. Very brief overview, no need to mugup Latin names, Ignore animal disease table. Artificial insemination important Agriculture Youd already have covered this topic through NCERTs, so use GS manual only to fill up any missing details such as ideal soil type, harvesting season, states because usually 4TF MCQs are prepared from that. No need to mugup every hybrid variety or latin name Type of plants = important Masticatory, medicinal plants and bio insecticides: only use/function. Chemistry From TMH GS manual. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. Symbols of elements= ignore. Chemical equations =ignore. because youve already ignored the symbols hahaha Use of chemical compound = important but their chemical formula is not important Ignore Thomsons atomic model Ignore Rutherfords Atomic model Ignore theories of chemical bonding Ignore periodic table Ignore molality, mole fraction and their equations Concept of solubility =important Oxidation reduction mechanism and examples = important Carbon, its compounds and allotropes, carbon cycle=important Ignore Acid-base, hydrocarbon. Whatever you prepared in NCERT is sufficient. THM is going into Ph.D mode Table on natural occurrence of selected metals=important for big elements only. E.g.Dolomite =Magnesium and Magnetite= iron. Location of mineral wealth= important. You should idea on overall which mineral is found in which state. Basics of metal extraction, petroleum, steel, rusting, cement, glass =important Colloids= only basic definition and table of types of colloidal system, emulsion and gels =important Ignore Micelles topic. Biotech Nanotech and their applications =important both for prelims and mains Polysaccharides = use and sources =important. But chem formula=ignore, same for proteins and glycosides Ignore the equations govering gases, liquids and solutions. Understand the three laws of thermodynamics Ignore themodynamic potentials. The readymade Question answers given on important concents and topics= important to understand principle.
Once youre done (physics, chemistry and biology) from GS Manual.
Restart the whole process one more time (once again read NCERTs and once again read GS Manual) and then solve the Mock MCQs given at the end of each chapter. This finishes the theory portion of Science. Now coming to the current affairs portion =Sci-Tech.
Science-Tech for prelims and Mains

Sources 1. The Hindu (particularly Thursday edition) 2. Mrunal.org/snt Ive uploaded some ready revision notes from The Hindus article. That should give you the hints on how to approach a science related news articles from exam point of view, what to skip and what to note down. 3. Magazine (any one CST or PD): just to make sure we did not miss anything from Hindu / current affairs. 4. Internet, incase you need to do follow up question for a particular topic e.g. Human Genome project because such things can also come under 10 marks in Mains. But dont do Ph.D on it. Like I said in previous ActApplication of Nanotechnology. This is meant for 12-15 marks, theyre not going to ask a 30 marks or 200 marks essay on it. So keep the size of notes accordingly. 5. And dont too much sci-tech. If you start digging google, there is so much Science-tech going on around the world throughout the year. But Beyond a level, this has diminishing rate of returns. For the Science-Tech, Frequent revision is essential. Otherwise, itd remain in your notes but you wont be able to recall it in the exam hall.
Public health and first aid

This topic is gaining quite some importance since last two mains (2011 and 2012) it is a mixture of Yearbook+Sci-Tech For prelims, this topic is not directly mentioned in the CSAT (Preliminary) syllabus yet 4TF MCQ questions based on diseases can come under the General Science. For Mains, the syllabus explicitly mentions Public Health. Preparation sources/booklist for Public Health 1. Basics of nutrition, disease, vaccination = NCERTs, GS Manual 2. Government schemes and projects related to public health= India Yearbook Chapter on health and family welfare + and Government websites for new updates 3. Newspaper 4. Press release of pib.nic.in 5. Mrunal.org/snt
First Aid
Since last two years they have been asking role-playing question on First Aid treatment in the mains examination. Now that Doesnt necessarily mean that they will definitely ask a question on first aid, in the next exam but you should be prepared. Go through the following PDF file (taken from IGNOU): Click ME.
Good governance, law and order

