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.
@ Sarveshwar Sir.
ReplyDeleteThanks for book list of Public Administration. And I request you to post list of CSAT books. Thanking you in anticipation.
dear friend
Deletekeep checking blog..we are working on it..in week u will get the book list for csat
@sarvesh sir: i am grateful that you and your colleagues have brought out such a wonderful guidance you are providing to the aspiring candidates. i would also like to know about the pattern of the upsc exam which is said to undergo a change..
Deletethanking you
thank you Milind. mr. Narayansamy minister of Department of personnel affairs has declared in Loksabha that upsc mains exam pattern will not be changed till 2013.current upsc pattern is available on website upsc.gov.in
Deletethank you sir!!! i would like to know the entire book list for the prep of csat and mains. i desire to go through the exam next year, would studying for mains simultaneously be a good option. i have taken pubad and sociology as my optionals. i would also like to know about the availabilty of different class notes like vajirams and where would i get them, either by post or personally. plus would you kindly highlight different govt publications materials like the reports of different ministries which would be useful.
Deletethanking you sir....
thnks a lot sir,for this great service.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSir 🙏🙏
DeletePlease provide me the book list of UPSC mains exam and csat please Sir reply as soon as possible 🙏
is it necessary to join the classes (for proper guidance)?
ReplyDeletewe are self preparing for the exam....
or where are the good coaching institutes?
and are there any centers by govt where one can enroll there name?
classes will helps to get quick understanding of subject within period of 4 months. but its not essential for one,s success in exams. Yashada in pune and SIAC in mumbai are state govt institutes for coaching upsc aspirants. but there is screening exam conducted by both institutes. For more information on different government institute see http://www.cdinstitute.in/resources.html
Deletehey,
DeleteSending u a status message on Fb by Amrutesh Aurangabadkar,22 yrs ,IAS -select UPSC 2010, AIR=10.
Good Morning to all,
Another question frequently posed by many aspirants through phone ,messages
and on FB was.."is coaching essential?"
I would say, it was of great help to me in preparing for General Studies
paper....especially you must be sure that what you understand, what you write is
exactly what UPSC demands...there should be no mismatch between the
two...seniors and officers could also be of help in this regard. So the basic question
is not "whether coaching or no coaching" it is..."whether on the right track or
not?"...get the answer to this question.....that's all you need.....also just be
informed about the staff at such institues...
more importantly, keep in mind that no coaching institute will and can cover the
entire syllabus...so ultimately, it's upto you to work....they can show you the
path...but you'll have to walk..:)
Sir, I am currently working in HZL process engineer past one year. But I have a strong passion to become an IAS officer. But I m not finding much time to prepare while doing job. So I have given GATE and got a good rank I will get seat in NIT Trichy. Plz suggest me whether it is better to prepare while doing job or while studying. I m confused. Plz suggest me..
ReplyDeleteDear prasad..this is a question of ur career..so i would say ur the only person who knows the answer..i can tell u that u can prepare while pursuing ur education or while doing job..only thing is that u need to save time from ur daily schedule and study for IAS.. also u need to take leave or so before exam..so i would say u take a call..only condition is that u shd put minimum 6 hrs in study for upsc..minimum 6
DeleteThank You very much sir...Sir Please suggest me how to choose optionals...I m basically frm Engg background
DeleteThank you very much all of you Sirs. This is realy very helpful guidence wich we all Aspirants expecting from Successfull IAS Officer
ReplyDeletepleasure is entirely ours dear shankar..
DeleteDear abhijeet ..see there are many successful candidates who are selected without joining any class..at the same time there are many who gives credit of their success to the classes..but as said by prashant class help to understand the scope of examination and gives u direction..i would suggest u if ur not having any economic constraints then do jpoin a class...but as i told u success doesnot depends on class but in ur hard efforts..so u take a call considering time factor and economic factor.
ReplyDeleteSecondly dont blindly follow any class use ur brain to while taking any knowledge from class
Hii Sir,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all very big thanks to you and your team that you guys took such a good initiative to help Civil Service Aspirants.
Sir, I am Student of last year of B.Sc(IT) and want to Start preparation for IAS(CSE). Sir as i started with some NCERT's but still confuse in the my preparation way...i want to some guidance about how i should prepare during final year of graduation and what should i follow to get admission in SIAC as they conduct CET for aspirants?
in short..what should be my Long term planning if i want to appear for exam 2013 or 14??
start with a good English newspaper and NCERT s' for a good foundation. Also read a good general knowledge book and then start preparing for your optionals. The SIAC entrance is conducted in October and the admissions take place in December. you can contact SIAC for further details. . . best of luck!!
ReplyDeleteIf i visit SIAC's Students for further guidance on my preparation..will they allow by SIAC to guide Aspirants those who not studying in SIAC right now?
Deleteor SIAC's professor able to give some valuable words to me?
Dear rahul u can directly approach siac students..then will help u ..
DeleteThanks alot Sirji.. :)
Deletehi sir,
ReplyDeletei m ashish yerekar , 2 nd year b.tech. student of civil dept. at IIT BOMBAY.
sir IAS is my ultimate aim..
but here at IIT BOMBAY everyone talks about working abroad, having a huge salary n all..
so me too sumtimes thinking ki am i doing wrong..?? why to study again for d exam with great uncertainty..!!
but sir these thoughts are really diverting me from my aim..
so plz guide me how to tackle d situation...??
n plz suggest me how to start..??
coz i donn wanna waste time anymore...so plz guide me..
thanking u
ashish yerekar
Ashish this dilemma is faced by many of us while preparing for upsc. but u need to set your goal in life and choose a path. since your ultimate aim is cracking upsc, u need to focus upon next step, that is mental preparation to study intelligently. you are IIT student and i personally feel you must persue upsc. definitely you will be paid less as ias officer compared to lucrative private job. but think of the opportunity u get to work for masses in your country. in our interaction with senior IAS officers invariably all except few are satisfied with the diverse job experience and job satisfaction. Its you who has to take a call on this.
