Msp Model Application English - Social Security: Fill & Download for Free

It is not hard but it is hard to crack because we think that it is hard.I’m not an UPSC topper, i’m not an IAS/IPS/IFS. I’m also getting prepared for this exam like all of you but i find it is easy to crack because i have taken up some steps by which i find it is easy to myself and now whatever i’m going to share with all of you ,i hope, will help you to move for this exam in an easy way.To a maximum number of candidates why is it felt as the toughest one?Ans - Because the syllabus is very vast in nature and how we will cover the entire syllabus in a smart way?For that…………..At first, try to know the syllabus and exam pattern properly.PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION ( this has two parts)Preliminary examination is of objective types and here marks will not be counted for final merit list. Passing marks are needed to sit for mains examinations.Phase i ( 200 marks )Current affairs ( 60–70% questions come here)History of IndiaGeography of the world (Physical, Social, Economic)Indian Polity and Governance-ConstitutionEconomic and Social DevelopmentGeneral Issues (Environmental Ecology, Bio-Diversity, Climate change etcs.)General SciencePhase ii / CSAT ( 200 marks )Comprehension Skill (English) ( 60–70% questions come here)Interpersonal SkillsLogical Reasoning and Analytical AbilityDecision making and problem solvingGeneral mental abilityBasic NumeracyData InterpretationMain examination syllabusI. Any Indian Language (300 marks)II. English (300 marks)These two papers just need to qualify which is compulsory and marks obtained will not be considered or counted.Questions in mains examinations are of descriptive types and here in every paper you have to face twenty questions.Essay paper ( 250 marks )Here, you are required to write an essay on a specific topic within word limits.General studies paper 1 ( 250 marks )Indian heritage/ culture, World history and geographyGeneral studies paper ii ( 250 marks )Governance, constitution, polity, social justice and international relationshipsGeneral studies paper iii ( 250 marks )Technology, Economic development, Bio-diversity, Environment, security and disaster managementGeneral studies paper iv ( 250 marks )Ethics, integrity and aptitudeOptional paperOptional paper is divided into two partsPaper i ( 250 marks )Paper ii ( 250 marks )Interview ( for 275 marks )What the commission actually demands from us ?UPSC needs information from us and for that we have to be informative. We should know the proper background/history with proper facts and figures for whatever we are following.Analytical power is also very important because not only we have to gather information but also we must have the capability to analyse the current scenario of our country and of our world with the application of what we know in a proper way. In short to say theoretical knowledge must be applied to analyse the current scenario in such a way that whether those theoretical parts are applicable for the current pattern of our country and of our world or not to solve the present problems or to make a better way for those.Now the question is how ?Phrase i ( preliminary examination)Current affairs - For current affairs you must follow the HINDU news paper regularly and try to make notes from the HINDU as well as you have to follow YOJANA / KURUKSHETRA magazine and here you can follow any one of these two but you should follow thoroughly for whatever you follow. If possible try to follow a popular news channel regularly and whatever you follow for current affairs from news papers, you should note down those regularly and if you regularly invest 1 - 1.30 hours for current affairs, it is enough for you and especially for some burning topics you should always focus on the background or the real cause of those burning news topics as well as try to know the influence of those burning issues on our present scenario in our society and in our country as well.For the more you may follow the monthly current affairs of VISION IAS and INSIGHT IAS, IAS today.in as well as you may follow Press Information Bureau, PRS | Home ( these two are very good as well as helpful too) and the websites of various ministries of our central government too.How to proceed for reading newspapers and how to make notes from newspapers …………………………….First of all, i want to say that before going to follow any newspaper for UPSC exam, you should keep three things in your mind -Which newspaper you should follow.What you should follow from newspapers and how you should follow.How you will make notes from newspapers.so, now how to start……………………At first, pick the right one which is apt for UPSC exam because if you don’t follow the right one, you will face lots of difficulties. That’s why i will like to suggest you to follow the HINDU or the Indian Express but where the maximum number of candidates follow the HINDU, i’ll like to suggest you to follow the HINDU otherwise you can follow the Indian Express. Both the newspapers are equally good in quality so you can pick up any news paper between these two mentioned above.Next important part is what to follow and how to followHow to follow any news from newspapersBefore going to follow any news from newspapers, you should keep two things in your mind and those are…………………….Background of any newsInfluence or effects of that news in the present scenario of our country.Here, i am drawing an example with these two rules…………..recently, “Demonetisation” has happened in our country and due to this incident rs. 500 and rs. 1000 have been changed widely in our entire county. So when you will read this news, you should follow two ways to have a clear picture on demonetisation.Background/cause of demonetisation - Recent demonetisation of rs.500 and rs.1000 notes is taken to control black money, counterfiet currency and corruption with the help of SWISS Bank officials.For this our central govt. have set up a SIT to deal with investigations on individuals of tax evasion and income tax declaration scheme.Influence/effects of demonetisation -( Positive Sides of demonetisation )It mobilised tax revenue of nearly rs. 65,000 cr.It has helped our govt. to cut tax rates and interest rates respectively to encourage investments while being on track to attain the fiscal deficit and growth targets.Demonitisation has boosted cashless transactions with some prominent features like no service tax on cashless transaction below rs. 2000, announced monthly jackpots for people using cashless transactions in govt. services, reducing self assessment tax from 8% to 6% with annual turnover of less than 2 cr, providing cash banks ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% on various transactions like fuel, stamp papers, govt. registrations etc, and other incentivesDue to demonetisation terror activism also became slow down due to lack of money in the present scenarioOur govt. have mobilised tax revenue of nearly rs. 65,000 cr.( Negative sides of demonetisation )In the financial year, 2015–16 our GDP was 7.6% but due to demonetisation it has came down by 0.5% to 1.5%India’s tax to GDP ratio is quite slow at 16.6% in comparison with other countries’ economicsSmall and medium size enterprises got negatively affected due to less cash in the market for continuing transaction or buying or selling. The labour wages in this sector are largely paid in cash and wages have been adversely affected by the demonetisation move. Unemployment has also been reported owing to decline in demand of SME goods as the purchasing power of the consumers has contracted in the short term. Other sectors within the SME space like restaurants and transport operators have also been negatively impacted since economic activity has declined and also due to the fact that there is high tendency in this segment to accept payments through cash only.Agriculture in our country has also widely affected due to demonetisation. This is one sector where all transactions are in cash and, given the values involved, involve the higher denomination notes. The withdrawal of the old currency notes has put pressure on the mandis; farmers are having problems in selling their produce as both the parties have to agree on the mode of payment. Also since there is acute shortage of Rs 500 denomination notes presently, change for the high denomination Rs 2000 notes is not readily available with the vegetable and fruit vendors. This is also taking the buyers away from these vendors to big retail markets thus impacting the livelihood of the unorganised sector.Employed sectors have also adversely affected due to demonetisation. We all know that manufacturing sector which accounts for the highest employment of skilled and semi-skilled labourers, is witnessing slowdown in production; not only less jobs are being created but lay-offs are also taking place at a higher rate.SO, this is the way you should follow in reading any news from newspapers as well as in making notes too. ( background - proper facts and figures with positive sides and negative sides too )Now the most important part is what to read and what not to readFor Prelims you should follow important govt. schemes, policies, important events, organisations, scientific and other developmentsFor MAINS you should follow development in areas in all gs papers, analysis of issues ( you have to analyse important issues with positive sides and negative sides along with proper background), schemes and policies of govt in details, and other important facts and figures. Here one thing you should keep in your mind that you have to deeply analyse those which you followed for prelims. In mains you should not only know the news but also you should deeply analyse the news with proper reasons.Now i have divided all the pages of the HINDU as i personally follow this news paper otherwise if you follow the Indian Express, you will also find the similarity i’m going to share with you.Front page - Read thoroughly and try to find issues related with latest developments.City/ State based - focus on important decisions and latest policy developments and skip any local newsNation related news - here you have to find those news which are related with the latest schemes, policies, decisions of our govt. But here you should mostly read those related with your gs papers.Editorial news ( vvi ) - you have to thoroughly follow the editorial news as here there are important news with proper analysis and important opinions by some experts. Don’t leave any line or any portion untouched because here every line or every portion is very important. So here you should have an average idea with clear conceptions and if possible try to mark important opinions too.International news - Here you should follow the news which highlights our country’s relation with other countries.Business - It is very important for prelims as well as in gs paper 3 in mains too. Here you should follow events, organisations, economic developments, economic policies but you should skip company or PSU related newsSports - There is no importance in following this area but if you find some development issues in any sports field, you can keep that in mind.So, in short to say, when you will follow the newspaper for UPSC exam, you should keep three things in your mind and those are - important govt. policies/schemes, india’s relation with other countries or india’s position to the eye of the world, development related issues and if you follow the previous years’ question papers, you will find that 95% question covered these three areas for the maximum time. So you should pay an eagle eye on these three areas with proper analysis.And one more important part is that don’t follow current affairs from prelims perspective rather than try to follow the newspaper from mains perspective because in main not only you have to know what is the news but also you have to know why is the news and how the impact of the news is on our current scenario. So if you follow current affairs from mains perspective, current affairs for prelims will automatically be covered well.And if you find any problem with any news article, you can surely take the help of internet. You can follow WIKIPEDIA, INVESTOPEDIA, BUSINESS STANDARDS etc.Prelims gs papers - For this section just try to follow the books of NCERT thoroughly as well as try to follow the books of Arihant Macbook publication. The books of Arihant publication are also very good. Here in these books everything is described in point wise as well as in concise and notes format. As well as with these books try to keep some more books too and those are - Indian polity by M. LAXMIKANTH, Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Indian history by V.K.Agnihotri /Krishna Reddy , for geography of Spectrum Publication and for general science you can follow the objective general science of Arihant Publication/ Lucent’s general science as well you can try for the books of Pratijogita Darpan too. I think, these books are enough. But pay your main focus on NCERT books.CSATHere maximum questions are passage oriented and this portion is a matter of pratice. So the more you will practice, the more benefits you will have here. you can follow the prelims gs paper ii of Tata magrow hill publication as well as you should practice by following previous years’ question papers.For math you can follow R.S.Agarwal / quantitive aptitude by Dinesh Khattar of Pearson publication, M. Tyra ( for short tricks ) and for practice you can follow the math practice set of Kiran publication for SSC CGL ( here in this book of Kiran Publication you will have different types questions in every chapter )For reasoning, R.S.Agarwal / reasoning book of B.S.sijwali and Indu Sijwali of Arihant Publication. ( CSAT is a matter of practice. So, the more you will practice , the more you will have your accuracy here. )For solving passage oriented questionsAt first, go through the passage thoroughly. Don’t skip any line or any portion.Underline the important or relevant words or line or portions.Try to find out the proper reasoning for what you have asked that means when you have got a general idea of the passage, look at the questions. Each question is to be answered separately. Sentences from the original passage should not be transferred to your answer directly. Comprehension test is not merely a test of your intelligent understanding of the passage but also a test of your capacity to express your ideas in clear, correct and idiomatic language ( though questions are objective types, yet it is also very important ).Try to find out what is important and what is not and you can do this only after reading the passage very carefully. What is not important should be left out.Every passage is very important for every question. So try to know the inner meaning of every passage separately.Always try to answer to question with the basis of the inner meaning but don’t try to answer on the basis of outer face of the passage.Try to link up every passage with its meaning.Most importantly it’s a matter of practice so the more you will practice, the more you will have accuracy in this portion.Try to follow a dictionary regularly for at least two pages in every day.ESSAY WRITINGTHE STEP BY STEP PROCESS FOR WRITING AN ESSAYThe first step in writing an essay is to be sure that you should have clearly understood what the essay topic exactly means or demands from you. Suppose, you are asked to write an essay on " a cricket match you have recently enjoyed" but "the game of cricket" is completely different and if you write on the latter subject, you are on the wrong track.Then thinking over the prescribed essay topic you should set some ideas or points according to the demands of your essay topic. As for an example i'm taking the above mentioned topic that is - A CRICKET MATCH YOU HAVE RECENTLY ENJOYED and for that you should think of how did you reach the stadium?, how much you were excited for that cricket match?, how much the persons or your friends with whom you went to enjoy the match were excited?,how was the stadium?,how was the reaction or excitement within the spectators for that match?,how did the match begin?,which team won the toss?, how was the players' performance?, who played well in that match?, how was your reaction or excitement with your favourite player? and how your favourite player performed in that match?centering round the star players how was the spectators' reaction?,how much satisfied you were in watching that match?,how did that match end?,how was the reaction of the winning team?, how was the presenting ceremony?,who came there as chief guests? etc......... these points you should set in your mind before writing.The next important part is to arrange your ideas or points and here you should set which point will come first, which will be second,which will come in third position........... this way you should logically set points and if you do so,your points or ideas will surely come in the correct order.Now you have to develop every point into separate paragraphs. Here you should be aware of the fact that is every paragraph should deal with only one particular point or idea as in one your one particular paragraph if you put the reaction of the spectators, in that particular one you should explain only the reaction of the spectators and nothing else and when you will go to the next paragraph, the reaction of the spectators should not be there rather than something new points should be in the next paragraph and there you have to develop that particular point only. This way you have to proceed.Don't use the same point or same idea again and again.The final step is revision and it's also essential.