These are given in General Studies Mains syllabus 1. Law enforcement, internal security and related issues such as the preservation of communal harmony. 2. Issues relating to good governance and accountability to the citizens including the maintenance of human rights, and of pro-bity in public life Best source:
1. 2. 3. 4.
2nd ARC reports. http://arc.gov.in/ Yojana issues related to the themes Besides itll also help you in essay and interview. + any current affairs (Lokpal, Citizen carter, Whistleblower, SC judgements etc) but youd be preparing that already under [Polity]
You can also dig egyankosh.ac.in for good governance and law and order, but if Public Administration is not your optional then then itll give you diminishing rate of returns. I think ^this should be sufficient for General Studies. Yes there are some small time topics left. For example prelims syllabus has 1. Public Policy, 2. Rights issue, 3. Panchayati Raj But given the way UPSC conducted last two prelims, whatever you prepare under yearbook, polity (static + current), will help you in these questions. There is no need to prepare them separately using a book/coaching material. At most go for Governance in India by M.Laxmikanth, if youve time- otherwise no need. You can also use the Sociology and Political Science textbooks of NCERT (Class 11,12).
Preparation Timetable
These are no rock-solid time frames. Just suggestions Finish core syllabus of Economy, Polity and International relations. (to digest newspapers better)Prepare topics that are present in mains but absent in prelims viz 1. Statistics 2. First Aid 3. Good governance, Accountability and Law n order (2nd ARC) Go through the Yojana, Kurukshetra from Jan 2012 (incase you missed them) Finish Bipin Chandra right here if you can. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Yearbook History + Culture Geography Environment + Biodiversity Science and Science TechEconomy (current affairs)
NovDecember
Jan/Feb onwardsMarch
+ lots of revision+ MCQ practice+ daily newspaper +Aptitude paper. 1. 2. 3. 4. Readymade garbage will start flooding the streets (from Delhi). Ignore it. Have faith in your books and notes revise them as much as you can. Reduce/stop digging internet for more current affairs! Read newspaper till last day but If editorials are taking too much time, just cut and file them but finish them once the prelims are over.
th st
April-May
June-JulyAugust
Assuming that from 20 May to 1 June youd be in vacation/relief mood. Dont raise your blood pressure with cutoffs debate on orkut, better watch some movies or just go rob a bank. Once your mind is clear, fresh and relaxed (and pockets are full-if you robbed a bank), Make a list of national and international events/topics that are important from mains point of view. Review your notes, upgrade them in the light of above events via internet/ frontline whatever necessary. Prelims result is announced.A) If you fail= Dont become Devdas. Review your mistakes and fix them in next attempt. But daily newspaper reading = essential till you retire from this field. Use your energy as per this article Click ME.B) If youve passed, thank the almighty God and proceed ahead.After UPSCs #epic Backbreaking TMMoves shown in Mains-2012, there are hardly any Standard Reference books left to revise for mains, but still do it!Otherwise Daily reading of newspaper- notes making. (+follow up action, google digging for whatever new events are taking place) Yojana, Kurukshetra/ any Committee reports etc- notes making. Most important: Take care of health. Dont eat street-food.
Aug/Sept/Oct
Nov Dec
Give mains. Vacation,Again dont raise blood pressure in cut-offs debates, either watch some movies or rob a few more banks. (but do read newspapers daily and make notes out of it.) Fill up form for next prelims. Continue the maintenance doze for next prelims. Prepare for interview (profile based questions (location, graduation..), national and international events, including background, historic details, pros, cons etc.) More explained later Result of Mains + interviews starts. 1. If you pass, thank the almighty God once again. (and return the money you had robbed from those banks) 2. If you fail, dont become Devdas just prepare for next prelims. 3. If you fail and it was your last attempt still dont become Devdas, dont regret anything, dont feel guilty about anything, dont let anyone else make you feel guilty about anything. Execute backup plans and move on in your life and career- money, power and status will come, with time.
Jan-FebMarch
March-April
Interview
The interview preparation approach remains one and same for all Government and private sector jobs. But the type and depth of questions differ. Interviews usually start with You and end with World, Questions from your profile 1. 2. 3. 4. Your graduation Your hobbies Extra-curricular activities (if any) From Your work experience (if any)
You
5. Your city and State: Socio-economic-political-cultural-geography 6. Role playing questions (your Collector/Senior Executive and xyz problem happens what will you do?) 7. Why do you want to join IAS/MBA/Bank? World Everything else that doesnt involve you.National and international issues, your understanding and opinion on them.
Throughout the Year, you should maintain a note related to current affairs of your city, state, graduation and hobbies (wherever applicable). Because you cant gather such information in a month- even with all google searching. And youre already preparing current affairs part of GS. When mains examination is over, You may also consult books from library Kalam, Nilekani, Guha etc gain more understanding of socio-economic-developmental issues related with India. (and or truckload of IGNOU material on their website).
What should you do next?