Deletei feel you can dedicate 2 years for upsc and if in case you dont get through, then you can always fall back on MBA option. finally you take a decision and stick to it. life will be success in any case...all the best..
thanx fr ua reply sr..i found it very helpful..
Deleteyeah i m gng fr IAS nly n no more dilemma..:)
n one more thing sr..i m frm ua home distict..NANDED
i ws der ven 4 of u who got selected were felicitated by pardeshi sr..
anyway
hope 2 c more of u in cumming days..
ashish..
ashish i m happy that u r from nanded. u can send me request on facebook.i feel should talk to u. we can exchange nos on facebook. i hope i could help u further directly on call rather than on blog.
Deleteyeah dat wud b gr8...
Deleteactually i hav sent u d request bt u might havnt noticed it..
i wud luv d opportunity to hav ua guidanace on call bt i at d same tm i cn understand u r super busy with ua wrk..
so cant expect dat ..
Robert Frost poem may help you which i found very useful, " I shall be telling this with sigh, somewhere ages and ages hence,two roads diverged in a wood and I took one less traveled by and that has made all the difference". Which road you want to take depends on you, still take a road that will make you to achieve some higher goals in life, just not money.
ReplyDeleteyeah dilemma is over nw..:)
Deletewill go fr IAS only...
hw shud i start sr..?? i donn wanna waste time nw..
Dear Sirs...I am planning to start preparation for UPSC...and planning to take pub ad as my first [optional...but confused about my second optional between geography and psychology....how about psychology over geography in terms of syllabus...i am from engineering background...
ReplyDeletemy optional were geography ,pscychology and i too m engineer. i feel geography is scientific n syllabus is well defined with good study material. recently from 2/3 years psychology mains questions are getting increasingly twisted and even trend of marks is going down. i personally felt that i could score more easily in geography than psycho..
Deletefor memorizing and answer writing in exam geography is better . besides this GS paper has around 40 marks from geography. in my opinion geography is more reliable and usefull optional. but dont follow my advice blindly..u read ncerts of both optional n see question papers and take decision.
Thank you Prashant sir...I was also planning to take up geography itself...as psychology is completely different subject...sir the book list u had provided for the geography, Is it enough for both the papers?...can you plz brief me on the same....what to read and what to not(imp topics which can't be skipped )...as geography syllabus is very vast...
Deletebooklist of geography is enough..but u need to focus on answer preparation and answer writing by choosing appropriate relevant material from books and notes. for geeting idea about answer writing u can refer notes of alok ranjan sir or of ALS class or Neetu sing madam ( all classes from delhi). and please dont skip any topic. nobody can predict accurately about upsc paper. u plz go through mains questions papers of last 3 years and u will realise that its disastrous to leave some syllabus.
Deletebut u may focus on geomorphology, settlement, population geography and models theories from paper 1 while physical geog of india, agriculture,soils,vegetation,transport communication, population settlement and political geog, from paper 2.
I am a ips aspirant from mumbai. I have interview(to get admission ) at jnana prabodhini pune(for upsc training) after few days. Can you give me some tips? What kind of questions do they ask? I have started self study now but that too very basic. It would be of great help if you replied. Thankyou.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about JPP interview as it is mainly related to your Bio-data, work experience, any coaching you done, any preparation you done before and so on.
DeleteJust be honest nothing more than that is needed, as JPP interview is just a screening procedure, as application received are too many.
See in Prabodhini..they ask u very basic question about ur education and current news issues..i dont think so they test ur knowledge about upsc rather they judge u on the basis of ur sincerity and commitment...u need not to prepare anything extra..continue with ur usual study..n best luck
Deletethankyou very much both nileshkumar I.A.S and sarvesh bhure IAS. will you please tell me is law and psychology good combination OR psychology and political sci and int relations? all three subjects are new to me but i have interest in them. also i aspire to be a ips officer,so both combinations would help me in that aspect too.. what you suggest??
DeleteSail ..law is technical subject so if ur from law background then go for it..otherwise other two subjects are good
DeleteSir, i want to know when does admsn for d jyana prabohini starts n is it still open for admsn????
Deletesir how yo prepare for gs mains specialy paper 2
ReplyDelete@ Aditya just wait till sunday..cause once prelim finish we are giving first importance to mains..So by sunday u will gget adequate info about ur query..thanks
ReplyDeleteSir,
ReplyDeleteI am Ganesh .I am from Solapur.I did my BE(Mech),worked for 2 yr in MNC and nw pursuing my MBA frm IIT-Bombay....Sir I have some queries:
1.Sir,since last 6 mnth,I am preparing for an IAS in English medium but sumtimes i think that i would be able to present answers effectively in Marathi language...i am in dilemma...can u please comment on advantage and disadvantage of marathi and English medium...whats ur opinion in my case...
2.I have chosen pubad as 1st option...Which would be 2nd gud option Sociology or Geography...?
3.Books for for Indian Economy and Science&Tech and how to study them...as very few Questions are directly asked on Science &tech?
4.What book/material need to refer for "Environmental
Ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change"?
1) I had the same dilemma while preparation. But I was very clear that I will mainly use material which is available in English. Preparation made me comfortable in English. Same can happen to you or you can switch to Marathi any time.
DeleteIn case of advantage of language over other there is no imperial evidence which can suggest that any language is preferred by UPSC. One may say that Marathi paper are checked by Marathi people so you can get more marks, etc. But I think these all are perception rather that reality.In any case bulk of material you read is in English.
2) In your particular case I think , looking to your background you can write in English.
3)About optional choosing, There seems to be current trend taking Sociology,but you can read our upcoming post which will be related choosing optional.
