Syllabus and Book list: History Main Exam

History optional is one of the popular optional and also a scoring subject. Because syllabus is  minutely defined, it seems that it is very vast subject. Even if we accept it as vast, it is very safe subject and well directed preparation will always fetch good marks. Lot of material is available in market because of which  confusion regarding study material is not uncommon as far as this subject is concerned. Following is the syllabus and material concerned for each topic.
 1. Sources: Archaeological sources: Exploration, excavation, epigraphy numismatics, monuments. Literary sources: Indigenous: Primary and secondary ; poetry, scientific literature, literature , literature in regional languages, religious literature. Foreign accounts: Greek, Chinese and Arab writers. IGNOU Notes of Ancient India.

Newspaper Reading for UPSC Mains Exam

Current Affairs forms a crucial aspect of Mains exams. Keeping in mind the changing nature of Mains exam; it is very crucial to be very rigorous in Current Affairs. And the best source for preparing for Mains current exam is your daily newspapers. But it is often observed that students spend too much time on reading newspapers, they are often bogged down by the sheer volume of news that one has to read. In this post I will try and give some tips about how to make newspaper reading more effective and reduce the time spent on it. 

History:- Optional Preparation

By Rugved Thakur IAS:-
The best way to prepare for any optional subject is to start with the basics. We should start by creating a strong foundation and later build on it.


The following is a step-wise guide. 

1. Familiarisation with our optional subject 
• For history, we can start our preparation by reading NCERT books of standard 7-8th onwards uptill 12th. Books till standard 10th will give us a feel of the subject.
• These books need to be read from cover to cover. It will provide a quick overview to the optional subject.

Strategy for GS Mains 2012

Preparation for GS Mains 2012

1. Dear friends with best of my wishes I would say that you  must have scored good marks in prelims paper, and you will surely writing this year's Main paper.   Here I am writing about GS Mains 2012 preparation.I am also providing booklist for the GS also. But this booklist only for aspirants appeared in CSE Prelim 2012.

2. Secondly kind of variations GS paper is having I won’t recommend reading too many books though I have provided you detailed booklist. It is now more about your understanding and analysis about the issues.

Book list for GS Mains 2012:-

Book List:- Medical Science

1.Dear Friends I attempted three mains with Medical Science as one of my optional. And i consistently scored 300 plus in every attempt. I would say every MBBS graduate think about this subject as one of the optional. But considering the technicalities of the subject i wont suggest it as a good optional for BAMS, BDS or any other field graduate.

2.Preparation for Medical Science requires around 45 days for an average medico. This period varies with ones study during graduation.
3. Medical Science also required sound understanding about applied aspect of medicine and holistic orientation. Sometime questions are asked which are very remotely related with the syllabus provided.
4.Writing an answer is same as we write during our graduation. But one should put in extra effort for diagram, flowcharts etc. This will help to score good marks in papers. Secondly don't write too many extra things it is very much advisable to write what is asked only with all possible diagrams and flowcharts. Thus SPECIFICITY is very important for writing exam.

Answer Writing for Main Exam

By Rugved Thakur IAS

Answer writing is the key to getting good marks in Main Examination. The  Main areas of concentration should be Meeting expectation of UPSC answering style and Presentation.

When an answer requires 250 words or more, it is better to prepare synoptic notes in rough. This involves quickly jotting down the main points we are to write in the answer. Arranging the points in order of importance. This gives a good structure and flow to the answer.

Selecting Optional

Selecting Optional :- 

By Rugved Thakur IAS .

Very simple advice was given to me by a retired I.A.S officer at the start of my preparation - choose only those optionals that you like. So I selected History and Public Administration.

The idea behind selecting an optional that you like is that you will have to spend more than 2 years studying it. At no point during the preparation can you get tired or bored with the optional. You do not know how long you will have to prepare for Civil Services Examination. If one requires 2-3 attempts then for each attempt one should be ready to keep reading on the optional subjects and trying to improve one's score in the optionals.

Booklist for General studies by Amrutesh Aurangabadkar AIR 10

Hello friends,
Here's a short booklist for G.S. :
History: Spectrum, NCERTs, Bipan Chandra's book
Polity: Laxmikanth, Bakshi's constitution
Geography: NCERTs, Goh Che Leong (book by Majid Hussain is equally good)
Social Issues, International Relations, Economy: newspapers and magazines
Science and Technology: Notes, Newspapers, magazines, (herad that Arihant and CST issues about the same are good, though I didnot refer these :D ;) )
Statistics: Spectrum guide

Being an economics graduate, I did not work upon it as such. Also I did a diploma in National Security and international relations...so din't have to work upon it as well....
Sociology being my optional, socila issues were covered therein..
but my focus was always on latest happenings...

