How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services

Mains Paper-II (GS-1)

UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the
pattern and the syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies
Papers apart from one Essay and Optional paper each.
This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies -1 (i.e Paper-II,
Paper-I is Essay)

Before you start reading further, please remember the following

important mantra given by the Almighty UPSC:
The questions are likely to test the candidates basic understanding of all relevant
issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio economic goals,
objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct
answers.
This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You dont have to
master the topics, all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to
analyze.

Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze

what you have understood from reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.

STRATEGY
GS-1 broadly covers Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the
World and Society.
Under this heading total 12 topics and around 40 sub-topics are given in the
syllabus.
Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:
Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times they
should be strongly etched in your memory.
Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.
Now, how to deal with GS-1?
Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-1, we will discuss a
topic by topic what to read, from where to read and what not to read for these
topics.

(Download Model Question Paper-cum-Answerbook

For This GS Paper, Click this Link)
TOPIC-1
Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
In this topic, the sub-topics are Art forms, Literature, Architecture from
ancient to modern times. Before jumping into Big Books, first go through
these beautiful books by NCERT to get a glimpse of the sub-topics they are
One indispensable source to read first and foremost before proceeding to any
source is: Class XI NCERT An Introduction to Indian Art.
Once done with this book, then read following books.

1. NCERT Class VI History Our Past

2. NCERT Class VII Our Past -I
3. NCERT Class VIII Our Past II and III
4. NCERT Class XII Themes In Indian History I
5. NCERT Class-XII Themes in Indian History II
6. NCERT Class XII Themes In Indian History III
Hold on. Four books for one topic? No. You have to read only a few chapters
from each book that are related to Sub-Topics. For ex, you have to read only
Chapters 2 and 3 from Class-XII -Themes In Indian History-II book.
Apart from these you should have a reference book for getting more
information:

1. CCRT Website
2. Download Free Material Complete Set
3. Graphic Book On Indian Art and Culture Free Download
TOPIC-2
Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the
present significant events, personalities, issues
Read this book: Comprehensive History Of Modern India Spectrum (It covers
topics from the Advent of British to Indias Independence so covers this part
of the syllabus completely.
Why this book? Why not Bipan Chandra?

Bipan Chandra is specifically for studying in depth the various dimensions and
concepts of the Freedom Struggle. But for the above topic where events,
personalities and issues have to be read that too between 1750s to
1950s, Spectrum book covers all the topics quite comprehensively.
It is bulky and factual, so it is recommended for beginners both for Prelims
and Mains along with Bipan Chandras book, but not for aspirants writing
Mains this year who are running short of time.

TOPIC-3
[The Freedom Struggle its various stages and important contributors
/contributions from different parts of the country.]
Because this topic demands specific knowledge of Freedom Struggle and its
various facets, you must, along with the above mentioned book, read Bipan
Chandras Struggle For Indias Independence.
TOPIC 4
Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
For this you need to study Chapter 6 to 12 of India Since Independence Bipan
Chandra
0r Chapters 8 to 14 from India After Gandhi: The History Of The Worlds Largest
Democracy (above mentioned chapters cover completely this part of the
syllabus)
TOPIC-5
[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.]
Except for Industrial revolution, Mastering Modern World History by Norman
Lowe (Buy From Amazon India))covers all topics of this part of the syllabus it
is a very good book. Stick to only this book. Refer above links for a glimpse of
those sub-topics in Wikipedia, but dont dwell deeply on them. (A 30 %
discount from Flipkart, or Or This IMPORTED copy provided you are rich- Rs
1700/ this classic book contains insightful chapters on the 2008 Financial
Crisis, and even Arab Spring and its aftermath!)
Above book is not available anywhere these days. Best alternative is a book by
Arjun Dev History of the World from the Late Nineteenth to the Early Twenty First
Century
If both books are not available, then read this book Old NCERT World History
Class-X
TOPIC-6
[Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.]
About salient features of Indian Society dont look anywhere else Just read
this NCERT Indian Society Class 12 (Complete book without watermarks)
Two indispensable books to cover this topic:

