Preparation Strategy

UNIT-I: Modern History of India and Indian culture

Topic 1

Modern Indian History – Middle 18th century till date – important events, personalities, and burning issues. There are important events starting from 1750 to the present. Also, GS paper 1 preparation strategy is not merely related to the freedom struggle. This is important to understand the important aspects of Indian History. Similarly, it is important to focus on the contribution made by great personalities to the struggle for freedom. Advent of European invasion- Expansion and consolidation of British rule-Early uprising against British rule-1857 Revolt.For this part, you need to focus on the SCERT textbooks along with current affairs. Likewise, you do not need to buy any more books. Moreover, viewing the kind of questions being asked in the previous examination papers can prove to be helpful.

Questions :

• During the Advent of European invasion – Explain how the naval force of the English became superior before the outmoded Indian Warfare. (2019)
• Similarly, it is important to understand the basic events of SCERT textbooks. For instance – NetajiSubash Chandra Bose files were declassified in 2016. Moreover, this is an important aspect to check out the contribution of the freedom fighter. Also, one needs to have knowledge of the contribution made by Periyar. A question from the past year’s exam papers read as follows –
• Discuss the various movements started by Gandhiji to draw the participation of masses into National Movement. (2019)
• The answer was to be given in 150 words for 10 Mark Questions.

Topic 2

• The Indian Freedom Struggle – the stages and major contribution. Likewise, one needs to focus on the contribution made from the various parts of the nation.
• Since the above-mentioned topic is very vast, one needs to have detailed information on the same. Likewise, the knowledge base for the struggle for Independence is important. Similarly, it is important to focus on the contribution made by great personalities to the struggle for freedom.

Question :

• The Indian National Congress was not merely a party, but an integral part of the Indian National Movement – Analyse. (2019)
• For this, topics like – “Bipan Chandra and his Struggle for Indian Independence” is an important part of getting the best results. This book forms the major part of GS paper 1 preparation strategy. Toppers advise the same to be read at least 3 times for best results.
• A few toppers prefer “Spectrum” publishers for the subject. The book is called the Modern history book.
• Likewise, if the time allows, you can read the book – Plassey to Partition. This is a significant text on important events of history. It further has analytical details on the events and the personalities.

Topic 3

Another important aspect of the GS paper 1 preparation strategy is the post Independence reorganization in the nation. It must also include the details of Independence and related consolidation factors.
For this, you can easily seek the relevant learning outcomes from the following texts –

• India since Independence by Bipan Chandra (chapters 6 to 12)
• India after Gandhi – History of the World’s largest democracy (chapters 8 to 14)

Topic 4
Indian culture

Here cover the topics like the –

• Salient aspects of Art forms in India
•  Unity in Diversity
•  Characteristics of Indian Culture.

Topic 5
Tamil Nadu History

Another important aspect of the GS paper 1 preparation strategy is the following subject topics –

•  Role of Tamil Nadu in freedom struggle – Bharathiar, VOC, Subramania Siva, Rajaji, Periyar, and others- Political parties and welfare schemes.

Recommended books –

•  Refer to the SCERT textbooks.

Questions :

1. Evaluate the contribution of Periyar E.V.R. in the promotion of Social Justice. (2019)
2. Who was popularly called Madurai Gandhi? Enumerate his achievements. (2019)

Social Issues in India and Tamil Nadu

Answer writing practice

In sociology, like in most other humanities subjects, answer writing becomes very important. It isn’t like Maths or Chemistry, where you can write precise and to-the-point answers. Here, you have to write an introduction to the topic first, create a background, then talk about the issue asked, give real-life examples, relate it to thinkers/schools of thought, critique, and finally, give an apt conclusion. Now, this requires the practice of answer-writing.

Topic 1

A similar vital aspect of the GS paper 1 preparation strategy is the following sub-topics –

• Population Explosion
• Unemployment issues in India & Tamil Nadu
• Child Abuse & Child Labour
• Poverty
• Rural and Urban Sanitation
• Illiteracy
• Women Empowerment

Recommended books and web content

• For Indian issues – Online report on “Platform for action-report on Indian Women”.
• This report contains details about female issues in India.
• For other related topics, read magazines and newspapers.
• By having knowledge of the issue, one can easily understand the basics and the background of the problems faced by India.

Likewise, you will need to read about –

• Social problems in India – Book by “Ram Ahuja”
• Indian society- Book by “Ram Ahuja”
• Role of women in modern times

Questions :

1. Examine the Grievance Redressal mechanisms for women in India. (2019)
2. What are the activities monitored by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(NCPCR)? (2019)
3. Describe the constitutional provisions for women in India. (2019)

Topic 2

• Social changes in India
• Urbanization and its impact on society – problems and remedies
• Impact of violence on Society- Religious violence, Terrorism, and Communal violence Regional Disparities
• Problems of Minorities-Human Rights issues.

Recommended books

• Sociological Theory – George Ritzer
• Society In India: Concepts, Theories And Recent Trends – Ram Ahuja
• Modernization Of Indian Tradition – Yogendra Singh
• Social Change In Modern India – MN Srinivas

Question :

1. Analyse the major social problems faced by the Religious minorities in India. (2019)

Topic 3 :

• Education –Linkage between Education and Social Development
• Community Development Programmes
• Employment Guarantee Schemes – Self Employment and Entrepreneurship Development
• Role of N.G.Os in Social Welfare
• Government Policy on Health

TNPSC Group I examination will test the ability to understand the concepts. Also, you will need to give the right answers using the integration of these concepts. If you are not able to link the concept, you need to identify and make suitable notes.

Questions :

1. What are all the different types of schemes taken up by Non-Governmental Organisations to control population explosion in India?
2. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of literacy programs in contemporary Indian Society.

Topic – 4

• 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

Focus on the schemes implemented by ministries for best GS paper 2 preparation strategy –

•  Ministry of Women and Child welfare
•  Ministry of Rural Development
•  Ministry of Social Justice
•  Ministry of Tribal affairs
•  Tamil Nadu Government Websites

Recommended books and reading material –

• List of state and central government schemes
• Refer to the government of India departments
• Refer to the above Governance websites

Questions :

1. In India, are women empowered through Information and Communication Technology? Analyze.

Creating smart GS paper 1 preparation strategy

The best GS paper 1 preparation strategy will help you gain the best results in the final examinations.

It is crucial to remember that

•  Jack of all trades and master of none
•  All work and no play – makes Jack a dull boy
•  Too much focus on one thing can prove harmful to your preparation process.
• Too much work and study without adequate breaks can make you dull and boring.
•  If you focus on research, you will not make it to the Group I job profile

Hence, the best GS paper 1 preparation strategy or Paper-I takeaway is

•  Research less
•  Read more
•  Remember more
• Take a break to remember more

Also, you need to focus on the current events. These play a crucial role in acquiring analytical skills. Hence, it is an important part of the final exam preparation.

Start practice of writing

Writing practice is important to GS paper 1 preparation.
One must begin with the previous year exam papers. Alternatively, one can opt for the mock tests conducted by their Group I preparation Institute. However, before entering the examination hall, you must spend time on writing sessions. This is a crucial part of your success.

Focus on revision

Information Retention. This is crucial to your success. If you have got the revision process right, then you can easily get Group I job profile. However, if you do not revise, you can easily miss the selection process by a few marks. Likewise, the lack of writing preparation will make you miss the personality interview round by a margin.

In Conclusion

To sum it all up, If you wish to get the final interview call, you need to read the relevant sources. Furthermore, you need to write and revise important aspects to get the best results. So, write and revise the topics to get the best results in the examination.