Awaited Reform in Prelims of UPSC Arrives at the Civils Aspirants

The altogether New Pattern in the Preliminary test of Civil Services Examination has been unveiled. The most awaited moment of the Civils aspirants for 2011 exam has knocked their door. The Official Sources, on 18th October 2010, have revealed the enigma over the changes in Preliminary exam from 2011. According to them the new pattern would be the following:

Duration & Marks of Exam:
PAPER I     -  2 Hours with 200 Marks.
PAPER II   -  2 Hours with 200 Marks.
A Total of 400 Marks in 4 Hours for Complete Examination.

PAPER I

1. Current events of national and international importance
2. History of India and Indian national movement
3. Indian and World geography — physical, social, economic geography of India and the world.
4. Indian Polity and governance — Constitution, political system, panchayati raj, public policy, Rights issues, etc.,
5. Economic and social development — sustainable development, poverty, inclusion, demographics, social sector initiatives etc and
6. General issues on environmental ecology, bio-diversity and climate change.
7. General Sciences.

PAPER II

1. Interpersonal skills including communication skills
2. Logical reasoning and analytical ability
3. Decision making and problem solving
4. General mental ability
5. Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude etc.— Class X level).
6. Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. — Class X level) and
7. English language comprehension skills (Class X level).

NOTE: Sorry for the Inconvenience, Changes has been made to this post as we have provided wrong info subjected to the marks  of exam, since we followed The Hindu which has published wrong information in its website.
SOURCE: UPSC.gov.in (Click here for Press note by UPSC) 
Tags: csat syllabus, new syllabus of upsc, upsc, upsc syllabus, upsc csat, csat 2011 syllabus, upsc 2011, 

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Telugu literature for civil services | ias telugu literature syllabus

Telugu Literature is a popular optional for all the aspirants who are well-versed in this language. That does not mean that one has to be a literature graduate (B.A or M.A in Telugu). The success rate of many engineering graduates, who have liking for the subject, indicates that the subject is easy, provided one has the aptitude for the subject.

Paper – I

This is the easiest paper of Telugu Literature and very easy to read and doesn’t require any coaching. You can pick up the books suggested and start reading even before you join any coaching. In section – A, if one is comfortable with telugu grammar, the subject becomes very easy. But on the negative side, you need to remember lots of names of authors and books in Section – B. As the subject is easy, care should be taken in presentation and art of writing good answers with subheading and nice examples.

Paper – 1 (Sec A): 1, 4 – 8 sections of the syllabus can be chosen to prepare, ignoring

others in choice.

Suggested Reading:

1 Nagaraju Sir’s notes (available in the Srinivasa Xerox Center near Ashok nagar X roads, Hyderabad) 

2 Andhra Bhasha Charithra (by Badriraju Krishnamurty) (only if you have time to read) 

3 Vakyam (by Chekuri Ramarao) (only if you have time to read)

Paper – 1 (Sec B): 

1 – 4 (ancient) sections of the syllabus, 5 – 8 (medieval) sections, 

9– 12 (modern) sections, Janapada sahityam. You can either pick ancient (1 – 4) or

medieval (5 – 8) sections,...... and reading Modern (9 – 12) and Janapada sahityam

compulsorily.

Suggested Reading:

1 Nagaraju Sir’s notes (available in the Srinivasa Xerox Center near Ashok nagar X roads, Hyderabad) 

2 Andhra Sahitya Charitra (by Nagayya) (very big book. Read only if you have time).

Paper – 2

This is a difficult paper compared to Paper – I, but also very scoring. For this paper, I feel coaching is necessary, especially for the ones who don’t understand Kavya style of writing. Also, this paper includes writing Vyakhyanas for different padyalu both ancient and modern.

Paper – 2 (Sec A): You can read (Dushyanta Charitra) Nannayya, (Sri Krishna Rayabaram) Tikkana, (Gunanidhi katha) Srinathudu, (Sugatri Saleenula Katha) Pingali Soorana. You can ignore Molla Ramayanam and last notes.

Suggested Reading:

1 Syllabus and text notes of all the chapters (from Navodaya Book House, Koti or Sree Book Square, Kachiguda X Road).

2 Nagaraju Sir’s notes

3 Akella Raghavendra book on Telugu Literature Paper – II.

4 They are commentaries available on each syllabus chapter in Navodaya Book House. But read this, after you get sufficient time and after completion of syllabus.

Paper - 2 (Sec B): There are two ways to read this section. Read the poetry syllabus of 5 chapters for both Vyakhyanas and Long Answers. Or read poetry syllabus for Vyakhyanas and read prose sections of Gurajada kathalu, Alpajeevi and NGO for Long answers. The choice will be yours. Its better to read Sri Sri - Maha Prastanam and Jashuva - Gabbilam for both Vyakhyanas and Long answers.

Suggested Reading:

1 Syllabus and text notes of all the chapters (from Navodaya Book House, Koti

or Sree Book Square, Kachiguda X Road).

2 Nagaraju Sir’s notes

3 Akella Raghavendra book on Telugu Literature Paper – II.

4 They are commentaries available on each syllabus chapter in Navodaya Book House. But read this, after you get sufficient time and after completion of syllabus.

Important Points to Note:

Long Answers:

• First look at the previous question papers and write down all the questions per topic one after other, so that you can get an idea of questions asked.