Indian Society Ram Ahuja

Social Problems in India Ram Ahuja
(above books are critically acclaimed and are taught in many universities as a
text, and is written by an acclaimed scholar)

TOPIC-7
[Role of women and womens organization, population and associated
issues,poverty and developmental issues, urbanization, their problems and their
remedies.]
For India specific women related issues download this beautiful report
(PLATFORM FOR ACTION-REPORT ON INDIAN WOMEN -DOWNLOAD
FROM HERE) where you can find everything you want to learn about Womens
issues.
Other sub-topics are general in nature and can be found in Magazines and
Newspapers. If one is thorough with current events questions on these sub-
topics can be answered very well by consolidating their knowledge.

TOPIC-8
[Effects of Globalization on Indian society]
This is also general in nature. If you have a basic understanding of Indian
Society and Globalization, their mutual relation can be elucidated with ease.
Here is a good article from a Marxist politician about the topic. (UPSC people
love the slightly leftist version of everything)
To know more about effect of Globalization on Indian Society, you need to
know better about Indian Society. This book is a must have for broad
understanding of the Indian Society.
Indian Society Ram Ahuja
 Social Problems in India Ram Ahuja
If you want to learn the impact of Globalization on Indian Economy, here is a
book. (Purely optional)
TOPIC-9
[Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.]
This is again generic. But you must know the basic concept of
communalism, regionalism and secularism. Wikipedia comes handy here.

BASICS:

Regionalism In India (You must read this)

Communalism (You must read this too)
For Regionalism In India.
TOPIC-10
[Salient features of worlds physical geography.
To cover this part two books are necessary:

1. Certificate Physical and Human Geography 1st Edition

2. NCERT Class-XI Fundamentals of Physical Geography
TOPIC-11
[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)]
1) NCERT Class XII Human Geography
2) NCERT Class-XII India-People and Economy
3) For reference:Geography of India 4 Edition
TOPIC-12
[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.]
This is a repetition actually. You can read Physical Geography book by Goh
Cheng Leong which is mentioned above (Certificate Physical and Human
Geography 1st Edition)
This topic on critical changes in geographical features is broadly related to
climate change and other anthropogenic factors(such as depletion of
resources, dumping of wastes etc). Geographical features like rainforests, ice
caps, rivers, corals, cyclones all get affected by climate change. Anthropogenic
factors are involved in increasing desertification, vanishing forests,
biodiversity, pollution of rivers and lakes, etc.
Your focus should be on such changes. Question may be on how monsoon is
affected by global climate change? or how a cyclone is affected by global
warming? What effect has the melting ice cap on the biodiversity in the polar
regions? etc

(Download Model Question Paper-cum-Answerbook

For This GS Paper, Click this Link)
Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember
most of the things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a
single topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things
clearly and concisely.
Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source.
Avoid the temptation of doing Research on a topic.
Always Remember UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do
RESEARCH and scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not
100% satisfied with it.
 Remember that old saying? Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do
Research, most probably your name wont appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in
enabling you to acquire analytical skills.
Very Important Part In The Preparation
Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take
a Mock Test. Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent
lot of time on answer writing.
Most Important Part In The Preparation
Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
If you dont Revise what you read all these months you slightly miss the
Personality Test, or You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.
Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read
the same source, Write and Revise.
Preparation for this paper can be finished in 20 days provided you are focused
and determined.

Of course. Eat well, Sleep well and Keep a good health. If you get a running
nose on the day of the exam, 2 hours out of 3 hours goes in draining it and
drying it.

How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services

Mains Paper-III (GS-2)
UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the
pattern and the syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies
Papers apart from one Essay and Optional paper each.
This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies -2 (i.e Paper-III)
Before you start reading further, please remember the following
important mantra given by the Almighty UPSC:
The questions are likely to test the candidates basic understanding of all relevant
issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio economic goals,
objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct
answers.

This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You dont have to
master the topics, all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to
analyze.

Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to analyze

what you have understood from reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.

Two important things fundamental to your exam preparation:

Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times they
should be strongly etched in your memory.

Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.

Now, how to deal with GS-2?

Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus of GS-1, we will discuss a topic
by topic what to read, from where to read and what not to read for these
topics.
Broad Syllabus Of GS-2 is:
Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

Before you start preparing for this paper, please read following NCERT texts,
which might take 2-3 days of your time.

1. NCERT Class XI India Constitution At Work

2. NCERT Class XII Political Science II

3. NCERT Class X Democratic Politics

TOPIC-1
Indian Constitution historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments,
significant provisions and basic structure.

This part is very useful both for Prelims and Mains. Best book to study this
section is D.D. Basus Introduction To The Constitution Of India First 5
chapters in this book exclusively deal with this part of the syllabus.
For Basic Structure, These two articles might help you.

1) Basic Structure of the constitution revisited The Hindu (PDF)

2) The Basic Structure of the constitution (PDF)
TOPIC-2
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.

One good source to get the critical perspective about these topics is Report of
the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission, named Organizational Structure
Of Government of India (13th Report)
For devolution of finances to local bodies, Read This.. (Dont look anywhere
else)
For the concept part read Laxmikants Indian Polity. Buy the new updated 4th
edition. (Chapters 12, 13 14 and 30).
But Mains demands not only basic understanding of these topics, but your
critical and analytic abilities to answer questions on these topics. So, try to
relate these concepts to current event topics and write small articles. ARC
reports will help you in this regard.
Eg. Though devolution of funds, functionaries and functions is taking place in the
local governments, development is still a mirage in many parts of India. Critically
analyze. (you can frame many questions like this)
TOPIC-3
Separation of powers between various organs, dispute redressal mechanisms and
institutions.

BASICS: Public Grievances and Redressal Mechanism

This topic is a dynamic portion we read lot about conflict between the
Judiciary and the Executive to answer dynamic topics, one should first
understand the constitutional provisions, redressal measures with the
constitution, checks and balances provided in the constitution etc.

ARC reports come to the rescue again. 7th report of 2nd ARC named Capacity
Building for Conflict Resolution talks elaborately on various issues such as Left
Wing Extremism, Regional Disparities, Land and Water related issues, SC and
ST issues, Religious conflicts and North East conflicts which involve
numerous institutions in the conflict management and resolution.
Later, scan current events and find any latest instances of conflict between any
constitutional bodies, or between a constitutional body and statutory body.

Again, concepts can be studied either from D.D. Basu or Laxmikat..

TOPIC-4
Comparison of the Indian constitutional scheme with that of other countries

A book by S. Chand Select Constitutions of the world is famous among Law

students. This covers this topic comprehensively. One should be careful to not
to study this topic in depth.
In case you can afford to buy costly book D.D. Basus Classic on the Indian
Constitution Shorter Constitution Of India not only covers all above topics, it
also covers the present topic.
Few links that might help:
 Constitutions around the world
Evolution of Indian Constitution (It is compared with other constitutions you
have to search in between)
Difference between US and EU constitutions.
Try to know some basics about the New Constitutions/reforms being
framed/brought out in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Pakistan.

(Again, emphasis should be on relating all these topics to the current events)

TOPIC-5
Parliament and State Legislatures structure, functioning, conduct of business,
powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

To cover this topic, one stop source is Subhash Kashyps Our Parliament. (Why
this book? Because it is written by someone who worked inside the Parliament
for most of his career, and this book gives a detailed idea about the
functioning of our Parliament as the above topic suggests, you should be
familiar with all aspects of our Parliament. This books is cheap, and is highly
readable with lot of insights)
TOPIC-6
Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary; Ministries
and Departments of the Government; Pressure Groups and formal/informal
associations and their role in the Polity.

BASICS:
Union Executive
Parliament of India
Supreme Court of India
Executive in the States
State Legislature
High Courts and Subordinate Courts
Local Government:Urban and Rural
 Pressure Groups
Again, Laxmikant is enough for this topic. Regarding pressure groups/
informal associations recent activism shown by Civil society, conflict with
the government and other such topics should be studied in depth.
TOPIC-7
Salient features of the Representation of Peoples Act.

