How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services Mains Paper-III (GS-2)
Designing Suitable GS Paper 2 Preparation Strategy
Before you start reading ahead regarding the GS paper 2 preparation strategy, you need to first look into the examination instructions. The success mantra for the IAS examination arises from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
instructions –
The questions must test the candidate and his basic understanding of the issues. Similarly, the examination must test the candidate’s ability to analyze the issue. Moreover, the candidate must be able to answer conflicting viewpoints.
For this, topics like –
- Socio-economic goals
- Objectives
- Demand
The candidate must be able to give relevant and meaningful answers. Therefore, the sentence is the guiding light for the IAS aspirants. As a result, one must not be able to master the same. However, the candidate must be able to analyze and possess a basic understanding of the issue. It is important to note that such understanding comes from repeated reading of the information. This is the result of constant reading and writing practice. To gain a better insight into the process, you need to have good reading and writing practice.
Two fundamental aspects of GS paper 2 preparation strategy
There are two major aspects of the GS paper 2 preparation strategy
- Understanding of the topics and writing them
- Keep a copy of the syllabus near you.
This is important to get a deeper understanding of the problem. Also, keeping the syllabus handy will bring good results for you in the long run.
Ideal GS Paper 2 Preparation Strategy
If you are already familiar with the syllabus for General Studies examination then you need to focus on the GS paper 2 preparation strategy. For this, you need to focus on the important aspects of the examination
The broader syllabus of GS paper 2 is as follows
- Governance
- Polity
- Social justice
- International relations
- Constitution Before you start GS paper 2 preparation strategy, you need to firstly focus on following subject books for the best results
- NCERT textbook for class – XI – Indian Constitution at Work
- NCERT textbook for class – X – Democratic Politics
- NCERT textbook for class -XII – Political Science II
Topic 1
Indian Constitution – Read the following aspects
- Historical evolution
- Features
- Underpinnings
- Latest amendments
- Basic structure
- Significant provisions
- Introduction to Constitution of India – Book by D. D. Basu (Focus on the first five chapters)
Topic 2
Functions, responsibilities, and role of the Union of India.Also, the states and their responsibility.
Further, you need to address the following points:
- Issues and challenges of Federal structure
- Devolution of the powers
- Devolution of finances at local levels
- Challenges of the above subject
- Report of the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commissions. Also called as the organizational structure of Government of India (13th report)
- Indian Polity – Book by Laxmikanth (Refer to the updated edition and chapters 12, 13, 14 and even chapter no 30) It is important to remember that the Mains Examination demands a basic understanding of the situation. Also, use your critical and analytical skills to answer the questions on the above-mentioned topics. So, to relate the concepts to current events, write small versions of these articles. Likewise, the ARC report will help you greatly in the long run.
Topic 3
Separation of Powers between various social organizations, dispute settlement machinery and institutions
Basics – Public Grievance and redressal systems
One needs to focus on topics like – Judiciary and Executive. Also, try to answer the questions like –
- Dynamic topics related to the fact
- Constitutional provisions
- Redressal mechanism and Constitutional Rights
- Checks and balances of the same by the Constitution of India
- Left-Wing Extremist organizations
- Regional disparities
- Land and water-related factors
- Scheduled caste and Tribes and their issues
- Religious issues and conflicts
- North-East issues and conflicts
- Mechanism and machinery of dispute settlement Furthermore, scan the current events. Also, focus on topics like conflicts between statutory bodies and constitutional rights.
- Introduction to the Constitution of India – Book by D. D. Basu
- Books from Laxmikanth
Topic 4
Comparison between the Indian Constitution and that of other countries.
Recommended books and reading material –
- Select Constitutions of the World – Book by S. Chand publications. This is a book for law students.
- Classic on the Indian Constitution – Book by D. D. Basu
- Constitution of India – Shorter versions are also effective Also, focus on the online links –
- Constitution around the world
- Difference between US and EU Constitution
- Evolution of Indian Constitutions
- Basics of new Constitution and reforms
- Focus on the reforms made by Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Pakistan Special emphasis should be placed on the recent developments of these nations
Topic 5
Parliament and state legislature
- Structure
- Conduct of business
- Functions of these institutions
- Issues arising from the above subject
- Power and privileges
- Our Parliament Book by SubhashKashyap
- We recommend you this single book itself. This is because Mr. SubhashKashyp has been associated with Parliament. His long career growth is reflected in the book. This book presents a clear idea of the Parliament and its functions.
- Further, one needs to have detailed information about the Parliament and its aspects. Moreover, the book is highly affordable. The book is very interesting to read and has interesting insights into the Parliament and its various processes.
Topic 6
One needs to focus on GS paper 2 preparation strategy for topics like
- Structure of Indian Parliamentary machine
- The functioning of the various machinery
- Organization of Executive and Judiciary
- Functions of Ministries and Government departments
- Formal and informal associations
- Role of Pressure groups
- Role of all above in Indian Polity
- Union Executive
- Supreme Court of India
- Parliament of India
- State executives and their functions
- State legislation and their functions
- Local government – Rural and Urban
- Pressure Groups
- High Court
- Subordinate Courts
- The book by Laxmikanth is sufficient for the same.
- Functions of Ministries and Government departments
- Formal and informal associations
- Role of Pressure groups
- Role of all above in Indian Polity
- Conflict with the government
- Such should be read in-depth by the IAS aspirant.