• All the topics can be related to - Kala Soundarya Drukpatham, Charithraka Samajaka Drukpatham, Manastatatva Drukpatham, Tatvika Drukpatham, Vyaktitvam (character - sketch), Relevance and importance of the topic in literature and so on.

• So, prepare points on each topic rather than answers for each topic. These points you can use to write answers depending on the question asked.

• Prepare nice introductions and nice endings for each general topic.

• Read the text number of times. especially poetry so that you get command of the subject and also to write quotes in the exam.

• Quotations will surely enhance your answers..

Vyakhyanas:

• All the topics can be related to - Kala Soundarya Drukpatham, Charithraka Samajaka Drukpatham, Manastatatva Drukpatham, Tatvika Drukpatham

• You have to develop a base in all the above topics, so that you can write easily for any poem asked.

• Give introduction, Sandarbam, bhavam and start the vyakhyanam and then ending.

• For kala soundarya Drukpatham, one has to know all about the Rasam, Dhvani, Vakrokti etc.

• Develop important points for all the Vrutha poems (4 lined poems) and then write important points for all the other poems if you have time.

• Do write at least 5 vyakhyanas for all the 4 drukpathams before the exam so that you are sufficiently confident.

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Zoology civils | ias zology syllabus

Suggested Reading List

• Cell and Molecular Biology - De Robertis, C.B. Powar

• Genetics - P.K. Gupta, Gardner, Ahluwalia, Vir Bala Rastogi

• Invertebrates - R.L. Kotpal, Nigam, Jordan

• Vertebrates - R.L. Kotpal, Nigam, Jordan and Varma

• Comparative anatomy of vertebrate zoology - Kent

• Animal physiology - H.R. Singh, Vander

• Biochemistry - Harper, Leninger, Stryer, Rao

• Embryology - Balinsky, A.K. Berry, Vir Bala Rastogi

• Organic evolution - Veer Bala Rastogi

• Ecology - P.D. Sharma, Odum, Vir Bala Rastogi and M.S. Jayaraj, Kotpal and Bali

• Economic Zoology - Shukla and Upadhaya, Kotpal Series, Kotpal- Khetrapal -Agarwal

• Ethology - Reena Mathur, Magazines like Science Reporter, Nature etc.

• General Zoology - Storer and Usurger

• Physiology - H.R. Singh

• Evolution - Vir Bala Rastogi

• A Dictionary of Entomology - Leftwich

It’s better to keep answers diagrammatic and less verbose. Students should also not hesitate in drawing colour diagrams.

Paper I 

Section A Non-chordata and chordata:

• Classification should be done thoroughly as it's given in Barnes' textbook

• Pay attention to general essays rather than type studies

• Always correlate things from evolutionary viewpoint -Draw as many diagrams and flow charts as possible

• Students should cover all theories.

• In chordate description, compare the phyla phylogenetically and anatomically. Comparative anatomy diagrams should be coloured.

Section B

The most scoring parts are Economic Zoology, Bio Stats and Bio Instrumentation. Students need to focus on topics related to developments in India in Economic Zoology.

Paper II 

Section A 

To prepare Cell Biology and Genetics, students need to follow the same advice as provided for these two topics in Botany. However, you need to correlate cellular processes with human physiology and human disease conditions. In Genetics, student should also mention the possible human welfare applications. Peripheral questions are generally not asked.

Section B 

Biochemistry and Physiology

Practical Bio-chemical pathway with structural formula of molecules are important.

Prepare from medical bio-chemistry and physiology books. Represent most information through flow charts. Always draw relevant anatomical diagrams.

Development Biology

If physiology and biochemistry are prepared thoroughly, then this part can be prepared only for short notes. Colored drawings are a must. Students need to practice them properly.

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Urdu for civils | ias urdu

Paper I

• Urdu ki Lisani Tashkil - Mirza Khalil Ahmad Beg [Educational Book House, Aligarh]

• Mokqadwa; Tarikh-e-Zuban-e-Urdu - Prof. Maswood Husain Khan [Educational Book House, Aligarh]

• Ansaf-e-SuKhan aur Sher Haiyyaten - Shamian Ahmed

Paper II

• Urdu Shairi ka Tauqidi Mutala - Suenbul Nigar [Educational Book House, Aligarh]

• Urdu Nasr ka Tauqidi Mutala - Suenbul Nigar [Educational Book House,Aligarh]

• Urdu Adab Ki Tarikh - Noorul Hasan Naqvi [Educational Book House, Aligarh]

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Statistics

• Introductory Probability and Statistical Applications - Paul Meyer

• An Introduction to Probability Theory & Mathematical Statistics -V K Rohtagi

• Fundamentals of Statistics (2 Vol.)- A M Goon, M K Gupta and B Dass Gupta

• An Outline of Statistical Theory (2 Vol.) -A M Goon, M K Gupta and B .Dass Gupta

• Fundamentals of Mathematical Statistics-A C Gupta and V K Kapoor

• Fundamentals of Applied Statistics-S C Gupta and V K Kapoor

• Sampling Techniques-William G. Cochran

• Sampling Theory of Surveys with applications - B. V Sukhatme & B V Sukhatme.

