Preparatory Module for UPSC Civil Services Examination

The Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission is said to be
one of the most difficult examinations. Lakhs of candidates every year try to achieve their goals
through this rigorous process. Through this write up I want to summarise my own way of planning &
dealing with each step of the examination.
For the beginners:
http://mrunal.org/upsc - For the uninitiated.
My inputs: - (regarding initial dilemmas)
Not having a big profile i.e. best schools/colleges/grades Dont be insecure -well if you
have them its good if not, dont feel bad, remember all the successful candidates dont come
from the best schools/colleges or have the best grades! This exam process is a big equaliser!
18-20 Hour study!!! Well basically its not required planning and regularity is
Remember its more of a marathon race than a sprint!
Doubts regarding clearing in first attempt or as a senior player There is no biasness. Till
interview stage every candidate is a mere roll number which are randomly given to
candidates and at the interview stage its your personality that counts. So its all about
preparation.
To do
Read the syllabus thoroughly Every word.
Go through the standard books (Annexure I, II, III) repeatedly. Revise.
Regular Newspaper reading, Current Affairs magazine, PIB website, Read Editorials.
Check with previous years question.
STUDY. REVISE. REPEAT.

Coaching:

I didnt enrol for any coaching for prelims and mains.

Only for interview stage I enrolled for mock interviews at the Institute of Civil Services, Salt
Lake, Kolkata.
Personal choice You need to know yourself first. Your strengths, your weakness.
In case you decide or come to the conclusion that you need help or guidance take time to decide
the coaching institutes by specially taking feedback from current and ex-students. They will
provide you relevant feedbacks.
In case you want, definitely go for mock test. (For prelims I didnt felt the need to attend mock
test, because you get ample time to solve the questions, the main problem lies with accuracy
which comes from thorough study and not giving mocks! for Mains I practiced writing answers
on my own)
But remember until you keep on improving yourself with focused and regular effort no one can
help you to clear this exam.

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Preparatory Module for UPSC Civil Services Examination

Essentials:

Time management we all have 24 hours and its up to us to utilize it to reach our goals. You
dont need to study for 18-20 hours or leave everything else and become a bookworm. Rather
analyse what are the things needed to be done and what can be avoided. Dont become a
secluded person but limit your social outings.
Regularity THE most important factor. You cant succeed unless you regularly keep on moving
towards your goal. Its better to read for three hours a day for six days rather studying for
eighteen hours on the sixth day! (Just an example)
Slow and steady Keep on putting a desired set of hours for preparation. It works magic in the
long run.
Planning Comes from the first two. Time table does become a handy tool. Weekly, monthly.
Syllabus wise.
Perseverance This is a hard exam. I failed in my first attempt at the mains stage by 24 marks
and in my second attempt at the prelims stage by 2 marks. There are even more tragic stories
where people have reached interview stage multiple times, yet failed. So you have to get up,
control your emotions and again run the race. Well its hard but unless you are one lucky person
this trait is highly needed for the long run.
Self Motivation If you are self motivated for this exam it becomes easier. Well you may have
a support system but at the end of the day you have to pull yourselves completely on your own.
Motivational videos and philosophical books kept me motivated.

Job:
I was working with State Bank of India, in Officer cadre Resigned from the post around 2012
end, as I was not getting ample time to study Later on after giving my first civil service exam I
Joined Income Tax Department as Tax Assistant in 2014, where the work pressure was relatively
less, therefore could manage both work and study but financially the salary was far less!!!
(almost everyone thought it was a bad step!)
Therefore it depends on the situation both personal and work. Its you who have to take the
final call considering the prevailing circumstances. Every one of us has unique situations which
needs unique solutions!
Personal situation includes your financial responsibilities, family responsibilities etc.
Work profile it relates to the kind of work needed to be performed, timings, work pressure,
desk or field job, roaming one or not etc.
Financial security and back up Highly important, obviously you may be highly motivated and
have a go get it attitude but remember one thing you cant handle outside circumstances and its
regarding this factor that you need to have a fairly rational mindset than a revolutionary one.
Under the present exam pattern I can suggest that if you have given at least one year of
dedicated study for UPSC and have build up the basic knowledge and know how about the exam
you can join a job and keep on preparing for the exam simultaneously.
Remember financial security is important even you can buy your own stationary and gadgets
for better preparation rather than depending on someone else. It also gives you a sense of
independence.
Leave application Plan it meticulously. Minimum required should be asked for. Dont overdo
it. But utilise your leaves and weekdays as best as you can.
Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Preparatory Module for UPSC Civil Services Examination

