MAIN EXAMINATION
The Main Examination is the most important stage of the exam. If you are well
prepared for the mains, then a good foundation for your success is made. The risk
involved with the interview can also be reduced with good performance in Main
Examination. Always target the Mains Exam and make clearing the Prelims an
incidental objective and a passing phase in the path of your goal. If you always focus
on Prelims result and don't think of Mains till the Prelims results are out, you will
end up as a looser because there is hardly any time left for a thorough preparation.
So always aim at the Mains.
Note:
• Your answer in the exam is the only medium through which you can convey to
the examiner. So you should always think as to how to impress the examiner
with the answer. Your pen, handwriting, writing style, logical presentation,
innovations, relevance to the question, etc, everything matters. Be careful
about these aspects right from the beginning.
• The final two months should be devoted to repeated revisions.
• The writing practice within time limit should be done from the beginning. This
will help in understanding what you can remember and reproduce within the
time limit. If you do this as the preparation progresses then the study will be
exam-oriented.
• Improve your handwriting if it is bad. Your handwriting should at least be
easily legible.
• You can use colour pens when you draw figures, diagrams etc.
• While writing answers, focus on good introductions and conclusions. The
presentation should be logical. The introduction should introduce the reader
about the path he is about to take and whats in stored for him. It should raise
the curiosity of the reader. While, the conclusion should sum up what the
reader has gone through in the path. There should be a balanced judgement in
the conclusions. (This is suggestible only for 30 and 60 marks questions)
• You need not have a very good vocabulary or scholarly writing style. It is
sufficient if you can present your answer in a simple logical manner.
• Your aim should be to score equally well in all the papers. In general, you
should get above 300 in optionals and the GS. Depending on your strong areas
you should get more marks in some papers. The essay score should be above
100. In this way, if you can get around 1100, then the position will be very
strong.
• The presentation is to be practiced well. Do not dump the information in the
exam, but present it in a logical and attractive manner. The point form can be
used only for some factual areas. Other wise, paragraph mode with good
analysis should be used.
• Read the question carefully and grasp the aspect being asked. The answer
should be relevant to what is being asked.
General Studies – Main Examination
It is usually observed that many aspirants fear the GS paper. But with proper
orientation GS becomes very scoring. In fact, many try to concentrate more on
optionals than GS. This may not be a good strategy, as GS gives good marks with
lesser efforts. The GS is also helpful in essay and interview, and also later on in
career. Therefore, proper attention should be given to GS preparation.
Firstly, the nature of GS should be understood. This can be done by a thorough
analysis of the previous years papers. It can be observed that the examiner is not
asking everything under the Sun, which is contrary to the opinion of many aspirants.
The questions are focused only on certain dimensions, especially those relevant for
an administrative career.
It is important to know the difference between a generalist and a specialist. A
generalist is a person who knows “less and less of more and more”, while a specialist
is a person who knows “more and more of less and less”. The Civils Exam in the GS
paper is testing the Generalist approach.
History
The national movement and related developments have to be studied with good
clarity. The aspirant should have a clear idea about the chronological sequence, the
linkages between various topics and a good analysis about each stage. It should be
remembered that the portion is not to be studied as if writing History optional. The
GS paper will only test the basic clarity on the national movement.
Suggested Reading:
Modern History by Spectrum Publications – This is written well in exam orientation.
Bipan Chandra books as a reference and to get further clarity.
NCERT books for a basic understanding.
Note:
• Observe the forward and backward linkages at every stage of national
movement and its importance in the overall context. Note that all the events
were related in some way or the other.
• Prepare simultaneously for the two markers- note down the personalities,
places, terms, movements, journals etc. You should be able to identify them if
given in exam. This is a very scoring area.
• Innovations like maps (eg. 1857- spread and centers of revolt), flow diagrams
etc can be made.
• Try to attempt factual and non-controversial questions.
• Concentrate on the cultural aspects also which are asked for two markers.
Geography
There should be a good understanding about the geography of India. This will also
help a lot in prelims.
Suggested Reading:
• Physical Geography of India, NCERT Class XI
• Land and People, NCERT Class XI
• Geography of India by Khullar – Selective Reading only
Note:
• Some current affairs based questions are also asked
• Maps and diagrams can be used extensively
Polity
There is a standard syllabus for this part and good material with clarity is also
available. The questions are mostly asked directly. So scoring becomes easy with
good understanding with clarity. The knowledge in polity also helps a lot in the essay
and interview. This will give a good foundation for the career as an administrator. It
is very important to study polity well.