First read this beautiful article by Yogendra Yadav. (PDF)

This topic has generated more heat in the past and present eg, office of profit
bill, anti-defection bill, electoral reforms bill etc.
This topic should be

Recent supreme court ruling disqualifying MPs and MLAs with criminal
background, and current topics like this should be studied carefully.
TOPIC-8 and 9
Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of
various Constitutional Bodies.

. Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies

Read Laxmikant for this part. Part VII,VIII and IX of this book completely
covers these topics.
This part of the syllabus has given rise to some contentious issues such as
political interference in the appointment to various constitutional posts and
statutory bodies. Eg EC, CBI, CVC, CAG, SC, Governors, Lokayukta, Lokpal (if
it comes into existence) etc. So, read this topic keeping in mind these above
issues.

As I said before, you need to read all the above topics with an analytical
perspective. To provide you with this, there is a wonderful book published by
Oxford University Press and authored by Pratap Bhanu Mehta, named
Public Institutions in India Performance and Design, will be immensely useful.
As its back cover says, This volume analytically assesses the design, performance,
and adaptability of the principal institutions of governance in India and their critical
role in a democratic polity. That is what you need for this paper.
TOPIC-10
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues
arising out of their design and implementation.

This part is covered well in the same book I mentioned above: Public
Institutions in India Performance and Design
Also, refer Economic Survey for government policies and PIB site regularly.
TOPIC-11
Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs,
various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other
stakeholders

[Please note the phrase Development Industry it refers to aid

industry developed around NGOs, UN bodies, Charities etc and their role in
the development process.]
Planning commission has various articles on these topics.
This report gives critical account of success and failure of SHGs in India. (just read
the summary, conclusion and recommendations NEVER read full report)
Article on NGO their evolution and role.

TOPIC-12
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.

Note the word STATE schemes by the states are also important.
 Focus on the schemes being implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child
welfare, Ministry of Social Justice, Ministry of Rural Development and Ministry
of Tribal affairs.
List Of Government Schemes India Wikipedia link.
List of All state and central scheme Govt. of India Website (here you can filter
queries by the ministry- it is not easy though, govt site you know..)
One more option is visit this link on my site to go to the site of any Ministry and
find schemes there.
TOPICS 12 and 13
Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to
Health, Education, Human Resources.
. Issues relating to poverty and hunger.

We read lot about this these days: Food security bill, PDS reform, Poverty
reduction schemes, Poverty-line controversy, Malnutrition figures, report
on malnutrition(remember HungMa report?) etc.
TOPIC-13
Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance-
applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizens charters,
transparency & accountability and institutional and other measures

This introductory article on 2nd ARC site and 2nd ARC report on Promoting e-
Governance: The SMART Way Forward will be very useful to cover this topic.
E-governance Concept and Significance (IGNOU)
TOPIC-14
Role of civil services in a democracy

Again, 2nd ARC report (10th report) Refurbishing of Personnel

Administration has whole chapter (ch-4) on this topic.
International Relations

TOPIC-15
India and its neighborhood- relations.

Two sources for this topic:

1. India and its neighbours MEA Website

India Afghanistan
India Pakistan
India Nepal
India Bhutan
India Bangladesh
India Sri lanka
India Maldives
India China
India Myanmar
2. For critical analysis This Book by Rajiv Sikri Challenge and Strategy
Rethinking Indias Foreign Policy is must for reading this part of the syllabus.
TOPIC 16
Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or
affecting Indias interests

For Indias relations with the other countries, click here. (read only important
counries USA, UK, EU, SA, Brazil, Japan, Russia, Australia etc)
Ministry of External Affairs has briefs on all bilateral relations of India with
regional and global groupings:

Andean Community (CAN) February 2013

ASEAN Regional Forum August 2012
Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) May 2013
BRICS April 2013
Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) January 2013
Central American Integration System (SICA) February 2013
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) August 2012
 Commonwealth August 2011
Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) August
2012 eraction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) August 2012
East African Community April 2011
East Asia Summit January 2013
G-20 August 2012
Gulf Cooperation Council February 2013
India-African Union Relations
India-ASEAN Relations April 2013
India-EU Relations July 2013
Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IORARC) March 2013
India-United Nations Relations, January, 2013
Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) May 2013
Pan African e-Network Project January 2013
Southern African Development Community Cooperation April 2012
TOPIC-18
Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on Indias
interests, Indian diaspora

This is a dynamic part effects of globalization, WTO policies, domestic

policies of developed countries and their effect on other countries (lot of
examples from USA, UK can be given visa row, war on terrorism,
immigration policies, economic policies etc)

Indian diaspora their contribution to India, Indias contribution to them,

Their contribution to the world etc. Their problems in the residing countries,
their rights in India constitutional/statutory provisions if any, their
participation in track two diplomacy, their role in Indian economy etc etc.

Newspaper is the best source I guess. For more info, visit the official site.
TOPIC- 19
Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

UNO and its various bodies, agencies must be studied with respect to their
structure, role, relevance and reforms. UN reforms is the hot topic.
International Organizations (no UN bodies) such as APEC, ADB, ASEAN,
OECD, NATO should be studied.

For links to all these organizations: click here.

Finally, for some articles from Yojana magazines (2013) that are related to
many topics from this Paper, click here.
Five Indispensable Books For paper-III

1. D.D.Basu Introduction to the Constitution of India 20 Edition

2. Indian Polity for Civil Services Examinations 4th Edition Laxmikanth

3. Select Constitutions: 16th Edition S Chand

4. Challenge And Strategy : Rethinking Indias Foreign Policy Rajiv Sikri

5. Public Institutions in India: Performance and Design Pratap Bhanu Mehta

TWO RECOMMENDED BOOKS (Only If You Have More Time At Your

Disposal) Both By Granville Austin Classics On Indian Polity
1) The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of A Nation (Classic Reissue) Review
2) Working a Democratic Constitution: A History of the Indian Experience Review
A SMALL LECTURE

Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember
most of the things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a
single topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things
clearly and concisely.
 Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source.
Avoid the temptation of doing Research on a topic.
Always Remember UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do
RESEARCH and scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not
100% satisfied with it.
Remember that old saying? Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do
Research, most probably your name wont appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in
enabling you to acquire analytical skills.
Very Important Part In The Preparation
Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take
a Mock Test. Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent
lot of time on answer writing.
Most Important Part In The Preparation
Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
If you dont Revise what you read all these months you slightly miss the
Personality Test, or You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.
Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read
the same source, Write and Revise.
Preparation for this paper can be finished in 20 days provided you are focused
and determined.

How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services

Mains Paper IV (GS-3)
UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the
pattern and the syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies
Papers apart from one Essay and Optional paper each.
This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies 3 (i.e Paper-
II, Paper-I is Essay)

Before you start reading further, please remember the following

important mantra given by the Almighty UPSC:
The questions are likely to test the candidates basic understanding of all relevant
issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio economic goals,
objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct
answers.
This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You dont have to
master the topics, all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to
analyze. Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to
analyze what you have understood from reading comes from WRITING
PRACTICE.

STRATEGY
GS-3 broadly covers
Technology,
Economic Development,
Bio diversity,
Environment,
 Security and
Disaster Management.

(You can observe that it resembles GS-2 of old patters sans statistics and
international relations) Two important things fundamental to your exam
preparation:
Get familiar with all the topics and sub-topics by writing them many times they
should be strongly etched in your memory.
Keep a copy of the syllabus always near you no matter where you are.
Now, how to deal with GS-3? Assuming you are now familiar with the syllabus
of GS-3, we will discuss a topic by topic what to read, from where to read and
what not to read for these topics. TOPIC-1
Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth,
development and employment.