Current Affairs: (Always keep the syllabus in mind)
Three most important tool One national newspaper, One Current Affairs magazine and
regularly follow Press Information Bureau website.
Newspaper Religiously follow one newspaper, if possible two Never deal with gossip columns
Always keep the syllabus in mind while reading a newspaper Read the Editorials which gives
you an outlook but one should build ones own perspective.
Current Affairs magazine Almost all are the same No special choice It provides two things
one a record of incidence that happened last month and also write ups on current issues.
PIB Religiously follow this website. It provides details of all the recent initiatives taken by
Government of India and the present scenario of Indian society, economy, politics, international
relations, geographic incidents and many more.
India year Book, 12th Five Year Plan Provides fodder for Mains Although the book seems to
be formidable but regular study of the book on the lines of the syllabus does help.
News Channels In case you have time, you can watch RSTV, LSTV or other debates. Headlines
or day to day news- you can gather from next days newspaper.
Yojana & One national magazine For mains fodder Read for general awareness also.
Note making:
Depends on your own liking, skills and your way of comprehending a material.
GS static portion - The syllabus is so huge that its easier to comprehend the concepts rather
than note and rote learning. I read books multiple times and all the markings and scribbles were
there on the pages. Those markings and scribbles formed notes for me. Its my personal
preferred choice others may differ.
You can make notes for current affairs material to keep a tab on the day to day happenings be very concise and specific In case of factual figures only the important factual figures, for
e.g. GDP should be noted.
Using the Internet:
The biggest and the best resource material base.
Some of the favoured websites like Mrunal, ForumIAS, InsightsIndia etc. But be very clear
about what you want. These websites have lots and lots of materials and some of these websites
are interactive too. Be very specific and disciplined. Its very easy to enter looking for a particular
study material and then roam around the World Wide Web!
Other relevant websites Google News, Wikipedia and YouTube.
Prelims:

Most Critical No matter how much effort you have given throughout the year
failing the prelims enhances the cycle instantly.
Real scenario 15008 candidates qualified for mains out of 465000 who sat for the
prelims (2015) A pass percentage of 3.62% - Therefore dont underestimate this
phase Dont be casual Many people concentrate on Mains only and falter
People who reach Mains or Interview stage and who fail to qualify that year or their

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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ranks are not up to the mark sometimes take prelims too casually next year Every
stage is important and we should take great care about every stage of preparation.
Pattern Paper I: General Studies:200 Marks (Counted for Merit) Paper
II:CSAT:200 Marks (Qualifying)
Accuracy Highly needed, in case you have studied thoroughly the standard of
difficulty will be same. Dont blindly guess answers, will not work!
Paper I: The clich statement Its better to read one book ten times than ten
books once only. Thats what it is. Clear the concepts. On every subject matter. The
list of books I referred to are given in Annexure I.
Paper II: At the present scenario its a qualifying paper. The questions are simple
and not out of the world and with regular practice can be cleared easily. Dont take
this paper casually just because its 33% to pass. Exam pressure can cause havoc and
you may lose one year for your casual approach. Also as per the present state of
exam dont try to be in a hurry trying to achieve 180-190 (Only if you are giving Civil
Services Examination). In case CSAT would have been competitive the approach
would have been different. As of now its qualifying. Prepare accordingly.
2013 CSAT 179, 2015 CSAT 110.56 (attempted around 150)