********Here one more important thing is the main body of your essay should have the proper link with your introduction and conclusion and whatever your conclusion is but that should be positive and in your conclusion you can even add your personal views too and one more important thing is your introduction too should be in such a way that whenever an examinerwill pay its eyes on your introduction, that introduction as if creats an interest within itself to read your presentation from starting to the end with proper interest. in short to say " YOUR INTRODUCTION AND CONCLUSION SHOULD BE INTERESTING AS WELL AS POSITIVE TOO.""Essay writing is an art. How you are starting,how you are explaining and even how you are finishing always make a great value in essay writing and if you want to be strong in these three, practice is the only key to be a master in essay writing and the more you will think of your essay topics,the more new ideas you will gain and this will help you to write an essay completely from different angle and if you do so perfectly, your essay can be classy for that prescribed topic and these are also key factors to present a particular topic within word limits perfectly according to the demands of your essay topic"Now when you will go for mains exam, you have to move very cautiously and for that you should know what to study and what not to study and after knowing this you have pay more focus on important areas.Compulsory language paperEssay – 100 marksReading comprehension – 60 marksPrécis writing – 60 marksTranslation:a) English to compulsory language chosen – 20 marksb) Compulsory language to English – 20 marksGrammar and basic language usage – 40 marksThe questions asked are of matriculation or equivalent standardsChoose your language wisely. It is recommended that you select the language that you learnt at school and have some grip overWrite and practice. If you have lost touch writing in the regional language after your schooling, writing practice is a must. You should be at ease writing and also must not forget common spellings and punctuationPracticing question papers also improves your speed.Practice translations.Work on your handwriting if you think it is not neat. Handwriting should be legible.Now how to move for language paperRead the question paper first thoroughly.Attempt the questions you are most sure of. If you are strong in grammar, finish off the grammar part quickly.If grammar is your weak point, attempt the comprehension passage first. This is generally easy since you can find the answers in the passage itself.In your essay, write in simple but effective language. Attempt the essay question last with at least 40 minutes to spare. Once you are done with the other sections, you will have enough ‘flow’ to write your essay. Also, you should not waste time writing an elaborate essay in the beginning.Avoid grammatical and spelling mistakes.Follow this rule when you do the translation question:If you are more comfortable in English than in the vernacular language, do the Indian language to English translation first. You will find this easier than the English to Indian language.If you are well-versed in the Indian language more compared to English, do the English to Indian language translation first.Compulsory English Language paperThis paper consists ofEssayComprehensionPrecis WritingAnd some grammatical questionsNow how to move for this portionFollow the basic grammar books like J.C.Nesfield or Wren Martin.Follow the common errors book by UPKAR publicationFor essay, precis and comprehension do practice regularly. These three parts are completely standing on your practice.General studies paper 1 ( Indian heritage/ culture, world history and geography )Maximum questions come from History, political philosophies, Indian society and GeographyIn Historical portion maximum question come from modern history. So, you have to pay an eagle eye on modern history. For modern history you can follow “History of modern india” by Bipan Chandra, “India’s struggle for independence” by Bipan Chandra, “India since independence” by Bipan Chandra, “ a brief history of modern india by Rajiv Ahir, “mastering modern world history” by Norman lowe, “History of the world” by Arun Dev as well as try to follow Indian history and culture by V.K.Agnihotri or Indian History by Krishna Reddy. These are enough for history section.In Indian art and culture maximum questions come from salient aspects of art forms and literature and architecture from ancient to modern times and for this section you can follow “India’s ancient past” by Ramesh sharma, “Facets of Indian culture” of Spectrum Publication, CCRT website is also very good, you can follow this too. Here in this part you must pay more focus on some portions and those are - Classical dances, important festivals, architecture of temples, themes of india’s ancient history, literature and music/musical instrumentsPolitical philosophy is also an important part and here the focus area is - communism, socialism and capitalism. Try to know the theories properly.Society of India - this part is also very important. Here the focus areas are - features of Indian society and diversity of India, role of women/women organisations/poverty and developmental issues/urbanization and their remedies, effects of globalization on Indian society, social empowerment/communalism/regional and secularism and for this area there is no need to follow any book. Try to follow daily news paper, websites of various departments, economical/political weekly ( follow business standard/ economics times on internet)Geography - Focus areas are - physical geography,natural resources,industrial sectors, natural disorders and for this section follow the basic NCERT books of 6–12 std, and indian and world geography of Spectrum Publication.As well as try to follow the previous years’ question papers and do practice answer writing as well.General studies paper ii ( governance, polity, constitution, social justice and international relationships )Try to follow Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth thoroughly, follow daily newspaper as well. Try to follow the websites of various ministries for their annual reports. As well as try to follow M.Laxmikanth as well for international relationships.And follow previous years’ questions as well.General studies paper iii ( Technology, economic development, bio-diversity, environment, security and disaster management )In the entire main exams this gs paper iii is the most difficult one as well as it’s very vast as well. So you have to move very cautiously.Here are some steps to follow………….Try to enrich your base levelThis area is mostly related with current affairs. So try to follow the daily news paper as well as try to take the help of internet as well. (vvi ) current affairs are mostly related with economy and environment related.Try to focus on what to study and what not to studyTry to know economic budget, economic surveyHere your conception must be clear.Make notes mostly related with current affairs.This paper is diverse in nature. So your idea also must be diverse in nature as well as you have to relate whatever you are reading for this particular section with current affairs properly.Do practice answer writing regularlyHow to move for gs paper iii ( important areas)Indian economyQuestions are related with Economic growth and planningFocus areas are - Five year planning, NITI aayog, taxation policies, various govt. programs/schemes/policies, economic budget, inclusive growth and for this try to follow std. economic books, books of NCERT as well as try to follow Yojana/ kurukshetra magazine as well. Try to follow India yearbook and here one more important part is that whenever you will know the govt. policies/schemes, try to know its aim and how the policies/schemes will be implemented.Agriculture - corps and furmingFocus areas - Croping patterns, irrigation, AMPC model, E- tech areas and for this section try to follow basic NCERT books, std geo books of spectrum/Khullar/ Majid HussainAgriculture - Policy measuresFocus areas - Subsides, MSP, DBT, PDS reforms, FCI reforms, economics of animal rearing and for this section you have to follow eco survey on subsides and PDS, follow current affairs and take the help pf internet as wellFood processingFocus areas - what is food processing, backward and forward linkages, domestic/export markets, various govt. schemes. For this section you have to follow MOFPI websites, food processing reports as well as follow the reports of CCI/IBEF/ASSOCHAM etc. Here in this section internet has a big role.Land reformsFocus areas - historical perspective, recent changes,movements and for this section try to follow the basic NCERT books of History and Bipan Chandra. You can follow PIB news as well (vvi).LPG ReformsFocus areas - Effects of liberalization process, changes in industrial policy, induatrial growth and for this section you should follow economic survey and any std. book on economics and follow this area very well from that bookInfrastructure - Try to follow the newspaper and websites of ministry as wellInvestment models - Focus areas - Different models and strategies, need for PPP terms in India and for this section try to follow economic survey and try to know PPP terms very well as well as try to follow NCERT books and any std. economic book and follow the ministries websitesEnvironment and EcologyFollow current affairs as well as try to folow YAJONA/Kurukshetra magazine as well. Follow the official sites of ministries as well, you can follow India Yearbook. you can follow basic books too and for that Shankar IAS environment and ecology is very good as well as you can follow the book of Lexis Nexis publicationScience and technologyFollow current affairs, science reporter magazine and follow websites of ministriesDisaster managementFollow disaster management act, websites of ministriessecurity managementFollow the websites of ministries, ARC reports, institute of defence studies and analysis reports and you can follow some books of magraw hill publication/ Lexis Nexis or books of different publications.This paper is mostly based on internet and current affairs as well as you have to focus on this paper properly and mainly you have to know what to read and what not to read ( means important areas) and accordingly you have to move for this subject. Regular answer writing is also a necessary part.Try to follow previous years’ question papers.General studies paper iv ( Ethics and Integrity )This paper is to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society.You should always keep one thing in mind that ethics is not same as morals or what we read in moral science, but it is the ethics in the public administration, how does one treat, how does one solve the problems, your attitude towards women, refugee, migrants and etc. these are the qualities as public administrator a candidate should develop proactively.Important areas in Ethics to focusIf you follow the previous years’ question papers, the question papers are divided into two main parts as ……………● Part I – Theory● Part II – Case Studies.Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics, ethics in private and public relationshipsThis section is all about the ethics how you inculcate it and how you deal with the society, how do you see whether the action is ethical or not and what are the principles that you follow to ensure that the action is ethical or not.Under ethics and human interface the questions maybe asked in the part I section based on the factors essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions, dimensions of ethics, ethics in private and public relationships and these areas in focus will be covered under Part I.Human Values: Lesson from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating valuesUnder this area in focus will be lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators under this a candidate should concentrate on points like how do people acquire values and majority of people acquire values when they read about the personality of importance like freedom fighters.Under this area, the UPSC may give some statement of any great personalities and would ask to discuss it by applying it to the present context.For e.g. any of the Gandhi’s statement or saying would be given and asked to discuss with the context to the present environment.Here’s a glimpse how to answer these kinds of questions, the answer should be in 100 words.● Cover the first 25-30 words of your answer what the lines from the great personality means or stands for not literally but philosophically● Next, in 70-80 try to write about an incident relating to the saying which would have occurred in the society recentlyFor an e.g. if the question is about Gandhi’s saying on industrialization then a candidate approach should be towards the recent Make in India and should discuss more on cottage industries correlating the saying to the present context.What a candidate should always keep in mind while attempting to such answers are it is easy to answer these question in thinkers point of view, which UPSC does not want and what it looks for is how much the candidate has analyzed, utilized and applied it to the current context.How to answer to this sectionTo answer the questions in this part, you have to take different sayings of various great personalities and should make sure that the saying is not a common statement but which they could relate it to the present context and apply it.For an e.g. if it is about corruption, then should try to use it to the present situation and examples of scandals or scams which they would have read in the newspaper or witnessed in their life.It is recommended to aspirants to consider few books about 5-6 of great thinkers whom you admire, like or follow. Candidates can choose 3 books of Western Personalities like Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato and 2 books of Indian Origin like Gandhi, Ambedkar or anyone whom you like and get inspired. Here candidates, instead of memorizing their date of birth, the birthplace which is not of importance for this section one should give importance on what they preached in ethics.The next thing to focus in this area is role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.From where do we acquire values?We acquire values in from our family, society, and education institutionAttitude: Content, Structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasionIn this area, the question may be asked either in Part 1 or Part 2 i.e. either in theory or case study.Let’s take an example: Narendra Modi government want to bring Swachch Bharat Abhiyan successfully. And, you are a district administrator in a particular district and in that district half of the villagers don’t use toilets and half of the villagers use toilets. What measures would you take to change the attitude of the people who are not using toilets?Attitude is a most important concept used by the media a lot so how would you change the attitude. There are three types called as ABC model and they are:● Affection● Cognitive● Behavioural basedAs a district collector, you would go through each model and make a case study on each model.In one of the previous year question paper, UPSC has asked the migration of village population to urban areas and why is this happening. And, this question was completely based on attitude.And, any candidate who would have approached and attempted the answer mentioning attitude would have definitely scored high.In this area, you should focus on Attitude: content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behaviour for Part 2 of the question paper i.e. Case Study while the moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion would be for Part 1 of the Ethics Question Paper i.e. theory.Aptitude: Foundational values for civil service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.Here youshould use some ethical words in their answers and some of the words are:Integrity: Theory related question maybe asked on this in Part 1 of the question paper like what is integrity? Or Definition of integrity.Here, the UPSC may give five related words and ask to write for 50 words each carrying 5 marks.There may be case study based on this.These are the important list of words that a candidate should embed in their answer in order to enhance their answer and score high.