4)Answer to question 3 and 4, seeing by current trend of UPSC mains one will be sure that "guides" available in market are of little use rather one must read newspapers and magazines very thoroughly.
For selection of optional please read http://www.iasfootsteps.blogspot.in/search/label/Selecting%20Optional
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHello sir,
ReplyDeleteI am a final year student of masters in hospital administration. my course will end in june 2013, after that I am planning to appear in UPSC, but i am having some doubts, which i would like to ask from you-
1. What are the basic requirements for getting succeed in UPSC?
2. how one should decide to opt the optional subject?
3. how much preparation time is needed for pre, specially for one who is also doing job?
4. what would u like to advice me to read in this year along with my college study;related to UPSC preparation?
kindly reply.
i will be grateful to you if you can suggest or advice me something.
With thanks and Regards,
Dr. Neelam
1) Basic requirement for success in UPSC is "passion" and unending desire for success.
Delete2)For Deciding optional you can read our post http://www.iasfootsteps.blogspot.in/search/label/Selecting%20Optional.
3)Preparation time for preparation varies but normally 4 to 7 months are more than enough for preparation.
4) I will suggest that at least for one year to two year one must study for full time, to be successful in this exam.
5) Now you can decide you one optional and can work on that and also you can devote your time for studying GS and reading daily newspapers and magazines.
Thanks a lot sir for prompt and informative reply!
DeleteRegards,
Dr. Neelam
Hello sir ,
ReplyDelete1)which is the good coaching for GS MAINS and pub ad test series in delhi
2)plz suggest some good material for scie.and tech
apart from what nilesh said..GS is good in vajiram and shriram..i would say for pub ad pawan sirs(shriram class) test series is good
Deletefor gs mains : vajiram or ALS class is good.
ReplyDeletepub ad tst series : mohanty sirs test series.
regarding sci n tech : see vajirams class written notes + spectrum book on science and technology. along with this u should read science section from monthly chronicle magazine.
Thanks sir
Deletesir please tell us about mains preparation...
ReplyDeleteGS as well as geography and psychology optionals...
geography is reliable and popular optional. good textbooks and class notes are available for mains preparation. geography preparation is useful in GS mains since GS has about 30-40 marks geography. while psychology trend of psychology is declining since few years because of difficult mains papers. but as optional psycho is intersting. it needs deep understanding and study of two textbooks for atlest 4 months. booklist of geography, pscyho is given by me on this blog.plz go to booklist category.
ReplyDeleteSir, i think this is the most silly Question.. But i want to clear my dillemma abt dis..
ReplyDeleteSir, as for UPSC Basics fundamentals..every one should refer NCERT's ! But sir, is there any criteria that one should refer Old edition or New editions of these books..
Pls reply !
One criteria for selecting which edition or book is to refer is directly linked with nature of questions asked in UPSC exam so one must carefully go through previous years question paper ( At least previous 5 years).
DeleteSo one will be very sure about which edition to be used. As far as GS in concerned current edition of Geography is good. For GS history and History optional one must use old version NCERT books.
Hello Sir...I have one more silly question...but please do reply.....Its a general saying that civil officers are not paid enough as compared to their corporate colleagues.I want to ask you that how much salary a class one officer(IAS,IPS,IFS) gets?....I mean it is atleast sufficient for a family of 4/5....and please elaborate about the various facilities that they avail?
ReplyDeleteAfter 6th Pay commission..salary is very much adequate for a family of 4-5. And facilities required for descent living are availed..
DeleteEverybody will always think that "he/she not paid enough"! similarly civil servants say they are not paid enough. Many times pay scale of civil servants is compared with college professors,and in that sense one may say that salary of civil servant is very low.But still it is enough for family of 4 or 5.
DeleteSee this for detailed salary. http://thriller.hubpages.com/hub/IAS-Salary.
Though respecting ones regards for descent standard of living, one must not be trapped in so called privileges associated with post.
dear Sirs
ReplyDeletei just gave prelims and am very much confident of clearing it.so without wasting a moment i want to start preparing for mains.sir one of my optional is Pub Ad.one of my senior who secured good rank this year suggested me abt 2nd ARC report.my que is that how helpful would that be for Pub Ad and GS?? sir i have also completed Basic books related to Pub Ad like fadia ,awasthi nd maheshwari..plz guide me sir should i really go for ARC report or stick to these books only??
thank u in advance..
Dear Amit..ARC report is just a value addition for ur study..secondly it wont take too much time to read..i will suggest u to read this..in 2 or 3 hrs u can finish..secondly u need not to read each n every provision of it..just read important point..and u can use recommendation of 2nd ARC as value addition to ur answers in pub and in gs..but i really doubt its utility for gs..i hope i answered ur question
Deletethank u very much sir
ReplyDeleteHello Sir. Can you tell me name of the teachers(english) for PubAd and Geography in pune who conducts individual coaching and where can I find ebooks related t these subjects like majid hussain, khullar, fadia etc.
ReplyDeleteThere are many good classes in Pune for Public Administration and Geography. You can join Jnana Prabodhini Competitive Examination Center (JPCEC) for the same And Success Academy ( I.P Singh ans Bhushan Patil) also provide good coaching for these subjects.
DeleteThank you very much Nilesh Sir.....and as i have asked, can you give me any idea about the ebooks related to these subjects...!
DeleteI never used any e-book so I lack competence to talk on that. Really I don't have any idea about such books. But I think it is better to use "hard copy". It is my personal opinion.
DeleteOk sir....I shall definitely follow that....thank you very much!
DeleteHello sir,
DeleteCan you please share a rough plan for preparation for UPSC 2013? I mean time table e.g. till December mid, one should done with two optionals and GS etc?
It will help me to plan my study. I am appearing first time for UPSC and want to give a dedicated attempt with full preparation. I have done BE (Comp Sci) & Mtech (Comp Engg). I am having around 3 years of work exp in industry. I am leaving my current job and now preparing for UPSC 2013.
