How to Prepare for IAS Exams

One important thing that candidates should keep in mind is that since the time
between the Main Exam and the declaration of result of the Preliminary Exam is very
less, it is advisable to begin preparations of the Main Exam along with the
Preliminary Exam.
The General Studies paper covers the following areas:
General Science; Current events of national and international importance; History of
India; World Geography; Indian Polity and Economy; Indian National Movement;
General Mental Ability.
For this section, it is important to be updated in all fields. For History, Economy,
Polity, etc, it is advisable to read Class 11 and 12 books published by the NCERT.
Some books on the freedom struggle are published by the National Book Trust. For
general knowledge and objective-type questions, refer to General Knowledge
Refresher by O.P. Khanna. For General Mental Ability and current affairs, it is
advisable to read The Competition Master regularly.
One question that is often asked by students is about the subjects that they should take
up. Since some subjects are scoring, students wish to opt for them. But one thing that
must be kept in mind is one's aptitude. If one has studied a subject since school and
one is comfortable in it, chances of doing well in it are greater rather than taking up an
unrelated subject which one may never have studied. Generally speaking, do not
choose an entirely new subject in which you will have to work very hard. If the
optional is prepared well for the preliminary and the same subject is also planned to
be opted as one of the optionals, it is very useful and saves a lot of labour.
Once you have decided to appear in the Civil Services Exam, preparations should start
early. A look at past papers helps get an idea about the kind of questions that are
asked. Over the years, The Competition Master has published solved papers which
can be referred to. It may be advisable to join a coaching institute so that one keeps in
touch with other students and discuss issues with them. It is important, however, to
select a good institute. However, one can be successful by self-study also.
About Preliminary Exam preparation,
- one paper is optional i.e. your choice
- One paper is compulsory i.e. General Studies.
- Now i will tell you how to prepare for General Studies(GS) paper.
- if one wants to have command over GS, then he has to prepare 8 major area i.e.
History
Geography
Polity
Science
Economy
Mental Abiltiy
Current Affairs

General Knowledge.
- For all the above topics, best way to start is from Basics i.e. NCERT Books of Class 6th to
Class 12th.
- For History - NCERT + Spectrums Modern India
- Geography - NCERT + GoCheng leong + a good atlas like orient longman/oxford.
- Polity - NCERT + any good guide book like laxmikanth's indian polity/ Jojo mathews's Indian
constitution and polity.
- Science - i think Ncert class 6th to class 12th is more than enough.
- Economy - NCERT class 11th and 12th + pratiyogita darpan's special issue on indian
economy + Read and make notes of newspaper about current economy.
- Mental Ability - R.s.Agarwal.
- Current Affairs - one has to be thorough with newspaper readings of atleast one year back
from the date of exam.
- General Knowledge - India year book + Manorama year book or Chronicle year book.
- if one is thorough with the above topics from the above materials, then he/she will definitely
crack this exam easily.

Syllabus For Mains:

General Science.
Current events of national and international importance
History of India and Indian National Movement
Indian and World Geography
Indian Polity and Economy
General Mental Ability
Questions on General Science will cover general appreciation and understanding
of science including matters of everyday observation and experience, as may be
expected of a well educated person who has not made a special study of any
particular scientific discipline. In current events, knowledge of significant national
and international events will be tested. In History of India, emphasis will be on
broad general understanding of the subject in its social, economic and political
aspects. Questions on the Indian National Movement will relate to the nature and
character of the nineteenth century resurgence, growth of nationalism and
attainment of Independence. In Geography, emphasis will be on Geography of
India. Questions on the Geography of India will relate to physical, social and
economic Geography of the country, including the main features of Indian
agricultural and natural resources. Questions on Indian Polity and Economy will

test knowledge of the country's political system and Constitution of India,

Panchayati Raj, Social Systems and economic developments in India. On general
mental ability, the candidates will be tested on reasoning and analytical abilities.

GS mains syllabus
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General Studies

General Guidelines:

The nature and standard of questions in the General Studies papers will be such that a welleducated person will be able to answer them without any specialized study. The questions will
be such as to test a candidate's general awareness of a variety of subjects, which will have
relevance for a career in Civil Services. The questions are likely to test the candidate's basic
understanding of all relevant issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socioeconomic goals, objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and
succinct answers.

