Toppers Talk

Preliminary exam:

Mains exam:

Let me first discuss the ORIENTATION required for this examination. Civil service requires you to have public service attitude. If your ambition is to make a great difference to people’s lives through properly devising schemes and their effective implementation. If you are not averse to serving people in adverse and challenging situations, rather you love challenges of highest kind. If you care not about what you get, rather how you can benefit others. If you are an optimist and want to bring change to the system, civil service is a right career opportunity for you.  Civil service is one of the best possible opportunities to serve your country and make a huge contribution to socio-economic development of people and country as a whole. Hence your public service orientation will be checked at various stages of this examination. So you have to be clear why you want to join civil services. 

Another important benefit of keeping your purpose clear is that it helps to keep you motivated. This exam runs across the year. One needs to be very dedicated, hard-working, and have the perseverance to wait for his or her chance. The syllabus is vast so a proper strategy and time management at various stages of examination is the key to success. Regular hard work is required. You can make a particular attempt at your first and last only if you work hard and maintain consistency. 

Some days will be very productive some may not be. But at no point you can say no to the path you have decided for yourself. You have to set monthly, weekly and daily targets.  You must remember the syllabus always and read newspapers and other current affair material keeping in mind the requirement of the examination. Avoid political propaganda; else it will drain your energy. Avoid wastage of time. It is the most precious resource at your disposal. Surround yourself with positive people and preferably by serious candidates for this exam. 

Your such friends will not only help you in studies but will also support you when you will feel low. While preparing for this exam talking to family helps, if they support you fully. Develop a meaningful hobby, it will keep you refreshed and also helps in personality development. Always indulge in such activities and thinking which can make you a better person every next day. 

A significant sitting capacity is required to complete required books and other study material. To fix hours would be irrelevant as it depends on the personal capacity and grasping power. But the bottom line is, set your targets and complete them in time. If not completed don’t feel dejected. There is always a tomorrow, just try to compensate for the time lost. 

I will discuss the whole process of examination step wise:prelimnary, mains, interview. 

PRELIMINARY EXAM

Regarding skills required: Preliminary Examination   requires broad knowledge and aptitude. Reading important books and current affairs broaden your knowledge. Always practice some previous year question papers to get an idea of what kind of questions are asked. 

Books for GS (pre+ mains) include:

• Polity-Laxmikanth 
• Geography – 10th,12th ncerts, G C Leong, Atlas.
• History- old ncert+spectrum
• Economics – basics from ncerts+newspaper +economic survey and budget
• Environment – Shankar IAS Academy notes. 
• Culture: Nitin Singhania notes+ancient history ncert+medival history ncert. 
• Science and technology: newspapers, areas like nanotechnology, biotechnology, space, robotics, human physiology, noble prize winning discoveries etc. 
• Current affairs: govt schemes, important events, can be covered from the newspaper – “the Hindu” and ‘vision IAS’ monthly compilations. 

  Along with completing these books, a test series or practice is necessary by solving mock tests. Same is applicable for CSAT paper 2. Though it is only qualifying. If neglected it can definitely spoil your party! 

It is pertinent to mention here that even preliminary GS requires comprehensive knowledge. Sometimes even three to four aspects are asked for options. Multiple correct or incorrect options are very tricky. One gets to learn through practice how to solve this type of questions. There will be questions expected to be known by a sincere candidate, make sure to attempt those right. Then there will be questions which seemingly are easy but there is a trick, try to understand that. One can eliminate wrong options first. But it’s not advisable to be cynical. Sometimes it’s better to accept that our knowledge is limited. Even those things which we don’t know can be correct!  So there is always a room for intelligent guessing. With current trend temptation of 80-90 questions is suggested. But leave only those questions about which you have no idea. Before jumping to selecting options always read questions carefully and think for a bit. It will give you a possible answer. Then choosing options or eliminating becomes easier. 

The mantra is – prepare, practice and perform. When it comes to performance, proper rest before exam and level headedness is very essential. Tension and confusion reduce performance level. Always remember that it is just an exam where you have to give your 100 percent. That’s it! 

I had taken preliminary test series at Jamia Millia’s RCA. 