QUERY MODULE:-

Friends if have you any questions, doubts, queries  in your mind about anything related to all Competitive Exams ( Like Book list, How to start preparation, good classes, Study material etc.) . You can ask your questions in this post. Contributors will be happy to answer all your doubts. You have to write your question in "Post a Comment " box which will be answered without delay. 

Gearing up for the Final Assualt -- The UPSC interview

UPSC Civil Services Interview is a crucial tipping point. Many candidate who faltered at the interview; and despite having a good score in Mains, could not make it to the final list. And then there are others, who have made it to the final list because of a good score attained in interview.  There is no single way to prepare for the interview and following any kind of structured preparation pattern for interview is of no use.  In this blog-post, I will through my interview, try and draw out some points on interview preparation.

Book List for Public Administration Sarveshwar Bhure IAS

 By Sarveshwar Bhure IAS :-

Book List provided here is extensive and topic-wise, i have given topic wise breakup and suggested reading, if you are able to follow all topics it provide you extensive coverage.

* aster-ix means this source is for secondary reading.

For further query post your comment ....I will reply to you.

Book list : Political Science- Marathi Medium

By Shivprasad Nakate IAS :-

UPSC Interview of Shri. Navanath Gavhane : Part I

UPSC personality test

Duration: 30 mins from 1515 hours to 1545 hours

Panel chairperson Rajni Razdan

Number of Panel members: 4

Afternoon session

Date :April 25th 2012

I had a reporting time of 1515 hours. I went to UPSC office ( Shahjahan Road, New Delhi) with my friend Harish Kale. I reached office around 1230 hours. Delhi was seething hot at 40 degree celcius. I entered office from gate number 2. I submitted my cell phone at the counter. The waiting room was around 20 feets away. There was an interesting Confucian thought on the wall, which said “Whatever you don’t like about others, you must not behave in the same manner with others”.

UPSC Interview of Shri. Navanath Gavhane : Part II

M2: Your name is Gavhane Navnath Kondiba. What is the meaning of your name?

(I think this was an attempt from the panel to pacify me, after my below par answers in the preceding questions)

Me: Gavhane is an agrarian name which means that brings wheat. Gahu+aanay. My name is NavnathNav+Naatha. It is a group name given to nine proponents of naath panthis. And KondibaKond+iba is humble rural name which means the owner of discarded husk.

M2: Ok. You may realize that cost of treatment has now increased. What are the reasons for that according to you?

ANALYSIS OF CSE 2011 RESULT

Following are the important highlights of the Civil Services Examination, 2011, for which final result has been declared recently.

1) The Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2011 was conducted on 12^th June, 2011.  A record number of 4,72,290 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 2,43,003 candidates have actually appeared.

2) 11984 candidates were declared qualified for the Main written examination held in October-November, 2011 out of which 2417 candidates were selected for the Personality Test conducted in March-April, 2012.  Finally, 910 candidates (715 male & 195 female) have been recommended for appointment to the IAS, IFS, IPS and other Central Services against 1001 reported vacancies.  Vacancies unfilled presently are on account of 91 reserved community candidates qualifying on general standards.  Depending on the options exercised by them finally, these vacancies will be filled by candidates recommended for the Reserve List that is maintained by the Commission.

UPSC Interview: Rahul Rekhawar (IAS) Part I

April 4,2011. Morning session, I was fifth in my group to be interviewed.

Panel: Mr. Nirbhay Sharma.

Setting:                                                   Mr. Nirbhay Sharma (NS)

                                       Fourth Member                                  Second Member

                                       Fifth member                                      Lady member

                                                                    Rahul Rekhawar.

                                        (Door)

Duration of interview: Around 18 minutes. (~12.30pm to ~12.50pm)

UPSC Interview: Rahul Rekhawar (IAS) Part II

NS: I heard China is claiming Arunachal Pradesh. Why so?

RR: Sir, it is observed that Arunachal Pradesh was earlier considered part of larger Tibet region culturally. Earlier we did not have boundaries but frontiers. But when British demarcated it, the Arunachal Pradesh became part of India.

NS: What was historical position of Tibet?

RR: Sir, I faintly remember that in 1913-14, there was a pact that said that any decision regarding Tibet should be taken in consultation with Chinese Government.

NS: How do you see Indian government supporting government in exile of Tibet? Shouldn’t this make China angry?

RR: Sir, it is natural for China but it has been longstanding position of India that it supported people and there aspirations everywhere. It has been the position of India even before independence. What is important is the kind of support. India will always support peacefully but will never support militarily or forcefully.

NS: What was the position before independence?

RR: Sir, in 1920s and 30s……

UPSC Interview: Rahul Rekhawar (IAS) Part III

RR: But sir, actual problem is the lack of investment and knowledge dissemination. If they are solved, productivity will automatically improve. So....

Fourth member: Yes yes, but productivity is the problem. Ok, what are other problems?