Mains: Decides your rank Well almost Unless you get a rocking or pathetic number in your
interview.
Writing skill matters If you have been asked to answer within 150-200 words your
answer doesnt require more than that Slight deviation (20-30 words) is ok To
answer in Para form or point form is a personal call a mixed of both is how I wrote
No need to give a PhD type answers Say if you have history optional dont get swayed
by History questions and end up not answering questions which you could have
answered but couldnt due to paucity of time.
Hand writing If your answers are not readable, try to improve Again it comes from
practice Three hours of strenuous writing twice a day for almost five consecutive days
takes a toll. Prepare.
Pattern: 9 Papers 2 Qualifying 7 other papers Considered for merit based ranking.
Qualifying Papers: Annexure II.
Qualifying English Paper & Regional paper 300 Marks 25% i.e. 75 to qualify.
In both the Papers the standard of questions are considerably high, specially the
one with whom you have limited interaction after your school or college.
Tricky as 10-12% Mains candidate fail in either or both whereby their
performance in other Mains paper becomes obsolete.
Put little attention on grammar, easily you can score 40+ out of 50.
General Studies Papers: Wide variety of subjects Dont be selective Answering
the whole paper should be your goal. For that selective study is futile Another
recent phenomenon is that GS paper questions are getting more and more current
events related Gone are the days where you could mug up definitions and drop it
on papers Understand the topics and concepts Annexure III

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Optional Papers:
Choose the one you find interesting mug up attitude will not work nor small short
syllabus If you dont find something interesting you will never spend enough time to
comprehend and clear the concepts
Graduation subject Nothing better than choosing your graduation subject But again
ask yourself whether you were forced to take this subject or someone else was pursuing
therefore you enrolled for that subject until you can personally say that i love this
subject and I find it interesting, you are on the wrong track.
Answer writing is important From the perspective of Humanities subject (I had
Sociology) Provide Name of thinkers here and there wherever possible dont get
overboard on this count as its ok if you cant find or remember a thinker or quote but
dont push names of thinkers everywhere just for fillers a diagram or structure
wherever possible will make your answer look better.
Things that i believe are myths Subjects are being butchered every year there will be candidates from all streams
who would get good marks concentrate on improving you answer qualities
Toppers subject/Most selection Again a misconception If a particular subject is
chosen by most people that will obviously create a greater probability of selection,
as simple as that, it doesnt mean free ride.
Jump and you will succeed- If you have already started your preparation ask
yourself why you had selected the subject at the first place dont be in a hurry be
rational and focussed to chose a new subject only after you have given your 100% to
the optional that you already have In case you change be firm and dont look back.
Scoring paper/Short syllabus Unless you find the subject interesting you will not
be able to comprehend the subject easily and write proper answers. So a medical
science syllabus for others may seem formidable but for a medical science student
that may seem easy and scoring. So it all comes down to the subject that you
choose. In case you dont like your graduation subject or like in my case i had left it
some five years ago, choosing a new subject becomes crucial.
Choosing the optional
Go through the syllabus. Tick those subjects that you find interesting.
Go to a nearby library to pick up some books on those subjects or buy some books if
possible. You can use internet also for referring to the topics. Give this phase some time.
Read various topics from the syllabus.
Once you have dealt with all of them for a significant amount of time you will be in a
position to take a call regarding your optional subject.
For me it came down to sociology!
2013 Marks P1 93, P2 87 (Problem with answer writing)
2015 Marks P1 125, P2 132
My Optional SOCIOLOGY
Go through the syllabus multiple times.
Some of the topics of Paper 1 and 2 can be clubbed and studied simultaneously. Family, Politics,
Economic aspects, Religion, Indian society.
Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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IGNOU BA, MA books are highly essential, Horlombos and Anthony Giddens are standard books.
Try to comprehend the logic, concepts and thinkers perspective.
For those who are new to Sociology can go through NCERT Class XI, XII Sociology Books which
are available online in pdf form. Start from these books.
Understand the concepts first, dont try to mug up thinkers and quotes at the very beginning.
Practice writing, Its highly needed, specially because the questions seem to be so general
studies type that you may forget answering them in sociological terms and end up losing marks.
Quoting thinkers and their quotes are not necessary for all answers, but whenever you get the
chance you should. For that you have to keep revising the concepts and also the corresponding
sociological thinkers. You cant remember quotes or thinker on a standalone basis.
Observe the society Have this uncanny instinct of understanding the nuance of social
incidents, social systems, societal dogmas, societal prejudices and every other thing related to
society. This will help understanding your syllabus far easier than just mere book learning!
Diagrams and figures Wherever possible, it provides a glimpse of your understanding, but
dont forget to write along with diagram, mere diagram will not suffice.
E.g. SOCIOLOGY, Paper 1, Section A, Question 1(c) What are Variables? Discuss their role
in experimental research. Apart from the answer one can put the following diagram:
Questionnaire