MAINS EXAMINATION 

Regarding MAINS EXAM general thumb rules are:

• Know the syllabus fully. 
• Prepare notes for revision. 
• Be aware of current affairs. 
• Practice writing answers. 
• Completing papers in time is absolutely essential. 
• Maintain intro, body, conclusion format. 
• Present both side of the story.  
• Read questions carefully, address the demands of the questions. 
• Don’t waste time on unknown questions for guess work, first attempt known questions.  
• Write answers as if it is your test… Not about one book or a material… Leave a personal touch to question based on your observations.  
• Substantiate your arguments with examples and data. It is a great value addition. 
• Draw diagrams where possible, be innovative in presentation e.g: depicting information on map. 
• Focus on analysis of the topic, deeper and visionary analysis depict intellectual maturity. 

Talking paperwise:

ESSAY

Essay is very crucial in final selection as well as getting a good rank.  Essential attributes of a good essay are clarity of expression, good flow, easy language, interesting narrative, attractive introduction, content filled body, balanced view, futuristic and balanced conclusion including meaningful suggestions if required. Essay is a reflection of your personality, so give it a personal touch. It has to be your original thinking. You are responsible for every argument you make. Make sure your arguments are very logical and meaningful. You should choose those topics which are familiar and you have already reflected upon them and have very meaningful arguments. It is necessary that we understand the topic clearly and address the demand of the essay topic.

Preparation for essay involves broadening your readings and writing practice. More you write, more refined are your essay writing skills. You can choose a random topic and write an essay about it. Get your essay checked by a teacher or a learned friend or even yourself after three four days. Point out mistakes and improve upon them. 

Regarding strategy in final exams, I dedicated fifteen minutes per essay for preparing outline first and then I started writing the essays. It saves time and pressure later on as you already have well thought out outline. While preparing outline, first try to understand the topic clearly and fully. Think about your stand about topic if it requires you to take one. Think about an interesting introduction, well argued body and a logical, futuristic and strong conclusion. For generating arguments think through the angles like-social, political, economic, cultural, technological, environmental, legal, ethical, comparative, holistic, local to global scales. A sense of closure in essay is very important. Never ever compromise with the flow of essay, even if some point is missed, so be it, don’t worry! 

I have written few essays and got those checked by Jamia Millia’s RCA faculty. Some inputs from my friends also helped me in essay. 

Regarding GENERAL STUDIES PAPERS, these carry a significant proportion of total marks. So scoring in GS papers is very important. 

GS paper 1

GS paper 1 involves history and culture, world history, geography, society etc. It is considered conventional in nature, preparation of which upto a large extent is possible from good books. But if we analyze previous few year papers, even in this paper application based questions are asked. e.g: difference between strategy and approach of Mahatma Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose. So even here analysis plays an important role. Deeper understanding always fetch you extra marks. Book list would be same as mentioned for preliminary exam. Only addition is world history, for which a book on world history by Norman Lowe is suggested. 

GS paper 2

GS paper 2 involves constitution, polity, governance, various schemes and policies, and international relations. Book list remain same. Reference to constitution for relevant articles and Supreme Court and high court judgments and legal precedents add value to answers. Prepare syllabus wise the concepts of governance. Internet can be effectively used and following newspaper – the Hindu and or Indian express- is crucial in preparing for IR and issue based questions. Some question can be conventional but mostly questions are linked to issues in news before mains examination. So prepare for current issues very well. ‘Vision ias’ monthly material and mains compilation is very useful in this regard. 

GS paper 3

GS paper 3 involves economic issues, disaster management, environmental issues, security issues etc. First go through syllabus thoroughly and prepare topicwise. Here also mostly questions are current events based. So a strong grip on current affairs is essential. Newspapers and current affair material from vision IAS is crucial. 

GS paper 4

GS paper 4 is about ethics, integrity and aptitude required for a civil servant. Its strategy involves knowing the definition of all values given in syllabus, preparing every topic of the syllabus. One book which helps you to understand basics is “lexicon”. Class notes of Mr.  M. K. MOHANTY sir is very useful. Try to understand topics while pondering over your life events and observations. It will help you to link real life problems with possible ethical solutions. This paper involves two sections, one theoretical, the other based on case studies. Solving case studies is nothing but application of theoretical concepts in solving problems. 

I used to first attempt case studies in final exam in first half of allocated time. It helps you to freshly take up case studies which requires relaxed mind. Then I used to write the theoretical part. Completing this paper is absolutely essential. There will be nothing which you can not attempt as it is mostly opinion based. Yet if some unknown theoretical concept props up. Don’t worry, even to that, give your best shot! 