Your suggestions will be helpful. Thanks.
Hii..Sir
ReplyDeleteI am young Civil Service aspirant..want to clear my most importand doubt before starting my studies for IAS !
sir, i completed my Secondary School level in Marathi Medium and now in Final year of my graduation...(in English Medium)
Sir, i want to prepare my studies in MARATHI lang. As i think i hav slightly good comand on it than ENGLISH
Sir, but i am well aware abt the students those who face problems due to lack of study material in Marathi..
I can do it English bt i will take little more time to complete my studies...
What you suggest me sir, for selecting studying and writing language for UPSC Exam....study material and success rate as well as adv. And disadvges of english n marathi lang. For vernacular students
Reply plz ! :)
As such there is no any advantages n disadvantages..But as u pointed above problems are with respect to material and that is really a big question..i would suggest if ur comfortable in english then go for it..
DeleteSir, thanx for reply..
DeleteBut Sir, as i rate my languages out of 100 is Marathi is 95% n Englsh is 60%
Sir, as i am Persuing my Graduations in Bsc ( in English lang) we did not use to with His, Geo Eco in english, n its english terms, as UPSC req. Command upon ur lang.!
What should we do to cope up in this kind of situation ???
I hope sir, you understanding my problem of lang selection...
:)
Regards !
Plz reply
As I replied earlier, and I am repeating it here again, first don't be worried about English. In any case good material is available in English. And one must read material in English. So first concentrate on material you read.
DeleteMeanwhile you can decide depending on your comfort which language to be taken for answer writing. You can change your language any time.
But remember there are no advantages or disadvantages!
sir,
ReplyDeletei am quite sure with prelims scor( around220)that i will make it to the mains. my optionals are history & pub admn. i have gone through all necessary text books al basham.thapar.satish chandra. grover& grover). pub admn is new to me & am plannng to join pavan sir classes. plz guide with an study plan. shud i revise all text boooks once(history) & study ignou notes (pub ad) alongwith text books first? also sir plz guide how one shud prepare for G.S.
I had History as one of my optional so I reply for history only. As far as history is concerned I will suggest that there is no need of reading all books again. Just go through syllabus and past question papers. Concentrate on part you find yourself weak,not prepared and prepare for that.
DeleteAlso everyday practice of mapping is very essential which is scoring part of History optional. Choose some part from syllabus as your "strong area". I had Ancient India and World History as my "strong-core area". You can do the same rather than reading all books again.
Hello Sir... What would be an appropriate strategy to deal with India Year Book? Would it be advisable to do it from the original (with the time commitment involved) or do it from a summary such as Unique or New Vishal?
ReplyDeleteIndia year book is not meant for upsc aspirants.It is a guide for different departments of government of India.But it is a book which gives comprehensive idea about working of Government.So it is advised to read it.Vishal's short book is kind of notes of the same.So i advice you not to read big India book but vishal's summary
DeletePosted By Sarvesh Bhure IAS.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteSir while writing an answer can we change our stand
ReplyDeletefor e.g your question if Prez is a rubber stamp?
in that case can we write positives and negatives simultaneously?
also in case of essays if we are suppose writing on the topic "India a Superpower"....in this case we highlight both strengths ans weaknesses of India...but do we need to clearly take a stand whether we feel india is a superpower or not?
You can write both the sides of the argument and you have a liberty to take a stand contrary to generally accepted argument. And this is the beauty of UPSC exam.
DeleteBut one must answer according the nature of question. Many times nature of question in such that there is no need of taking any stand.
In case of Essay, essentially you have to write arguments from both sides and then take your own stand.
Thanks Nilesh Sir
ReplyDeleteU have also written tht answers should be written in the paragraphs form....so suppose its asked write about Integrated action Plan Scheme in 150 words....cant we write it in points in the foll manner
1. implemented by Min...
2. aims and objectives
3. Details of the scheme
4. Scheme it would be subsuming etc
5. present status
or take another example like write abt India-Bangladesh relations
so we first write brief history of relations
then write some quick points in number form on steps taken in recent past like
1. train links
2. border disputes
3. water sharing
4. etc
n then talk about future of the relations
sorry for the lengthy ques...just trying to understand the pattern of writting
In broad terms your approach to answer writing is good. But one must remember that currently UPSC is asking some twisted questions. Means for example the question which was asked in our main exam was ... Is Israel India's natural ally? In such question UPSC is not asking India-Israel relation but application of concept to such relations.
DeleteAgain remember that tone, language,structuring of the question is the best guide to your answer.
Sir, This is a query regarding the newspaper reading . I have a habit of glancing through newspapers , but only after prelims i started making notes out of papers which is very helpful for my revision. So , for the mains exam point of view , Could you suggest starting from which month the newspaper notes is to be made? like Oct last year or June last year? ..Shall i make notes of all the previous months via reading the paper from net or make notes from May and rely on IR and Current Affairs part from Vajiram notes?
ReplyDeleteit is advisable to read newspaper from jan 2012 for the puropse of mains..but i will suggest u to read newspaper from today till mains..and for the past months newspaper u can follow vajiram notes...
DeleteSir
ReplyDeletejust wanted to know how good is Vajirams mains test series.....are they able to do justice to the students in checking their answer scripts considering the huge no. tht enrolls with them
secondly are the papers checked by the same faculty who teach or someone else
i dont think GS test series papers are checked by teaching faculty.i feel for optionals its better to go for test series of other classes which have good reputation in conducting test series. for example i did geography with jains classes and psychology with mukul pathak sir.
ReplyDeletei advice is that consider test series as rehearsal of exams and as mechanism to verify your level of studies and get nack of answer writing, time management. for utility of such test series is only to achieve above stated goal. believe me marks of test series never matter nor do they have corelation with upsc marks.
so take away is get good test series and focus more on answer writing. classes conducting test series should have little importance.