This is a very broad area and includes both static and dynamic part. Before
going for big books, it is compulsory to read following NCERT textbooks
(download full textbooks -PDF without watermark)
1. NCERT Class X Understaning Economic Development
2. NCERT Class XI Indian Economic Development
3. NCERT Class XII Macroeconomics (chapters 2,5 and 6 are very important)
4. ET in The Classroom (This is important in getting acquainted with basics of
dynamic part of Economics It is an excellent source. I have archived previous
articles Here.)
Three books above will make your concepts very clear. After understanding
your concepts, you have to read the above topics by relating them to the
current events. For this reading one Business newspaper helps a lot. Business
standard is the best (if you are comfortable with ET or FE, it is fine. But do try
BS once)
More questions from Economics can be expected in this paper henceforth. To
be ready for any questions that UPSC might ask, it is good to read a standard
book on these topics.

There are many books on Indian economy all bulky. Fortunately, TMH has
released a book on Indian economy for Prelims and Mains, and it is very good
(by Ramesh Singh)

Indian Economy for Civil Services Examinations Ramesh Singh

I think reading this book is a must. Dont go for Uma Kapila, Dutt and
Sundaram and Mishra-Puri unless you have plenty of time for these. For now
sticking to one good book is advised.
TOPIC-2
Inclusive growth and issues arising from it

We had 11th Five year plan which exhorted the Inclusive Growth mantra and then
12th Fiver year document, going a step further aiming for a Faster, More
Inclusive and Sustainable Growth.
These two documents are good to understand issues related to inclusive
growth, approach of the government and achievements in the 11th plan period.
However, to get conceptual clarity, reading one or two articles from the
following document would help you immensely.

Conceptualizing Inclusive Growth

For a thorough review of Inclusive Growth strategy in India read this article:

Inclusive Growth in India Past Performance and Future Prospects

TOPIC 3
Government Budgeting

It is nothing but knowing about what is a budget and how it is passed in the
parliament and then how it is implemented.
These documents should help you understand these:

First Basics GOVERNMENT BUDGETING

NCERT Class XII Macroeconomics (Chapter 5)
The Budgetary Process
2013-14 Budget Highlights
TOPIC-4
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

Understanding concepts is important here too. NCERT comes to the aid here;

NCERT Resources and Development (a quick reading of this book will also
help in understanding many other topics in this paper)
For cropping pattern read this, only this document:

Cropping Pattern in India (give stress to understanding the concept in it, no need
to read entire paper)
For irrigation methods, irrigation systems and Irrigation in India,

Irrigation Methods
Types of Dams (storage structures)
Irrigation types (Government Source)
For agriculture marketing, storage and reforms in these areas, one should
resort to State of India Agriculture report and Economic Survey.

Agriculture Marketing Reforms

Agricultural Prices and Markets State of India Agriculture Report
E-technology for the aid of Farmers

E-technology in the aid of farmers

TOPIC 5
 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

This is the most important topic in this paper all sub-topics are dynamic in
nature and 1-2 questions will be directly asked from these. This topic
encompasses the broad area of Food Security, which is a hot topic these days.

Apart of getting conceptual clarity on these topics, aspirants also have to

develop critical perspective on these sub-topics. I will provide links to
important articles that have come in The Hindu, Business Standard and
Business Line.

First, Minimum Support Price and Farm Subsidies:

Agriculture Price Policy and MSP

News Articles (to develop opinion)

Farms need a free market -BusinessLine

How to fix agricultural pricing mess Business Standard
Indias food conundrum The Hindu
Regarding Public Distribution System, it is a vast area, so careful study of less
materials is needed.

Public Distribution System IGNOU Notes 1

Public Distribution System and Food Security IGNOU Notes 2
News Articles;

Food Security Bill The devil is in the detail The Hindu

The shaky geopolitics of Indias food security The Hindu
For basics of Food Security NCERT source Class IX Economics
Now, technology missions! Government of India is fond of launching these
technology missions for various crops to boost their production, area coverage
and make their production profitable. This is a boring topic and I dont think
UPSC will ask any question on this (it is completely factual)

I will provide links to few such Technology Missions;

Technology Mission on Cotton

Technology Mission on Jute
Technology Mission on Horticulture
Technology Mission on Sugar
New Missions under 12th plan
(You need to know only what these missions were meant for and whats their
progress so far)

Economics of Animal Breeding! This has come from nowhere. Study it here
You can have a look at this report of Planning Commission (only 3 pages)

Role of livestock in Indian Economy

TOPIC 6
Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location,
upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management.
Food processing is a sunrise industry and lately there has been a lot of thrust
from the government on this industry.