Variables

Attributes

Writing answers: Apart from Q 1 and Q 5 of both sections, where word limit of 150 is clearly
stated, other question doesnt have word limits. So apart from Q1 and Q5 you dont have to limit
yourselves, but definitely you have to keep time in mind. Always try to complete all the
questions. There is no bigger blunder than knowing an answer yet couldnt answer the question
due to paucity of time.
Donts While writing answers.
Misinterpret as generalised questions and not writing sociological perspectives.
Always be on the topic while answering.
Dont add fillers, it doesnt help and costs you time.
Before you start writing the answer, THINK, STRUCTURE, WRITE.
The space is more than adequate, with no time limit mentioned, so dont spend too much on
one answer.
Essay (2015 144, 2013 85)
I didnt felt the need to separately prepare for Essay.
Preparing for General Studies and reading relevant topics from newspapers, magazines
provide the fodder.
Practice at least four or five random essay to brush up your writing skills.
Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Two parts - strategize the structure, thats important. Your essay shouldnt be
monotonic. Rather it should be addressed from various angles. Dont shy away from
putting different perspectives.
Flow Essay should be written in such a manner which doesnt seem to be hopping from
one point to another or random tit bits.
Be creative.
My essays - 2015 exam
Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make a man more clever
devil.
Points- Started with a quote With great power comes great responsibilities Defined
Education and its importance, why its a kind of power Values and its importance
Usefulness of education and values Historical education system where value education
was an important part e.g. Confucius study, Buddhist and Vedas philosophy Recent
education system (value-less, money oriented) Recent scenario of society, what has
our education system led to Educated devils Weapons, corruption, black money,
littering Recent changes, ethical studies Issues like Patent wars etc. What needs to
be done Conclusion
Can Capitalism bring inclusive growth?
Points Started with a quote there is enough on Earth for everybodys need, but
not enough for everybodys greed Defined capitalism its principles, its effects on
society Positive and negative effects What does inclusive growth mean for the
society Where does inclusive growth stand in relation to capitalism Has capitalism
succeeded in ensuring inclusive growth Indian perspective What are the other ism
available e.g. Socialism, communism and their success in bringing inclusive growth
Curious case of Scandinavian countries Capitalism along with inclusive growth How
could capitalism be used to achieve inclusive growth Conclusion.
Revision
As much as you can. No matter whether you keep notes or you prefer markings and scribble in books
keep revising at regular intervals. As you repeatedly keep on doing at a regular routine the theories,
concepts get engraved more and more firmly in your brain. Plan revision periodically, i.e. weekly,
monthly, but dont postpone it till the end.
Exam day(s): Its for this day that you prepared for so long, so take extra care!
Dont try to do anything extra on the day before the exam It will not help mugging doesnt
help neither last minute note reading.
Double check on everything thats written on the admit card on the night before the exam. Pack
your bag this relieves from undue stress in the morning.
Relax Have a good night sleep Reach the exam centre early. You cant guarantee smooth
traffic or pleasant weather conditions. So start early.
Neither have heavy meal or no meal at all. Both are detrimental.
For mains keep a pain reliever cream/spray at hand. In case you require.

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Interview: Know thyself! Its about personality, dont wait for interview call but start early!

Never have a preconception about any particular board.