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Sociology

REFERENCE BOOKS FOR PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION:

1. IGNOU Material

2. Sociology - Sachideva & Vidhya Bushan.

3. Sociology - T.B. Bottomore.

4. Sociology Themes & Perspectives - Moralambose & R.M. Heald.

5. Unique Guide.

6. Dhilion Guide.

7. Spectrum Guide.

8. Sociology Dictionary - William P. Scott.

9. Social Demography - Asha & Bandhi.

10. Social Anthropology - Madan & Majumdar.

11. Political System - Smelser. 11.Cultural Anthropology -Madan and Majumdar 12.Sociology - Horton and Hunt

13. Harlambus - Introduction to Sociology

14. Tribal India - L.P. Vidhyarthi

15. Modernisation of Indian Tradition - Y. Singh

16. NCERT tests on sociology

17. Oxford Dictionary / Collins

18. Chapters from a good book on Demography and Urban geography

REFERENCE BOOKS FOR MAINS EXAMINATION :

1. Ram Ahuja: Society in India

2. Ram Ahuja: Social problems in India

3. IGNOU notes (especially for thinkers and topic on Indian system)

4. Caste its 20th Century Avatar - M.N. Srinivas

5. participation as freedom - Amartya Sen and Jean Dreze

6. Y. Singh - Modernisation of Indian Tradition

7. Y. Singh - Social tradition in India

8. L.P. Vidhyarthi - Tribal India

9. Yojana (Independence day special 2001 on population)

10. Y. Singh - Social Change in India

11. Niel J. Smelser for Economy and Society

12. Abraham and Francis - Sociological theory

REFERENCE BOOKS OVERALL :

• Sociology - T.B. Bottomore

• Sociology - Harry M. Johnson

• Sociology: An introduction and analysis - Maclver and Page

• Handbook of sociology - Ogburn and Ninkoff

• Social anthropology - Madan and Majumdar

• Social Thought - Abraham and Morgan

• Social structure - M.N. Srinivas

• Dictionary of sociology - Dunean and Mitchel or Penguin

TOPICWISE SUGGESTED BOOKS:

• Introductory Sociology: T.B. Bottmore

• Basic contribution of sociological and anthropological thinkers: dictionary of sociology, Social and cultural process: Maclver and Page and Madan & Majumdar

• Deviance and central: Social stratification - Harlambos and T.B. Bottomore

• Illustrations - Johnson

• Political institutions - Bottomore

• Religious and social institutions - Madan & Majumdar

• Basic Concepts of Indian sociology - Y Singh (Modernization of Indian Tradition), Villavge, Town, City, Maclver & Page

Paper I

For short questions, these are the important sections in paper I:

• Sociology - The Discipline

• Scientific Study of Social Phenomena

• Techniques of data collection and analysis

• Economic System

• Political System

• Educational System

• Science & Technology

To prepare for the long questions in paper I, students are required to thoroughly prepare Pioneering contributions to Sociology. This includes

• Karl Marx: Historical materialism, mode of production, alienation and class struggle.

• Emile Durham: Division of labour, social fact, religion and society.

• Max Weber: Social action, ideal types, authority, bureaucracy, protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism.

• Talcott Parsons: Social system, pattern variables.

• Robert K Merton: Latent and manifest functions, anomie, conformity and deviance, reference groups.

While revising Pioneering contributions to Sociology', students need to focus on areas like socio-economic and political background, views of thinkers, their analysis, contemporary perspective and evolution. The section on `Pioneering contributions to Sociology' is the most important part of paper I. It helps to understand the theoretical inferences of paper II. So, if you are thorough with this section, it will be easier for candidates to get a gist of sections like Social Stratification, Economic System, Political System, Educational System, Social Movements and Social Change and Development.

Candidates are required to understand argumentative aspect of thinkers like Karl Marx, Emile Durham, Max Weber, Talcott Parsons, Robert K Merton, with an eye to use their arguments in other sections of paper I. The theoretical inference of these thinkers need to be carried forward in paper II wherever required.

For long questions, students need to focus on topics such as Pioneering Contributions to Sociology, Marriage and Family, Social Stratification and Mobility, Political System, Social Movements and Social Change and Development. Students who can thoroughly focus on these sections are expected to answer 70% of queries in paper I. They should, however, have an overall view of the paper with focus on emerging trends like education, religion and economic developments.

Paper II

While preparing for this paper, students should ensure that they should not confine their preparation in terms of different sections. They need to focus on interrelation between different topics. Students need to have an analytical eye with focus on continuity and change. Like, despite so many changes, why caste system is still prevalent in our country. Or, despite the break-up of the joint family system, the mentality of joint family still exists among Indians.

For short questions, the important sections are:

• Historical Moorings of the Indian Society

• Class Structure

• Marriage, Family and Kinship

• Education

• Political System

• Population Dynamics

• Social Movements

• Social Problems

For long questions, the important sections are:

• Caste System

• Class Structure

• Agrarian Social Structure

• Industry and Society

• Political Processes

• Tribal Societies

• Social Change

• Social Movements

• Women and Society

Apart from these, students need to keep an eye on sections like Caste System, Agrarian Social Structure and Tribal Societies. You can always have short or long questions from these three sections. Paper II actually works like mathematics and it is a high-scoring paper.

There are many topics in paper II, which seem to be essay-type. But in Sociology, they need to be approached through sociological perspectives. Suppose you are asked a question on poverty, this can have theoretical inferences. You need to give empirical or sociological or case studies examples to analyse the topics.

