IAS Exam is considered to be the toughest possible examination in India. However, if a candidate is dedicated enough, adopts the best strategies, guidance programs plus study materials then self-study is sufficient to get by the IAS exam.
Below are a few IAS study tips and tricks which an applicant can adopt to get high marks in the final stages of the same:
Mock test papers for IAS examination preparation
Mock Test is an important part of IAS preparations for Topper candidates. By studying the Mock examinations you get an opportunity to know your mistakes and the field where you require understanding.
Writing mock examinations not only benefits you to improve your IAS preparation but likewise aids to increase your rate to answer the exam in the future. There is forever a crisis of time in IAS Mains exams. Hence, one has to be extremely quick in writing topics. Mock test articles help in improving the agility of mind to make forecasts.
It is of prime significance to choose only prescribed books and the best study material for IAS examinations. Also, NCERT textbooks are constantly recommended furthermore are viewed as a must-read by specialists as well as Toppers.
These are important as they clear up difficulties at a basic level and support applicants in getting higher marks at IAS Mains Examinations. Although, there are numerous publications ready for IAS in the book store yet one requires choosing only the most beneficial out of them plus planning for simply a few most desirable ones.
Even though the nature of topics proposed in UPSC Prelims plus Mains examinations is complex, yet there are also several areas wherever one can find an amazing variety of connections in the subjects. For example – In IAS GS – Paper I, an excellent approach hints at including both IAS GS Mains and Prelims outline in detail. First, this gives the idea of clarity regarding all important topics. Sound understanding of common and uncommon fields in the IAS Syllabus of both the General Studies (for Prelims and Mains Examinations) surely gives you higher marks than others.
All you require to prepare is the basics of the examination. This must be done to handle your time in a style that you can easily include your selected syllabus and take fitting rest-time along with sleep at the corresponding time.Distribute free time according to the parts you have to meet. One needs to note that you do not need too many titles or notes to fully go through the process but only a limited number of excellent publications.Also, a broad knowledge of the study material is needed. It is significant for a pupil to get decent rest moreover sleep. Your brain requires both breaks and rest to run on complete force again.
We will discuss the effective strategy to prepare for the UPSC IAS examinations. Also, we will discuss the best strategy for UPSC CSE Mains Examination paper – IV. This is commonly called as the IAS Mains –GS 3.
UPSC IAS Examination has undergone significant changes. The changes are observed both in pattern and outline of the examination.
Moreover, the Commission conducts 4 Exam papers of the subject General Studies. Apart from this, there is one Essay format based exam.
Another significant examination of the optional subject is added to the same. Hence, there is a total of 6 examination papers.
Before we discuss the GS paper 3 preparation strategy, we firstly discuss the exam pattern –
Union Public Service Commission or UPSC takes the IAS examination based on the following points –
- Questions of IAS examination are designed to check the basic understanding of the candidate
- Likewise, the UPSC to test the ability of the candidate to analyze the situation. It appreciates candidates to present their views on the subject.
- Moreover, the Commission evaluates the understanding of socio-economic goals, demands, and objectives.
- As a result, the candidate is expected to deliver meaningful answers. Also, the same should be relevant and succinct. Keeping in light of the above subject, start your IAS examination preparation in this pattern. You do not need to have to master the subjects. It is necessary to however have a basic understanding of the matter. The Commission also appreciates candidates who can analyze the situation. Therefore, the ideal strategy for such a case is taking a huge number of mock tests and interviews. If you have joined a coaching institute for IAS, you still need to do extra work to get the best results. The key to success is a regular practice.
- Technology
- Biodiversity
- Economic Development
- Environment
- Security
- Disaster Management It must be noted that the examination covers the earlier pattern of General Studies paper 2 of the older pattern. However, it lacks the topics like – International relations and Statistics
To get familiar with the GS paper 3 preparation strategy, you need to first read the syllabus of the same. Similarly, get familiar with the major topics and sub-topics of the subject.The syllabus and important topics should be there in your memory. Keep a copy of the syllabus with you to get a better understanding of the situation.When you start with the GS paper 3 preparation, you need to have a good idea about the important aspects of the examination. For this, read the following points –
Topic 1
- Indian Economy
- Issues of planning
- Resource mobilization and its problems
- Growth and development issues
- Employment
- NCERT textbook for class X – Understanding Economic Development
- NCERT textbook for class XI – Indian Economic Development
- NCERT textbook for class XII – Macroeconomics (Focus on chapters – 2, 5 and 6) It is important to get familiar with the basics of Indian Economic Development. Likewise, a sound understanding of Economics brings the best outcomes.
- Business Standard
- Economic Times
- Financial Express Since the examination focuses largely on the Indian Economy, a good understanding of the same is crucial. You need to be ready for the questions that are common in UPSC IAS past examinations. Often students complain that the books of the Indian Economy are very heavy. Yet we recommend you stick to the standard books for the best results.