● Integrity: not compromising on anything if someone offers your bribe will you compromise● Impartiality: Don’t show nepotism either for political parties or common man● Nonpartisanship: no biases for different political parties● Objectivity: be neutral● Dedication to public service● Empathy● Tolerance● Compassion towards weaker sectionThe first words mentioned are the universal administrative values, while the rest four as an administrator one should acquire especially in the developing country where there is inequality a lot.Hence, if you have observed, UPSC comes up with questions bringing in characters in the questions like 90 years old or a person who would have walked for 100km to reach your place.Candidates can refer the ‘Ethics in Governance’ to cover this area as it gives a clear definition of the last five words or concepts including Nolan Committee Recommendations.5. Emotional IntelligenceQuestions may be asked in both Part 1 and Part 2, for an e.g. questions like have undergone any emotional intelligence and how did you overcome it.Its definition, concepts and how would you apply them in administration.Here’s a scenario as an example, a thousand of protestors are protesting in front of a district administration office and as an administrator and you know the protest is for the wrong reason. How would you handle the situation?Here as an administrator, one has to follow the three procedures of Emotional Intelligence and they are:● Understand your emotions and control them● Understand others emotion and control them● Then, act according to solve the issue genuinely and effectively6. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the worldThis area again can be covered under the Human Values.7. Public or Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationCandidates can refer ‘Ethics in Governance’The laws, rules, regulation and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance candidates can refer IGNOU8. Ethical issues in international relations and funding corporate governanceQuestions may be asked Part 2 i.e. case studyInternational relations funding candidates can take the example of Nepal Earthquake video how funding aided or any current similar such scenariosCorporate governance: corporate social responsibility; ethics and governance are not only required in administration but also applicable in the corporate offices, as an administrator in corporate offices or private offices, in any situation how would you deal them. E.g.: in sexual harassment cases.9. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; information10. Sharing and transparency in government, Right to information, codes of ethics, codes of conductTo cover Areas 9 and 10, candidates can refer CCS, 1964 – The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which is of 300-400 pages.It is also observed that every year two questions are asked on the case study from this section as discussed in the beginning.11. Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruptionUPSC may ask direct questions on Citizen’s CharterTo frame a Citizen’s Charter, hence candidate should be aware of how to frame a Citizen’s Charter and the rules and regulation that should be followed before framing a citizen charter.Source: Ethics in GovernanceThe questions on this area would be mostly on case study.Takeaway from this article on Ethics Syllabus● Many concepts are not yet explored by the UPSC; hence candidates should not ignore the untouched areas● Importance of conceptual clarity● Must know Code of Conducts● Citizen’s Charter, RTI● Probity in Governance Reports● Sources to refer: Ethics in Governance; IGNOU; Arora● Public Administration related case studies and its application● Prelims CSAT Paper and solve decision-making questionEthics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Examinationby G. Subba Rao and P.N. Roy ChowdhuryEthics - Integrity and Aptitudeby Santosh Ajmera and Nanda Kishore ReddyIAS Mains General Studies Paper 4 ETHICS INTEGRITY & APTITUDEby Arihant ExpertsHow to attempt the Case Study Questions of the Ethics GS Paper IV in the UPSC Main Exam● Write an outline of the scenario first● Write down the four options available to him● Next Step start the merits and demerits of all the optionsFor E.g. Corruption: Under merits, you could mention I’m against corruption and I will not accept bribe while under demerits you can mention you will lose monetary benefits● Finally, analyse the merits and demerits and come up with a solution.Follow the previous years’ question papers as well.Optional PaperThis paper is completely depending on your own interest. Here you can choose any subject according to your own interest. Whatever you choose, you must have interest in that one, or try to feel that subject or love that subject and most importantly before going to choose any subject as your optional one try to follow previous years' question papers as well as the syllabus of every optional subject and if you do so, you will know better that which subject will be better for you to take up as your optional one and most importantly choose any subject as per your own capacity too.Art of answer writing in mainsGive an introduction at firstexplain your introduction with proper facts and figuresand then the conclusionyour explanation must have a proper link between your introduction and your conclusion as wellThe more perspectives you will explain your answer from, the more chances you will have to carry higher marks and UPSC also demands this from us. As for an example, if you write a history question, try to explain or write that answer not only from historical perspective but also you should try to explain that one from the perspectives of geography, polity, sociology, economics etc but your perspectives by which you are explaining must have a proper link with what the question is demanding actually from you.Pay your focus on the quality within the proper word limitsYour answer must be divided into some paragraphsTry to highlight important quotes or important opinionsTry to use simple sentence and input simple words known to allDon't go beyond the question demands or question topicTry to answer to the point. Don't give anything extra.Your answer must be positive overall. You must be optimistic in answering to questionsDon't input your personal views as I want to say......... or according to me.............. (must not be)Try to answer in the indirect form as we should do................ or our country.............. (like this)If you want to criticise, your criticism must be constructive or logical tooIf you can make proper diagram or chart in your answer, it will be also helpful tooTry to avoid sticking off your answers or lines repeatedly.Focus on your handwriting too because it is also very importantOne of the most important parts is that if possible, try to answer from the perspective of current affairs too and if you can answer from this particular one also, your answer will obviously go to the rich quality but always remember that your answer must have a proper link with whatever you explain.Some more important strategiesBe serious and confident as well.Try to follow current affairs until you can’t have success in this exam because in our present UPSC exam pattern Current affairs has a very big as well as very important role too.Try to make notes personally.Try to do practice answer writing daily.Make a specific target for every day and try to fulfil that in any way.Try to spend a large number of time for your self study.Don’t rely only on your coaching materials.Try to focus on the quality but not on the quantity.Follow the previous years’ question papers.You should try to know everything in details for whatever you follow or read. Don’t leave any chapter untouched.Always try to have a clear idea on every fact and figure.Try to revise for ten times for whatever you personally follow. Revision is also a must.Highlight important areas.Focus on actual facts and figures.Try to know as well as try to answer to your questions from different perspectives. The more perspectives you will answer to your questions from, the more chances you will have to carry higher marks.Focus on your handwriting as well.I hope that all of these can help you a lot to move for this exam with a peaceful mind because i also personally follow all of these which i have mentioned above.And for any kind of improvement i heartily welcome all of your suggestions .Thank you.

It is not tough but it is hard to crack because we think that it is hard.I’m not an UPSC topper, i’m not an IAS/IPS/IFS. I’m also getting prepared for this exam like all of you but i find it is easy to crack because i have taken up some steps by which i find it is easy to myself and now whatever i’m going to share with all of you ,i hope, will help you to move for this exam in an easy way.To a maximum number of candidates why is it felt as the toughest one?Ans - Because the syllabus is very vast in nature and how we will cover the entire syllabus in a smart way?For that…………..At first, try to know the syllabus and exam pattern properly.PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION ( this has two parts)Preliminary examination is of objective types and here marks will not be counted for final merit list. Passing marks are needed to sit for mains examinations.Phase i ( 200 marks )Current affairs ( 60–70% questions come here)History of IndiaGeography of the world (Physical, Social, Economic)Indian Polity and Governance-ConstitutionEconomic and Social DevelopmentGeneral Issues (Environmental Ecology, Bio-Diversity, Climate change etcs.)General SciencePhase ii / CSAT ( 200 marks )Comprehension Skill (English) ( 60–70% questions come here)Interpersonal SkillsLogical Reasoning and Analytical AbilityDecision making and problem solvingGeneral mental abilityBasic NumeracyData InterpretationMain examination syllabusI. Any Indian Language (300 marks)II. English (300 marks)These two papers just need to qualify which is compulsory and marks obtained will not be considered or counted.Questions in mains examinations are of descriptive types and here in every paper you have to face twenty questions.Essay paper ( 250 marks )Here, you are required to write an essay on a specific topic within word limits.General studies paper 1 ( 250 marks )Indian heritage/ culture, World history and geographyGeneral studies paper ii ( 250 marks )Governance, constitution, polity, social justice and international relationshipsGeneral studies paper iii ( 250 marks )Technology, Economic development, Bio-diversity, Environment, security and disaster managementGeneral studies paper iv ( 250 marks )Ethics, integrity and aptitudeOptional paperOptional paper is divided into two partsPaper i ( 250 marks )Paper ii ( 250 marks )Interview ( for 275 marks )What the commission actually demands from us ?UPSC needs information from us and for that we have to be informative. We should know the proper background/history with proper facts and figures for whatever we are following.Analytical power is also very important because not only we have to gather information but also we must have the capability to analyse the current scenario of our country and of our world with the application of what we know in a proper way. In short to say theoretical knowledge must be applied to analyse the current scenario in such a way that whether those theoretical parts are applicable for the current pattern of our country and of our world or not to solve the present problems or to make a better way for those.Now the question is how ?Phrase i ( preliminary examination)Current affairs - For current affairs you must follow the HINDU news paper regularly and try to make notes from the HINDU as well as you have to follow YOJANA / KURUKSHETRA magazine and here you can follow any one of these two but you should follow thoroughly for whatever you follow. If possible try to follow a popular news channel regularly and whatever you follow for current affairs from news papers, you should note down those regularly and if you regularly invest 1 - 1.30 hours for current affairs, it is enough for you and especially for some burning topics you should always focus on the background or the real cause of those burning news topics as well as try to know the influence of those burning issues on our present scenario in our society and in our country as well.For the more you may follow the monthly current affairs of VISION IAS and INSIGHT IAS, IAS today.in as well as you may follow Press Information Bureau, PRS | Home ( these two are very good as well as helpful too) and the websites of various ministries of our central government too.How to proceed for reading newspapers and how to make notes from newspapers …………………………….First of all, i want to say that before going to follow any newspaper for UPSC exam, you should keep three things in your mind -Which newspaper you should follow.What you should follow from newspapers and how you should follow.How you will make notes from newspapers.so, now how to start……………………At first, pick the right one which is apt for UPSC exam because if you don’t follow the right one, you will face lots of difficulties. That’s why i will like to suggest you to follow the HINDU or the Indian Express but where the maximum number of candidates follow the HINDU, i’ll like to suggest you to follow the HINDU otherwise you can follow the Indian Express. Both the newspapers are equally good in quality so you can pick up any news paper between these two mentioned above.Next important part is what to follow and how to followHow to follow any news from newspapersBefore going to follow any news from newspapers, you should keep two things in your mind and those are…………………….Background of any newsInfluence or effects of that news in the present scenario of our country.Here, i am drawing an example with these two rules…………..recently, “Demonetisation” has happened in our country and due to this incident rs. 500 and rs. 1000 have been changed widely in our entire county. So when you will read this news, you should follow two ways to have a clear picture on demonetisation.Background/cause of demonetisation - Recent demonetisation of rs.500 and rs.1000 notes is taken to control black money, counterfiet currency and corruption with the help of SWISS Bank officials.For this our central govt. have set up a SIT to deal with investigations on individuals of tax evasion and income tax declaration scheme.Influence/effects of demonetisation -( Positive Sides of demonetisation )It mobilised tax revenue of nearly rs. 65,000 cr.It has helped our govt. to cut tax rates and interest rates respectively to encourage investments while being on track to attain the fiscal deficit and growth targets.Demonitisation has boosted cashless transactions with some prominent features like no service tax on cashless transaction below rs. 2000, announced monthly jackpots for people using cashless transactions in govt. services, reducing self assessment tax from 8% to 6% with annual turnover of less than 2 cr, providing cash banks ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% on various transactions like fuel, stamp papers, govt. registrations etc, and other incentivesDue to demonetisation terror activism also became slow down due to lack of money in the present scenarioOur govt. have mobilised tax revenue of nearly rs. 65,000 cr.