A general outline for my case study answer: putting problem into a context in introduction, mentioning my role in the case, what is expected from me-it gives you directions on what lines to think, then based on the demands of question… Giving course of action; or generating four options and choosing one after mentioning merits and demerits of each; or analyzing the given options in terms of merit and demerits and finally choosing one, finally conclusion justifying the option taken by you, how it has solved the given problem.

I had taken mains GS  test series of ‘vision IAS at Jamia Millia’s RCA. 

OPTIONAL SUBJECT

Then come two papers of OPTIONAL SUBJECT, Your deeper understanding, intellectual depth and awareness about current developments in the subject are checked. Clarity of basic concepts of subject is absolutely essential. Good writing skills and awareness about current developments fetch good marks. 

My optional subject was ANTHROPOLOGY. It is a scientific study of various aspects of humankind. Strategy for preparing this subject include:

• First go through the syllabus very carefully, so much that you memorize it. 
• You will come to know that paper 1 can be divided into: biological anthro, social-cultural anthro, anthropological thought, prehistory. 
• Paper2 can be broadly divided into : Indian anthropology, tribal India. 
• This subject must be prepared syllabus wise. As some times direct questions from syllabus are asked. So be prepared to write 200 words on each given topic in syllabus. 
• Books for biological anthro: P Nath, B M Das. Socio-cultural: N. K. Vaid, Majumdar. Theory: Upadyay and Pandey, Makhan Jha and an online link http://anthropology.ua.edu/cultures/cultures.php   
• Prehistory: Battacharya. 
• Indian anthro: Nadeem Hussnain. Tribal India: Nadeem Hussnain, VIRGINIUS XAXA COMMITTEE report, ’Main bhi Bharat’ RSTV pgm. 
• Apart from this, collect case studies from ‘the Hindu’ newspaper. Its pages on east, north, south and west are an important source of case studies about tribals and society in general. Always note a case study under a topic of syllabus. These will be helpful in essays also. 
• First focus on covering topics from these books only. And make short notes. I had less time, so underlined books and revised from there. But it is not suggested for you. 
• Self study and writing practice is key to score in this subject. 
• I did self study and joined test series at VAID’S ICS in Delhi. Respected Vaid sir is a very learned and expert in Anthropology. His strong critic to your answers is a valuable input in final preparation. Get your answers cheeked by him. Though he seems strict, he is an excellent mentor!  
• Do self study and try to write few full tests before final exams. It helps to boost your confidence. 
• For value addition and making your answer unique don’t mug up any notes. But delve deeper into books and interlink various topics of syllabus to understand humans holistically. Always remember the broader picture. Stick to intro, body, conclusion structure. Properly structure your answers before writing the answer. More current examples, case studies, data, diagrams and flow charts always fetch you more marks. Study ethnographic profiles of few important tribes with great interest. It will help you to further quote case studies on marriage, family, kinship etc. While suggesting for tribal administration extensively use ‘Xaxa  committee report’. Always leave a personal touch to answers based on your observations, lateral thinking and visionary ideas. 
• Only after this, if you want to further enhance knowledge, you can refer to any notes. Like ‘braintree notes’ for physical Anthropology ‘Vaids ICS notes’ for prehistory and other topics. 
• Bottom line is, you must be prepared with your syllabus well in time. Must have written few papers before final exams. And must have some short notes for revision before final examination. 
• In Anthropology paper especially paper 1, you can feel on that day that you don’t remember enough. But believe me what you know is enough to score good marks. Focus also on analysis and be confident. 
• Another significant value addition is linking paper 1 (theories and concepts) with paper 2 while writing answers. These are not water tight compartments, be open to strengthen your argument by quoting a theorist or by giving example from paper 2.  
• While taking a stand be fearless and pro reality. Genuine argument always wins! Always think about India as a whole.  The diverse India, where you have to take care of everybody as equal citizen of India. Always be logical, rational, and a humanist.

PERSONALITY TEST

Though mains exam decides much of your fate, Personality Test can not be taken less seriously. It decides your inclusion or exclusion in list as well as good rank in list, as personality test marks of even successful candidates vary from 140’s to 200’s. So there is huge scope for improvement. It will not be wrong to say that good performance in mains is essential for inclusion in the final list. But good personality test performance will help you to get service of your choice! 

Interview preparation starts with properly filling DAF (Detailed Application Form) before mains exam. You must fill entries about interests and hobbies and achievements very carefully. In case you clear mains, these entries should embolden you instead of haunting you. So be very genuine while filling DAF. Consult a learned friend or a teacher if you are not sure about something. 