Never bluff in your DAF or in front of interview board. Thorough study of DAF is must.
Dress Formal, Suit and tie in case you are comfortable.
Dont get nervous Nervousness happens with everyone even for the seasoned players its
normal but if you can overcome this vulnerable phase before interview that will be beneficial
towards projecting your personality in front of the interview board (I failed in this aspect at the
start later became composed)
Its humane not to know some answers even if you are not able to answer simple questions
dont get nervous it can happen with anybody. In case you dont know Accept with grace.
Smile. Keep normal eye contact. Try to be courteous and humble.
Mentally prepare for a stress interview where everything you say would be countered
negated disagreed. Dont get nervous.
Never try to gauge anything from the expression of the interview board members that is futile.
Dont intervene when a board member is talking. Complete your sentence whenever given the
opportunity to speak. The board members give you ample time to complete your sentence. Be
specific. Dont beat around the bush.
For more information regarding interview, I read this book (Civil Services Interview-How to
Excel, Madhukar Kumar Bhagat)

My Interview experience (Marks 162)

Interview Board: Prof. Hemchandra Gupta.
Questions asked: Duration: ~ 30 Minutes.
Why Cossipore (my place of schooling) is spelled in this manner and not Kashi-pore? Why so
much fascination with letter O in Bengal?
15G/H forms? Use? Is it a method of tax evasion?
What is Direct Tax Code and its present status?
How many microbes are present in the interview room? Microbiology related.
How many muscles in our body do we use when we laugh?
Have you heard about the book The Prince?
Who are the all time best players of football?
Why is Pele famous for?
What are rainforests? Difference with evergreen forests? Does India have rainforests?
What are FMCG? Products?
Why patanjali products are gaining so much revenue these days? Supply chain management?
What was the story behind the film Bend it like Beckham? Director?
Indo Bangladesh water dispute and foreign relations? Teesta river?
How to sociologically deal with dissent regarding water sharing?
Why did Singur became famous? Did it impact Bengals industrial prospects? ? Economics
concerns of both the people who lose their lands and overall economic interests?
Development vs. environment debate?
Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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International relations vs. domestic politics?
Discussions based on these questions. It was a stress interview. The first few minutes were stressful
and some of the questions I had no clue!
Analysis: Expected my interview marks in this range as my interview was neither very good nor very
bad! Some of the main points in my DAF werent even touched. Dont over expect how things will go
inside the interview room! I did and it backfired! Just consider it as a new experience. Questions can
be completely out of the world types but be calm. Board members are experienced person and they
are more inquisitive about you personality than your knowledge level.
Documents required for Interview: Dont bring all the certificates that you have gathered
throughout your life, from class 1 onwards! I have seen candidates bring all sorts of certificates! No
need to bring the extracurricular certificates or hobbies certificates if any! It will create unnecessary
tense situation for you. UPSC clearly instructs what documents you need to bring for interview. Stick
to the list.
Medical Examination: Bring your eye lens prescription. BMI level should be less than 30 or you will
be temporarily unfit, so keep your weight under check. You need to undergo 10 Hour fast for sugar
testing. You do get chance for appeal within 7 days after the medical report has been uploaded in
respective website. Temporarily unfit candidates will be re-examined within a period not exceeding
6 months. For any further information please go through the following link
http://persmin.gov.in/ais1/Docs/CSE-FAQ.pdf

Rumour mills:
I have heard people spread all sorts of rumours and theories. Believe me its far better to
concentrate on your study and try rectify your own short comings. Till mains every candidate exists
as a mere roll number thats assigned randomly, so biasness of any form is purely a figment of
imagination. In case of optional papers I have already stated that every year there will be candidates
from almost every subject who clear the exam with flying colours, so I would suggest you to work
hard and improve your own standards. In failed in 2013 and 2014 and it was straight back to the
drawing board rather fanning rumours. Its much more pragmatic and assertive to accept the result
and try to figure out the reasons behind the failure. In case of interview also there is no point in
judging the interview board members, they are far experienced to know where we stand. Strategise
every aspect of this exam minutely and thread bare and you will come to know your short comings!
Luck Factor: Somethings are beyond mortal humans comprehensive ability!
Well from my personal knowledge and experience I can say It matters.
But that doesnt mean you have to leave everything on luck. As they say the harder you work the
luckier you get.
Life is 99% Hard Work + 1% Luck. But its the 1% which keeps on playing games every now and
then. Eventually it will fall in your favour if you keep on moving and doing your work. So keep on
doing your work.