PIB article on this industry

Food processing ministry schemes
In the 12th Plan
Articles:

Economic Times
The Hindu Businessline Untapped Potential
The Hindu Businessline Key Challenges
TOPIC 7
 Land reforms in India

This is a hot favourite topic for UPSC and luckily you get plenty of material to
read on this topic. That is the problem. In this exam, sticking to one source is
the secret of success (of course, not for all topics)

For this topic read from following two sources (IGNOU):

Land reforms 1
Land Reforms 2
TOPIC 8
Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects
on industrial growth

You can read these topics from the above mentioned book by Ramesh Singh. It
is explained very well.

Indian Economy for Civil Services Examinations Ramesh Singh (Chapters 6

and 10, 4th edition the above link is for latest 5th edition)
TOPIC-9
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc

Just two sources; one, India 2013 and Economic Survey

India 2013 (chapters on Energy and Transport)

Economic Survey Chapter 11 Energy, Infrastructure and Communications
Latest Energy stats Very Good Report
TOPIC 10
Investment models

This is a puzzling topic. Because it is given along with Infrastructure related

topics, I assume it to be related to investment models applied to the same
field. If not, one can enumerate so many investment models just for financial
sector alone!
 For example, within PPP model, there are various modalities are involved (see
below)

Table 1: Schemes and Modalities of PPP

Schemes Modalities

n-operate (BOO) The private sector designs, builds, owns, develops, operates and manages an asset w

velop-operate (BDO) obligation to transfer ownership to the government. These are variants of design-build

onstruct-manage-finance (DCMF) operate (DBFO) schemes.

d-operate (BBO) The private sector buys or leases an existing asset from the Government, renovates, mo

velop-operate (LDO) and/ or expands it, and then operates the asset, again with no obligation to transfer ow

und addition (WAA) back to the Government.

erate-transfer (BOT)
The private sector designs and builds an asset, operates it, and then transfers it to
n-operate-transfer (BOOT) Build-rent-own-transfer
Government when the operating contract ends, or at some other pre-specified time. Th

partner may subsequently rent or lease the asset from the Government.
se-operate-transfer (BLOT) Build-transfer-operate (BTO)

Source: Public Private Partnership, Fiscal Affairs Department of the IMF.

These two sources might help:

Infrastructure Investments Planning Commission

Public-Private Partnership in Indian Infrastructure Development: Issues and
Options RBI
SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY

TOPIC -11
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

There are many sources for these topics:

First, for non science grads, a reading of NCERT Class VI to X Science Texts
is advised. This will clear many concepts for you and will enable you to
understand other topics in the syllabus.

Second, earlier, toppers used to recommend a book by Spectrum publications,

Developments in Science and Technology

The problem with this book is its vastness they have simply dumped every
topic in detail like paranoid. For students with science background this book is
advised, they have released 2013 edition you have to study it selectively. Very
selectively. This book has all the topics that are included in the syllabus and
that are not included also.
If one goes through previous question papers, one can observe that UPSC has
always asked questions on S&T from within the syllabus. For example, there
will be a question on biotechnology, space, robotics, nanotechnology and
computers they might be from latest developments in the respective fields,
but all are from the syllabus.

Third source is The Hindu and Frontline. Every Thursday, The Hindu carries a
separate page on S&T if one is regular with this page and have the collection
of cuttings, this will help in 5 mark and 2 mark questions asked from current
event section.

Fourth source is Wikipedia and New Scientist sites. From this site, read
articles on Nanotechnology, Robotics, IPRetc.
Under IPR, you may have to read about Novartis case, so The Hindu article is
here. Also TRIPS is important.
For Indias achievements in the field of S&T, you must read India 2013 Year
Book (chapters on Defence and Scientific and technological developments)
TOPIC-12
Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact
assessment

BASICS:

Environment and Pollution

Atmosphere Oxygen and Pollution (Technical)
This particular topic encompasses topics such as biodiversity and climate
change, forest and wildlife conservation, river conservation, pollution in cities,
waste management, pollution from human activities, marine pollution etc so
it is a vast area.