RR: Sir, Farmers are forced to spend large money for agriculture leading to debt trap & suicides in wider areas of India.

Fourth member: But see, PM Rajiv Gandhi himself had said that only Rs.16 reach to people.

RR: Sir, public investment itself has gone so down that whole budgetary support itself is not sufficient.

UPSC Interview: Rahul Rekhawar (IAS) Part IV

NS: Ok Rahul. Now let us say you become District Magistrate after few years of service & you find that a group of contractors is cornering away all the contracts and not doing good work. They have high political connections. Your subordinates are not ready to take action against them. You asked your seniors and even they are not very helpful and told you that let the situation be as it is. What will you do?

RR: Sir, first I will take the stock of the situation…..

NS: Yes yes, that is all done.

RR: Sir, then first thing I will do is put all the papers related to that department on the website….

Book List : Psychology

By Prashant J. Patil I.A.S.

PSYCHOLOGY-

PAPER  1-

1)      N.C.E.R.T. textbooks of 11^TH AND 12^TH. ( Start with ncert books)

2)      Introduction to Psychology- King and Morgan. ( its basic book )

3)      Introduction to Psychology- Robert Baron ( Be thorough with   this book to answer difficult and twisted questions )

PAPER 2-

1)      Applications in Psychology- Smarak Swain.

Class notes of Mukul Pathak sir for both papers . Please take up test series . I would advice aspirants to prepare micro notes of all topics while studying by  adding new concepts atlest from NCERT books to class notes. Micro notes come handy for revision during exam time. All the Best.

Book List: Sociology

By Ashish Thakare I.A.S.

Sociology

1. Sociological Theory– George Ritzer  (only thinkers part)
2. Theories and Perspective in Sociology – M. Harlambos
3. Sociology- a guide to problems and literature – Tom Bottomore (selected chapters only)
4. IGNOU MA notes
5. India Development and Participation – Amartya Sen and Jean Dreze (selected chapters only)
6. Tribal India – Nadeem Hasnain (selected chapters only)
7. Modernity of Tradition – Yogendra Singh (selected chapters only)

Book List : Political Science and International Relations

By Ashish Thakare I.A.S.

Political Science and International Relations

1. Political Theory – Rajeev Bhargava and Ashok Acharaya
2. Political Theory – Andrew Heywood
3. 50 Great Thinkers – Ian Dyson or (extra reading - Western Political Thought – Brian Nelson)
4. Political Ideologies – Andrew Heywood
5. Gandhi- a short introduction – Bhiku Parekh
6. Indian Constitution – DD Basu
7. International Relations – Baylis and Smith
8. Key Concepts in International Relations – Routledge publications
9. India’s Foreign Policy – Newspaper readings; selected articles from Frontline; relevant chapters from Indian Foreign Policy published by FSI

Book list : General Studies

By Ashish Thakare I.A.S.
General Studies :

 Indian History :

1) India’s Struggle for Independence – Bipin Chandra

2) NCERT history textbook class 12^th Old edition

 Geography:

1) NCERT – 11^th and 12^th textbook

 Current Affairs :

1) Any good newspaper – I referred Indian Express and The Hindu

2) Civil Services Chronicle magazine

3) Yojana magazine

4) India Year Book (of the current year)

 Science and Technology :

1) Any good book – e.g. Jawahar Publications or good class notes

2) Wikipedia  - search the topic given in the syllabus

 Indian Polity :

1) Indian Constitution – D D Basu

2) Newspapers

 Indian and the World ; and International Relations

1) Newspapers

2) Chronicle magazine

 Statistics:

1) Spectrums book on statistics

2) NCERT textbook class 11th

Mains Book List: Geography

By Prashant J. Patil IAS,

GEOGRAPHY-

Paper  1. ( Principles of Geography)

1)      Physical Geography-

    Physical Geography- Savindra Singh ( read all chapters )

2)      Human Geography-

    Human Geography- Majid Hussain ( usefull for population,settlement and economic geography)

   Geographic Thought- Majid Hussain.

   Models and Theories in Geography- Majid Hussain.

3)      N.C.E.R.T. textbooks of standard 11^th.

For  Regional Planning Topic  it is advisable to refer  Class notes especially of A.L.S ( Interactions) OR of Alok Ranjan Sir.

Paper  2. ( Geography of India )

1)      Geography of India- D.R. Khullar. ( usefull for physical , resources, agriculture, transport and communication, population, settlement and natural disasters topics )

2)      N.C.E.R.T  textbooks of standard 12^th. .

     

      For  paper 1 and 2, one should have comprehensive guide of Spectrum- Geography of India or any other publication . Topics like Political Aspects, Contemporary Issues from Paper 2 can be referred besides it helps to prepare short notes from other syllabus.