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Annexure I
PRELIMS
Paper I
History of India
Indian National Movement
Indian Culture
Indian Geography
World Geography
Indian Polity
General Science
Economic and Social
Development
General issues on
Environmental Ecology, BioDiversity and Climate
Change
Paper II
CSAT Syllabus

General Studies
Books/Reference
TMH History, NCERT Class XI,XII
TMH INM portion,
Spectrum A Brief History of Modern India.
Newspaper, Spectrum Indian Culture (Heavily loaded with
facts), Nitin Singhaniya Culture notes.
Atlas, NCERT Class XI, XII
Atlas, GC Leong,
Laxmikant,
Regular Newspaper, basic science knowledge, internet
Ramesh Singh,
Sanjiv Verma,
Budget, Economic Survey
Regular Newspaper, Shankars Environment, MOE website,
internet,

CSAT
I read the Arihant Cracking the CSAT (Paper 2), but any
standard book will suffice.

Annexure II
MAINS
Compulsory Language I
(English)
(2013 144)

Compulsory Language II
(Hindi)
(2013 152)
Paper I
(Essay)
(2015 144, 2013 -85)

Books
Uniques General English or
any other standard book
may suffice

Uniques General Hindi or

any other standard book
may suffice
No special book

Remarks
Regular newspaper may
suffice but little practice
regarding grammar portion
can fetch you 50 Marks in
grammar section.
-DoKeep on reading GS,
additional
resources,
newspaper, magazines to get
fodder material.
Practice four-five before the
exam.

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Annexure III
(Sources are mentioned in B, I, U)
PAPER-II (2015 85, 2013 - 54)
General Studies- I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society.
HISTORY
1.
2.
3.

4.

5.

Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from
ancient to modern times. Spectrum Indian Culture, Nitin Singhaniya, IAS Notes.
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the presentsignificant events, personalities, issues Spectrum A Brief History of Modern India.
The Freedom Struggle - its various stages and important contributors /contributions from
different parts of the country.- Spectrum A Brief History of Modern India, TMH-Indian
Freedom Struggle, Newspaper recent important events e.g. centenary celebrations etc.
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country. - Go through the
internet related to events that happened after independence, R Guha India after
Independence
History of the world will include events from 18th century such as industrial revolution,
world wars, redrawal of national boundaries, colonization, decolonization, political
philosophies like communism, capitalism, socialism etc.- their forms and effect on the
society. NCERT History book on World History,
SOCIOLOGY
(My optional, for others newspaper, internet research, sociology NCERT class xi, xii)

6.
7.
8.
9.

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Role of women and womens organization, population and associated issues, poverty and
developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Effects of globalization on Indian society
Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.
GEOGRAPHY

10.
11.

12.

Salient features of worlds physical geography. GC Leong, NCERT

Distribution of key natural resources across the world (including South Asia and the Indian
subcontinent); factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector
industries in various parts of the world (including India)- mrunal.org website
Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone
etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features
(including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such
changes.-GC Leong, GK Today Geography

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PAPER-III (2015 - 91, 2013 - 53)
General Studies- II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.
POLITY
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

12.

13.
14.
15.

16.

Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant

provisions and basic structure. Laxmikant
Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining
to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges
therein. Laxmikant
Separation of powers between various organs dispute redressal mechanisms and
institutions. Laxmikant
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries. Laxmikant
Parliament and State Legislatures - structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers &
privileges and issues arising out of these. Laxmikant
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary Ministries and
Departments of the Government; Laxmikant
Pressure groups and formal/informal associations and their role in the Polity.-Was part of
Sociology, for other Laxmikant
Salient features of the Representation of Peoples Act. Internet
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of
various Constitutional Bodies.-Laxmikant
Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies-Internet
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising
out of their design and implementation.-PIB, India Year Book
Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various
groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders. -Was part of
Sociology, for other Laxmikant
Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the
performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for
the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.-PIB, India Year Book
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health,
Education, Human Resources. India Year Book, PIB
Issues relating to poverty and hunger.-Was part of Sociology, for others newspaper
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governanceapplications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency &
accountability and institutional and other measures. .-Ethics Paper, ARC
Role of civil services in a democracy.-Ethics Paper, ARC

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
(Newspaper and current affairs magazine, MEA website, some historically important incidents will
be covered in the History part of GS Paper-I)
17.
18.
19.
20

India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting
Indias Interests
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on Indias interests,
Indian Diaspora.
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.-Internet

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Preparatory Module for UPSC Civil Services Examination

PAPER-IV (2015 103, 2013 - 72)
General Studies-III: Technology, Economic Development, Bio diversity, Environment, Security and
Disaster Management.
ECONOMY
(Ramesh Singh, Sanjay Verma, Mrunal website for additional study)
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

11.
12.
13.

