Questions by an Aspirant

Q: 1-  TIME TABLE : I've tried making so many but I failed, following is not the problem but accommodating everything is. Large portions of the syllabus are very dynamic hence I find it difficult to allot specific time to it. Also is a problem to include time for revision, for solving papers. I know revision is a must but can't seem to figure out how frequently it is to be done. How much time should I set aside for revision and paper solving?

A: First things first, One should try to cover the basics religiously. This means Modern History, Art & Culture, Geography (Both India and World), Polity (starting from constitution and further) and Environment (One of the most important one, these days). 

Current Affairs is really important these days, which can be covered by reading two newspapers (The Hindu + Business Standard) supplemented by a monthly magazine like Civil Services Chronicle + Yojana. 

Then comes the internet surfing part. There is a lot of information which is not present in the books or magazines and even the newspapers. Try to read PIB and each ministry's websites for current policy related issues. Specially Ministry of Finance, Ministry of External Affairs etc.

Q:2- ETHICS : how should I go around preparing that?

A: Buy a good book for Ethics. One from TATA macgraw hills by Mr. Reddy is good enough. After that read the 2nd ARC committee reports on ethics. Try to write the answers of the questions asked in the past. Do not over prepare for this paper. Be your natural self and write answers with empathy and courage.

Q:3 ECONOMY : this is my weakest area. Will mere Basics suffice or I should lay more emphasis on it no matter how much time it takes?

A: For economy read a good business newspaper everyday. Supplement it with a good book on economy basics. After that read some good reports on RBI website and Ministry of Finance. Try visiting portals of IMF, World Bank, OECD etc.

Q: 4-  CURRENT AFFAIRS : Apart from newspaper did you refer to any specific magazines? If so which ones and how frequently?

A: Yes. Civil Services Chronicle or any other monthly with Yojana. Try to read EPW online. They have downloadable articles. Make a collection. go through Gktoday type portals as well. You can subscribe to a postal coaching on current affairs. Vision Ias is good.

Q: 5- NCERT: can one do without them?

A: One time NCERT read is a must. As mentioned in the prospectus, the questions will be of 10th and 12th level. The question pattern is based on NCERT books. So, you must finish these atleast once.

Q: 6-  SCIENCE: being from a science background I feel reluctant to pick up basic books for science (for prelims). So, if u say , maybe that will encourage me to do that, :p . So should I pick up ncert from 6th onwards for general science?

A: No need to pick up general science. The questions will be more from current affairs in science. Read science section of newspapers and follow such news like Black Hole, Nobel Prizes, New Discoveries and build on them through online search.

Q: 7- INDIAN SOCIETY:did you refer to ram ahuja for this? Or u prepared this on your own?

A: For case studies, this book is good. I would suggest get the subject study material from a good coaching. It saves effort on making notes and covers all the topics. Then maybe these good books, to write better answers. Priority should be that fundamentals are clear. You know enough about the thinkers and their theories. 

Q:8- HISTORY: medieval and ancient: how much emphasis should be given to that?!

A: For art and culture ancient is a must. Medieval is brief reading. Focus on modern more. Try to cover Budhism, Jainism, etc. They are most important.

Q:9- Coaching: did you join any test series or centres..which one should I go for if at all.

A: Not necessary but they do help. They make well researched notes. You can opt for postal guidance. Daily classes can be done away with if you can understand the concepts on your own. Depends on your comfort level.