How to prepare General Studies and Essays for UPSC

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GS preparation for mains

GS papers I and II require a pervasive study. Aspirants should start their preparation with NCERT books class 10th to class 12th on various subjects e.g. History, Geography, political science, Indian foreign policy, Science and technology, international relation, etc. After this, you can go through other standard books recommended for GS paper.

You should prepare for the mains exam first and after this start prelims preparation. Prelims exam contains multiple-choice questions. These questions can be answered based on facts which you have read in various books of prelims preparation.

Answer the MCQs as fast as possible and develop the ability to answer the questions quickly. Aspirants will be allowed 120 minutes for answering questions in the General Studies paper. The speed and accuracy can be achieved only through regular practice. Write the answer point to point.

Should I join coaching for general studies

This is a very difficult question to answer. It depends on the capability of aspirants. Some aspirants have Deep and quiet knowledge but they aren’t able to utilize this knowledge and fail to crack the mains exam.

GENERAL STUDIES PAPER 1 requires smart work in the right direction. Coaching institutes provide you with proper guidelines and strategies. Here an aspirant learns how to apply this energy and knowledge in this exam.

Does the medium of the exam decide the success ratio?

Aspirants often asked this question. It is quite common. The medium of expression does not matter in the success of civil service exam candidates can fill for the medium in which they can express themselves easily.

NCERT books

NCERT books are really helpful whether students are doing self-study or attending coaching classes. They provide the basic content knowledge necessary for civil service exams.

Strategy for general studies prelims

Many subjects overlap in both examinations so it will not be beneficial to study any subject for any particular purpose. Take a holistic approach to clear the IAS prelims and mains.

Monthly magazine

Reading monthly magazines is crucial for the UPSC examination. Some magazines like Yojana and Kurukshetra are very helpful for IAS preparation.

Newspaper

Newspaper reading is a must for IAS exam preparation both prelims and mains for all the subjects. General studies are about the Daily happenings of life. Reading standard newspapers like ‘The Hindu’ is very important.

Making note

Some students only study and don't prepare their notes. It can prove a big mistake. Making notes is a good practice for General studies paper 1. It also tells you what is important for study.

Negative marking

Understand about negative marking before appearing in the exam. Also, calculate the negative marking system in the Prelims exam. Negative marking badly affects the many aspirants.

After completing the syllabus it is necessary to test your knowledge if you are doing self-study then also you should join the BEST TEST SERIES FOR UPSC. Some institutes provide UPSC mock test series and you can purchase them at an affordable price.

Essay preparation

Generally, UPSC aspirants spend a lot of time in general study and optional subjects but the essay the paper is also equally important. You will have to write an essay out of the four topics. Each essay contains 125 marks. 250 marks are very important in the IAS exam so it is a must to prepare for an essay paper properly.

Make a habit of reading newspaper editorials daily. Generally, essay topics are chosen from current affairs.
Read some good essays that will make you able to write an essay.
Note down some quotes which can be used in the essay while reading a newspaper.
Real-life examples are better than theoretical ones to write the best answer.
The essay should be contemporary relevant and current affairs based.
Include case studies, government initiatives, examples, and quotations in your answer.
There is no need to write all that you have prepared and read according to the topic.
Prepare some general topics like technology, science, education, health care, development, women's issues, the internet, etc.
Present your point of view from a different angle on the essay topic
Start writing essays during your mains exam preparation. The feedback of your mentors, teachers, and senior students is very important in the essay.
Don't show one-sided arguments, aggressive behavior, or a biased point of view in your essay. No matter what your thoughts are about this topic.