VINODH SESHAN WRITES ON CIVIL SERVICE

 

 

 

 

 

False myths about Civil Services exams that mislead youth…

 

Civil Service exams are easy. While the syllabi is very vast compared to CAT or GATE, it is not as mind-eating as these exams (CAT & GATE). It is relatively simpler and conquerable.

 

It doesn’t cost much to prepare for these exams. Some people think it costs nearly a lakh for preparation. Well…the truth isn’t that. Even when it comes to coaching institutes, there are some very good institutes that give quality education and charge less. 

 

Anybody can take up these exams. All it requires is a degree. Right from science degree holders to engineering graduates and professionals to doctors and research specialists, everybody and anybody can take it up.

 

Language is not a barrier. In fact, the main-exam language papers are just qualifying and their scores are not counted to get the final total.

 

Delhi need not be the destination for preparation. This is myth that deserves to be broken. Not every person has the luxury to make it to the capital.

 

Follow a fewer magazines. There is no desperate need to buy a dozen magazines and build stock without ever reading them.

 

Don’t think there is no life if you don’t make it through these exams. Life is diverse and maximum in any path chosen.

 

Don’t depend on any particular institution’s notes just because it is popular. Build your own thoughts after reading from diverse sources

 

Choose not to take more than 2 or 3 attempts max.  Don’t lose your youth. You can go about your work running only when you are young. Be independent while you prepare for civil services or any other exam. Don’t expect your father to send you your cash. Remember, the society is waiting for you to take charge…somewhere.

 

 

 

FAQs on Civil Service Exams

 

  1. What factors are important while choosing optional papers?

 

Choose those options that are very scoring and are interesting to read. Also choose those subjects in which you have a prior knowledge. Some of the popular and successful options include Public Administration, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, Economics etc. 

 

 

 

 

  1. What should I focus in mains?

 

Focus on your writing skills and analytical abilities. It is important to analyze the current theme in any subject. Also build groups and discuss within your team. This is mandatory.

 

  1. What I should not focus (or give least priority to).

 

Give least priority to thinking what will happen if you don’t clear.

 

  1. What is the best way to articulate the answers and present it in paper?

 

There is no best way. It is just important not to miss important points. Underline and order them point-wise.

 

  1. Scoring sections in the exam paper, if any?

 

Don’t forget to score in statistics in GS paper. It will fetch you a good jump. Be through in polity as it will help you in both GS and public administration.

 

  1. Which magazines to refer to?

 

Choose one of the available magazines to read every month and but one issue of some other magazine every month…So that you have 2 magazines to read every month.

I read Pratiyogita Darpan and 1 issue of Yojna, Kurukshetra and few others.

 

  1. How to prepare for Economics?

 

Read economic times / politics and economic weekly and make a list of terms you don’t understand. Search for the definition of those terms in Wikipedia / Investopedia.com and write them down in a small pocket book. It will be very useful when you revise. Don’t forget to discuss with friends.

 

  1. How important is the Essay paper? And how to prepare for it?

 

The essay paper is very important and a scoring paper. If you can choose the right essay to write and start well, you can expect a very good score. Remember, in an essay the start is very important. The conclusion should also be very good.

 

To prepare for an essay, keep reading the editorial in Hindu and other magazines. There is no hard and fast rule.

 

 

 

 

 

  1. How important is managing time?

 

Time is crucial for any exam and civil services exams are no exception. Since this is subjective in mains, time management becomes very important. Have a good writing practice to manage time effectively.

 

  1. How many hours should one study per day?

 

Again, this depends on a person. There is no need to prepare for 18-20 hours per day. Even 4 hours of quality time is more than sufficient.

 

  1. Should I join coaching classes?

 

It depends on the person taking the exam. Coaching classes definitely help you a lot as you get to interact with a lot of people and also get a chance to evaluate yourself by taking a lot of tests. Coaching classes also make you more competitive. However, there are many people who have cleared without coaching classes also.

 

  1. Should I go to Delhi to study?

 

No don’t go unless you are close to it. Going from Chennai to Delhi for a civil service is like wasting time and money. I call it a crime

 

  1. Can I work and also prepare for examination?

 

Definitely you can. There are many people who work and prepare. In fact, you will be having an advantage in interview if you work. Also you work experience will help you in your study.

 

  1. Which is the key focus area in GS paper?

 

Polity, Current affairs and Stats help you score. They are the key. History and Science are also good, but a little unpredictable. Foreign affairs are always manageable.

 

  1. Are these exams easy to clear?

 

These exams are as competitive as other exams. In fact they are little easier. While the subjects to cover are vast, it is not as mind-eating as CAT or other exams.

 

  1. Is it mandatory to read NCERT books?

 

It is not mandatory to read NCERT books, but those books are very good to read through. Many important points are clearly highlighted and hence they are important.