UPSC exam and its strategy
UPSC exam and its strategy
Introduction:
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is one of the most prestigious examinations conducted in India. Every year, lakhs of students appear for this examination to secure a coveted position in the civil services of the country. The exam is conducted in three stages – Preliminary, Mains and Interview – and requires a rigorous preparation strategy. In this essay, we will discuss the different aspects of UPSC preparation, including the exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy and tips to crack the examination.
Exam Pattern:
The UPSC exam is conducted in three stages:
2. Mains Exam – The Mains exam is a descriptive type test consisting of nine papers. Out of these nine papers, two are qualifying papers – one in any Indian language and the other in English. The remaining seven papers are evaluated for merit. These papers include four General Studies papers, two Optional papers and one Essay paper. The duration of each paper is three hours.
3. Interview – Candidates who qualify the Mains examination are called for an interview. The interview carries 275 marks.
Syllabus:
The syllabus for the UPSC exam is vast and covers a wide range of topics. The following is a brief overview of the syllabus:
1. Preliminary Exam – The GS paper in the Preliminary exam covers the following topics:
- Current events of national and international importance
- History of India and Indian National Movement
- Indian and World Geography
- Indian Polity and Governance
- Economic and Social Development
- General Science
The CSAT paper tests the aptitude of the candidate and includes topics like comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving.
2. Mains Exam – The Mains exam covers the following topics:
- Qualifying Papers – One Indian language and English
- Essay
- General Studies Paper I – Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society
- General Studies Paper II – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations
- General Studies Paper III – Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management
- General Studies Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude
- Optional Papers – Candidates can choose one subject from a list of optional papers. Some of the popular optional papers include History, Geography, Sociology, Public Administration, Political Science and International Relations.
Preparation Strategy:
The UPSC exam is one of the toughest exams in India, and it requires a smart and strategic preparation plan. The following are some tips that can help you prepare for the exam:
1. Understand the Syllabus – The first step in preparing for the UPSC exam is to understand the syllabus thoroughly. Go through the syllabus of each stage of the exam and make a list of the topics that you need to cover.
2. Create a Study Plan – Once you have understood the syllabus, create a study plan that includes all the topics that you need to cover. Set realistic targets and allocate time for each subject.
3. Refer to Good Study Material – UPSC preparation requires extensive reading and research. Refer to good study material and books recommended by experts.
4. Make Notes – Making notes is an effective way to retain information. Jot down important points, keywords and concepts while reading.
5. Practice Previous Year Papers – Practising previous year papers is an effective way to understand the exam pattern and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
6. Take Mock Tests – Taking mock tests is essential to assess your preparation level
The Mains examination of UPSC is the most important stage of the exam as it is the key to get shortlisted for the interview round. It consists of nine papers, out of which two are qualifying in nature, while the other seven are evaluated for merit. The qualifying papers include one Indian language and English. The other seven papers include one essay, four general studies papers, two optional papers, and a personality test. The syllabus of the Mains examination is vast and covers a wide range of topics.
Here's a detailed syllabus for each paper of the Mains examination:
1. Essay Paper – This paper aims to assess the candidate's writing skills and the ability to express his/her ideas in a clear and coherent manner. Topics are usually from current affairs and contemporary social, economic and political issues.
2. General Studies Paper I – This paper covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World, and Society. The syllabus includes topics like Indian art, architecture, literature, and culture, world history, Indian freedom struggle, post-independence consolidation and reorganization, salient features of Indian society, diversity of India, and globalization and its impact on Indian society.
3. General Studies Paper II – This paper covers Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations. The syllabus includes topics like Indian Constitution, functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, Parliament and State Legislatures, separation of powers, electoral system, political parties and pressure groups, social justice, human rights issues, and international relations.
4. General Studies Paper III – This paper covers Technology, Economic Development, Bio-Diversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management. The syllabus includes topics like Indian economy, agriculture, industry, infrastructure, science and technology, biodiversity, ecology, climate change, internal security, disaster management, and security challenges and their management in border areas.
5. General Studies Paper IV – This paper covers Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude. The syllabus includes topics like ethics and human interface, attitude, emotional intelligence, public/civil service values and ethics, accountability and ethical governance, and probity in governance.
6. Optional Papers – Candidates can choose one subject from a list of optional papers. The syllabus for each optional paper is different, but it is usually at the level of a Bachelor's degree in the relevant subject. The list of optional papers includes History, Geography, Sociology, Public Administration, Political Science, Anthropology, Philosophy, Psychology, and many others.
The Mains examination syllabus is vast, and it is essential to prioritize your preparation based on the weightage of each topic in the examination. Some topics are more important than others, and it is essential to focus on them accordingly. Here are some tips to prioritize your preparation for the Mains examination:
1. Analyze Previous Year Papers – Analyzing the previous year's papers can give you an idea about the weightage of each topic in the examination. It can help you identify the important topics and prioritize your preparation accordingly.
2. Refer to the Syllabus – It is essential to refer to the syllabus and understand the topics that are included in each paper. Make a list of the important topics and prioritize your preparation accordingly.
3. Focus on Current Affairs – Current affairs play a vital role in the Mains examination. It is essential to stay updated with the latest news and events and prepare accordingly.
4. Strengthen Your Optional Paper – The optional paper carries a significant weightage in the Mains examination. It is essential to focus on your optional paper and prepare it thoroughly.
5. Practice Answer Writing – Answer writing is the key to success in the Mains examination. It is essential to practice answer writing regularly and develop the skill of expressing your ideas clearly and coherently
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