Saturday, April 30, 2011

The 7 Step Plan for UPSC Prelims Preparation

So, you have decided to have a shot at the prestigious Civil Services. IAS and IPS are your role models and The Hindu is your favorite entertainment. But, how to start your preparation for the prelims is a question that's bothering you. Here is one way to plan it out:


Step 1. Review the syllabus
Have a look at the syllabus and identify all the subjects that you need to go through. 
Important Note: UPSC Civil Services is not like a university exam, the syllabus is more like a guideline and not a boundary that cannot be crossed. 
Take the syllabus as a guideline and not as a course definition. 


Step 2. Classify the syllabus and identify the ideal study material
Classify the syllabus into different subjects and topics. Identify good quality course material for each topic. I will post some good books for subjects and topics in another blog. 


Step 3. What cannot be classified
UPSC Civil Services have a very wide coverage. There are no boundaries on current affairs and general awareness. You need to develop, what I call a "Web of Knowledge" to excel in these areas. Link each fact with another fact and context. I think this topic will benefit from a more detailed discussion. 


Step 4. Map your abilities
There are three broad areas from the point of view of learning in UPSC Civil Service Exam:
a. Subject Expertise  - Example: History, Polity
b. Skill Development - Example: Quantitative, Reasoning, Verbal
c. General Awareness - Example: Current Affairs


Now do this exercise:
1. Classify all the subjects into these three areas, and in front of each subject, mark your comfort level 1. Very Comfortable 2. Comfortable 3. I can do it 4. I am scared


Always mix comfortable and not-so comfortable subjects in your study plan. This will keep you focused. Also, it will help reduce over-confidence or frustration. 


5. Syllabus - Abilities - Calendar
Sit with a calendar and count the number of days that are left for the exam. Allocate the number of days to each subject.


6. Goal Setting and Target Setting
UPSC preparation, for most aspirants extends over one year. Set realistic goals for yourself. More importantly, set targets for yourself. "I will review ABC over this week and go over XYZ within this month". Make sure your short-term targets are in line with the bigger plan. Give allowances in the plan for events like festivals or distractions like the world cup. More importantly, minimize the impact of these events to exceed your own expectations. 


7. Circle of Knowledge and Company of Confidence
Develop a good circle of friends with whom you can share and exchange knowledge. Study Groups are a good resource. If you can avoid distractions on the internet join an online study group. UPSCguide Group Study is very active and has hundreds of active members sharing their knowledge and experience. 
Most important, 'your confidence is your best friend'. You will need it all the time. Preserve it and build it. 

Friday, April 29, 2011

An Early Start for Civil Services


If you are in school or just started your college and wondering that you should start preparing for UPSC, this article is for you. What to study before you start studying for the exam?
Preparing for UPSC exams calls for a lot of dedication , determination and devotion. It is a long marathon rather than a 100 meter sprint. Here are a few things that can help create the right platform if you are starting early. 


Develop a wide knowledge-base 
Read one national newspaper regularly. Almost all national news papers will provide you a wide array of national and international information. 'The Hindu' and 'Indian Express' have good in-depth editorials for a sincere reading. Information from any source of relevance to your goal should be welcomed, as long as it is from a standard source. Start reading magazines that cover national issues. Frontline is one such magazine that covers core issues.  


Use television as an information source 
With the wide variety of channels on the TV today, it has turned into more of an interruption rather than a support in the learning process. However, if you are disciplined, make sure to watch good informative programs. Follow BBC, CNN, and yes Doordarshan.

Learn more about UPSC, Civil Services and the different departments under it
Talk to your friends and seniors. Get more information. You can also go through information on portals like www.upscguide.com

Develop a Circle of Knowledge 
Discussing about the topics with your family and friends helps you to explore various perceptions and helps shed light on multiple point of views.This will definetly help you in advancing your knowledge. While discussing be careful and don't waste time on unnecessary details and arguments, you should have a guided discussion that focuses on the topic.  

Start  with NCERT books 
Reading NCERT books prove to be extremely benificial as they are little encyclopedias. They are the first step in UPSC preparation.

Go through 'some' question papers  
Attempting question papers of previous years and General studies papers. This will expose your weaknesses and give you an idea about the extent of your preparation, your knowledge base, your speed and base.


Start developing a trust in your capabilities 
One should be dedicated and have faith in one's own capabilities. Define your goals and short-term targets and start working towards them. Develop a study style - late night, early morning, or a planned day study - whatever suits you best. Quality of hours put in is more important than quantity of hours. Your time and energies should be used in an efficient and effective manner.

Get ready to make a plan
Once you have an idea about the effort and commitment it will take to become a Civil Servant and you believe you are up to it. Get ready to make a plan. I will cover more about making a plan in another blog.

Confidence is your best friend.  Believe in yourself and prepare with full Dedication, Devotion, and Determination.