( Negative sides of demonetisation )In the financial year, 2015–16 our GDP was 7.6% but due to demonetisation it has came down by 0.5% to 1.5%India’s tax to GDP ratio is quite slow at 16.6% in comparison with other countries’ economicsSmall and medium size enterprises got negatively affected due to less cash in the market for continuing transaction or buying or selling. The labour wages in this sector are largely paid in cash and wages have been adversely affected by the demonetisation move. Unemployment has also been reported owing to decline in demand of SME goods as the purchasing power of the consumers has contracted in the short term. Other sectors within the SME space like restaurants and transport operators have also been negatively impacted since economic activity has declined and also due to the fact that there is high tendency in this segment to accept payments through cash only.Agriculture in our country has also widely affected due to demonetisation. This is one sector where all transactions are in cash and, given the values involved, involve the higher denomination notes. The withdrawal of the old currency notes has put pressure on the mandis; farmers are having problems in selling their produce as both the parties have to agree on the mode of payment. Also since there is acute shortage of Rs 500 denomination notes presently, change for the high denomination Rs 2000 notes is not readily available with the vegetable and fruit vendors. This is also taking the buyers away from these vendors to big retail markets thus impacting the livelihood of the unorganised sector.Employed sectors have also adversely affected due to demonetisation. We all know that manufacturing sector which accounts for the highest employment of skilled and semi-skilled labourers, is witnessing slowdown in production; not only less jobs are being created but lay-offs are also taking place at a higher rate.SO, this is the way you should follow in reading any news from newspapers as well as in making notes too. ( background - proper facts and figures with positive sides and negative sides too )Now the most important part is what to read and what not to readFor Prelims you should follow important govt. schemes, policies, important events, organisations, scientific and other developmentsFor MAINS you should follow development in areas in all gs papers, analysis of issues ( you have to analyse important issues with positive sides and negative sides along with proper background), schemes and policies of govt in details, and other important facts and figures. Here one thing you should keep in your mind that you have to deeply analyse those which you followed for prelims. In mains you should not only know the news but also you should deeply analyse the news with proper reasons.Now i have divided all the pages of the HINDU as i personally follow this news paper otherwise if you follow the Indian Express, you will also find the similarity i’m going to share with you.Front page - Read thoroughly and try to find issues related with latest developments.City/ State based - focus on important decisions and latest policy developments and skip any local newsNation related news - here you have to find those news which are related with the latest schemes, policies, decisions of our govt. But here you should mostly read those related with your gs papers.Editorial news ( vvi ) - you have to thoroughly follow the editorial news as here there are important news with proper analysis and important opinions by some experts. Don’t leave any line or any portion untouched because here every line or every portion is very important. So here you should have an average idea with clear conceptions and if possible try to mark important opinions too.International news - Here you should follow the news which highlights our country’s relation with other countries.Business - It is very important for prelims as well as in gs paper 3 in mains too. Here you should follow events, organisations, economic developments, economic policies but you should skip company or PSU related newsSports - There is no importance in following this area but if you find some development issues in any sports field, you can keep that in mind.So, in short to say, when you will follow the newspaper for UPSC exam, you should keep three things in your mind and those are - important govt. policies/schemes, india’s relation with other countries or india’s position to the eye of the world, development related issues and if you follow the previous years’ question papers, you will find that 95% question covered these three areas for the maximum time. So you should pay an eagle eye on these three areas with proper analysis.And one more important part is that don’t follow current affairs from prelims perspective rather than try to follow the newspaper from mains perspective because in main not only you have to know what is the news but also you have to know why is the news and how the impact of the news is on our current scenario. So if you follow current affairs from mains perspective, current affairs for prelims will automatically be covered well.And if you find any problem with any news article, you can surely take the help of internet. You can follow WIKIPEDIA, INVESTOPEDIA, BUSINESS STANDARDS etc.Prelims gs papers - For this section just try to follow the books of NCERT thoroughly as well as try to follow the books of Arihant Macbook publication. The books of Arihant publication are also very good. Here in these books everything is described in point wise as well as in concise and notes format. As well as with these books try to keep some more books too and those are - Indian polity by M. LAXMIKANTH, Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh, Indian history by V.K.Agnihotri /Krishna Reddy , for geography of Spectrum Publication and for general science you can follow the objective general science of Arihant Publication/ Lucent’s general science as well you can try for the books of Pratijogita Darpan too. I think, these books are enough. But pay your main focus on NCERT books.CSATHere maximum questions are passage oriented and this portion is a matter of pratice. So the more you will practice, the more benefits you will have here. you can follow the prelims gs paper ii of Tata magrow hill publication as well as you should practice by following previous years’ question papers.For math you can follow R.S.Agarwal / quantitive aptitude by Dinesh Khattar of Pearson publication, M. Tyra ( for short tricks ) and for practice you can follow the math practice set of Kiran publication for SSC CGL ( here in this book of Kiran Publication you will have different types questions in every chapter )For reasoning, R.S.Agarwal / reasoning book of B.S.sijwali and Indu Sijwali of Arihant Publication. ( CSAT is a matter of practice. So, the more you will practice , the more you will have your accuracy here. )For solving passage oriented questionsAt first, go through the passage thoroughly. Don’t skip any line or any portion.Underline the important or relevant words or line or portions.Try to find out the proper reasoning for what you have asked that means when you have got a general idea of the passage, look at the questions. Each question is to be answered separately. Sentences from the original passage should not be transferred to your answer directly. Comprehension test is not merely a test of your intelligent understanding of the passage but also a test of your capacity to express your ideas in clear, correct and idiomatic language ( though questions are objective types, yet it is also very important ).Try to find out what is important and what is not and you can do this only after reading the passage very carefully. What is not important should be left out.Every passage is very important for every question. So try to know the inner meaning of every passage separately.Always try to answer to question with the basis of the inner meaning but don’t try to answer on the basis of outer face of the passage.Try to link up every passage with its meaning.Most importantly it’s a matter of practice so the more you will practice, the more you will have accuracy in this portion.Try to follow a dictionary regularly for at least two pages in every day.ESSAY WRITINGTHE STEP BY STEP PROCESS FOR WRITING AN ESSAYThe first step in writing an essay is to be sure that you should have clearly understood what the essay topic exactly means or demands from you. Suppose, you are asked to write an essay on " a cricket match you have recently enjoyed" but "the game of cricket" is completely different and if you write on the latter subject, you are on the wrong track.Then thinking over the prescribed essay topic you should set some ideas or points according to the demands of your essay topic. As for an example i'm taking the above mentioned topic that is - A CRICKET MATCH YOU HAVE RECENTLY ENJOYED and for that you should think of how did you reach the stadium?, how much you were excited for that cricket match?, how much the persons or your friends with whom you went to enjoy the match were excited?,how was the stadium?,how was the reaction or excitement within the spectators for that match?,how did the match begin?,which team won the toss?, how was the players' performance?, who played well in that match?, how was your reaction or excitement with your favourite player? and how your favourite player performed in that match?centering round the star players how was the spectators' reaction?,how much satisfied you were in watching that match?,how did that match end?,how was the reaction of the winning team?, how was the presenting ceremony?,who came there as chief guests? etc......... these points you should set in your mind before writing.The next important part is to arrange your ideas or points and here you should set which point will come first, which will be second,which will come in third position........... this way you should logically set points and if you do so,your points or ideas will surely come in the correct order.Now you have to develop every point into separate paragraphs. Here you should be aware of the fact that is every paragraph should deal with only one particular point or idea as in one your one particular paragraph if you put the reaction of the spectators, in that particular one you should explain only the reaction of the spectators and nothing else and when you will go to the next paragraph, the reaction of the spectators should not be there rather than something new points should be in the next paragraph and there you have to develop that particular point only. This way you have to proceed.Don't use the same point or same idea again and again.The final step is revision and it's also essential.********Here one more important thing is the main body of your essay should have the proper link with your introduction and conclusion and whatever your conclusion is but that should be positive and in your conclusion you can even add your personal views too and one more important thing is your introduction too should be in such a way that whenever an examinerwill pay its eyes on your introduction, that introduction as if creats an interest within itself to read your presentation from starting to the end with proper interest. in short to say " YOUR INTRODUCTION AND CONCLUSION SHOULD BE INTERESTING AS WELL AS POSITIVE TOO.""Essay writing is an art. How you are starting,how you are explaining and even how you are finishing always make a great value in essay writing and if you want to be strong in these three, practice is the only key to be a master in essay writing and the more you will think of your essay topics,the more new ideas you will gain and this will help you to write an essay completely from different angle and if you do so perfectly, your essay can be classy for that prescribed topic and these are also key factors to present a particular topic within word limits perfectly according to the demands of your essay topic"Now when you will go for mains exam, you have to move very cautiously and for that you should know what to study and what not to study and after knowing this you have pay more focus on important areas.Compulsory language paperEssay – 100 marksReading comprehension – 60 marksPrécis writing – 60 marksTranslation:a) English to compulsory language chosen – 20 marksb) Compulsory language to English – 20 marksGrammar and basic language usage – 40 marksThe questions asked are of matriculation or equivalent standardsChoose your language wisely. It is recommended that you select the language that you learnt at school and have some grip overWrite and practice. If you have lost touch writing in the regional language after your schooling, writing practice is a must. You should be at ease writing and also must not forget common spellings and punctuationPracticing question papers also improves your speed.Practice translations.Work on your handwriting if you think it is not neat. Handwriting should be legible.Now how to move for language paperRead the question paper first thoroughly.Attempt the questions you are most sure of. If you are strong in grammar, finish off the grammar part quickly.If grammar is your weak point, attempt the comprehension passage first. This is generally easy since you can find the answers in the passage itself.In your essay, write in simple but effective language. Attempt the essay question last with at least 40 minutes to spare. Once you are done with the other sections, you will have enough ‘flow’ to write your essay. Also, you should not waste time writing an elaborate essay in the beginning.Avoid grammatical and spelling mistakes.Follow this rule when you do the translation question:If you are more comfortable in English than in the vernacular language, do the Indian language to English translation first. You will find this easier than the English to Indian language.If you are well-versed in the Indian language more compared to English, do the English to Indian language translation first.Compulsory English Language paperThis paper consists ofEssayComprehensionPrecis WritingAnd some grammatical questionsNow how to move for this portionFollow the basic grammar books like J.C.Nesfield or Wren Martin.Follow the common errors book by UPKAR publicationFor essay, precis and comprehension do practice regularly. These three parts are completely standing on your practice.General studies paper 1 ( Indian heritage/ culture, world history and geography )Maximum questions come from History, political philosophies, Indian society and GeographyIn Historical portion maximum question come from modern history. So, you have to pay an eagle eye on modern history. For modern history you can follow “History of modern india” by Bipan Chandra, “India’s struggle for independence” by Bipan Chandra, “India since independence” by Bipan Chandra, “ a brief history of modern india by Rajiv Ahir, “mastering modern world history” by Norman lowe, “History of the world” by Arun Dev as well as try to follow Indian history and culture by V.K.Agnihotri or Indian History by Krishna Reddy. These are enough for history section.In Indian art and culture maximum questions come from salient aspects of art forms and literature and architecture from ancient to modern times and for this section you can follow “India’s ancient past” by Ramesh sharma, “Facets of Indian culture” of Spectrum Publication, CCRT website is also very good, you can follow this too. Here in this part you must pay more focus on some portions and those are - Classical dances, important festivals, architecture of temples, themes of india’s ancient history, literature and music/musical instrumentsPolitical philosophy is also an important part and here the focus area is - communism, socialism and capitalism. Try to know the theories properly.Society of India - this part is also very important. Here the focus areas are - features of Indian society and diversity of India, role of women/women organisations/poverty and developmental issues/urbanization and their remedies, effects of globalization on Indian society, social empowerment/communalism/regional and secularism and for this area there is no need to follow any book. Try to follow daily news paper, websites of various departments, economical/political weekly ( follow business standard/ economics times on internet)Geography - Focus areas are - physical geography,natural resources,industrial sectors, natural disorders and for this section follow the basic NCERT books of 6–12 std, and indian and world geography of Spectrum Publication.As well as try to follow the previous years’ question papers and do practice answer writing as well.General studies paper ii ( governance, polity, constitution, social justice and international relationships )Try to follow Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth thoroughly, follow daily newspaper as well. Try to follow the websites of various ministries for their annual reports. As well as try to follow M.Laxmikanth as well for international relationships.And follow previous years’ questions as well.General studies paper iii ( Technology, economic development, bio-diversity, environment, security and disaster management )In the entire main exams this gs paper iii is the most difficult one as well as it’s very vast as well. So you have to move very cautiously.Here are some steps to follow………….Try to enrich your base levelThis area is mostly related with current affairs. So try to follow the daily news paper as well as try to take the help of internet as well. (vvi ) current affairs are mostly related with economy and environment related.Try to focus on what to study and what not to studyTry to know economic budget, economic surveyHere your conception must be clear.Make notes mostly related with current affairs.This paper is diverse in nature. So your idea also must be diverse