Your semester/year end marksheets contain the list of subjects you studied in college. When he browses through your file, suddenly asks What is this subject xyz? You should have the answer ready. Just the basics, you dont have to prepare minute details as if it is a GATE or PMT exam. In every interview (IAS and career backups-State PSC, Bank, MBA etc), youll have to prepare questions on graduation. But It is very tiresome to go through the same thick books over and over again every time for interviews. So, Ideally make a very short note on the basics. Save you the trouble forever. Then second portion is current affairs related to your graduation Doctor, pharma Engineer Commerce Arts (litt.) Public health, AIDS,Cancer research etc. (already discussed under GS preparation) IT: outsourcing, hacking, privacy and social networking, online shopping, IT act, amendments etc.EC :2G, 3G etc. Company act and amendments, DTC, GST etc. Booker prize, any other famous books, litt and freedom of speech, controversies of Tasleema Nasrin / Salman Rushdie etc.
^list is not exhaustive. You cant come up with this in one day or one week. So keep following newspaper and dig google.
Your City-District-State
After mains examination is over, dig up more about Your graduation, city and State: Socio-economic-politicalcultural-geography. Look beyond the obvious. E.g. Youre from Ahmedabad so you already know Sabarmati river flows through your city. And interviewer also knows that you know about this obvious fact. So instead, hell ask you Where does Sabarmati originate from? or why is it dry during some months? And where does it meet the sea, is It gulf of Cambay or is it gulf of Kutch? Usually youre not aware of places of cultural/historic/tourist importance in your own city while people elsewhere are. So dig all information. Ofcourse this also doesnt mean digging up extremely trivial GK. The name of MP, MLA of your Constituency, JNNURM projects in your city, BRTS and so on.. Same for the district. Then your State: for example Maharashtra you should be well versed in Leopard menace, nuclear powerplant,
Vidarbha issues etc. Every State has its issues (both good and bad) and it is not necessary theyll be in current affairs : for example Cyclone of Orissa, happened long time ago but if youre from that state you must have idea on it. Again doesnt mean you do Ph.D on it from some library book. Following can happen during interview 1. You give good answer- He asks followup questions to probe you further. Then he leaves the topic and next board member asks you on a different topic. 2. You give no answer e.g. Sorry sir Im not well versed in that topic . Or you give wrong answer. He either corrects you or usually leaves topics, or ask a new question from same subject. 3. You give bad answer- he throws a counter question /argument ( that usually doesnt have an answer ) the more you debate, it increases the chances of getting low marks and the interview turning into a Stress-interview. Some examples of bad answers 1. Wrong Choice of words that hints arrogance/lack of humility. For example saying I dont agree with that instead of saying I beg to differ . 2. I donot know xyz topic because it was not in my graduation syllabus or because I was preparing for UPSC during college so I dont know about that xyz topic. 3. I want to do IAS because there is no opportunity in my graduation field or because I dont like that field or because there is no career growth in my private sector job. 4. For me IAS is not an end but a means for further personal growth in life or some other mumbo-jumbo. (Repeated 5 thousand times in topper interviews. So even if your intention is genuine, for them it is too phony and clichd answer.) 5. I know xyz thing, because it is given in Hindu/Laxmikanth/******s notes. (never cite references unlessspecificallyasked to.) 6. Book should not be judged by its cover, therefore Im not wearing a tie.or any answer which you think is smart but he thinks is, oversmart. 7. Lopsided diagnosis and solution of a problem/issue. (Public policymaking should be left in the hands ofbureaucratsonlyWe must stop all trade relations with Pakistan until they shut down terror camps Panchayati Raj serves no real purpose, instead recruit more Government staff to look into Development issues at Tehsil or village level.)
Stress Interview
If he asks 90% of the questions from one subject only (for example International relations), Then from his side it is a normal interview, but from your side it may feel like a stress interview. But stress interview, in its original form, means he intentionally counters your every answer or argument or asks uncomfortable questions. This is done, not to humiliate you but to test how you perform under stress. (Or because you annoyed him and he wants to get even with you.) By and large, UPSC interviews are not stress interviews but theyre not completely absent either (many cases on orkut.) An interview may turn into Stress interview because of following reasons 1. Youre plain unlucky. 2. Youre underprepared and yourBody language shows it. 3. Giving Bad answer(s) or bad choice of words. At home, in your head-run imaginary interviews. Ask your self questions, give yourself answers and from those answers, pickup keywords and ask follow up questions. When youve run enough imaginary interviews in your head, youll realize that certain keywords or answers lead to followup questions from uncomfortable zone or underprepared areas where you end up giving bad answers. So consciously avoid them and rephrase or upgrade answers accordingly.
This concludes Act III. In next Act IV, Well see the doubts related to should I join coaching or not?, will UPSC remove optionals or not?, how to manage time and mood? etc.
Remaining Part of the UPSC Strategy