Writing Short questions:

You need to directly start answering the question. Avoid flowery language with an eye

on all perspectives while answering the question

Long questions:

Perspectives, which have been asked needs to be kept in view while answering the

question. Theoretical dimension are to be substantiated with analysis.

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Public Administration

Prelims

This subject has become very popular as a prelims optional. The main reasons are:

• Availability of good coaching and study material

• Guidance is easy since many seniors opt for it

• Subject matter is easy to understand

• Syllabus is quite manageable

However, a very good score is required as the competition is tough.

The main source for the prelims is the TMH guide by Laxmikanth(But don’t rely completely on it as this proved undependable from 2006 on wards). It is, of course, a very good compilation from various sources in exam orientation. The preparation should be such that any question based on the material in this book should be answered. The study should be thorough including the various questions given in the book. Since the questions can be factual and can be asked from anywhere, there is need for wide study. But the first effort should be to study TMH thoroughly and the main standard books to gain basic clarity. After that, some time can be spent every day in scanning various material for the additional study matter. Here, you should not spend too much time and also should not read from end to end, but only scan for areas that you have not done before or some new facts.

Books:

• Awasthi and Maheshwari- Public Administration

• Prasad and Prasad - Thinkers

• Ramesh Arora - Indian Administration

• Mohit Bhattacharya - New Horizons in Public Administration.

• Maheshwari - Indian Administration

• IGNOU books.

Practise lots of tests from anywhere you get. Identify the weak areas and focus accordingly.

Note:

• Make a note of the mistakes that you make in the tests and try to rectify them

• If you do not understand the question, look at the Hindi translation and see if you can gain clarity on whats being asked.

• Prepare mnemonics sheets to remember various facts. Read them again and again, especially before the exam date.

Main Examination:

The advantage and disadvantage of this optional is the huge availability of material. Aspirants waste most of their time searching for the books and material. The secret for success in this optional is writing practice. Unless well practiced, it is not possible to score good marks. So writing skills matter a lot in securing good marks. But with practice it is always possible to improve.

Note:

• The questions might seem indirect and vague, but with good basic clarity any question can be attempted. In recent times, the long questions are being asked directly. The examiner only expects you to write a simple logical answer with clarity.

• Do not try to remember too many quotations as it is difficult to reproduce.

• The introduction and conclusions should be written well

• Do not read all the books from end-to-end. Prepare topic wise in a comprehensive manner. The main priority should be given to gain the basic clarity.

• Practise the previous years’ papers.

• Use examples, contemporary relevance, case studies, flow diagrams etc.

• Read case studies from The Hindu, Frontline, Kurukshetra, Yojana and EPW.

• While answering Indian Administration questions, answer with respect to Constitution, Preamble, etc and how the issue is in conformity with basic structure.

Introduction chapter is to be studied well as it deals with the basic evolution of the subject and the trends. The questions might seem difficult. But with good understanding it can be very scoring. The concepts can be used elsewhere also. The material is available on most topics.

The Theories chapter should be done well. This is a very scoring and with well-defined syllabus preparation can also be comprehensive. The material availability is good.

The Structure chapter is easy and can be covered quickly. But questions may not be asked every year. The material availability is good.

The Behaviour chapter is very scoring. The questions are also asked regularly. The material is also good.

The chapter on Accountability is scoring. This area is important in the contemporary trend. So questions are asked regularly. There is also scope for lot of innovation. The material is deficient for some areas. There is also a need to prepare from current affairs.

The Administrative Law is very short chapter with limited scope. The questions may not be asked regularly. But it should be attempted if given in exam. It is scoring and the material is also available.

The administrative reforms chapter is short and easy. It can be scoring with innovations. The material is also standard. Be open to any information that appears in the newspapers.

The CPA chapter is scoring. It can be attempted in the exam. But questions may not come every year. The material availability is problem in some aspects.

The DA chapter is relevant to Indian context. So prepare well for this area. The questions are asked almost every year. The material availability is a problem for some areas. Lot of innovation and contemporary relevance can be included.

The Public policy chapter is not asked every year. The material availability is also a problem.

The personnel chapter is very scoring and should be attempted. The questions are also asked every year. The material is good. So, do well in this chapter. Check out for latest information in newspapers.

The Financial chapter is scoring in some areas. There is problem of material in some topics.

In Indian administration, the scoring areas are: evolution, framework, union, state govt., reforms, law and order, welfare.

Though a lot of books can be mentioned for this optional but I will mention the standard ones which should suffice.

PAPER-I BOOKS

1. New Horizons of public administration by Mohit Bhattacharya

2. Administrative thinkers by prasad and prasad (theories part)

3. Public Administration by Sharma and Sadana (read administrative law,

personnel administration, financial administration, development

administration, comparitive administration and other paper-I topics)

4. IGNOU material (read public policy)

5. Public Administration by Avasthi and Maheshwari (read administrative law and administrative reforms)

PAPER-II BOOKS

1. Indian Administration by Rajini Goyal and Arora (covers most of the

topics of paper II)

2. Public Administration by Avasthi and Maheshwari (read public sector)

3. Indian Administration by Avasthi and Avasthi (read administrative

reforms, administration of law and order)

4. Introduction to the constitution of India by D.D.Basu and last but not

least

5. Articles from IIPA Journals (aspirants can get Mr.Minocha’s collection of

articles from IIPA Journals which is sufficient)

Some topics like welfare administration, administration of law and order

should be collected while reading newspapers, India yearbook etc.