in nature as well as you have to relate whatever you are reading for this particular section with current affairs properly.Do practice answer writing regularlyHow to move for gs paper iii ( important areas)Indian economyQuestions are related with Economic growth and planningFocus areas are - Five year planning, NITI aayog, taxation policies, various govt. programs/schemes/policies, economic budget, inclusive growth and for this try to follow std. economic books, books of NCERT as well as try to follow Yojana/ kurukshetra magazine as well. Try to follow India yearbook and here one more important part is that whenever you will know the govt. policies/schemes, try to know its aim and how the policies/schemes will be implemented.Agriculture - corps and furmingFocus areas - Croping patterns, irrigation, AMPC model, E- tech areas and for this section try to follow basic NCERT books, std geo books of spectrum/Khullar/ Majid HussainAgriculture - Policy measuresFocus areas - Subsides, MSP, DBT, PDS reforms, FCI reforms, economics of animal rearing and for this section you have to follow eco survey on subsides and PDS, follow current affairs and take the help pf internet as wellFood processingFocus areas - what is food processing, backward and forward linkages, domestic/export markets, various govt. schemes. For this section you have to follow MOFPI websites, food processing reports as well as follow the reports of CCI/IBEF/ASSOCHAM etc. Here in this section internet has a big role.Land reformsFocus areas - historical perspective, recent changes,movements and for this section try to follow the basic NCERT books of History and Bipan Chandra. You can follow PIB news as well (vvi).LPG ReformsFocus areas - Effects of liberalization process, changes in industrial policy, induatrial growth and for this section you should follow economic survey and any std. book on economics and follow this area very well from that bookInfrastructure - Try to follow the newspaper and websites of ministry as wellInvestment models - Focus areas - Different models and strategies, need for PPP terms in India and for this section try to follow economic survey and try to know PPP terms very well as well as try to follow NCERT books and any std. economic book and follow the ministries websitesEnvironment and EcologyFollow current affairs as well as try to folow YAJONA/Kurukshetra magazine as well. Follow the official sites of ministries as well, you can follow India Yearbook. you can follow basic books too and for that Shankar IAS environment and ecology is very good as well as you can follow the book of Lexis Nexis publicationScience and technologyFollow current affairs, science reporter magazine and follow websites of ministriesDisaster managementFollow disaster management act, websites of ministriessecurity managementFollow the websites of ministries, ARC reports, institute of defence studies and analysis reports and you can follow some books of magraw hill publication/ Lexis Nexis or books of different publications.This paper is mostly based on internet and current affairs as well as you have to focus on this paper properly and mainly you have to know what to read and what not to read ( means important areas) and accordingly you have to move for this subject. Regular answer writing is also a necessary part.Try to follow previous years’ question papers.General studies paper iv ( Ethics and Integrity )This paper is to test the candidates’ attitude and approach to issues relating to integrity, probity in public life and his problem-solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced by him in dealing with society.You should always keep one thing in mind that ethics is not same as morals or what we read in moral science, but it is the ethics in the public administration, how does one treat, how does one solve the problems, your attitude towards women, refugee, migrants and etc. these are the qualities as public administrator a candidate should develop proactively.Important areas in Ethics to focusIf you follow the previous years’ question papers, the question papers are divided into two main parts as ……………● Part I – Theory● Part II – Case Studies.Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human actions; dimensions of ethics, ethics in private and public relationshipsThis section is all about the ethics how you inculcate it and how you deal with the society, how do you see whether the action is ethical or not and what are the principles that you follow to ensure that the action is ethical or not.Under ethics and human interface the questions maybe asked in the part I section based on the factors essence, determinants and consequences of ethics in human actions, dimensions of ethics, ethics in private and public relationships and these areas in focus will be covered under Part I.Human Values: Lesson from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating valuesUnder this area in focus will be lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators under this a candidate should concentrate on points like how do people acquire values and majority of people acquire values when they read about the personality of importance like freedom fighters.Under this area, the UPSC may give some statement of any great personalities and would ask to discuss it by applying it to the present context.For e.g. any of the Gandhi’s statement or saying would be given and asked to discuss with the context to the present environment.Here’s a glimpse how to answer these kinds of questions, the answer should be in 100 words.● Cover the first 25-30 words of your answer what the lines from the great personality means or stands for not literally but philosophically● Next, in 70-80 try to write about an incident relating to the saying which would have occurred in the society recentlyFor an e.g. if the question is about Gandhi’s saying on industrialization then a candidate approach should be towards the recent Make in India and should discuss more on cottage industries correlating the saying to the present context.What a candidate should always keep in mind while attempting to such answers are it is easy to answer these question in thinkers point of view, which UPSC does not want and what it looks for is how much the candidate has analyzed, utilized and applied it to the current context.How to answer to this sectionTo answer the questions in this part, you have to take different sayings of various great personalities and should make sure that the saying is not a common statement but which they could relate it to the present context and apply it.For an e.g. if it is about corruption, then should try to use it to the present situation and examples of scandals or scams which they would have read in the newspaper or witnessed in their life.It is recommended to aspirants to consider few books about 5-6 of great thinkers whom you admire, like or follow. Candidates can choose 3 books of Western Personalities like Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato and 2 books of Indian Origin like Gandhi, Ambedkar or anyone whom you like and get inspired. Here candidates, instead of memorizing their date of birth, the birthplace which is not of importance for this section one should give importance on what they preached in ethics.The next thing to focus in this area is role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.From where do we acquire values?We acquire values in from our family, society, and education institutionAttitude: Content, Structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behavior; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasionIn this area, the question may be asked either in Part 1 or Part 2 i.e. either in theory or case study.Let’s take an example: Narendra Modi government want to bring Swachch Bharat Abhiyan successfully. And, you are a district administrator in a particular district and in that district half of the villagers don’t use toilets and half of the villagers use toilets. What measures would you take to change the attitude of the people who are not using toilets?Attitude is a most important concept used by the media a lot so how would you change the attitude. There are three types called as ABC model and they are:● Affection● Cognitive● Behavioural basedAs a district collector, you would go through each model and make a case study on each model.In one of the previous year question paper, UPSC has asked the migration of village population to urban areas and why is this happening. And, this question was completely based on attitude.And, any candidate who would have approached and attempted the answer mentioning attitude would have definitely scored high.In this area, you should focus on Attitude: content, structure, function, its influence and relation with thought and behaviour for Part 2 of the question paper i.e. Case Study while the moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion would be for Part 1 of the Ethics Question Paper i.e. theory.Aptitude: Foundational values for civil service, integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker-sections.Here youshould use some ethical words in their answers and some of the words are:Integrity: Theory related question maybe asked on this in Part 1 of the question paper like what is integrity? Or Definition of integrity.Here, the UPSC may give five related words and ask to write for 50 words each carrying 5 marks.There may be case study based on this.These are the important list of words that a candidate should embed in their answer in order to enhance their answer and score high.● Integrity: not compromising on anything if someone offers your bribe will you compromise● Impartiality: Don’t show nepotism either for political parties or common man● Nonpartisanship: no biases for different political parties● Objectivity: be neutral● Dedication to public service● Empathy● Tolerance● Compassion towards weaker sectionThe first words mentioned are the universal administrative values, while the rest four as an administrator one should acquire especially in the developing country where there is inequality a lot.Hence, if you have observed, UPSC comes up with questions bringing in characters in the questions like 90 years old or a person who would have walked for 100km to reach your place.Candidates can refer the ‘Ethics in Governance’ to cover this area as it gives a clear definition of the last five words or concepts including Nolan Committee Recommendations.5. Emotional IntelligenceQuestions may be asked in both Part 1 and Part 2, for an e.g. questions like have undergone any emotional intelligence and how did you overcome it.Its definition, concepts and how would you apply them in administration.Here’s a scenario as an example, a thousand of protestors are protesting in front of a district administration office and as an administrator and you know the protest is for the wrong reason. How would you handle the situation?Here as an administrator, one has to follow the three procedures of Emotional Intelligence and they are:● Understand your emotions and control them● Understand others emotion and control them● Then, act according to solve the issue genuinely and effectively6. Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and the worldThis area again can be covered under the Human Values.7. Public or Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public AdministrationCandidates can refer ‘Ethics in Governance’The laws, rules, regulation and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance candidates can refer IGNOU8. Ethical issues in international relations and funding corporate governanceQuestions may be asked Part 2 i.e. case studyInternational relations funding candidates can take the example of Nepal Earthquake video how funding aided or any current similar such scenariosCorporate governance: corporate social responsibility; ethics and governance are not only required in administration but also applicable in the corporate offices, as an administrator in corporate offices or private offices, in any situation how would you deal them. E.g.: in sexual harassment cases.9. Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; philosophical basis of governance and probity; information10. Sharing and transparency in government, Right to information, codes of ethics, codes of conductTo cover Areas 9 and 10, candidates can refer CCS, 1964 – The Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which is of 300-400 pages.It is also observed that every year two questions are asked on the case study from this section as discussed in the beginning.11. Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture, Quality of Service delivery, utilization of public funds, challenges of corruptionUPSC may ask direct questions on Citizen’s CharterTo frame a Citizen’s Charter, hence candidate should be aware of how to frame a Citizen’s Charter and the rules and regulation that should be followed before framing a citizen charter.Source: Ethics in GovernanceThe questions on this area would be mostly on case study.Takeaway from this article on Ethics Syllabus● Many concepts are not yet explored by the UPSC; hence candidates should not ignore the untouched areas● Importance of conceptual clarity● Must know Code of Conducts● Citizen’s Charter, RTI● Probity in Governance Reports● Sources to refer: Ethics in Governance; IGNOU; Arora● Public Administration related case studies and its application● Prelims CSAT Paper and solve decision-making questionEthics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Examinationby G. Subba Rao and P.N. Roy ChowdhuryEthics - Integrity and Aptitudeby Santosh Ajmera and Nanda Kishore ReddyIAS Mains General Studies Paper 4 ETHICS INTEGRITY & APTITUDEby Arihant ExpertsHow to attempt the Case Study Questions of the Ethics GS Paper IV in the UPSC Main Exam● Write an outline of the scenario first● Write down the four options available to him● Next Step start the merits and demerits of all the optionsFor E.g. Corruption: Under merits, you could mention I’m against corruption and I will not accept bribe while under demerits you can mention you will lose monetary benefits● Finally, analyse the merits and demerits and come up with a solution.Follow the previous years’ question papers as well.Optional PaperThis paper is completely depending on your own interest. Here you can choose any subject according to your own interest. Whatever you choose, you must have interest in that one, or try to feel that subject or love that subject and most importantly before going to choose any subject as your optional one try to follow previous years' question papers as well as the syllabus of every optional subject and if you do so, you will know better that which subject will be better for you to take up as your optional one and most importantly choose any subject as per your own capacity too.Art of answer writing in mainsGive an introduction at firstexplain your introduction with proper facts and figuresand then the conclusionyour explanation must have a proper link between your introduction and your conclusion as wellThe more perspectives you will explain your answer from, the more chances you will have to carry higher marks and UPSC also demands this from us. As for an example, if you write a history question, try to explain or write that answer not only from historical perspective but also you should try to explain that one from the perspectives of geography, polity, sociology, economics etc but your perspectives by which you are explaining must have a proper link with what the question is demanding actually from you.Pay your focus on the quality within the proper word limitsYour answer must be divided into some paragraphsTry to highlight important quotes or important opinionsTry to use simple sentence and input simple words known to allDon't go beyond the question demands or question topicTry to answer to the point. Don't give anything extra.Your answer must be positive overall. You must be optimistic in answering to questionsDon't input your personal views as I want to say......... or according to me.............. (must not be)Try to answer in the indirect form as we should do................ or our country.............. (like this)If you want to criticise, your criticism must be constructive or logical tooIf you can make proper diagram or chart in your answer, it will be also helpful tooTry to avoid sticking off your answers or lines repeatedly.Focus on your handwriting too because it is also very importantOne of the most important parts is that if possible, try to answer from the perspective of current affairs too and if you can answer from this particular one also, your answer will obviously go to the rich quality but always remember that your answer must have a proper link with whatever you explain.Some more important strategiesBe serious and confident as well.Try to follow current affairs until you can’t have success in this exam because in our present UPSC exam pattern Current affairs has a very big as well as very important role too.Try to make notes personally.Try to do practice answer writing daily.Make a specific target for every day and try to fulfil that in any way.Try to spend a large number of time for your self study.Don’t rely only on your coaching materials.Try to focus on the quality but not on the quantity.Follow the previous years’ question papers.You should try to know everything in details for whatever you follow or read. Don’t leave any chapter untouched.Always try to have a clear idea on every fact and figure.Try to revise for ten times for whatever you personally follow. Revision is also a must.Highlight important areas.Focus on actual facts and figures.Try to know as well as try to answer to your questions from different perspectives. The more perspectives you will answer to your questions from, the more chances you will have to carry higher marks.Focus on your handwriting as well.Next important part is that here to know everything and to keep all of the facts and figures in mind are very difficult indeed. So, we should know what are important and what are less important and according to that we should move for this exam. No doubt,here hard work has a big role but smart strategy has a greater role than hard work. So always we should focus on the smart strategy and for every subject we should think at first what we have to avoid completely or how we have to move for every paper. There is no need to take up extra load. We should do those whatever are appropriate for this exam.I hope that all of these can help you a lot to move for this exam with a peaceful mind because i also personally follow all of these which i have mentioned above.And for any kind of improvement i heartily welcome all of your suggestions .Thank you.