14.
15.

Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,

development and employment.
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.
Government Budgeting.
Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country, different types of irrigation
and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues
and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers
Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public
Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks
and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream
and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Land reforms in India.
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on
industrial growth.
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.-PIB, India Year Book
Investment models.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(Newspaper along with basic scientific knowledge)
Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and
developing new technology.
Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology
and issues relating to intellectual property rights.
ENVIRONMENT
(Newspaper, Shankars Environment)
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Disaster and disaster management. NDMA website
INTERNAL SECURITY
(Newspaper, India Year Book)

16.
17.
18.

19.
20.

Linkages between development and spread of extremism.

Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social
networking sites in internal security challenges, basics of cyber security; money-laundering
and its prevention
Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with
terrorism
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Preparatory Module for UPSC Civil Services Examination

PAPER-V (2015 96, 2013 96, Consistent ethical standards,)
(Personal take analyse every situation you come across in your day to day life, be empathetic,
observe, try to think from various angles, perspectives, you may have your own views but analyse
why others views are different and whats the basis of those viewpoints, most importantly be
objective and ethical)
(In 2013 my study was internet based, in 2015 additionally i referred a book by Reddy and Ajmera,
Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude)
General Studies- IV: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude
This paper will include questions to test the candidates attitude and approach to issues relating to
integrity, probity in public life and his problem solving approach to various issues and conflicts faced
by him in dealing with society. Questions may utilize the case study approach to determine these
aspects. The following broad areas will be covered.
1.

2.
3.

4.
5.
6.

7.

8.

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in human
actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics in private and public relationships. Human Values
lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of
family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.
Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour;
moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service , integrity, impartiality and nonpartisanship, objectivity, dedication to public service, empathy, tolerance and compassion
towards the weaker sections.
Emotional intelligence-concepts, and their utilities and application in administration and
governance.
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical
concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and
conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance;
strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international
relations and funding; corporate governance.
Probity in Governance: Concept of public service; Philosophical basis of governance and
probity;
Information sharing and transparency in government, Right to Information, Codes of Ethics,
Codes of Conduct, Citizens Charters, Work culture, Quality of service delivery, Utilization of
public funds, challenges of corruption.
Case Studies on above issues.-(Practice some case studies before exam)

Note: There is no short cut! Dont have an impression that there will be a book/notes which will
exactly provide the topics and mugging up that utopian book you can sail through this exam. You
have to have elaborate knowledge to write exactly what is asked for in UPSC mains exam. So rather
than trying to find run-of the-mill notes or gist or any easy solution and lose your time and money I
would suggest the future aspirants to be firm and study the topics elaborately to clearly understand
the concepts and build their analytical skills.

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

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Preparatory Module for UPSC Civil Services Examination

My profile
Name
Roll No.
Age
Home Town
Total number of attempts
School
College
Other qualifications
Job experience

Hobbies

Sandeep Kumar Ghosh

0041175
29
Kolkata, West Bengal
3
Kendriya Vidyalaya, Cossipore, English medium
St. Xaviers College, Kolkata, English Medium
CAIIB, RTI Certification
State Bank, Clerical
State Bank, Officer Cadre
Income Tax Department, Tax Assistant
Travelling, Playing chess, Reading books, Laughter Yoga

My Result
Prelims

Mains & Interview

* This was an effort to collate all the things that I wanted to convey to the future aspirants. All the books, websites and any other form
of resources mentioned above are purely for information purposes only and the writer doesnt have any commercial interest
whatsoever. Aspirants, readers, buyers or any other person are advised to take decision based on their own discretion. * The writer
accepts no responsibility for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of reliance on such information. * Any error that
might have cropped up in this material is purely unintentional. * No permission required. No restrictions on use.

Written by: Sandeep Kumar Ghosh, Rank 67, UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2015.

Page 15