1. 2. 3. 4. (Part (Part (Part (Part 1 of 5): 2 of 5): 4 of 5): 5 of 5): Exam Trends and Changes Notes, Newspapers and Books Time Management, Coaching etc. Career Backup Plans: How to prepare for State PSC etc
Appendix: Download Links

These Zip files contain PDF files. All of them important for concept/fact based Multi choice questions on Science, History, Geography, Polity, Culture. NCERTs (English) Science Class 7 Our Pasts Part 2 Class 7 Social and Political Life Part 2 Class 7 Our Environment Class 7 Science Class 8 Our Pasts Part 3 Class 8 Resource and Development Class 8 Social and Political Life Class 8 Science Class 9 Contemporary India Social Science for Class 9 Economics for Class 9 India and Contemporary World 1 for Class 9 Science Class X India and the Contemporary World 2 Class X Social Science Democratic Politics Part 2 for Class X Social Science Contemporary India Part 2 for Class X Social Science Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download
Understanding Economic Development Class X Social Science Download Fundamentals of Physical Geography Class 11 India Physical Environment Geography Class 11 Indian Economic Development Economics Class 11 Themes in World History Class 11 India People and Economy Class 12 Introductory Microeconomics Class 12 Macroeconomics Class 12 Fundamentals of Human Geography Class 12 Themes in India History 1 Class 12 Themes in India History 2 Class 12 Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download Download
Themes in India History 3 Class 12
Download
If it doesnt work visit (or you want Hindi version):http://www.ncert.nic.in/ncerts/textbook/textbook.htm Youll also find textbooks of sociology, Political science etc. on above official link of NCERT. (which can indirectly help in Essay, Interview). NOS/NIOS: Economy, Polity etc. Description NIOS study Material Economy, Environment n Biodiversity, Polity etc. Many zip files on various subjects. Download as per your requirements. Download Link click ME
Blank Answersheets For practicing mock questions @home If it doesnt work visit (or for Hindi version) :http://www.nios.ac.in/online-course-material.aspx Previous Posts
click ME
1. [Studyplan] SBI PO Reasoning (High Level): Topicwise Approach, booklist,

strategy, Cutoffs
2. [Studyplan] SSC-CGL English Vocabulary, Grammar and Comprehension:

preparation strategy, tips, booklist, analysis
3. [Studyplan] SSC-CGL Logical Reasoning, General Intelligence: preparation

strategy, approach, roadmap, booklist
4. [Studyplan] SSC-CGL: Maths, Quantitative Aptitude, Algebra, Trigonometry:

Approach, Booklist, Strategy, Free Studymaterial 2013 for Combined Graduate Level Exam Tier 1, 2
5. [Studyplan] SSC CGL 2013 (General Awareness) Tier-1: Booklist, approach, free
study material for Combined Graduate Level exam
6. [Studyplan] CSIR Combined Administrative Service Exam (CASE): Booklist,

Strategy, Studymaterial Download PDFs
7. [Strategy] RAS Mains Public Administration Paper 1: Strategy, Approach,

Topicwise Booklist (Hindi, English medium)
8. [Strategy] RAS Mains Public Administration Paper 2: Studyplan, Topicwise Booklist 9. [Strategy] UPSC Civil Service Exam (Part 5 of 5) Career Backup Plans: How to
prepare for State PSC etc
Print || PDF (Need Chrome)!