Other Books for your interest/reference:

• Ramesh Arora - Indian Public Administration Comparative Public Administartion

• Sachdeva - Social welfare administration

• Public Policy - Sapru

• Rumki Basu - Public Administration

• Maheshwari - Indian Administration

• NCERT books

• IJPA special edition in1998 on the occasion of Golden Jubilee

• Social Theory & Development Administration – Mohit

• CPA – Ramesh Arora

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Psychology

Psychology is one optional, which can be scoring if prepared well. The average time taken to prepare for this optional is 4 to 5 months because of the lengthy syllabus (28 chapters in all). But the advantage is most of the chapters are interlinking and the reader will find them interesting because they relate to our day-to-day understanding of others and ourselves. The advantage of preparing for psychology is it helps to understand ourselves better. And after completing the course one can really appreciate the individual differences. Most of the aspirants take it as their second optional so, only the mains preparation is discussed.

Sources/Material for psychology optional:

1. NCERT XI- two books

2. Introduction to psychology by Morgan and King

3. Psychology by Baron

4. Mr. Mukul Pathak’s class notes (his notes is followed by most of the aspirants and is available almost everywhere. He teaches in Vajiram and Ravi institute. If the notes are not available and anyone is interested, mail Bayyapu Sandeep Kumar at Kumarbayyapu@yahoo.com).

There are other books also like Social Psychology by Baron & Byrne, Inner World by Sudhir Kakar, The Psychology of Small Groups by Shaw, Achieving Society by David McClelland, Theories of Personality by Hall & Lindzey, Systems & Theories of Psychology by Krawiec & Chaplin, Abnormal Psychology & Modern Life by James.C.

Coleman. But too many books may not be covered because of paucity of time. The above-mentioned four should suffice.

The strategy to prepare is first complete the whole syllabus once. Now a days the pattern of the question paper is such leaving out some chapters is not suggested. Then in the second reading one is able to interlink the topics. For example the concepts of learning and memory (paper-I) will come to use at learning styles of the gifted, retarded and learning disabled (paper-II). Then analyze the old question papers and practice writing them within the word limit (20 markers in about 200 to 230 words and 60 markers in about 600 to700 words) and correct yourselves. This process will make you prepared for the final examination.

Book List for your reference/interest:

1. Atkinson

2. Eysench - "Psychology-Ashrdent's Handbook"

3. Chaplin and Kraweik - Systems and theories of psychology

Reference Books for specific topics:

1. Theories of personality - Hall and Lindxy

2. Abnormal psychology and modern life - Cokman Vead, well being & Mental disorders, therapeutic approaches and coping mechanisms.

3. Community psychology - Pande

4. Organisational behaviour - Stephen P. Robbins

5. Educational psychology - Mattur

6. Social psychology - Baros & Bryne

7. Psychological testing - A.K. Singh

8. Statistical Analysis Garette

9. Development psychology - Hurlock

Suggested Important Portions in

Paper I Section A

Introduction: Psychology as a Science: Definitions and perspective. Psychology in relation to other social and natural sciences. Use of interdisciplinary approach

Methods of Psychology: Characteristics and components of methods in psychology (induction, deduction and introspection). Observation, survey, laboratory and field experiments. Clinical and case study.

Development of Human Behaviour: The nature, origin and development. Role of genetic and environmental factors in determining human behaviour. Influence of cultural factors and socialisation. Life span development-the critical periods and their handling, Mastery of the developmental tasks.

Learning: Concepts and theories of learning (Pavlov, Skimer and Piaget). The processes of extinction, discrimination and generalisation. Programmed learning,

probability learning, self-instructional learning, concepts, types and the schedules of reinforcement.

Memory: Concepts and definition of memory and forgetting, 7+/-2 concept and clumking encoding, storage and retrieval. Factors influencing retention and foregetting. Theories of forgetting (Repression, Decay and I n te r fe re n ce theories). The concept of reminiscence

Paper I Section B 

Thinking and Problem Solving : Concept formation processes. Reasoning and problem solving. Creative thinking and fostering creativity. Information processing. Decision making and judgement

Intelligence and Aptitude: Concept and definition of Intelligence and aptitude, Nature and theories of intelligence. Measurement of Intelligence and aptitude.

Attitudes, Values and Interests: Definitions, concepts of attitudes, values and interests. Components of attitudes, values and interests. Formation and maintenance of attitudes. Measurement of attitudes, values and interests.

Paper II Section A 

Psychological Measurement of Individual Difference: The nature of individual differe n ce s. Characteristics and construction of standardised psychological tests. Types of psychological tests.

Therapeutic Approaches: Psychodynamic therapies. Behaviour therapies. Clientcentered therapy. Cognitive therapies. Indigenous therapies (Yoga, Reiki, Meditation) Biofeedback therapy.

Work Psychology and Organisational Behaviour: Personnel selection and training. Use of psychological tests in the industry. Training and human resource development. Theories of work motivation.