- TMH book on Indian Economy for prelims and mains examination. Author – Ramesh Singh
- Indian Economy for Civil Services Examinations. Author – Ramesh Singh (older versions)
- Uma Kapila
- Mishra and Puri
- Dutt and Sundaram
Topic 2
- Inclusive growth
- Issues arising from above
- Five-year plans
- Important outcomes of the above plans You need to have conceptual clarity on the above subject. Similarly, you can easily read the articles from the below documents
- Conceptualizing Inclusive growth
- Inclusive growth in India – Past Performance and Future Prospects
Topic 3
- Government budgeting
- Present year budget
- Implementation of the above
- Basics of Government budgeting from NCERT textbook for class XII (Macroeconomics – Chapter 5)
- The budgetary processes
- The highlight of the current year budget from credible sources
Topic 4
- Major crops of India
- Cropping pattern in other nations
- Types of irrigation
- Irrigation systems
- Storage of such foodgrains
- Agricultural produce and its marketing
- Transportation of above
- Issues and constraints to the agricultural growth
- E-technology and its impact on farmers
- NCERT textbook – Resource and Development
- Cropping pattern in India (Understand the concepts only)
- For an understanding of the irrigation system and its pattern in India, refer to the below topics –
- Irrigation systems
- Types of dams and storage structure
- Irrigation systems
- Economic Survey of India
- State of Indian Agriculture Report
- Agricultural prices and markets – State of India Agriculture Report
- E-technology for the aid of farmers
Topic 5
- 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
- Scope
- Importance of the industries
- Location
- Development strategies
- Upstream requirements
- Supply chain management for these This is vital for the GS paper 3 preparation strategy. The reason for the same is that the sunrise sector of the Economy. This has been given a huge push by the government sector to get the best results for both farmers and the industrialists.
- PIB article available on their official website
- Food processing industry – related schemes in the current five-year plans
- Articles from the newspaper – The Hindu
- Articles from the newspaper – Business Line – The untapped potential
- Articles from the newspaper – Business Line – Key challenges
Topic 7
- Land Reforms – IGNOU Study notes
Topic 8
- Effect of liberalization policy
- Changes in industrial policy since Independence
- Effect of globalization on Economy
- Effect of above on industrial growth and development
- Refer to the book on the topic by Ramesh Singh – Indian Economy for civil services examinations (Chapters 6- 10th)
Topic 9
- Infrastructure – Energy
- Ports
- Airports
- Roads
- Railways
- India Year Book
- Economic Survey of India
- Latest energy status – the best literature on the topic
Topic 10
- Investment models
- The topic is highly puzzling in nature. This covers topics like infrastructure and growth patterns of India. There are a huge number of financial investment models. For example – the PPP model of partnership has the following points –
- Build operate and own model of BOO
- Build, develop and operate model or BDO
- Design, construct, manage and finance model or DCMF
- Building
- Development
- Operations
- Design
- Transfer of ownership
- Financial aspects
- Renovate
- Modernize
- Expand
- Operate
- Development
- Transfer of ownership and research
- Infrastructure investment – report by Planning Commission
- Public-Private Partnership in Indian infrastructure development – Issues and Options. Publication by RBI
Topic 11
- Science and technology
- Development of sector
- Application of the process
- Effect of above on everyday life
- Achievement in science and technology
- Indian aspects of technology
- Growth of science and technology in India
- Contribution of India to science and technology
- Awareness regarding Information and Technology sector, space, computer, Robotics, Nanoscience, biotechnology, etc..
- Issues in Intellectual Property Rights
- NCERT textbook from class VI to X. For getting conceptual clarity on the topic
- Books by Spectrum publishers – Toppers prefer this book to read for the science subject
- Developments in science and technology – this book is highly vast. Read this textbook selectively
- The Hindu and Frontline
- New Scientist website
- Wikipedia
Topic 12
- Environment conservation
- Environment pollution
- Degradation of the environment
- Impact of issues on environment
- Assessment of the impact of such issues
- Environment and pollution
- Atmospheric oxygen and pollution (Technical aspects)
- Biodiversity
- Climate change
- Forest and wildlife Issues
- Problems of conservation of wildlife resources
- River conservation
- Pollution in towns and cities
- Pollution from human sources
- Marine pollution
- Waste management
- The Hindu newspaper
- Environmental survey (current issue)
- Sources like the Ministry of Environment
- Annual report of the environment ministry for the present year.
- Issues of conservation
- Environment impact and its assessment
- Issues of EIA as given in The leading newspapers
Topic 13
- Disaster and their management
- Yojana Magazine’s special edition on Disaster Management
- A report on Disaster Management. Read this one selectively to get a brief understanding of the issues.
Topic 14
- Linkages between Extremist views and development
- Role of External Affairs
- Role of non-government actors in creating challenges to national security
- Challenges to the internal security
- Role of communication network on the above subject
- Role of media and social networking sites on internal security
- Major issues to internal security
- Basics of cybersecurity and crimes
- Money laundering
- Preventing the above issue
- Internal security challenges and its management
- Internal security challenges in border areas
- Linking organized crime and terrorism
- Internal security challenges
- Cybersecurity – National cybersecurity Policy
- Money laundering – Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 or PMLA
- Basics of Money Laundering
- FATF on Money Laundering
- India’s National Security – A Reader. Book by Oxford University Press This book covers both internal and external security issues. Further, issues arising from State and non-state issues can be read here. Also, focus on Nuclear issues.
Topic 15
- Various security forces
- Agencies and their mandate
- Indian armed forces and paramilitary forces
- Paramilitary agencies
- June sessions
- October session