Prashant Sir
ReplyDeletedo you have any idea about Neetu Singh maams(Direction)test series. I have taken coaching from her n found her pretty good....though a couple of my batchmates who took coaching from her joined the test series of Jains....could u throw some light on Jains as well as Neetu singh for test series
It must be noted that both the test series are good in their own respect . But I found that in Neetu Singh's test series the question which are asked are directly from her class notes and reflective of her teaching. But Jain's question papers are more broad based and reflective of UPSC pattern.
DeleteAnyways you can join any of them but you should concentrate on the factors which are enlisted by Prashant in earlier reply.
Sir
ReplyDeleteI actually took Neetu Singhs test series during coaching n gave the tests till atleast paper-1....n do agree with you.
Just wanted to know if in case of Jains does the faculty check the answers??....also is it good for GS test series as well?
sir , i wanted to know how yojana and kurukshetra magazines are useful for upsc? and are both magazines a compulsion to read?
ReplyDeleteThese magazines are very much useful for UPSC but it is not compulsory reading. Depending on issue you can be very much selective in reading these magazines.
DeleteHello Sir,
ReplyDeleteI'm form Mumbai.I'm 25 years old. I have been working in Postal department after my HSC.Sir , I couldn't completed my Graduation because of my job in time. This year I have appeared for the TYBcom exam. I'm planning to appear for the prelim 2013.I hardely get 1 to 2 hours time for study on weekdays. Is it sufficient time for the preparation? How to prepare for the exams of YASHADA and SIAC? Please help me in this regard.
1)I cannot you give you false assurance; essentially 1 to 2 Hours time for study is not sufficient as far as UPSC is concerned. If it is possible for you then you can ask for long one year leave and in that time you can prepare as nature of this exam ask for rigorous study.
Delete2)Exam like Yashada and SIAC has the same syllabus,nature, pattern that of UPSC, so there is no need of any special preparation apart from UPSC preparation!
Hii Sir,
ReplyDeleteWhich PaperSolution ot Paperset is worth to refer???
And how it is useful in preperation..please xplain
Thanks in adv !
Which paper set or paper solution is to be use is not so important factor. You can use any say "Vishal" or "Wizard". Much important thing is to use paper set as important part of your preparation.
DeleteEssentially paper set provides you previous papers which give you idea about pattern of questions, changing patterns of questions and which guides you regarding your preparation.
For example in General Studies question paper there is dramatic change in nature of question asked in last three years. So paper set gives you holistic idea about that.
Hello Sir,
ReplyDeleteI have given my pre this year. I had chosen my optionals as pub ad and geography previously but i am thinking of changing my optional from geography to pali. but i am slightly confused..
1. Is it risky to change the optional at this point of time
2. What is the range of marks people score in Pali?
3. Am hearing weird things that 2012 people scored good marks in Pali so this year, you may not score.Pali optional will affect your interview, etc. Sir how far is this true?
Please help...
First important thing is changing optional is one of the most difficult thing to decide as there are many pros and cons associated with it. As far as changing optional is considered first thing is how much Geography syllabus is covered by you. If you have covered major part then don't fall for Pali stick to your optional. If you haven't covered it, then you can think of Pali as a only available way. Range of marks for Pali varies may be 280 to 320 if you done good study.
DeleteActually none of us took Pali as optional so I will say you should discuss with a candidate who has taken that optional as he will be better position to guide
Sir,
ReplyDeleteI am currently looking forward for mains 2012
I would be glad if you could suggest Sociology material apart IGNOU Books and any specific advise to clear exam in first attempt itself
Thank you
Venkat Ram
Venkat
Deletewe already posted sociology book list http://iasfootsteps.blogspot.in/2012/05/book-list-sociology.html . That may help you.
There is no such specific advice apart from concentrating on your goal, which will help you to crack this prestigious exam in maiden attempt.
Sir
ReplyDeletecould you throw some light how to prepare for Hindi compulsory paper.
I havnt touched Hindi since 10th....currently i m reading AIR Hindi news....what else would you suggest.
lastly can we write technical terms of english in Hindi e.g GDP, CAG,CVC
u dont need to very fluent in hindi. u continue with reding some good hindi newspapper like dainik bhaskar etc. n study ssc level hindi guide for letters, reports, translations, basic grammar, muhavre, etc. and occasionally once in a month solve hindi mains paper of upsc. and focus upon covering paper with legible hand writting.
DeleteSir,
ReplyDeletemy query is regarding coaching.I'm a BE mech from PU who is going for 2013 pre attempt.Now I want to start focused preparations for the attempt.To b frank I have done the basic coaching during the last year.
So now my only aim for joining a coaching centre is to be among people who r serious for 2013.My alternatives are SIAC or going to delhi.Id prefer SIAC but does it usually have quality students who will be doing serious preparations?? and same thing for delhi?
my optionals are pol sci and geog/history
thanks in advance
siac option is good since students selected there are after initial screening test. so u can prepare for prelims in siac itself, but if u can afford u can go to delhi for mains preparation. but its not essential to prepare for mains in delhi only. there are many successful students that have never gone to delhi.
Deletesir
ReplyDeleteam hopeful to write mains this yr(history+pub admn).but pub admn is new to me & 'll have to prepare it now only. too many books to read +ignou notes+class notes(pavan kumar) & then tests. can i do it in these 4 months?i have keen interest in admn+syllabus seems familiar are the only +points . plz tell an effective plan for pub admn 2012.am afraid to follow a plan prepared by me only as there s hardly time to do experiments,thats why am seeking guidance frm you people .plz reply.
dear sir,
ReplyDeleteMy aim is to bacome an IAS Officer. Now I have completed HSC(science) with 86% marks.Now I want to start preaparation for UPSC........But I am confused in taking admission for B.Sc or B.A(english)or B.A(marathi)....also please suggest which classes in pune is very much effective and good for UPSC? and also guide me now how i have to proceed for preparation?from which books i have to start.......everything...Help and guide me...sir
Ghanashyam ,graduation decision is very difficult one and I personally do not agree with going for Humanities for UPSC as candidates from different background clear UPSC and thus you can think of Engineering,Medical or Humanities.