Community Psychology: Definition and concept of Community Psychology. Role of community psychologists in social change. Use of small groups in social action. Arousing community consciousness and action for handling social problems. Group decision making and leadership for social change

Paper II Section B 

Application of Psychology to disadvantaged groups: The concepts of disadvantaged, deprivation and socially deprived. Social, physical, cultural and economic consequences of disadvantaged and deprived groups. Educating and motivating the disadvantaged towards development.

Psychological and the problem of social integration: The concept of social integration. The problem of caste, class, religion and language conflicts and prejudice. Nature and manifestation of prejudice between the ingroup and outgroup. Casual factors of such conflicts and prejudices.

Other applications of psychology: Sports psychology - improving performance of sports, personnel, psychology and understanding of political behaviour, Voting behaviours.

Writing

• Don't exceed limit in short answer questions

• Try to make the introduction catchy while answering short and long questions. Students should use real-life examples to make the answers lively

• Make a framework of the answer in mind like what would you write in the lead paragraph, body text and the conclusion before you proceed with writing the answer

• Time management is key and candidates should ensure that they have atleast 25 minutes in hand before they attempt the last question

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SOME SUGGESTED READINGS FOR YOU : 

1. Our Constitution

2. Our Parliament

3. Perspective on Constitution (ED) by P.M Bakshi
4.Constitution by D.D. Basu
5. Introduction to the Constitution Others IIPA Journal The Hindu Frontline

Reference Book List topic wise:

Political Theory and Indian Politics

• George H. Sabine ( Western political theory)

• Eddy Ashrivatham (Political theory)

• C.L. Wayper (Political thought)

• O.P. Gauba (An introduction to political thought)

• R.M. Bhagat (Western political thought)

• Amal Roy and Mohit Bhattacharya (political theory, ideas and institutions)

• S.P. Varma (Modern political theory)

• J.C. Jauhary (Comparative politics)

• A.S. Sandhu (Political theory)

• Pukharaj Jain (Political thought)

Indian Constitution And Politics

• M.V. Paylee (Indian Constitution)

• D.D Basu (An introduction to Indian constitution)

• V.N. Shukla (Constitution of India, couple of chapters are really relevant)

• A.C. Kapoor (Comparative Governments)

• V.P. Varma (Indian political theory)

• K.R. Bombwal (Comparative constitutions)

• Bipin Chandra (Freedom struggle)

• Simit Sarkar (Modern India)

• A.R. Desai (Social background of Indian Nationalism)

• Paul Brass (Politics in India since independence)

• Independent India : First Fifty Years - Hiranyamay Kelkar

•  Indian foreign policy agenda for 21st century (1998 Foreign service institute) -Lalit Mansingh

•  India's foreign policy in a changing world (1999) - V.P. Dutt

•  People's right and the state in the third world - Manjooran Mohanty & Partha Mukherjee

•  World politics in the twentieth century - Paul Kenedy

•  Nuclear India (1998) Jasjit Singh

Suggested Readings For Prelims 
Section A:
Political Theory —Eddy Ashirvatham 

Political Theory —O.P. Gauba
Political Theory —Amal Ray, Mohit Bhattacharya.
Comparative Politics —R. Chilkote

Section B:

Political Theory —Amal Ray & Mohit Bhattachary.
Introduction to Indian Constitution —D.D. Basu
India's Struggle for Independence —Bipan Chandra.
Introduction to Indian constitution —D.D. Basu.
Our Parliament —S.C. Kashyap
Our Constitution —S.C. Kashyap
Comparative Govt. & Politics — V.N. Khanna
Comparative Govt. & Politics —K.R. Bombwal

Suggested Readings For Mains Paper I Section A

A History of Political thought—Subrata Mukherjee, Susheela Ramaswamy
A History of Political thought —J.P. Suda For Manu & Kautilya : Foundations of Indian Political thought — V.R. Mehta Modern Political Theory —S.P. Verma Modern Political Theory —Madan Gandhi Political Theory —Eddy Ashirvatham Political Theory —J.C. Johri Political Theory —Ray & Bhattacharya Political Theory —O.P. Gauba

Paper I Section B

Comparative Govt. & Politics —J.C. Johri
Comparative Govt. & Politics —Ronald Chilkote
Modern Indian Political Thinkers —V.P. Verma
Foundations of Indian Political Thought —V.R. Mehta
 Indian Govt. and Politics —A.S. Narang
Indian Govt. and Politics —J.R. Siwach
Indian Govt and Politics —M.P. Singh,
Himanshu Roy Politics in India —Rajani Kothari
Govt. and Politics of India —W.H. Morris Jones

Paper II Section A

Theoretical aspects of International Politics —Mahendra Kumar
Politics among Nations —Morganthu
International Politics —Schuman

Paper II Section B

International Politics —Bookhives

Regular subscription of Frontline & World Focus (magazine)

Political Science is a dynamic and ever-changing subject. Candidates aspiring to opt

for it should be more aware of the shift in focus than the skeletal changes in the

revised syllabus. Opting for Aristotle's Master science, the aspirant should master the

techniques to make best use of these changes like a crafty politician. The advantages

of picking political science as a favourite optional are manifold. It helps candidates in

updating their knowledge of the current events and provides a fresh perspective on

the burning domestic and foreign policy issues. About half of the general studies

paper is vitally related to the two papers of political science for the main examination.