Topic 7
One needs to focus on GS paper 2 preparation strategy for topics like –
- Salient features of Acts like – Representation of the people’s Act. For this, read the article on the topic by YogendraYadav from the internet
- Office of profit bills
- Electoral reforms in India
- Anti-defection Bill
- Supreme Court rulings
- Disqualification of MPs and MLAs
- Disqualification of elected representatives with criminal past
- Any other information related to the above subject
Topic 8 and 9
One must focus on topics like
- Constitutional posts
- Functions
- Quasi-Judicial bodies
- Statutory compliance
- Regulatory affairs
- Powers and responsibilities of constitutional bodies
- The book by Laxmikanth is sufficient for the same. For this focus on Part VII to IX for the best results. These chapters optimally cover the topics.
- Public Institutions in India -Performance and Design. Book by – PratapBhanu Mehta. Publisher – Oxford University Press However, the syllabus has created rise to issues like
- Political appointments
- Political interference
- Appointments to various government and non-government posts
- Selection of EC, CBI, CAG, SC, and Lokpal Important note – One needs to focus on the GS paper 2 preparation strategy from an analytical perspective. The above books cover the analytical aspects of the performance and adaptation of the major Indian institutions. These further analyze the governance Institutions and their role in democracy and polity.
Topic 10
- Understanding government policies.
- Intervention for development
- Dependence of various sectors
- Issues from the design and development of the nation
- Issues in implementation of the plan
- Public Institutions in India -Performance and Design. Book by – PratapBhanu Mehta. Publisher – Oxford University Press
- Economic Survey of India.
- PIB website for detailed information on government policies
Topic 11
One needs to focus on GS paper 2 preparation strategy for topics like –
- Development processes
- Development industry
- Role of NGO
- Development of SHG
- Development of donors, charities and other stakeholders
- Charities
- Role in the development plans
- Industry development of UN and charitable Institutes
- Planning commission published articles
- The process helps to give insight into the success factors of the SHG in India. It may also cause the failure of the process. Growth and development of NGO in India
Topic 12
- Welfare schemes
- Details of vulnerable sections of society
- Performance of Central and state
- Mechanism of laws and regulations
- Institutes and bodies designed for protection
- Betterment of vulnerable sections
- Ministry of Women and Child welfare
- Ministry of Rural Development
- Ministry of Social Justice
- Ministry of Tribal affairs
- List of state and central government schemes
- Refer to the government of India departments
- Refer to the above Governance websites
Topic 13 and 14
Read on the following issues –
- Issues of development
- Problems related to management
- Social issues
- Services like health, education and Human resources – associated issues
- Poverty line controversy
- Report on malnutrition (HungMa report)
- Poverty alleviation schemes
- Food security issues
- PDS Reforms
- Problems of poverty and hunger
- Aspects of Governance
- Issues related to transparency and accountability
- Citizens Charters
- Accountability of institutions Other issues associated with the above
- E-Governance
- Issues, success, limitations and potential
- Promoting E-Governance – The smart way forward
- E-Governance: Concept and significance. The same is published by IGNOU
Topic 15
One needs to focus on GS paper 2 preparation strategy for topics like –
Article on 2nd ARC site and report on the topic
- Importance of civil services in a democracy
- International relations
Article on 2nd ARC site and report on the topic
- Refurbishing of personnel administration (Read chapters from 10th report)
Topic 16
India and neighborhood relationship
Read on the following points
- India and neighbouring nations
- India and Pakistan
- India and Afghanistan
- India and Nepal
- India and Bangladesh
- India and Bhutan
- India and Sri-Lanka
- India and China
- India and Myanmar
- India and Maldives
- Refer to the Ministry of External Affairs
- Challenges and Strategy – Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy – Book by Rajiv Sikri
Topic 17
One needs to focus on GS paper 2 preparation strategy for topics like –
- Bilateral
- Regional grouping
- Global issues
- Agreement involving India
- Factors affecting Indian interest
- USA
- UK
- Brazil
- Japan
- Russia
- Australia
- EU
- SA
- ASEAN regional forum
- Asia – Europe Meeting May 2013
- BRICS Summit
- G- 20 summit
- India and African Union relation
- India and European Union relation
Topic 18 and 19
One needs to focus on GS paper 2 preparation strategy for topics like –
- Effect of policies
- Politics of development and developing countries
- Focus on Indian Interest
- Look into Indian diaspora
- Effect of globalization
- Domestic policies
- Policies of developed countries
- Domestic policies and their effect
- WTO and its policies
- Focus on the UK, USA, and similar nations
- War against terrorism
- Immigration policies
- Economic policies and development
- Contribution to India
- India’s contribution to above-mentioned Topic
- Problems of residing in foreign countries
- Rights of International citizens
- Constitutional rights and remedies
- Statutory provisions
- Participation in Democracy
- Role in Indian Economy
Topic 20
Similarly, an aspirant needs to focus on GS paper 2 preparation strategy for topics like
- International relations
- International Institutions
- Focus on Indian Interest
- Look into Indian diaspora
- Effect of globalization
- Trade agencies
- Structure and mandate of International bodies
- UNO and the associated bodies
- Agencies and their structure
- Role of UN bodies
- Reforms and relevance<
- APEC
- ASEAN
- ADB
- OECD
- NATO
- Introduction to the Constitution of India
- Select Constitutions – S. Chand publications
- Challenges and Strategy – Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy. Book by – Rajiv Sikri
- Indian Polity for Indian Civil Services Examinations – Laxmikanth
- Public Institutions in India – Performance and Design. Book by PratapBhanu Mehta.
- Indian Constitution – Cornerstone of a Nation – Review
- Working a Democratic Constitution – A history of Indian Experience
- Read fewer books
- Revise more
- Analyze and relate more
- Take a break from a busy schedule to enjoy more
- Moreover, you need to be highly focused on current events. These issues and their revision plays an important role. This further helps in acquiring key learning and analytical skills. Likewise, it is a crucial aspect of the IAS exam preparation.