Interview preparation involves preparing DAF thoroughly. After mains if you are confident about good results, start preparing for interview right away. Prepare DAF while linking it with current affairs. Personality test is mostly about your background or current affairs. Opinion based questions can be definitely asked. So it’s important to form opinion on various issues in news especially linked to your home state, graduation subject, optional subject. Questions are asked about relevance and application of your subjects, optional or graduation. 

Questions to check your aptitude can be asked as why you want to join civil services. Some case studies are also asked to give you a role in a particular situation. For example, role of a DM in flood or earthquake disasters. 

Questions can be asked about your interests and hobbies. So be well prepared, such question if not well answered gives very bad impression.  

If you have been employed somewhere , questions will be asked about the work done, problems faced, your innovation, your learning and your aptitude to apply that learning in new areas. 

Regarding preparation always remember that it’s a personality test, developing personality takes time. But it’s a very rewarding experience. Think positive.  You need to polish your communication skills. Develop interest in meeting new people and interact with them. Always try to form a balanced opinion. Be open to your well wishers so that they can point out any mistakes or problems with you. Have confidence to acknowledge weaknesses and work upon them. Self analysis is very important here. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Be confident about your strengths and work continuously to remove weaknesses. 

Participation in group discussions and mock interviews are important methods to increase your confidence in public speaking and interview performance. Get feedback and work upon it. Brush up the current affairs before going for the interview. 

Most importantly on the day of Interview always remember that it is a personality test. If you don’t know a factual question, it does not matter much, confidently and politely say: I am sorry sir/madam I don’t know. Be genuine and honest. Remember what they are asking they know it very well. So you can’t convince them with a wrong answer. Only answer when you are sure about correctness of the answer. But don’t harbour a laid back attitude. Try to answer as much as possible. If not sure about a question, say it and ask for a guess. With their permission you can make an intelligent guess. But remember they must know it’s just a guess.  Don’t argue with them; try to understand their point of view.  

Always be honest and sincere. On the day of your interview, your confidence and smiling face will fetch you more marks than anything else. There is no need to be apologetic or being nervous. With whatever profile you have reached up to interview. It is the best profile for you. You have lived it. So believe in yourself. After improving yourself, accept yourself and be confident about it!

Notes:

• Coaching vs self study– those who are totally new to this scheme coaching definitely helps and saves time. Those who are well versed with syllabus and exam requirements can depend on self study plus test series. 
• Qualifying papers: whether in preliminary or in mains never take them lightly! I told you they can spoil your party! 
• Online blogs: take their help e.g; ‘insights on India’, ‘vision ias’, ‘ias baba’, ‘unacademy’. But always fix a time period to use them and avoid wastage of time. Always remember exam requirements.  So, many things not done properly is not better than doing limited things but in a very proper manner. 
• Newspaper reading: essential. If one paper, it has to be ‘the Hindu’. If two, then selectively read ‘Indian express’ – (opinion articles) also. 
• Magazines: after these newspapers, ‘yojana’ is enough. 
• Paragraphs vs point form: while elaborating use paragraph, while enumerating use point form. When less time is remaining use point form. Explaining arguments has to be in paragraphs. So use mixture of both. 
• Handwriting: It has to be legible, that’s it! If you want to improve your handwriting try to write letters of about same size and in a straight line, work on proper spacing between words in a line and between lines. Use a pen with good flow; it will also increase your writing speed. 
• Coaching, guidance and test series: I studied at vajiram, synergy, jamia millia’s RCA. Took test series at Vaids ICS, Jamia RCA, vision ias. Mock interviews at Samkalp, jamia RCA, Hamdard study circle.(All are in Delhi).  Faculty at jamia RCA, and my friends have helped me a lot in clearing this exam.  
• What went wrong in previous attempts? :didn’t complete paper in time, didn’t conclude essay properly, left even optional paper incomplete. So time management was a big issue. 

Once again I thank The Almighty, my parents, teachers, friends and well wishers for helping me in many ways.Here,  I tried my best to share my personal views about civil service preparations. I hope that it will help you. Even if a little bit, this is my attempt to orient those to civil services who are not cynical but optimistic to bring change to the system by becoming a part of the services. Believe me, if you start preparing sincerely, give your best, don’t leave it midway, always correct your mistakes, one day you will definitely make it. And when you are in the list at place of your choosing, you won’t care about the no. of attempts and you will cherish those hardships for rest of your lives and you will acknowledge those hardships as blessings because its only those testing times which made you the person you are! 

Good luck! 

GOD BLESS YOU!