Besides, that is the best subject to ensure a sound sleep during the interview days

simply because you have readymade answer for virtually all the question being asked

by the board members.

The recent years' trend also reveals that the candidates with political science as an

optional have fared better in many respects. The rate of success is going higher and

higher. The purpose of this write- up, however, is to make you w armed about the

subject in the context of revised syllabus.

A cursory view of the changed syllabus indicates towards the modification at two

levels: (a) new addition, and (b) shift in focus. Interestingly, what appear to be

additions are really the extended and focused parts of the existing topics. This means

that students will have to prepare for the same old themes but in a changed context.

This sounds appropriate as much water has flown down the Gangas since the

previous paper was set up. More so in the context of political science where changes

start reflecting realities, both at the domestic and external planes. The centralised

polity of India has finally given way to coalition politics, and now it seems the

coalition culture is here to stay in one way or the other. The rehearsing of

International relations paper was highly imperative in the context of Collapse of

Soviet Union, the end of cold war, and the emergence of a new world order shaped

and designed by the United States-led Unipolar World.

We have seen a lot of face lifting and reading, real changes are not drastic and

metamorphic. The topics that were included as subtopics in the old syllabus have

been given a separate and independent status in the revised course. Yet, a few

substantial changes are the additions like Nationalism and Internationalism and the

theories of international relations, primarily corresponding with the international

relations paper in the Mains. So far freshers opting for political science used to get

abruptly exposed to the strangers zone called international politics. Now, they will

have some idea about the world political scenario with the help of the new topics.

A brief survey of the significant additions in the section (A) of the political science

paper reveals that a couple of unexplored areas have been taken in. The meaning,

nature and scope of political science and its relations with other subjects; concepts of

nationalism and internationalism, major theories of International Relations; .Social movements; and the bureaucracy are the major themes brought under focus in the revised syllabus.

Section (B) of the prelims has also registered a few additions signifying both structural and spiritual shift. Approaches to the study of governments; classification of political systems; the constituent assembly, the party system in India, the interaction of government and the local-self governments; bureaucracy and development, and the challenges to the Indian Democracy are major additions. The students should specifically focus on the themes like 73rd constitutional amendment, the political parties and the bureaucracy. It would be advisable to tell about the clarity of concepts and the grasp of knowledge both in vertical and horizontal dimensions to qualify the prelims. More you have read, more facts will strike your memory while searching for the right answer through the process of examination. That is why, a serious and hard working student proves better in answering the objective type test questions than an ill-organised and poor in knowledge candidate.

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Physics

Suggested Reading:

• Physics Vol I&II by David Haliday and Resnick (for basic concepts)

• Any practice book for objective questions. Any IIT/Engineering entrance type objective questions book in   physics will do

• Mechanics - D.S. Mathur, B.S. Agarwal

• Waves and Oscillations - Brijlal & Subramanyam, B.S. Agarwal

• Optics - Brijlal& Subramanyam, B.S. Agarwal, Ajoy & Ghatak

• Thermal Physics - Singal, Agarwal & Prakash, B.S. Agarwal, Shah & Srivastava

• Electricity & Magnetism: D.C. TAyal, B.S. Agarwal, Griffith

• Any fundamental book on electrical engineering like B.L Thareja (Vol 1) or Vincent Del Tero

• Modern Physics - A Beiser (Concepts of modern physics), S.L. Gupta, B.S. Agarwal, J.B. Rajan

• Electronics - Milman & Halkias, S. Ramnam, Ryder or Bolstead, Malvina

• Properties of Matter - B. Aggarwal

• Atomic Physics - J. B. Rajan

• Fundamental of Magnetism electricity - B.N. Basudeva

• A Text Book of Suond - Khanna & Bedi

• Nuclear Physics - D.C. Tayal

• Introduction of Electrodynamics - Griffith

• Advanced Level Physics - Nelkon & Parkar

• University Physics - Zeemasky

• Numerical Problems - B. Lal & Subrahmanyam

• Quantum Mechnaics - A Ghatak

• A Dictionary of Physics - Goldstein

Paper 1

• Classical Mechnism -Gupta, Kumar & Sharma - Takewale & Puranik -H.Goldstein

• Mechanics - Kleppner & Kolenkov -D.S. Mathur

• Wave/Spl.Relatively - D.S. Mathur/Kleppner&Kolenkov

• Special Relativity-R.Resnic-Gupta & Goyal

• Optics-Ajay Ghatak -B.S. Agarwal

• Electrodyanamics - David Griffiths

• EM Theory -Chopra&Agarwal/Satya Prakash

• Thermal Physics - P.K Chakraborty -Satya Prakash, Singhal & Agarawal

-Statistical Physics -B.B laud

Paper 2

• Quantum Physics- Resnick & Eisberg

• Concept of Mordern Physics - Arthut Bevser

• Quantum Mechanics -Ghatak & Loknathan-Chatwal & Anand/Satya Prakash

• Atomic & Molecular Spectra -Rajkumar

• Nuclear Physics -S.B Patel

• Solid State Physics -Kittel

• Electronics -Allon Mottershed

• Objective Physics -H.C. Verma/TMH

Paper 1

Section A has three important areas: Classical Mechanics, Special Relativity, Waves and Geometrical Optics and Physical Optics. Since all these three sections have compulsory questions, it's better not to avoid any one. Yet, if you are hard pressed for time, you can be selective about any one section. But it's important that before getting selective you should have identified the essential areas based on past trend analysis.