Suggested Reading:
• Indian Polity by Laxmikant, TMH - it is a very good compilation from various
sources.
• DD Basu can be used as a reference.
• NCERT books provide the various topics from which questions can be asked
and also provide material with good clarity.
Note:
• You need not to remember all the articles. There are only around 50 articles
which are important. Note them when referred to in the text.
• Its better to quote some articles and Court judgements (only very important
ones) while writing answers.
• Give examples with contemporary relevance. Generally all the questions in this
section are asked with implied contemporary relevance.
• Prepare simultaneously for two markers.
• Some questions are repeated, so be thorough with previous years papers.
• Questions are linked to various topics. So while preparing you should be aware
of the inter-linkages between various topics.
• Various current affairs topics which are linked to polity are asked. Also, some
times basic questions linked to current affairs can be asked.
Social Issues
There is no standard material for these topics. Further, questions are also not asked
every year. Even if asked, mostly they are of general nature, which can be answered
with common sense. So do not spend too much time on these areas or in search of
material. Prepare well for other parts of GS and later if time permits then come to
these areas.
Suggested Reference:
• “The Hindu” News Paper
• “Frontline” Magazine
• Competition magazines
• Yojana
• NCERT books
• Social problems by Ram Ahuja
• Spectrum Publications.
• Internet
Note:
• You only need a basic logical structure for each topic. If there is no proper
material, just spend time in thinking on the topic and to prepare a basic
structure. Then, you may spend time in searching for material. For. eg. Drug
abuse, you should raise following logical questions - what is drug abuse; what
are the causes; distribution; impact; efforts to check; problems with strategy;
suggestions
• Discuss it with other aspirants and get the information.
• Current affairs based question can be asked. For eg. Some controversial case
related to Child labour comes in media, then you can expect a question on
Child labour.
India and the world
The questions are asked to test the basic understanding about the relations with
other nations and India’s foreign policy. Mostly, questions are related to current
affairs. There is a need to have clarity about the basic contours of the evolution of
India’s foreign policy. But do not get into too much depth or controversial topics. You
are expected to have a basic clarity on India’s external affairs.
There are not many standard books available on the subject. Mostly, the preparation
has to be based on current affairs.
Suggested Reading:
• NCERT 12th std. book on Political science
• Old NCERT book on Political Science
• Newspapers - Hindu articles, C. Raja Mohan articles in New Indian Express.
• AIR spot light- analysis by experts.
• Foreign Ministry website
Note:
• Understand the core issues between India and various nations.
• The external relations can be structured into political, economic, defence,
cultural, S&T, etc. so prepare in these dimensions.
• The relations with important nations are to be done for long answers, while for
other nations it is sufficient for the two markers.
• Note the various terms eg. Track 2, which can be asked for two markers.
• There is no material for the topics on Overseas citizens of India. So look out for
any issues that come in media related to NRIs. They can be asked for the two
markers.
• You can make innovations like maps, flow charts, etc. For eg. A map for Indo-
Iran pipeline, or for Munnabao-Khokrapar rail link.
International Affairs
The questions are mainly current affairs related. The most important developments
which appear in the newspapers will be sufficient for the preparation. Observe the
terms, personalities, places, etc which can be asked for the two markers. Also
prepare for the institutions. First list out the various important institutions. Then
gather basic material on them. You can also try the web sites of the institutions for
the information. You can also read “International Organizations” by Spectrum
Publications.
Indian Economy
This is an area, which is feared by many, especially because of lack of proper examoriented
textbook with clarity. But with some basic understanding, economy can
become very scoring because of 15 two-mark questions.
Suggested Reading:
• Dutt and Sundaram or Mishra and Puri - These books are a big compilation
with lots of unnecessary facts. Do not read the book from end to end. You
should be able to get clarity out of every topic. So, first scan through the topic
and the side headings. Then question logically in various dimensions. Try to
find the answers to the questions raised as you go through the material and
prepare a logical structure. For. E.g. Unemployment - What is unemployment;
types; extent and distribution; causes; impact; efforts to reduce; appraisal of
policies; recent measures; suggestions;
• Economic Survey- It is a very useful document, which should be focused upon.
Prepare notes from it. Also observe the graphs, which can be used as
innovations in answers. While reading, note the terms, which can be asked for
two markers. The box items are very important.
• NCERT books
• Indian Economy by Pratyogita Darpan Publications
Note:
• Questions can be on basics or the current affairs based.