DeleteAs far as classes is concerned Jnana Prabodhini Competitive Examination Center, Chanakya Mandal, SIAC, YASHADA, Unique Academy are the options and there are other also.
And for guidance ....IAS The Way Ahead Blog....!
sir
ReplyDeleteam hopeful to write mains this yr(history+pub admn).but pub admn is new to me & 'll have to prepare it now only. too many books to read +ignou notes+class notes(pavan kumar) & then tests. can i do it in these 4 months?i have keen interest in admn+syllabus seems familiar are the only +points . plz tell an effective plan for pub admn 2012.am afraid to follow a plan prepared by me only as there s hardly time to do experiments,thats why am seeking guidance frm you people .plz reply.
Sir i Have several doubts as i started my prepartion 1 month back and i am in Final Year of Graduation, my Target is 2014 or 15:
ReplyDelete1:Making notes from NCERT'S and NewsPaper is imp?
2: Yojana English n marathi differ by writers articles...so which one is bettr?
3:can u Suggest me what should b next steps aftr grads. respct to classes n studies?
4:how to prepare CSAT during grad.?
Sir i Have several doubts as i started my prepartion 1 month back and i am in Final Year of Graduation, my Target is 2014 or 15:
ReplyDelete1:Making notes from NCERT'S and NewsPaper is imp?
2: Yojana English n marathi differ by writers articles...so which one is bettr?
3:can u Suggest me what should b next steps aftr grads. respct to classes n studies?
4:how to prepare CSAT during grad.?
Ankit first of all making notes is a better strategy to follow, but it is a skill so if making notes is to much time consuming for you, then don't go for that.
Delete2)Reading Yojana in English is better.This is my personal opinion.
3)In graduation you can simultaneously do classes and studies and after graduation you should devote your full time to studies only.
4) For CSAT preparation read post on this blog related to CSAT.
sir
ReplyDeleteam hopeful to write mains this yr(history+pub admn).but pub admn is new to me & 'll have to prepare it now only. too many books to read +ignou notes+class notes(pavan kumar) & then tests. can i do it in these 4 months?i have keen interest in admn+syllabus seems familiar are the only +points . plz tell an effective plan for pub admn 2012.plz reply.
Hell Sir,
ReplyDeleteI am B.E. Mech student from COEP and MBA from IIT Bombay.
I am planning to appear for 2013 UPSC and IAS is my only aspiration.
I am planning to start my preparations from June 2012.
I would need your inputs on following some of the areas; especially in terms of planning and the appropriate set of study material (Prelims and Mains both)
This is because, various views suggest multiple options and I am losing precious time on freezing the study material.
I am sorry for a long list of questions.
1. Plz suggest a suitable coaching class in Pune. I would be taking Geography and Public Administration as optional.
2. Comprehensive book/coaching notes list for Prelims
Special suggestions to prepare for from Prelims point of view for following areas:
• Environment, Bio-diversity, etc.
• Economical issues
• Science and Technology
3. Comprehensive book/coaching notes list GS
As far as possible plz suggest only recommended ones as choosing from the multiple options for each book, I am getting confused.
4. Topic wise best 1-2 books for Public Administration
5. Topic wise best 1-2 books for Geography
6. Smart approach to Newspaper reading
• In terms of selective reading – what areas to focus
• Making notes. Is it required?
I may not get time to make notes as I am working.
So, what care one should take if he/she is not making notes of current affairs?
I can surely take out time for making notes for 2-3 days a week but note more than that.
7. Which magazine is better among Chronicle, CSR and Pratiyogita Darpan and any specific reasons if possible?
8. Suggestions apart from readings
• In general, when to start preparations each which exam like Prelims, Mains, etc.?
• Approximate suggestions for sequence of studying the subjects (in general)
• Specific preparations for writing answers during preparation phase and generally when to start such practicing?
• By prelims exam how much of the syllabus should be covered ideally?
• Considering I am starting preparations for Main 2013, how much time per week would suffice for study.
Due to job constraints, I wouldn’t get more than 4 hours per day.
But on Sat and Sun are holidays.
• Also, I won’t be able to take any significant long leaves during this entire period. Would a slow and steady preparations till the end without any leaves suffice?
• 5. For mains, how many months of current affairs reading?
For Prelims how many months of current affairs reading.
e.g. Somewhere I came across 8-10 months of readings before Mains would cover most of the current affairs.
- KUNDAN
Sir/ Mam I am confused about magazines to be used for preparation. Some says Chronicle is good while some fevers for CST. Will please elaborate the magazines to be used accordingly topics viz., Indian polity, Indian Geography, Modern History of India, Current Affairs etc.I read Hindu News online from their website because i dont get Hindu Newspaper as hardcopy. I get it as weekly edition.Is it enough to read it online or should I refer for another newspaper along with reading Hindu ? Please suggest.
ReplyDeletesir I want help regarding starting of preparation for IAS. I am from HINDI background want to prepare in hindi language, but now I am living in very remote area where availability of coaching is not possible, I have to rely only on self study. I have no base for HOW TO START...
ReplyDeleteplease give me suggestion of books, newspaper and magazines to go though continuously...
I want to take exam in 2013 so accordingly how much time I should give for these IAS-PRE-EXAM material...
please help me...
You can get all information regarding your preparation through this blog. Just check different posts of this blog.