He Did his on his own without any formal Coaching! He started his prep in his final year of his college!Candidate ProfileQ.DetailsNameDebotosh ChatterjeeRank in CSE-2015406Roll No.0047140Age24Total attempts in CSE (including this one)1Optional SubjectPolitical Science and International RelationsSchooling MediumEnglishCollege mediumEnglishMedium chosen for Mains answersEnglishMedium chosen for InterviewEnglishHome town/cityDurgapur (West Bengal)Work-experience if anyHave been working as a blogger and freelance writer for the last 5 years.Details of other competitive exams, including success/failuresCAT 2014 – 96 percentile (English – 99 percentile)Cleared SSC CGL 2015Missed cut off in RBI Grade B 2015 Prelims by 3.5 marks.Missed cut off in Phase 1 of IRDA JO Recruitment 2016 by 1 mark.Details of coaching, mock tests, postal material for any competitive exam (if used)No formal classroom coaching. Took GS Test Series from Vision IAS and Political Science Test Series from Trademark IAS (Kolkata). With the present format of the exam, it is way more peaceful and useful to opt for self preparation.Service preferences (Top-5)IAS > IFS > IRS (IT) > IRS (CCE) > IAASstate cadre preference (Top-5)Rajasthan > MP > AGMUT > Maharashtra > HaryanaEducation% in class 1090% in class 1275.6Graduation course and %Chemical Engineering (67.78 %)Name of college, city, passing out yearJadavpur University, Kolkata, Batch of 2015Post-graduationNopesAny other professional coursesNopesHobbies & Extracurricular achievementsCrazy about a couple of things – Writing and Cricket. The last 6 years of my life literally revolved around these two!IntroductionQ. Tell us something about yourself, your family, when and why did you enter in this field of competitive exams?Like so many UPSC CSE fanatics, my tryst with Civil Service started during my school days. Even though I belong to a middle class family with no civil service in the pedigree, I used to hear a lot about “IAS” in my childhood from my father and some close relatives. A few of my favourite teachers also used to talk encouragingly about the Civil Services, every now and then. This slowly led to my growing interest in this field as I started reading magazines like Competition Success Review and local newspapers even before Class 10 exams. After failure in IITJEE for two consecutive years (2010,2011), I became convinced that I really do not have much taste in these technical fields. However, hard pressed for options, I had to go for Chemical Engineering at JU since I really had nothing else to do back then. By that time, though, I had already made up my mind about CSE. It had to be my numero uno priority in life from thereon! Started blogging and writing professionally, besides reading 3 to 4 newspapers rigorously on daily basis. It all started in early 2011 when I was yet to get into college, and almost 5 years later I have tasted the fruits of my dedication and determination. So strong was my ambition that I outright opted out of the college placement process in final year.Electronic Vs Paper materialQ. In recent times, there is spur in electronic material- blogs, sites, pdfs, RSS-feeds. Many aspirants feel bogged down by this information overload. So, how much do you rely on electronic material and how much on the paper material (Books, newspapers)? If possible, narrate a typical day in your studylife. What is your style of preparation (e.g. I continue making notes no matter what I’m reading, I just read multiple times but don’t maintain notes, I make mindmaps on computer …or xyz style)I feel that for success in UPSC, the key lies NOT in selecting many sources. Rather, it is all about separating the chaff from the grain and prioritizing only what is necessary.The whole idea of reading using electronic material does not fit into my strategy beyond a certain point. Hence, despite so much electronic material available, I mostly used books, newspapers and hard copies of PDF files. However, to save time and make the preparation more efficient, I used to make notes on One Note.Tackling information overload : I always restricted myself to a few trusted websites. Some of them are Mrunal, Unacademy, IDSA, RSTV Youtube Channel, etc. Once these information sources are narrowed down, it becomes very easy to maintain discipline and follow them. However, even from these websites I used to be very selective at times. E.g. I did not follow RSTV discussions on political issues which had no bearing on my UPSC preparation. I could never revise from PDF files or make effective use of RSS feeds, so avoided those things. Mostly hard copies and a few trusted websites – that’s good enough.Daily Routine : I did not have a tight routine. Rather I used to fix daily/weekly targets and tried to achieve as much as possible. This I used to do throughout the 12 months of preparation to keep myself on track for finishing the syllabus in quick time and revision subsequently. However, I must say that aspirants should try and avoid the “night bird life”. I changed my nocturnal routine to a diurnal one very early during the preparation, and my efficiency and health improved quite a lot.Note making : Made notes only for things which were NOT STATIC or were TOO BIG to be read as a whole every time.Where I made notes – Daily newspapers, RSTV Debates, IDSA articles, 12thFive Year Plan, Economic Survey, Optional Subject.Where I DID NOT MAKE notes – NCERTs, Textbooks like Laxmikanth, Bipin Chandra, etc.Tempo and styleQ. People know what books and syllabus points are to be prepared. But most of them lack consistency in their preparation. So, how do you keep study momentum going on? How do you fight against the mood swings and distractions?About 3 months into the preparation, I realized this problem of mood swings as I lost almost 15 days trying to get past some annoying issues. I also realized that I can not let such mood swings damage my preparation after this. So I decided to take it light whenever such periods of limbo crept in. One can not study like a macho for 12 months and not do anything else! So I always used to set aside 1 or 2 days in a week or two for good Hollywood movies. I am a movie buff, and good movies always managed to bring me back on track. During the off-days, atleast newspaper reading should be done. Occasionally taking a day-long break is absolutely NECESSARY. Besides, listening to songs during times of mental turbulence helps calm things down. I preferred Hindi songs of the 70s an 80s, along with Rabindrasangeet.Working professionalIf you’re a working professional, share some tips on how to manage studies with jobNot applicable (Though I was a professional freelancer, the job rarely took up more than 2 hours in day and still gave me enough pocket money).Prelims (CSAT) General studiesTopicstrategy/booklist/commentHistory AncientMACGRAWHILL GS ManualHistory MedievalMACGRAWHILL GS ManualHistory Modern (Freedom Struggle)Started with Bipin Chandra. After completing it in 7-8 days, switched to Spectrum for all purposes in the exam. Spectrum is a brilliant book for easy revision in both Pre and Mains.Culture and societyMACGRAWHILL GS Manual + NCERT Fine Arts Cl 11 (v selective, but could not retain much)Polity (theory + current)NCERT Cls 11 + LaxmikanthEconomy (theory + current)Mrunal videos (Wow!) + Economic Survey + NCERT Cls 12 (Macro only) + NCERT Cls 11 + Sanjeev Verma and Ramesh Singh (selectively). First 3 are most important. Focus on KEYWORDS in whatever you read for Prelims.Science (theory + current)Very haphazard. Lucent + Unacademy + Mrunal. Had background in Science so not much of an issue with the basics. Humanities people should read NCERTs (Cls 6-10 if necessary) for strong basics. Vision IAS Current Affairs necessary for latest scientific developments.Environment (theory + current)Shankar IAS + Unacademy + Vision IAS Current Affairs.geography physicalG C Leong + NCERT Cls 11/12geography IndiaNCERT Cls 11/12 (NCERTs are of critical importance in Geography, especially the climate and ocean portions. Master those well!)geography worldG C Leong + NCERT Cls 11/12other national/international current affairsVision IAS Current Affairs (v comprehensive) + The HinduSchemes, Policy & Filler StuffNew Vishal’s India At A Glance 2015 (a compressed version of IYB). In Prelims these days, 2 or 3 questions are always from IYB. So, if there is time, this filtered version of the book can be very useful.Q. Any observation / comments / tips about GS prelim 2015 paper?The paper reinforced the idea that nobody can second guess UPSC w.r.t. pattern of the GS Prelims paper. In 2013, 2014, 2015 we have seen 3 entirely different brands of question papers. So, I would request aspirants to fortify their basics in ALL the GS subjects. Otherwise tackling such diversified and unpredictable papers can be tough. And yes, please focus on keywords in Current Affairs too. It can save or ruin your day!Q. Now that Aptitude paper has become qualifying, obvious more attention needs to be paid on the GS paper so apart from the books that you already have gone through, what else would you have tried for CSE-2016 (if you were going to appear)?I would try and be more diversified in my approach, i.e. not try and expect anything from the paper. In 2015, I was expecting either a factual or a conceptual paper, and UPSC surprised us with a paper loaded with Current Affairs. So, for future aspirants, DO NOT try to guess what the paper can be. Instead try and plug as many loopholes in your preparation as you can. That means Factual, Conceptual, Current Affairs, etc! The completion is very intense, and any laxity in preparation can be a cause of missed cut offs. Leave nothing to FATE or UPSC. Practice more MCQs, revise more, whatever it takes. It is essential to stick with 1 or 2 books per subject and revision them 5 to 10 times before going to the battleground.Prelims (CSAT) AptitudeTopicstrategy / booklistMathsNothingreasoningNothingcomprehensionNothingDecision MakingNothingQ. Any observation / comments / tips about GS Aptitude 2015 paper.It is not much of a headache now for even the die-hard CSAT haters, with qualification at just 66 marks! This year’s paper was quite normal, and I expect it to be so next year also.Prelim accuracyQ1. Did you attend any ‘mock tests’? Do you think they’re necessary for success?Yes I did attend a few of those. But never spent a dime subscribing for the costly Test series of coaching centres. Took tests which were available free of cost every now and then (E.g. Vision IAS Open Tests) and gauged my preparation. Just a few tests are enough, if one has practiced enough MCQs and has mastered the art of making “calculated guesses” (70% of Prelims GS paper has questions with NO direct answer!).Q2. Approximate no. of attempted answers vs. correct answers. in CSAT-2015attempted Q.correct (Expected)Official scoreGS9165113.34aptitudeDon’t rememberDon’t remember149.37Mains: Compulsory language paperCompulsory language paperYour preparation strategy / booklist?English paperNothingyour regional languagePractised a couple of essays a week before the exam. Familiarized myself with the question pattern using last 5 years papers.Q. other observations / tips / comments on the length / difficulty level of compulsory language papers in CSE-2015The regional language papers have become very dicey these days. There was a sudden change in the pattern of Grammar questions this year, and that meant I could not even touch 20 marks grammar in the paper. Translations have become a tad too tricky and difficult with every passing year. The paper CAN NOT be taken lightly at any cost. However, some simple revision of things learnt at school, in the last couple of weeks before Mains can suffice.Mains: EssayQ1. How did you prepare for the essay paper?I have been writing almost 600 to 800 words on an average every day for the last 5 years, courtesy my freelancing job. So I always had a natural flair for writing. Hence no preparation needed. However, my strategy for Essay was to choose topics for which a lot of current information and well accepted analysis is already available. PLANNING the essay before writing it is extremely crucial, and I spent close to 35 minutes in the exam hall planning the two essays.Q2. Which two essays did you write and What key points did you include in it?1: “Dreams which should not let Indian sleep”.Whenever I write on such broad issues, I mentally divide them into “Political” “Economic” “Environmental” “International” “Ethical” sections, just the way I have divided my ONE NOTE file. Here also I categorised India’s dreams into such sections and added lots of facts, figures (Econ Survey, 12thFYP, etc) and current examples to substantiate my points. For getting above average marks in Essay, EXAMPLES and RELEVANT facts are CRUCIAL. So, always keep such stuff ready at hand (e.g. literacy rate, latest govt. committees on sensitive issues, health indicators, etc).2: “Education without values ….. man more clever devil”.This topic had immense relevance with Ethics and Political Science. Besides, the statement is clearly stated and not much controversial stance needs to be taken. Here again, I started with examples from Ancient Greece and followed a timeline from Industrial Revolution and British exploitation in India to cyber crimes and scams of present. Substantiated using quotes of thinkers and practical arguments (e.g. wrote about how UPSC itself had added Ethics paper to emphasize on education laced with values).In both essays, I made lot of paragraphs which facilitates easy reading and gave headings and sub headings wherever necessary.General Studies (Mains) paper 1TopicHow did you prepare?CultureNCERT Cls 11 Ancient History + Nitin Singhania NotesIndian historySpectrumworld historyNorman Lewis. Used a Vision IAS pdf for revision purposes, as it expertly compressed the whole 600 pg book into a 200 pg document. Very essential for saving time, or else World History can take ages to complete. It’s very interesting, though.post-independence IndiaBipin Chandra, NCERT India After IndependenceIndian societyNCERT Sociology Cls 11, 12. But UPSC questions are mostly based on common sense. So can be skipped.role of women, poverty etc.NCERT Sociology Cls 11, 12globalization on Indian societyVision IAScommunalism, regionalism, secularismNCERT Indian After Independence, Bipin Chandraworld geo physicalG C Leong, NCERT, Mrunal videos (selective)resource distributionOne stop solution – Mrunalfactors for industrial locationMrunalearthquake tsunami etcVision IAS, NCERT Cls 11, 12impact on flora-faunaNothingGeneral studies (Mains) paper 2TopicHow Did You Prepare?Indian Constitution, devolution, dispute redressal etc.Laxmikanthcomparing Constitution with worldVision IAS (more or less skipped)parliament, state LegislaturesLaxmikanth (Static stuff not important)executive-judiciaryLaxmikanth (Static stuff not important)ministries departmentsLaxmikanth (Static stuff not important)pressure group, informal asso.Vision IAS Material + Current AffairsRepresentation of people’s actVision IAS Material (very static, so look for connected issues in current affairs – e.g. Anti Defection Law)various bodies: Constitutional, statutory..LaxmikanthNGO, SHG etc12thFYP, Vision IAS Material + Current Affairswelfare schemes, bodies12thFYP Notes (self made) + Vision Currentsocial sector, health, edu, HRD12thFYP Notes (self made) + Vision Currentgovernance, transparency, accountabilityVision IAS Material + Common Sensee-governanceVision IAS Material + Common Senserole of civil serviceVision IAS Material + Common SenseIndia & neighborsIncluded in optional subject. No separate prep. Focus should be very much on Current Affairsbilateral/global groupingIncluded in optional subject. No separate prep. Focus should be very much on Current Affairseffect of foreign country policies on Indian interestIncluded in optional subject. No separate prep. Focus should be very much on Current AffairsDiasporaVision IAS Material (4,5 pgs) + Current Affairsinternational bodies- structure mandateNothing special. Avoided the static stuff as much as possible, and focused on relevant issues in news. (E.g. I focussed on India’s entry into UNSC, and there was a Mains question on that too!)General studies (Mains) Paper 3TopicHow Did You Prepare?Indian economy, resource mobilizationNCERT Cls 12 Macro + Ramesh Singh + Mrunal Videosinclusive growth12thFYP Notes (self made) + MrunalBudgetingVision IAS (ignore static and factual content if time is at a premium).major crops, irrigationNothing special. Focussed on recent issues – e.g. fluctuating prices of Pulses; MSP issues, etc etc.agro produce – storage, marketingEconomic Survey, Vision IAS Materiale-technology for famersEconomic Survey, Vision IAS Materialfarm subsidies, MSPEconomic Survey, Vision IAS MaterialPDS, buffer, food securityEconomic Survey, Vision IAS Materialtechnology missionVision IAS Material (mostly static content, so had to rely on Current Affairs).animal rearing economicsVision IAS Materialfood processingVision IAS Materialland reformsBipin Chandra + Mrunal (very good analysis)LiberalizationMrunal Videos + Common SenseInfra12thFYP Notes (self made)investment modelsVision IAS + Current Affairs (2 new models were in news last year) + Mrunal Revision videosscience-tech day to day lifeVision IAS S&T document released in November 2015. But UPSC questions were not mainstream factual ones. Seems like the stress on opinion-based questions is going to be the trend from here-on, as far as GS III S&T is concerned.Indian achievements in sci-techSkipped. Only current affairs.awareness in IT, space, biotech, nano, IPRSkipped. Only current affairs.environmental impact assessmentShankar IAS. Static content not essential, in my opinion.Disaster ManagementVision IAS, MHA Document.non state actors, internal securityIDSA (very good website if used selectively as per syllabus). I used a pdf document available there, authored by Namrata Goswami (“India’s Internal Security Situation”)internal security – role of media, social networking siteVision IAS Material + IDSA + Current Affairscyber securityIDSA pdf + Vision IASmoney launderingIDSA pdf + Vision IASborder ManagementMHA Document + Vision IASorganized crime, terrorismFocus on Current Affairs. No need to memorize What? Who? When? Type of GK stuff. Form opinions on recent issues like money laundering.security agencies- structure mandateMore or less skipped. Only current issues needed. E.g. I focused on AFSPA as it was in news last year, and there was a question on that!General Studies 4: Ethics, Integrity, aptitudeTopicHow Did You Prepare?ethics and interface, family, society and all the hathodaa topicsLexicon + Mrunalattitude, moral influence etc.Lexicon + Mrunalcivil service: integrity, impartiality, tolerance to weak etcLexicon + Mrunalemotional intelligence, its use in governanceLexicon + Mrunalmoral thinkers of India and worldPart of Political Science (optional syllabus). No separate prep.ethics in MyP, accountability, laws, rules etc.Lexicon + Mrunalcorporate governanceLexicon + Mrunalprobity in governance, work cultureLexicon + Mrunalcitizen charter, ethics code, work culture etc.Lexicon + Mrunalchallenges of corruptionLexicon + Mrunalcase studies on above topicsLexicon + MrunalQ. Many candidates found Mains-2015 Ethics paper very peculiar and “out of the book”. What are your observations and tips for future aspirants regarding preparation of this paper?Yes, there were some awkward case studies (Dalit cook in school), and weird questions in the first part which made the paper very lengthy this time. However, I feel that good answer writing abilities can help you get “safe” marks even if the paper is not as per expectations. Besides, attempting the whole paper is also helpful in papers like 2015 Ethics, where one cannot exactly know the high scoring and low scoring answers. As I have always believed, it is better to go into the exam hall thinking that the question paper can have ANYTHING! Because it is UPSC, after all!Mains answer-writing?Please tell us how many marks worth attempt did you give? along with comments if any, in the following cells:PaperBest attemptedAverage qualitynamesake answerTotal attemptGS11082AllGS21044AllGS31361AllGS4Case StudiesThe Rest of the PaperNo ideaAllOpt-P1AllAllOpt-P2150 marks100 marks (in Section A), due to too much time spent in Section BCould not complete the last sentence in the last question! Rest fully attempted.Q. What was your approach in the exam (I wrote all, I only focused on the questions where I could answer perfectly, I just not to high quality points to reach the word limit etc.) Because the UPSC aspirant Community is divided over what counts as a ‘good’ paper. Some experts claim you should attempt all- even if it involves “making up” an answer with filler lines, some claim attempt only those questions you know perfectly. Where do you stand on this? [Based on your experience and of your seniors/buddies]I always knew that the fight for a place in the ULTIMATE PDF always happens over a narrow range of marks. Since the interview is absolutely unpredictable, Mains in all that we have to mop up the marks. And for this, EVERY SINGLE MARK must be fought for. Besides, this was my First Attempt and I did not want to leave any stone unturned. So attempting ALL questions was Priority No. 1. However, there were 3,4 questions in every paper which I used to attempt in the last 10 or 15 minutes, whereas the best ones I attempted first. I had a 6,7,7 or 7,6,7 hour-wise breakdown plan for attempting the GS papers. The wrist watch is a real game changer in the Mains exam!Q. How was your experience with the ‘fixed space’ answer sheet?Good enough. Helped me keep my answers within “reasonable limits” despite overshooting the 200 or 150 word limit.Q. Did you write answers in bullet points or in paragraphs? Some players (who cleared mains and got interview call letter) were claiming that they wrote entire paper in bullet points, so it doesn’t matter….whether examiner is asking ‘examine, comment, discuss or xyz’….simply write in bullets and points.I wrote almost 99% of the GS answers in bullet points with small intro and conclusion for most of them. However, into and conclusion is not always possible due to paucity of time. Bullet points format helped me think quicker than usual and produce answers faster.For Optional, I used the Paragraph format since Political Science is a humanities subject and answers are supposed to be written from the point of view of a specialist.Q. Did you follow the “introduction-body-conclusion” format? because some mains-qualified candidates claim they simply wrote the points they could recall within the time, instead of bothering with proper introduction and conclusion.Followed it in most of the questions in GS. Missed it when hard pressed for time. Happens when the wrist watch indicates that I am struggling to keep my hour-wise breakdown intact.Q5. Did you use highlighters / sketchpens in your answers?Nopes.Q6. Did you draw any diagram in any paper? (e.g. in GS1 Geography)Just a few here and there. Mainly in Geography (GS I). Did not have time to innovate and create diagrams elsewhere.Q7. If yes, Did you draw diagrams with pencil or pen?Pen.Q8. Did you use ruler to draw the lines in diagram? Or did you just make it by hand?By Hand. Time is very cruel to those who try fancy things.Q9. You wrote the answer in blue pen or black pen?Blue. Pilot V5. Absolutely fantastic pen, with an awesome speed.Mains Optional SubjectQ. What’s your optional subject and why did you chose it and not something else?Political Science and International Relations (PSIR). Loved International Relations since before I joined college, and was also confident about the Constitution and Indian National Movement part because a strong foundation was built during school days. Plus, I had a flair for writing and PSIR is known to be very kind to people who are creative with words and language.Q. If a new player wants to pick this subject, would you advice for it or against it? (e.g. every senior player in Public Administration seems to be advising against MyP)I would, ONLY if they are INTERESTED in it. If you go by “popularity” or “scoring potential” or “success rate” of PSIR, it might doom you to ridiculous failure. I have heard of people getting marks in 20s and 30s after attempting 250 marks paper in PSIR. So, interest and love for the subject count the MOST.Q. First the essential book/resource list. (Also mention which one is the “Base book” for covering the theory? + Whatever comments you’ve for a particular book e.g. “my seniors said read xyz book but I found that ABC book was better”. “xyz topic not given properly in this book, so prepare from xyz website or book…” OR and so on.)Paper 1 Section A – Completely static part of the syllabus. Multiple revisions of given resources helped. Besides, I DID NOT refer to too many books, to save time. Spend adequate time and you can master this section well enough.Political Ideologies (Theoretical stuff) – O.P Gauba (good for basics, but some might find the language to be a bit convoluted) + Shubhra Ranjan Madam NotesIndian Political Thought – V R Mehta + Shubhra Ranjan Madam NotesWestern Political Thought – Brian Nelson (excellent book) + Shubhra Ranjan Madam NotesPaper 1 Section B – More or less overlapped with GS I and II, but had to be read with the flavor of optional. Good command over Current Affairs can give you the edge over others in the Polity section.Indian National Movement – Bipin Chandra + Spectrum (excellent for revision) + Shubhra Ranjan Madam NotesIndian Polity – B. L. Fadia (Very selective) + Shubhra Ranjan Madam Notes + Laxmikanth (this book is anyways read by everyone for basics).Paper 2 Section A – Dynamic as well as static in some sections. Need time to fully grasp the concepts, as they can get a bit confusing at times.Comparative Politics – IGNOU MA Notes + Shubhra Ranjan Madam Notes + Andrew HeywoodSelective study from Internet for some top priority topics (E.g. WTO, UN, etc).Paper 2 Section B – More or less ALL about current affairs, with some links to static stuff. Some basic books for foundation building should be reading.Challenges and Strategies – Rajiv SikriCan the Elephant Dance? – David MaloneShubhra Ranjan Madam Notes (If you feel necessary, otherwise can be skipped for this part).RSTV Videos (India’s World)Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA) websiteVision IAS Current AffairsSelective study of certain editions of World Focus magazineQ. How much of internet-research / current affairs is necessary for this optional? OR can one simply rely on the books and be done with this subject?Necessary mostly for Paper 2 (International Relations and Comparative Politics). IR is something that takes a different colour every other day. So, books and coaching notes may be useful for getting familiarity with the subject, but rigorous focus and analysis of current affairs in international arena is necessary to score good marks in this.Q. How many months did it take to finish the core optional syllabus?Not Sure. I did a part of the syllabus way before Prelims 2015, and a part of it afterwards. Besides, there is a lot of overlap between GS and PSIR syllabus. However, I think 2 to 3 months of focused study is necessary for completing the first round of the syllabus. Marks and performance, however, shall depend on how well and how many times you revise thereafter (I did 3 to 4 revisions of the whole syllabus before going for Mains. With every successive revision, the speed improves for the next one!)Q. How many days/ weeks before the exam, you started answer writing practice?Writing has been my part time profession for quite some time. Hence, was not worried about my writing abilities despite 2015 being my 1stattempt. However, it is essential to get into the Mains answer writing mode atleast 2 months in advance. I started taking Mock Tests 2 days after Prelims results were declared, i.e. from 15thOctober, 2015 onwards.Q. Do you maintain self-notes for revision of optional? In which format- electronic or paper?Mostly SR madam notes. But added some of my own handwritten notes to it. For those parts of the syllabus which were overlapping with GS, I used consolidated notes in my One Note file (e.g. International Relations).Q. Your observation about the difficultly level of 2015 mains vs previous papers. And what precautions / rectifications are necessary in the future strategy for given optional subject?It was easier than the previous years. However, the marking and the scaling seems to have been proportionately stricter. And the PSIR average performance in 2015 has not been good enough. However, marks in most optional subjects have seen some dip this year.Before the interviewQ1. How did you prepare for the interview? – for college grad, hobbies, place of origin, current affairs at national and international level?Never took much stress since I believed that cramming too much information into my head before the interview can be a recipe for stress. Hence had some light dosage of current affairs (especially international relations), hobbies (when? Why? How? Type of questions) and brushed up basic knowledge related to home town, state, school, etc. More or less skipped the college graduation subject since I did not want to waste time reading something I hardly bothered to understand in the last 4 years. And this paid off since the interview board did not grill me on Chemical Engineering (my nemesis!).Q2. Did you attend any mock interviews by coaching classes? How were they similar / different than official interview? Do you believe it is necessary to attend such mock interviews?Yes. I attended 2 mock interviews in Kolkata. It is important to get a feel of how things are going to be during the actual interview, and a couple of mocks are helpful in that case. However, quality of questions and state of mind are highly different in mocks and UPSC interview. There is no need to take more than 3 mocks, if your interview date is very early after Mains results.Q3. Where did you stay for the interview? (Hotel / friend’s home …) and what books/material did you bring for the ‘revision before interview’?Damodar Valley Corporation Guest House near Safdarjung Hospital. On the night before the interview it is important to stay cool and not think too much about the ominous ‘tomorrow’. I watched the ICC World T20 which was going on at that time. Stress reliever! And as far as revision is concerned, just googled a few cricket related terms (chinaman, reverse swing, etc) since my DAF was loaded with Cricket.Q4. Any words of wisdom about Medical checkup?You cannot have food in the morning that day. Always carry a packet of biscuits or some dry foodstuff which you can eat immediately after some of the first few tests. Otherwise, you might have to go hungry for 8 hours at a stretch until the check up is complete! And yes, wear glasses and carry the prescription if you have any near/far eyesight issues.Q5. Describe the formal-dress worn by you in interview.Light blue shirt (full sleeve), formal trousers. NO TIE; NO SUIT. You can radiate enough confidence in even the simplest of formal attire.During the interviewQ1. Who was the chairman of you interview board?Mr. D.K. DeewanQ2. How long was the interview?Around 30 to 35 minutes (may not be precise).Q3. Why do you want to join civil service? Why don’t you continue in your graduation field? Social service can be done from private sector too. [Since I don’t know whether they ask you this question or not. But if they had asked- what will be your reply?]This question was not asked. I was never interested in my graduation field, to be honest. And hence had no hesitation while going for UPSC right after