It's better not to be selective at all in Classical Mechanics. Moreover, there is no dearth of good material on this section. Most of the students find this section rather simple to handle. In Special Relativity, the older topics are more important than the newly added ones. So, the students should design the preparation strategy accordingly. In the Waves section, Damped and Forced Vibrations, Phase and Group Velocity should be given priority.

Section B contains: Electricity and Magnetism, EM Theory and Black Body radiation and Thermal and Statistical Physics. All the above three sections carry compulsory questions, hence none can be completely ignored. Questions which come on EM Theory are very simple and scoring. Hence this area should be well prepared and the students should not miss the question on this area.

Paper 2

All of the second paper except Electronics can be prepared from two sources, i.e. Quantum Physics by Resnick and Eisberg, and Modern Physics by Arthur Beiser. For value addition, you may require to undertake some extra reading from other standard books.

Electronics is now a prominent part in the course. Students coming from non-electronics background must 

make some extra effort to master this section thoroughly. Once prepared well, this part is scoring.

Tips

• Do not leave any part of the course completely, be only smartly selective

• Thoroughly analyze the past trends before you decide on your focus areas

• There is no need to give derivation of equation, until you are specifically asked for it. It does not fetch you any extra credit

• Read the question carefully, identify focus area and answer to the point

• Clearly explain the units and terms used in the formula

• Finally, practice a lot of problems before going to the examination hall.

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Philosophy

Prelims

Reference Book List:

[Judicious selection of books is recommended as more than two books are given for each topic]

Section- A Problem of Philosophy:

1. Dr. C.D. Sharma (Indian Philosophy)

2. Dr. Deo Raj (Indian Philosophy)

3. Dr. Y.Masiaha (Western Philosophy)

4. Dr. Daya Krishna (Western Philosophy)

5. Dr. Franckena Thilly (Western Philosophy)

6. Dr. B.K. Lal (Contemporary Western Philosophy)

Section- B Logic:

1. Dr. Irvin M. Copi

2. Ashok Verma (Symbolic logic)

Section- C Ethics:

1. Dr. Divakar Pathak (Indian Ethic)

2. Dr. V.P. Verma (Western Ethic)

3. Dr. B.N. Singh (Ethics)

4. Lilly (Ethics)

Strategy for Prelims

General perception of many about philosophy is that it is abstract and has no practical relevance. But this is not fully correct. Philosophy is very analytical and speculative that makes it very interesting.

The syllabus for ‘Preliminary examination has three sections : Section A, B and C. Section A is Problem of philosophy’. Here we are concerned with Indian Philosophy and Western Philosophy. So we have to read them thoroughly. The questions are generally asked on terminology and theories like ‘What is Pratitya Samutpada?’. We must have understanding of terms and theories. In Indian Philosophy there are nine schools. Six schools are orthodox (Samkhya Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika Mimansa and Vedanta) and two are heterodox (Jainism and Buddhism). One other school is Materialism. UPSC generally asks questions in Indian philosophy on some specific points like substance, attributes. In western philosophy there is no precise syllabus. Generally questions are asked from Thales to Sartre.

Section B deals with Logic. Here we have to read only seven topics from Irwin M. Copi. Plus we have to study Symbolic Logic by Dr. Ashok Verma. Generally 30-35 questions are asked from logic in Prelims. 20 questions are just theoretical : they do not need any explanation. 5-8 questions are on Quantification, which also can be answered at first sight if you have already practised. Remaining 5-8 questions are from Deduction which need explanation: this depends upon your practice and even these are not decisive.

Section C deals with Ethics. It consists of Indian Ethics and Western Ethics. In Indian Ethics questions are from Charvaka to Vedanta. Dr. Divakar Pathak’s book on Indian Ethics is essential for this section. In Western Ethics, questions are from Thales’ to Advanced Ethics. Here we have to study Thilly and another book by Dr.V.P. Verma. The questions in this section are generally factual so we have to collect facts and memorize them.

Mains

Reference Book List:

[Judicious selection of books is recommended as more than two books are given for each topic]

Section- A Western Philosophy

1. By Franckena Thilly

2. Dr. C.D. Sharma

3. Dr. Dayakrishna

4. Dr. Y.Masiaha

5. Dr. B.K. Lal

6. Dr. Lakshmi Saxena

7. D.M.Dutt

Section- B Indian Philosophy

1. Dr. C.D. Sharma

2. Dr. Deo Raj

3. Dr. Hiriyanna

4. Dr. Radha Krishnan

5. D.M.Dutt

Section- C Socio Political Philosophy

1. Dr. J.P. Sood Vol IV 

2. Dr. Shiv Bhanu Singh

3. Dr. O.P.Gauba

4. NCERT Books

Sec. B Philosophy of Religion

1. Dr. Y.Masiaha

2. John Hick

3. Dr. V.P. Verma

Strategy

There are no exam-oriented books for Philosophy. So, it is advisable to prepare notes from various sources and mug that notes thoroughly. Read Bhagavad-Gita Chapter2, it is useful in paper-2. Viveka Chudamani of sankaracharya is very helpful to understand his philosophy. Reading such original books makes your answers stand out from others. Try to mug some standard quotations and use in your answers at relevant positions.

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