DeleteSir could you tell me if this model of answering the mains ques is acceptable
ReplyDeleteQ. Discuss the role and challenges ahead of PSUs in the backdrop of 20 years of LPG startegy in India?
Ans. intro
Role
1.
2.
3.
Challenges
1.
2.
3.
Though this basic approach is right , this answer format is very rigid.
Delete1) Introduction:- depending on word limit.( LPG means what)
2) Role and Challenges
3) Different case studies ( example of Disinvestment)
4) Conclusion etc.
5) Some facts and figures must also be included.
Sir,
ReplyDeleteI am BSc Final year student, abt to start my final year of graduation; I started with NCERT's + Yojna with preparing hand written notes..and soon i'll start Current Affairs notes from 'The Hindu'.
Sir, I want you opinion abt my preparation tht i am on right path or nt as Undergraduated ? Or else what should i follow plus to above mentioned prepartion?
As I am student of Final year of Bsc, i must concentrate on graduation studies too...what strategy i should follow to balance both the things at level best??
Your direction wil be benifitial for me, for my after grad. Studies for UPSC
Thanx in Advance :)
Reply Soon
hi sir,
ReplyDeletethis blog has been very useful in getting the info....thk u. I am average @ writing essays and long answers on opinion based. i would like u suggest me the approach/ways to improve my writing skills especially for essays and long answers.
thk u.
sir i have completed my first year eng.i wanted to start the preparation of UPSC so i want to utilise the time of 3 years which i have.so should i join the foundation course ???????and how can i start my preparation,sir???
ReplyDeletehi sir,i am dr sudhakar jadhav.my optionals are public administration and marathi literature.is their anybody to guide about book list,notes and preparation strategy for marathi literature...
ReplyDeletesir,my optional subjects for mains are history and political science and my medium is marathi please cn u suggest me books in maratho for rajyashastra and itihas...
ReplyDeletesir,
ReplyDeleteis there any good coaching institute in nagpur ?
My optional subjects are geography and sociology.
sir, i would like to know the best correspondence for public admn. and G.S in ......delhi institutes are preferable...
ReplyDeleteHello sir,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to know whether its feasible to do 9 hours job and prepare for UPSC?
I am having engineering background and right now working in a software company. I have done Masters in technology and having industrial experience of approx 4years. I am confident to dedicate my rest of the time other than office hours to UPSC studies.
Its a crucial time for me to decide whether to go for job+UPSC preparation or only UPSC preparation. Your suggestions/inputs on this will be very helpful and appriciable.
Thanks.
---Yogesh
Are there any good coaching classes for Philosophy in Pune?
ReplyDeletehello sirs, I have a very genuine query regarding OBC. If you could solve it, it would be great help to me. My father is a govt servant and after 6th pay his salary is around 6.4lacks/annum. So the authorized person is not giving me non creamy layer certificate saying that Maharashtra govt. has a criteria that income should not exceed 4.5. However central govt clearly states that income from salary, agriculture land shold not be counted for wealth test. What should I do? So that I should be absolutely clear that I am not violating anything and hence I am safe and will face no problem in future.
ReplyDelete---KM
I want to know which is the important book for ias pre.exam? please sent me which is important book for upsc pre......
ReplyDeleteBasically your question is very wrong in the sense there is no as such important BOOK for prelims, but there are important BOOKS for prelims.
DeleteWhich means you have to refer different books. Please read different blogs as important books list has been uploaded ( CSAT and GS) very earlier, that may help you.
SIR I HAVE COMPLETED MY GRADUATION IN (BSCIT) AND I HAVE DECIDED TO TAKE (PUB AD) AND NOW I AM CONFUSED BETWEEN (GEOG AND HISTORY) SO PLEASE SUGGEST ME ABOUT SUB SELECTION
ReplyDeleteHello Sir,will you please tell me some basic books on Sociology?
ReplyDeleteHello sir, I have completed B.E.Mechanical.I have been working in the company for one year.I want to do full time preparation for UPSC 2013 in Marathi medium. So I want to leave job.I have decided geography as first optional.but I am confused regarding second optional between Public administration and Political Science.pls suggest me about second optional. Now I want to join coaching classes in Pune.pls help me regarding coaching classes........
ReplyDeleteHello sir, Pls suggest me books for geography optional in Marathi medium.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteSometimes after framing analytical answers I don't find anyone to give clear cut comments. Can we type it out and mail it across for feedback?
i have completed my b.sc with zoology. i want philosophy optional. is it scoring and good one for optional?
ReplyDeleteIn this week i join canara bank as probationary officer at chennai now i want to continue my preparation at chennai i do not know where good study centre classes and book shops available if any body have any information regarding this i going to very helpful for me. Rahul Ghule
ReplyDeleteSir,i'm engg 3rd yr EnTC student now, and i've started reading NCERT books, My question is -i'm really confused about selection of optionals in UPSC..actually as an engg student i dont know if a perticular subject is of interest to me or not??
ReplyDeletei font know my interest amog the provided optionals???Please help me on that...what should i do to find my interest in a perticular optional sub????
Optional selection is one of the important decision in UPSC exam. Emphasis must be given on interest in subject, availability of guidance, availability of reference books, current trend in UPSC. On these different factors, Public Administration, Geography, History, Political Science considered to be safe optionals.
DeleteSir,as you know the mains pattern has changed and it will be followed from this year mains.Sir please throw some light on the preparation strategy.I'm a keen follower of this blog and looking forward eagerly for a helping post.Sir please help us.
ReplyDeleteChanged pattern makes it very clear that more emphasis will be given to GS as thousand marks are for it. Compared with it , optional has only five hundred marks, so more attention must be given to GS paper.
DeleteFor GS study, one should devote more time for current event aspect and news papers and magazine is the best way for preparation.
Sir , I want to know which book we should refer for CSAT Paper 1.. i am confused between TMH, Pearson and spectrum gs manuals
ReplyDeleteRead our post regarding preparation of CSAT.