November 3rd, 2012 | Tags: war-on-UPSC | Category: Studyplan
Subscribe (free!)
101 comments to [Strategy] UPSC Civil Service Exam (Part 3 of 5): General Studies for CSAT prelims and Mains
Older Comments
pavneet
December 19, 2012 at 6:36 PM Reply Sir, Instead of Bipan Chandra, can i go thru NCERT and Indian History by V.K.Agnihotri IAS . Would that do, or i need bipan chandra as well ?
chandresh tiwari
December 21, 2012 at 11:37 PM Reply sir could u provde NCERTS in hindi plzzzz sir
Nik
December 22, 2012 at 1:39 AM Reply Chandresh ji, You can download e-book in Hindi from the official site of NCERT.
Rohit
December 24, 2012 at 10:12 AM Reply BC..itna toh IAS ki exam mein nahin ponchte
Pawan Kumar
December 28, 2012 at 6:48 PM Reply Hello Mrunal, Suppose I am answering the questions from 73 to 80 of General Studies-II CSAT and there are possible two answers which are correct. What will happen in below cases. 1. I have marked one correct answer and one incorrect. 2. I have marked one correct answer and skip to the next question. Thanks in Advance.
Mohammed Jamaludeen
January 4, 2013 at 5:05 PM Reply sir pls i want ur NOS study material for Biodiversity previosuly it was ter in ur blognow its missing?pls help.
Mrunal
January 8, 2013 at 10:45 PM Reply go to this folder, youll find all NIOS material: https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0B9AJvFSzIyiwLW1rRkhTa2N3UnM/edit
suri
January 5, 2013 at 1:54 AM Reply bro pls provide me guidance for hist as optional,interveiw of mr****** doesnt deals well every topic of syllabus instead he hs jst mentiond buks. plz u r only source of my all information thanking
Yudi
January 7, 2013 at 8:14 PM Reply Hi Mrunal,
First of all I would like to say that you are doing an awesome job with this wonderful blog. Could you please give me the link for NOS Environment material? Thanks.
Mrunal
January 8, 2013 at 10:33 AM Reply given here: http://mrunal.org/enb
Navaneeth
January 12, 2013 at 3:34 PM Reply Mrunal sir im from rural area and i have been preparing for upsc without guidance and your website gives me some confidence. Youve done great job to all competitive exam aspirants. I request you please provide MCQs for all upsc subjects on chapterwise with the present trend. expecting your reply.
arjun
January 15, 2013 at 8:40 AM Reply murnal sir which is best book for paper-2 ie for csat it may be a guide or any other please reply sir
suri
January 16, 2013 at 9:32 AM Reply hello bro,if im thorough wth basu on polity then how far is laxmikant relevant for pre. thanking you
Anshuman Rai
January 18, 2013 at 1:49 PM Reply sir is there a book from which I can get the questions asked previous year, especially arranged topic wise, so that the preparation can be measured by solving those questions. Like Geography questions at one place , History another, and so on for prelims only
alankriti
January 18, 2013 at 3:11 PM Reply hello sir.. if i am preparing for CSAT-2014 then which year GS manual should i buy??gs manual 2013 or gs manual-2014..as gs manual2014 will b available in market next year only..what should i do??
Teja
January 18, 2013 at 11:17 PM Reply AMAZING article!! The help youre doin to the civil services aspirants is beyond words. One small thing I wanted to add was that the textbook Our Pasts-III Part 2 for class 8 is missing from the download list. Do add it for the benefit of all.
Andani gowda
January 21, 2013 at 12:47 AM Reply thank you very much sirit is really helpful for freshers thanks a lot..
Anmol
January 21, 2013 at 8:24 PM Reply Hey Mrunal, I started my preps for CSAT 2014 around three months back after referring to ur blog. Must say am really satisfied about it till
now (Polity and Geography). Up now is economics (which I know is ur fav), sadly giving me nightmares. The question is whether I should go for NCERT or Ramesh Singh or NOS Material FIRST, coz I need everything from scratch and then move to higher levels (as my current economics knowledge stands zero, courtesy engineering). I find NCERT better to start with and for concept building, but still just wanted to have ur suggestion.
Anshuman Rai
January 24, 2013 at 5:52 PM Reply Sir I have this book http://www.flipkart.com/history-modern-india-1st/p/itmdytkey5nk8u58?pid=9788125036845&ref=35b9206d180c-4ef3-9c93-bf647e32a185&srno=s_3&otracker=fromsearch&query=history%20of%20modern%20india%20by%20bipin%20chandra instead of http://www.flipkart.com/india-s-struggle-independence-1st/p/itmczyrfhwftxbur?pid=9780140107814&affid=mrunalrugm I bought that Bipan Chandra book yesterday by mistake, which book would better? Should I get Bipin Chandra book from penguin? as usual practice, bail me out :D
Anshuman Rai
January 25, 2013 at 11:15 AM Reply sir which book to prefer? plz help
Riya
January 29, 2013 at 10:24 AM Reply Hello sir, I have almost completed Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh (Tata Macgrawill Publication).Now do i need to read ncert?I started with +2 ncert(macroeconomics) and i found that almost all the topics in it are also in Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh (Tata Macgrawill Publication).So do i need to read them..
Mrunal
January 29, 2013 at 10:34 AM Reply UPSC has an unwritten rule of asking a few questions based on NCERTs in the prelims. So better not skip NCERTs the completely.
viv
January 31, 2013 at 9:15 PM Reply Hello sir, My question is that for histroy do we have to use old ncert books or new ncert books..And if old(as some of my friends told me)where will i find themIs the link which u provided is for old ncert books(history)
siddarth
February 3, 2013 at 12:12 PM Reply is it necessary to study all the 5 year plan or only the 12th
Mrunal
February 3, 2013 at 9:49 PM Reply you need to have basic idea of all five year plans. and 12th FYP should be studied in detail.
APARNA
February 3, 2013 at 7:57 PM Reply PLEASE I WANT IMFORMENTION ABOUT GS MORE
harshini
February 5, 2013 at 12:12 PM Reply hi sir, Is there group discussion round before the personal interview in ias? sir i am confused please inform me regarding this as many are saying that there will be a GD round before the interview. Thanks in advance
Anshika
February 11, 2013 at 1:49 PM Reply Hello Mrunal sir , I have TMH GS manual 2006 edition, Can I practice questions from it only or buy the latest Manual considering the question pattern has been changed alot since 2006. Regards Anshika
Ashish Paniya
February 12, 2013 at 8:07 PM Reply Hi Mrunal, I am MBA grad and wants to take Commerce & Public Admin as an optional. Could you advise would it be good to go for commerce and if yes any approach to cover the syllabus as in most of the sites they provide bunch of the books and its not possible to cover all of them along with preparing core syllabus of prilimsI am planning 2014 test Many thanks in advance & waiting for the response.. Any one is free to comment if they can guide on this
Older Comments
2 [Strategy] UPSC Civil Service Exam (Part 2 of 5) : Notes, Newspapers and Books
[Strategy] UPSC Civil Service Exam (Part 4 of 5): Time Management, Coaching, optional subjects