• You can use innovations like graphs, diagrams, flow charts etc.
• The main aspect is to gain the basic understanding with clarity. So spend more
time on logical thinking and inter-relating, rather than on various books or
articles.
• Simultaneously, prepare for the two markers. Note the various economic terms
that keep appearing in the newspapers. Also, be thorough on the previous
years’ papers.
Science and Technology
Some Arts students fear this part and leave them for the exam. However, note that
the examiner is not interested in the technical aspects. They are only testing if the
candidate has basic understanding on the technological developments. In fact,
technology is going to play a very key role in changing the administration. So, do take
an active interest in the technological developments, as they will help you in being an
effective change agent when you join the service.
In the exam, the questions are being asked from both the standard and the currentaffairs
based. While preparing, concentrate on the relevance and the application of
the topic. The following dimensions should be focused:
• What is the basic technological dimension of the topic
• How is it being used; applicability
• Developments in India
There is no good material available for this area. Notes have to be prepared from
various sources. The synopsis should also focus on the diagrams and figures,
wherever applicable.
Suggested Reading:
• The Hindu Thursday S&T pages (From May 3rd week previous year to current
year September 30)
• Competition Magazines
• Internet
• S&T – Spectrum Series
Note:
• Do not go into much technical detail, even if you are from technical
background. Concentrate on applications and related issues.
• Innovate using figures, diagrams, flow charts, etc.
• Prepare notes on the various computer related terms.
Statistics
This is another area, which is feared by students from Arts background. While,
others from technical background take it too lightly, and lose marks in the end. This
area is very scoring for anybody who can concentrate on the basics and do lots of
practice.
Suggested Reading:
• NCERT 11th std.
• Spectrum publications.
Note:
• Understand the basics well with clarity.
• Practice the previous papers with the time limit.
• Show the calculations clearly
• Draw the diagrams and graphs neatly.
• Do not forget to take the calculator to the exam hall.
• Some times difficult questions are asked. Do not orient preparation keeping
those questions in view. Just be strong on the basic standard questions that
are asked every year.
• Its better to attempt the statistics question in the beginning of the exam.
Current Affairs
This is the most important component of the preparation. It has crucial role in
prelims, essay and interview. It requires continuous efforts throughout the year. The
notes have to be prepared from various sources. The effectiveness of the preparation
will increase if you have a good understanding about the questions that are asked
every year. That way you will be in a position to discriminate between what to read
and more importantly what not to read.
Sources:
• The Hindu newspaper, some aspects of the New Indian express
• The Frontline
• AIR news - 8AM, 2PM, 9PM.
• Yojana
• Internet
Note the following points:
• Prepare notes topic-wise. As you go through various sources, identify the topics
that can be asked in the exam. Write the topics on a sheet of paper. You will be
preparing notes for those topics only. The main source will be the Hindu
newspaper. The other sources should be supplemented to gain clarity in the
topics.
• Everyday listen to the AIR news bulletins. They cover all-important topics in a
dispassionate manner. The analysis after the bulletin is also quite good. Try
doing some thing else while listening the news so that you don’t waste time. If
any political or unimportant issue is being discussed in the news you can
ignore and concentrate on your work.
• Next day by the time paper comes, you already know what to expect from that
since you followed news on AIR previous day. So, go to the important topics
and read slowly, and prepare notes.
• Do not read everything in the newspaper. Read only that which is important for
the exam. Do not even look at the items from second page to centre page. The
main focus should be on front page, editorials, articles, news analysis,
business etc. In the sports page just spend time on recognizing the
personalities and tournaments, which can be asked in exam.
• Before reading a news item, question logically about that topic or issue. Then
read the article. This way the eyes try to gather the answers for the questions
raised. Also, the clarity on the topic increases.
• With practice, you should increase efficiency and should not spend more that 2
hrs on newspaper.
• Many innovations can be made like maps, diagrams, flow charts, graphs, case
studies etc.
• Keep two mark questions in mind while preparing for the current affairs. Make
separate notes for the personalities, places, awards, terms, etc.
• Keep cuttings of the editorial in a monthly file.
General Suggestions:
• Writing practice within the time limit is very important. There is problem of
time management for the GS paper-2.
• Go though the Vajiram coaching material if you have access to it.
• While reading newspapers observe the following- abbreviations; new terms;
organisations; quotes and examples, which can be used elsewhere; etc.