PAPER - I
1. History of Modern India and Indian Culture

The History of Modern India will cover history of the Country from about the middle of nineteenth
century and would also include questions on important personalities who shaped the freedom
movement and social reforms. The part relating to Indian culture will cover all aspects of Indian
culture from the ancient to modern times as well as principal features of literature, arts and
architecture.

2. Geography of India

In this part, questions will be on the physical, economic and social geography of India.

3. Constitution of India and Indian Polity

This part will include questions on the Constitution of India as well as all constitutional, legal,
administrative and other issues emerging from the politico-administrative system prevalent in
the country.

4. Current National Issues and Topics of Social Relevance

This part is intended to test the candidate's awareness of current national issues and topics of
social relevance in present-day India, such as the following:

(i) The Indian economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,
development and employment.

(ii) Issues arising from the social and economic exclusion of large sections from the benefits of
development.

(iii) Other issues relating to the development and management of human resource.

(iv) Health issues including the management of Public Health, Health education and ethical
concerns regarding health-care, medical research and pharmaceuticals.

(v) Law enforcement, internal security and related issues such as the preservation of communal
harmony.

(vi) Issues relating to good governance and accountability to the citizens including the
maintenance of human rights, and of probity in public life.

(vii) Environmental issues, ecological preservation, conservation of natural resources and

national heritage.

PAPER - II
1. India and the World

This part will include questions to test candidate's awareness of India's relationship with the
world in various spheres such as the following:-

Foreign Affairs with special emphasis on India's relations with neighbouring countries and in the
region.

Security and defence related matters.

Nuclear policy, issues, and conflicts.

The Indian Diaspora and its contribution to India and the world.

2. India's Economic Interaction with the World

In this part, questions will be on economic and trade issues such as foreign trade, foreign
investment; economic and diplomacy issues relating to oil, gas and energy flows; the role and
functions of I.M.F., World Bank, W.T.O., WIPO etc. which influence India's economic interaction
with other countries and international institutions.

3. Developments in the Field of Science & Technology, IT and space

In this part, questions will test the candidate's awareness of the developments in the field of
science and technology, information technology, space and basic ideas about computers,
robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and related issues regarding intellectual property
rights.

4. International Affairs and Institutions

This part will include questions on important events in world affairs and on international
institutions.

5. Statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams

This part will test the candidate's ability to draw conclusions from information presented in
statistical, graphical or diagrammatical form and to interpret them.

Previous years' questions GS

prelims
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From UPSC Civil Services Exam 2008 GS Prelims Paper
From UPSC Civil Services Exam 2007 GS Prelims Paper

## Participatory Notes (PNs) are associated with which one of the following?

a) Consolidated fund of India

b) Foreign Institutional Investors
c) United Nations Development Programme
d) Kyoto Protocol

Ans: b) Foreign Institutional Investors

## Production of which one of the following is a function of the liver?

a) Lipase
b) Urea
c) Mucus
d) Hydrochloric acid

Ans: b) Urea

## Consider the following statements:

1. The mode of removal of a Judge of a High Court of India is same as that of removal of a judge of the
Supreme Court
2. After retirement from the office, a permanent Judge of a High Court cannot plead or act in any court
or before any authority in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 or 2

Ans: a) 1 only

## Where are Shevaroy Hills located?

a) Andhra Pradesh
b) Karnataka
c) Kerala
d) Tamil Nadu
Ans: d) Tamil Nadu
From UPSC Civil Services Exam 2006 Prelims GS Paper

# To which one of the following processes is the term CMYK related?

a) Railway signaling
b) Navigation
c) Offset printing
d) Electronic voting machine
Ans: c) Offset printing

# Consider the following statements:

1.Kofi Annan the UN Secretary General is from Nigeria.

2.Kofi Annan is the first UN Secretary General to be appointed from the ranks of the
United Nations staff.
3.Kofi Annan was appointed for a second term to the office of the UN Secretary
General.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 1 and 2, only
c) 2 and 3, only
d) 1 and 3, only
Ans: c) 2 and 3, only