UPSC General Studies Strategy: Part 3 - Economy, IR, Polity, History for Prelims and Mains

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

UPSC General Studies Strategy: Part 3 - Economy, IR, Polity, History for Prelims and Mains

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

[Strategy] UPSC Civil Service Exam (Part 3 of 5): General Studies for CSAT prelims and Mains Mrunal

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.

Economy : Prelims/ MCQs

Essential Booklist for History (GS/CSAT)

How to Approach Geography for CSAT-Prelims?

Geography for GS-Mains

That concluded talk on Geography. Moving to next topic of syllabus.

Environment and biodiversity

Yearbook: prelims and mains

What is India Yearbook (2013)?

Why is India Yearbook important?

How to read India yearbook efficiently?

Physics Chemistry biology-subtopics: It is known as science-tech. plant and animals humans

Science for Prelims

Once youre done (physics, chemistry and biology) from GS Manual.

Science-Tech for prelims and Mains

Public health and first aid

Good governance, law and order

What should you do next?

Remaining Part of the UPSC Strategy

Appendix: Download Links

Themes in India History 3 Class 12

1. [Studyplan] SBI PO Reasoning (High Level): Topicwise Approach, booklist,

2. [Studyplan] SSC-CGL English Vocabulary, Grammar and Comprehension:

3. [Studyplan] SSC-CGL Logical Reasoning, General Intelligence: preparation

4. [Studyplan] SSC-CGL: Maths, Quantitative Aptitude, Algebra, Trigonometry:

6. [Studyplan] CSIR Combined Administrative Service Exam (CASE): Booklist,

7. [Strategy] RAS Mains Public Administration Paper 1: Strategy, Approach,

Print || PDF (Need Chrome)!

You might also like