5. ESSAY
The essay paper (200 marks) in the civil services main examination is crucial in
determining the final outcome/ selection and ranking. It is decisive because there is
no specialization in an essay and so no aspirant can claim expertise, unlike optional
subjects.
Essay paper does not have a source of definitive information as in the case of general
studies or optional subjects. This constitutes a challenge. It is vital to understand
that an essay is a reflection of the personality - ideas, views, analysis, assessments
and inferences, values, attitude, aptitude, orientation and communication (written)
abilities, all the attributes that are wanted by UPSC in an aspirant.
General trend is that essay paper will contain 6 topics out of which one topic to be
chosen. There is no syllabus for essay. Anything under sun can be asked. But, if we
analyse previous year paper, it is conspicuous to find some root topics. For example,
there is at least one question on women empowerment every year. So, the topic
‘Women Empowerment’ is a root topic.
Suggested Root Topics
1. Women Empowerment
2. Environment, S&T, Energy Security, Sustainable Development
3. Democracy, judiciary and related topics
4. Education, Indian Culture
5. Current Events
Suggested Reading:
a) Yojana issues
b) Frontline cover stories
c) “The Hindu” Sunday Magazines
Groundwork Preparation
The duration of the essay paper is 3 hours and the word limit is not mentioned. It is
generally said that 1500-2000 words should make a good essay. This can
comfortably be written even with a moderate pace in 2 to 2 ½ hours. So the first 30-
45 minutes can be spent for the groundwork preparation. First is the selection of the
proper essay topic. Out of the 6 topics, one topic would generally be related to
philosophical issue, unless one is confident it is better to opt it out. Like wise one can
eliminate topics with which one is not comfortable. Some topics, most of the
aspirants cannot maintain a balance throughout the essay so better opt them also
out. Finally select the topic that you think can do justice. The answer booklet of the
main examination consists of 24 single pages. The last 3-4 pages can be used for
rough work. If you are sure that you can complete the main booklet, then ask for one
additional at the beginning of the exam and use it for rough work. In these pages
prepare outline for the essay by asking questions yourselves. It is also called as
brainstorming.
Suppose take a topic for example: “Terrorism and global peace (CSE-2005)”
The questions can be
1. What is terrorism, it’s aims, methodology and its origin?
2. How it is affecting global peace?
3. What are different ways/types of terrorism and how each one is a threat to
global peace?
4. What are the causes for terrorism to flourish?
5. How the global peace can be maintained (remedy and a global approach in
fighting terrorism because of its spread to all countries)?
6. What is the relevance of terrorism to India and affect on Indians way of living?
7. What should be the conclusion? Ex. Terrorism is affecting global peace and it is
a fact. So the solution is to make it disappear. Whatever form it may be, it
should be condemned because it involves loss of precious lives and living of
many.
On these lines many more questions can be evolved.
The next step is question yourself regarding the topic and scribble whatever comes to
your mind without any order in just words, not sentences. After this part is over write
the conclusion part in detail in the rough area.
Tips:
1. Good introduction and good conclusion are must.
2. There shall be link between paragraphs.
3. Clarity of expression is very important. Use simple English to express your
point clearly. You need not use flowery language. Simple logical presentation
is sufficient.
4. Practise is essential for getting a good score.
5. Try to give a good introduction. It should guide the examiner to what you
intend to convey in the essay. The conclusion should be good and satisfy the
examiner. Always conclude on a positive note.
6. The main focus should be on giving a good analysis of the topic.
7. Do not divert into areas, which are irrelevant to the topic.
8. Make sure that you have sufficient understanding and material to write,
before chosing the topic.
Strategy
Introduction: The introduction is the opening part of the essay and should be
confined to a paragraph. The introductory paragraph is expected to introduce the
topic, and wherever necessary, explain the central theme or idea, basic or core
concepts, and definitional criteria. The introduction should arouse interest and
generate curiosity in the mind of the reader. Spend good amount of time for
introduction.
Main Text: The main text of the essay must develop, support and explain the main
ideas stated in your introduction. This essentially is a systematic organisation of
information based on a consistent methodology. It deals with the topic and related
issues to be addressed, the correlation of facts, figures, ideas, views, concepts; an indepth,
systematic, coherent analysis based on the topic leading to logical inferences;
as well as making (if it is required) plausible projections and providing with (if
necessary) viable solutions.
Conclusion: As the text draws close to the conclusion, the essay should have reached
the stage of 'critical mass', a sort of a climax. The conclusion, a summary, should
express the essence of the essay. It should not contain any fresh evidence, facts or
figures.