      Besides good study material, answer writing is important and I would advise aspirants to take up test series. It is beneficial to focus upon time management and answer writing practice for those taking up test series rather than getting discouraged by poor marks or over enthused by high marks. Always keep in mind your target is performing in U.P.S.C. and not in coaching class ! ALL THE BEST..

History Optional : Book List

History is one of the popular optional in Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)  exam. Following is the list of books which i used for History main exam.


Ancient India:-
1) Early India: From Origin to AD 1300. by Romila Thapar.
2) Ancient India by D.N. Jha.

3) NCERT:- Ancient India.
4) IGNOU notes.

Medieval India:-
1)Volume I, II by Satish Chandra.
2) Volume III by J.L. Mehta.
3) NCERT :- Medieval India

Modern India:-
1) India's Struggle for Independence by Bipin Chandra.
2) Modern India by Grover and Grover.
3) India after Independence by Bipin Chandra.
4) NCERT :- Modern India.

4) World History
1) NCERT: Contemporary World.
2) World History: Jain and Mathur.

Maps:- Spectrum's Book on map.

UPSC Interview:- Aayush Oak (IAS) Part I

UPSC INTERVIEW

CHAIRMAN: PRASANTA KUMAR MISHRA

DATE: 2^ND APRIL 2011.

Me: May I come in sir?

Chairman: yes please

Me: Good afternoon sir, good afternoon madam, good afternoon to all

Chairman and lady member: (together) please sit

Chairman: what is your name?

Me: Aayush Sanjeev Oak

Chairman: What is aayush?

Me: sir, it means ‘life’.

UPSC Interview:- Aayush Oak (IAS) Part II

Member 1: can you name any glaciers in the western Himalayas?

Me: yes . . . some of them are siachin, baltoro, baifo etc.

Member 1: yes . . .siachin is more of a region . . .

Me: sir, hispar also. . .

Member 1: why are the Himalayan glaciers in news now a days?

Me: there are two reasons for that. One, there was a report that they are melting due to global warming and two; human interference has led to pollution.

Member 1: what will be its impact?

Me: all the major north Indian rivers have their sources in these glaciers. . .so once they recede the volume of water carried by these rivers will be very less and this will have a huge impact on life, moreover the intensity and frequency of natural hazards will also in crease in these areas.

UPSC Interview:- Aayush Oak (IAS) Part III

Member 3: what is a tsunami?where has this name come from?

Me: tsunami is a Japanese word, these are huge waves that form near the shore because of earthquakes beneath the ocean.

Member 3: why was there so much distruction in japan? Didn’t they a warning system?

Me: sir, japan does have a warning system and also a roboust disaster management system. . but the epicenter of the earthquake that occurred was very close to the port city of sendai so the time they had to act on the warning was very less.

Member 3 : what are the recent views on mountain building?

Me: the views proposed by the plate tectonic theory are the recent views. They say that wherever there is collusive boundary there are fold mountains whereas transverse and diverging plate boundaries result in block mountains.

UPSC Interview :- Prashant Patil ( IAS) PART I

My interview was on 28 april 2011 in morning session at Dholpur House, UPSC.I appeared before the panel with Dr. Purushottam Agarwal as Chairman. I was 4^th in line for appearing before board. Here I would like to share with you interesting thing. When I entered the Historic dome ceiling waiting hall for interview candidates I was assigned the same round table no. 13 that I was assigned in 2009 interview. So I got strange feeling that this interview also I will perform fairly and may miss selection narrowly like last year. But I remembered almighty and prayed for the best…cheered myself.. and started rushing through newspapers..

UPSC Interview :- Prashant Patil ( IAS) PART II

MEMBER 2:

Q1) What is meant by G.E.R?

Sir G.E.R. means gross enrollment ratio.( member and all other members laugh…member said that I mean define it?) Sorry sir I don’t know definition of GER.

Q2) can you tell me how much percent of students that are enrolled at primary school complete graduation?

Sir I am not aware of this figure. Sir with your permission I can guess it..( member immediately nodded his head) I said sir around 15 percent students that are enrolled at primary school complete degree .

( and I was looking at members face for his reaction whether it is right or wrong…and I simply member didn’t react..now I deciced not to take chances by disastrous guessing.)

UPSC Interview :- Prashant Patil ( IAS) PART III

MEMBER 5:( lady member)

Q1) Which places you have visited?

Sir I have been to Fatehpur sikri, Jaipur, Elephanta caves near Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora world heritage sites and forts in Shahyadris.

Q2) what is heritage site? How it is selected by UNESCO?

Heritage site means structures, monuments created by man that reflect human culture. Sir I know few criteria of selection that are: site must be man made and must be of at lest medieval origin. Site must have cultural importance for human civilization.

Q3) how do you see India on global tourism industry?

India being country with varied geographical terrain India has huge tourism potential. But India lacks good tourism infrastructure like road connectivity, star hotels at all tourist sites, air connectivity that is available in South East Asia, Europe.