graduation. The charm of civil services was inescapable, right since my school days.Q4. Please narrate your entire interview- what questions did they ask and what did you reply and other pleasant or uncomfortable experiences during the interview. (Earlier some toppers only tell me their question but not their answer. I would appreciate if you give both Question + your original answers)Date – 17.03.2016Board Chairman – Mr D K DeewanChairman1. What is the distance between Kolkata and Delhi? (Answered approximately, but said not sure)2. What would you do if you have to find the distance between Kolkata and Delhi, sitting in this room?Ans – 1. I would check the ticket. He says, no you dont have it here.2. I would check the internet. He says, no you dont have internet also.3. Try and find distance between the two cities and some known points and then add them together. He says, it is v difficult sitting in this room.4. I would try and ask you, since you might be having the answer. Chairman blushed, smiled and said, no you have to answer by thinking. You can not ask the other person in the room.I said Sorry Sir, can't think of anything else. He says use Dist = Speed * Time formula. I said i was not sure about average speed. He says You should know the speed of Indian Railways. (I was a little surprised!)3. Asked about 'Why India had missions abroad?' I answered from the context of diplomatic missions, but i think he was also looking for peacekeeping missions, may be. I missed that.Switched to second member. (M1)1. Questions on geopolitics – answered.2. Why USA and Australia do not have same global clout despite similar geographies? I said Resources, Population, Leadership and Evolution through the years were highly different. So, he asks me whether USA and Russia (dont remember whether he said Russia or USSR) are comparable. I said, Yes they were comparable at some point of time, but Russia lost out in the race due to wrong choices and rigidity in governance.3. Questions on multiculturalism – 3 countries which are multicultural; 3 which are not. Answered. (He seemed satisfied)Next member (M2)(For some very unfortunate reason, I had to drop the plan of wearing a tie at the last moment)1. Why are you not wearing a tie? Everyone seems to be wearing it.I was expecting this, and replied by saying that I have never used a tie, and have also not worked anywhere in any capacity that would have necessitated my using it. So, i decided to keep it simple and not take a risk with something that i am not accustomed with on the BIG day.2. What would you say if someone walks into the room wearing a 'lungi'? (I had in mind the 'lungi' that rural folk in Bengal wear as informal dress, and so said that it would not be appropriate).He says, “Why? .. P.Chidambaram wears it everywhere”. I was a bit surprised and pointed out that for South Indians, lungi is a formal dress and a part of their tradition. He asked another question on Lungi, but i said “Sorry Sir, I have not met or interacted with anyone wearing a lungi, so i am unable to comment on the various dimensions of the dress”. He gets startled and says "Oh! You have never been to South India!" Then M3 points out "He is very young. How old are you exactly?" Then the Lungi tirade finally stopped.3. Questions about St.Francis Xavier(school related question). Which Church? What is the difference between Catholic and Protestant Church. Answered correctly.4. Some vague question on how industrial revolution in England and France were differentiated by choice of Church! He quoted Max Weber here. I said Sorry Sir, unable to comment.5. How much do you know about Chemical Engg? I said i know some basics, but not entirely confident about it. M3 suddenly asks, with a smile, "But JU is a world class university". I also smiled, and was about to reply to this, when suddenly M1 started with next question.6. What is Charles Law, Boyle's Law? What is Absolute Zero and its significance. (Answered more or less correctly, even though could not properly explain the significance part).M31. You write letters to newspapers(DAF). Why and on what issues? Explained well and said that i have been doing this since a very young age.2. Are you worried about the student agitation in JU? I said no, its mostly the chaos created by the fringe elements that gets portrayed as something being endorsed by everyone. In reality, the atmosphere in the college is constructive and democratic with enough scope for free flow of ideas and information. He smiles and says "So, you are saying Golden Mean is the Golden Rule"(something of that nature). I smiled and said Yes.Suddenly Chairman intervenes1. Why did you not write those letters directly to concerned department? ( I had earlier mentioned that one of my letters was centered on a 18-hour long power cut in a district hospital).I answered, i was very young back then, and did not have the proper resources to report such issues directly to the concerned department. But that i do try and take that route for certain issues at present. I was about to explain the context of that particular letter on Power Cut, when M4 starts out of nowhere.M41. Which is the worst Chem Engg disaster in India? (Answered Bhopal Gas Tragedy)2. Do u think the victims have got the justice they deserve? (I said No)He then starts with a very long lecture on how our courts have a habit of letting accused go scot free, and asks me whether this is 'inbuilt' in our judiciary. I pointed out that there are certain problems in our judicial system (pointed out the obvious ones) and that aberrations are there, but nothing like that is 'inbuilt' in the system.3. What improvements are needed in judiciary. Points out that collegium system is not working.Answer – Need more transparency in appointments, the way it is for Civil Services, where even a common man can understand the recruitment process and see the credentials of those being recruited. Judicial appointments are opaque and can be improved upon. Also pointed out problems with lower courts, and how Supreme Court alone can not handle everything. Also mentioned that critical review of judgments delivered by courts (atleast the higher judiciary) is needed, just the way there is Law Review in USA.Here Chairman intervenes, and asks should we blindly copy anything which appears good somewhere? I said, No but we can use such ideas and make sure that they are appropriately adjusted for our specific context. He nods and says 'Yes, we should see the bigger picture'.There was another question from Chairman, but i don't remember when exactly he had asked it. Question – What is Yellow Journalism? (answered)The End. (approx 30-35 minutes, but may have been longer or shorter)Even though i was stumped on a couple of occasions, I felt good during the interview, and had a smile on my face. Never felt stressed out.Q5. Was your interview on the expected lines of what you had prepared or did they ask you totally unexpected questions? Was it a stress interview, did they ask any uncomfortable questions? If yes, how did you handle it?It was not a stress interview, but as people say, Mr Deewan’s board always comes up with strange interviews. Mine too was a bit weird at times, as can be made out from the transcript. A soothing smile on the face and steadiness in body language can help ward off uncomfortable situations.Q6. Any side details about technicalities like “make sure you bring xyz document or do xyz thing, or you’ll face problem”?All details will be given along with Interview call letter. Nothing to worry, UPSC is very lenient in some of these things too.Q7. Any word of wisdom / observations about medical checkup?Check your weight 2 to 3 weeks before the D Day. Shed some weight if you have to. If they mark you overweight (calculated using BMI figures), then a hectic process of re-examination can really get frustrating. I was not overweight, but still shed around 4 kilos before check up to stay in the ‘Normal BMI’ range. A gazette notification states all the Tests that are to be done during Medical. Look for it on the internet. There is a good post in Mrunal too, about the medical check up.CSE-2015 MarksheetQ1. Please attach both prelim and final marksheetCSE 2015 mark sheet-Prelims mark sheet-SubjectMarks obtainedPaper 1113.34Paper 2149.37Mains mark sheet-SubjectMarks obtainedEssay – Paper-1135General Studies – Paper 283General Studies – Paper 381General Studies – Paper 4107General Studies – Paper 589Optional Paper – Paper-1122Optional Paper – Paper-2112Written total729Personality Test160Final Total889Q2. After looking at the marksheet, suppose you had to prepare again next time, what changes will you make in your studies?Better preparation for Optional Paper 2 (I was not thorough with Comparative Politics section this time).More answer writing practice, and better coverage of static syllabus in GS I.More comprehensive GS prep for Prelims is needed to beat the heat of ever increasing competition.May be, use a tie/suit in the next interview!Career BackupQ1. If you were not selected, what was your career backup plan?Some peaceful job in banking/insurance sector or SSC CGL. Was confident about clearing some decent exam very soon.Q2. When were you going to “execute” that backup plan? (e.g. after __ failed attempts/ after I cross __ age/after dad retires/ after girlfriend dumps me etc.)Anytime. I had already appeared for a selected few exams like CGL and RBI Gr B in 2015 and IRDA JO, LIC AAO in 2016. Was going to write NABARD, GIC and UIIC prelims in May-June 2016 if UPSC results were not positive. Almighty God, however, had different plans for me. I feel that if one is comfortable with UPSC syllabus after 1 or 2 attempts, he/she should take a light job and continue preparing. This reduces the constant headache of being unemployed.Views on UPSC reformsQ. Optional subjects should be removed altogether. The present stalemate is helping no-one, except coaching-owners, book publishers.YES. ABSOLUTELY. Gives a lot of advantage to people with backgrounds in those subjects. Also, not all graduation subjects in India are there in the Optional list. So, these 2 papers should be scrapped and some useful addition can be made to the GS syllabus, like the way it was done in 2013. This can make the exam open to all.Q. Your views on the decision to make CSAT paper 33% qualifying?Not desirable. Atleast some weightage should be attached to the CSAT paper like GS : CSAT = 60:40. Besides, as the results indicate, this move has not helped the CSAT haters qualification chances to any extent.Q. Despite what UPSC has done in recent years, it has failed to curb the nuisance of Delhi’s coaching factories. In fact it’s increased under the new Mains-syllabus in 2015. Let’s face it, most candidates who gave Mains-2015 have relied on (authentic OR Xeroxed) coaching notes because there was hardly any time left to prepare so many topics in such short time. This system work against an individual preparing from far-away area, without any financial resources, high-speed internet or contacts in Delhi.I personally prepared at home, which is in a small town named Durgapur, almost 1600 kms from Delhi! And I did not rely on coaching notes for GS papers in any way. However, for Optional subjects the coaching notes become necessary (and those were indeed very helpful in my case!). Hence I suggested the complete removal of optional. However, the availability of Internet has created a better atmosphere for aspirants from far off regions, who no longer need to feel isolated. Besides, there are awesome people like you who help aspirants better than any coaching institute ever can!Q. Half-merger of IFoS with CSE is a bad move because it has raised the cutoffs for players who’re solely dedicated to IFoS only (and not to IAS/IPS). Adding salt to the wounds, many who had applied for both jobs, cleared the prelims- they did not even bother to appear in all the papers of Mains-IFoS. (atleast that was the scene in 2013).Yes this should not happen. Some people who are interested only in CSE apply for IFoS just for fun. The two Prelims exams should be clearly demarcated, as their structures differ considerably.Q. UPSC should disclose official prelim answer key and cutoffs, immediately after prelim is over, instead of postponing it till interview phase is over.YES, absolutely. No point creating a situation where even the serious aspirants lose so much time choosing among answer keys of different coaching institutes (which are rarely 100% accurate).Q. UPSC should be conducted online like IBPS and CAT exam to shorten the duration of exam.Prelims may be conducted online, but I do not think there is any scope of doing that for Mains. The paper format of Prelims, however, is pretty smooth for now.Q. If you are made the UPSC chairman, what other reforms would you initiate for the civil service exam?(1) Remove optional.(2) Make Interview marking more rational by using atleast 2 boards.(3) Slightly reduce the weightage of interview in total marks.(4) Release Prelims answer keys a few days after the exam.(5) Shortening the whole exam process as much as rationally possible.Insecurity about profileQ. Many candidates prepare sincerely but constantly live under fear about ‘profile insecurity’. I’m not from a big college, I’m not from English medium, and I don’t have work-experience. What if they ask some stressful questions in the interview about this? Did you suffer from such insecurities? What is your message to these candidates?I had pathetic scores in Class 12 Board and Graduation. This was despite the fact that I used to be a topper at school. However, it was my firm belief that the best things in my life can happen irrespective of any ‘marks/profile’. I am a fresh graduate with ZERO work experience and do not have the luxury of having an IIT or DU ‘tag’ in my education history. And yet, I qualified in my 1stattempt. That’s because I believed I could.In UPSC, especially, things like marks and profile mean almost nothing. For those who know about Kung Fu Panda – “There is no special ingredient. It’s just YOU”.WisdomQ. Through this struggle and success, what have your learned? What is the wisdom of life and competition? What is your message to the new aspirants?Fear is a good thing at times (ask Bruce Wayne, aka Batman). However, anxiety is not good. Spend as much time as you want before you jump into the UPSC fray. Plan, think, extrapolate, etc to see whether you can find the right balance between risks and rewards in appearing for this exam. I took almost 2 months to come to this decision. However, once decided, be ready to face the uncertain world of UPSC. Have the hunger to succeed, but do not be too scared of failure. Give your best, but be prepared to face the worst. And yes, even though it is UPSC, try and leave nothing to FATE or LUCK. Smart and hard work is helpful in negotiating these two elements.Q. Many hardworking candidates have failed in Mains/Interview of CSE-2015. They’re feeling cynical, hopeless and depressed- what is your message to them?I know a thing or two about failure, having failed in too many things (exams, friendships, relationships, etc) in the last 6 years. Try reading quality books (e.g. The Goal by E. Goldratt) or watch some brilliant movies (The Pursuit of Happyness) to keep your chin up. I used to watch inspirational Youtube videos every now and then. The saying goes like this – “The toughest man to beat is one who can laugh at his own mistakes”.My failures in the last few years strengthened to me an extent that I crossed the UPSC hurdle in my 1stattempt, while preparing at home. See, failures do help you succeed later on. Keep going!Credit: Friends/familyQ. Behind every topper are many people who stood by during those uncertain times when he/she was merely an ‘aspirant’. Would you like to tell the world, who were those people in your case? Any specific incidence that you would like to share with the readers?My parents. My younger brother. A few close relatives. A couple of friends. The rest of the world did not even know what I was doing since graduation (‘Lagta hai isko koi naukri nahi mila’, they believed!).BOGUS Marketing PropagandaQ. You are well aware of the sacred rule of conducting toppers interview- the last question must be about self-marketing. So, Did you use http://Mrunal.org for your preparation and if yes, how did it help you? And you can even reply “No”. I’ll still publish your answer without tempering.Youtube lectures on Economy are absolutely WONDERFUL. Such free stuff is very precious to us who are doing self preparation. Besides, I took the baby steps in the formal preparation for CSE, way back in December 2014, by exploring Mrunal’s website. I am lucky that I had come across your work even before I started prep. Made a LOT of difference to my LIFE. Just keep going. Do not stop. It’s a brilliant site.