DeleteSir, my mains optional is history. Considering that there is very less time from now till the exam, could you please guide me what booklist to follow? I have B.A. Ignou history materials only. Also what strategy to follow for GS as well essay preparation? What should I study for GS and essay? I am sorry sir for asking so many questions, I am just impatient to start my preparation fast. Hope to get a prompt and positive advice.
ReplyDeleteThanking you
Mausami
For History Main preparation see our blog post http://iasfootsteps.blogspot.in/2012/05/1.html, which will help you. Also there are some other blog post related to history optional preparation which will be very helpful as far as history preparation is concerned.
DeleteSimilarly strategy for GS is explained in detail in other posts.
Currently focus more on GS preparation as GS carries more wight-age in terms of marks. So strategy would be to concentrate on GS.
Thank you so much sir for your prompt reply. I will do so as you have advised. Sir, I am not very good with my essay writing. Could you please suggest how I can improve on it?
DeleteSir, for general studies IV which is ethics, integrity and aptitude, what do you think we should study?
DeleteSir according to new pattern which books are helpful for G.S. paper 1 to 4 in marathi medium.Specially Sci and Tech, Ethics paper
ReplyDeleteAmol
SIR, I NEED TO KNOW WHICH EDITORIALS ARE REQUIRED TO BE READ IN THE HINDU NEWSPAPER-RELEVANCY OF THE EDITORIALS-ARE WE REQUIRED TO READ ALL THE EDITORIALS ?
ReplyDeletesir, for GS preparation which institute in pune is good jnana prabodhini or the unique academy or any other ??? what about pravin chavan sir's classes ?? and which institute in pune is good for public administration optional in pune ??????
ReplyDeletehi.. i am syba student. i am ips aspiriant. i want success in my frst attempt. so depending on this pls suggest me coaching centres in pune or mumbai thane.
ReplyDeleteHellow to all the respected sir, lm sushil sansare I just cleared siac cet 2013 got 33rd rank. I realy want to be the part of the most glorious and precious service of mother India.i just went through the blog its realy realy nice and healpfull to the aspirents who can not afford the classes.Hats off to you all sir.
ReplyDeleteCan you tell me how should I extract more out of SIAC coaching as i hv started preparing since last year? All your valuable suggestions are most wellcome...
Sir m an IAS aspirant with geo. as an optional can u pls hlp me with what to read in recent views on mountain building.
ReplyDeletesir, please suggest me any good newspaper for civils preparation except 'The Hindu' since it is not available in my town
ReplyDeleteNamaste Sir, Congratulations and you are doing a really nice job by clearing our confusions to great extent and thank you for the same.
ReplyDeleteMy question is that , I have done my schooling from Marathi medium, and took Science stream for FYJC and HSC. Later for graduation on my dads will I did Hotel Management, I have Bachelors degree in the same ( though I wanted to pursue a career in Engineering or any science field, couldnt do it, emotional bonding :) ) But now I want to pursue my CSE dream, can you tell me if I am eligible for this exam, I will turn 26 in a couple of months. Also although I can write or talk in English,, when it comes to expressing my own ideas or views i often get stuck due to vocabulary/grammar etc,, Should i chose MARATHI as my medium of instruction/writing?
Also, many premium institutes charge hefty amounts for their coachings, apart from SIAC are there any good and affordable institutes/ classes in Mumbai ?
Eagerly waiting for your answer )
dear sir, can you tell me the NCERT books are available in marathi medium ,if not then suggest me civil services books for marathi medium
ReplyDeletehi sir
ReplyDeletecan you please guide me in selectinmg coaching center in pune for upsc. I am doing job here in an IT company. So planning to join weekend batch .I have selected Public Ad as optional. Can you please suggest only one coaching center here where i can join.Please reply soon.
This is nice and helpful blog. At present time all the candidates had a confusion in their minds. They want a right solution for their problems. If, you are searching for best coaching for ias then you can come and join IAS Coaching In Lucknow.
ReplyDeletesir i read in a blog here that for answer writing 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. I want to know considering the fact that 25 ques need to be answered so do we have to still write points in rough ?
ReplyDeleteExcellent work.Gate coaching classes in nagpur is in huge demand. There are many classes for GATE in nagpur but one must go for best GATE coaching institutes in nagpur for a better preparation and to crack the test.
ReplyDeleteBest GATE coaching in pune is the keyword to my success. I searched it online and got ICE Gate institute. I suggest you all to visit this institute, I have a very good experience over their.
ReplyDeleteGreat information posetd here. I am preparing for gate from Ice gate academy in vadodara. Many thanks.
ReplyDeletewill BTS is iligible for indian forest service
ReplyDeletePeople who are preparing for the competitive exam must read good books because books are the single most source of information they can gather which is useful not only in the exam but also in their lives.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Ashok
Competitive Exams Study Material
Thanks for sharing the post.Onlineicegate conducts gate classes for students preparing for exam.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lots for your anticipation. This will really be helpful to the lost of student who come to study in top IAS academy in Delhi in order to fulfil their wish of becoming IAS officer.
ReplyDeletei am 25 left my job and want a good guidance regarding preparation for ias . i have talked to lot of my friends about coaching, books, study notes and totally confused so can you please guide me in this topic how to start ias preparation and the best coaching in delhi for the beginners.
ReplyDeletei have heared about vajiram... but their admission procredure is quite a hectic.
I have just passed my class 12th, I would be doing engineering but my goal is to become an Indian Foreign Officer
ReplyDeleteI wanna know why should I do from ryt now for exam
What should I be preparing /reading so that when I face exam in 2022 I am completely ready
Thank you for hearing us!! it will really help to those who are preapring for IAS aspirants, most aspirants want to learn at Best UPSC Mathematics Optional Institute.
ReplyDelete
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