This has to be read with respect to India and the world.

First choice should be The Hindu Environmental Survey 2012 (they may release
2013 survey now).
Sources from the ministry of environment(look at the left side for related
links when you land on the page):
Annual Report of the Environment Ministry 2012-13 (for chapters on
conservation, EIA and forests etc) Click Here.
Complete info on Conservation. click here.
Complete details on Environmental Impact Assessment, FAQs on EIA
Current events on EIA The Hindu article
TOPIC 13
Disaster and disaster management

This is again a current event and a dynamic portion.

Download special edition of Yojana on Disaster Management.
A report on Disaster Management. (read selectively). You will find everything in it
you ever wanted to know about the topic!
SECURITY ISSUES

TOPIC-14
. 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

Internal Security Internal Security Challenges

Cyber Security National Cyber Security Policy 2013 assessment
Money Laundering
Prevention of Money-laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)
What is Money Laundering Basics
FATF on Money Laundering
For a starter, here is a book just released by Oxford University Press,
exclusively on these topics. Titled Indias National Security A Reader and
written by eminent scholars in this field, it covers external and internal
security threats by state and non-state actors, as well as nuclear issues too.
Read the review here.

You can buy it from Flipkart . (Buy it only after reading the above review)
(This section will be updated with latest news articles soon)
TOPIC-15
Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate
This topic is completely factual. You can read it on Wikipedia.

Indian Armed Forces

Indian Paramilitary Services
Agencies
A SMALL LECTURE

Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember
most of the things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a
single topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things
clearly and concisely.
Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source.
Avoid the temptation of doing Research on a topic.
Always Remember UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do
RESEARCH and scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not
100% satisfied with it.
Remember that old saying? Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do
Research, most probably your name wont appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in
enabling you to acquire analytical skills.
Very Important Part In The Preparation
Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take
a Mock Test. Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent
lot of time on answer writing.
Most Important Part In The Preparation
Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
 If you dont Revise what you read all these months you slightly miss the
Personality Test, or You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.
Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read
the same source, Write and Revise.
Preparation for this paper can be finished in 20 days provided you are focused
and determined.

How To Prepare UPSC Civil Services

Mains Paper V (GS 4 Ethics,
Aptitude and Integrity))
UPSC has brought changes to the Civil Services Mains examination in both the
pattern and the syllabus. We know that now there are 4 General Studies
Papers apart from one Essay and Optional paper each. Of these, new paper on
Ethics Aptitude and Integrity has been a headache for many aspirants as
quality source is elusive even now when the exam is nearing.
This article discusses preparation strategy for General Studies 4 (i.e Paper-
IV -Ethics Aptitude and Integrity )

Before you start reading further, please remember the following

important mantra given by the Almighty UPSC:
The questions are likely to test the candidates basic understanding of all relevant
issues, and ability to analyze, and take a view on conflicting socio economic goals,
objectives and demands. The candidates must give relevant, meaningful and succinct
answers.
This sentence is the guiding light for your preparation. You dont have to
master the topics, all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to
analyze. Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. Ability to
analyze what you have understood from reading comes from WRITING
PRACTICE.
This article was tough to write as its new and sources for this article were
difficult to find.

Sources for this article are diverse. Books published by Oxford, Cambridge
university presses, Springer, Sage publications have been referred. Britannica
encyclopedia and IGNOU materials were of immense help too.

Many PDFs are of advanced nature. You dont have to read all the PDFs in
toto. Read first few paragraphs to understand the essence. Remember the
above UPSC mantra.
Question paper will have questions on theory and case studies.
Case studies will be covered every day as an article where you can write
answers and get comments from fellow aspirants.
I have given only links to sources. I am no authority to explain the topics.

STRATEGY

Ethics and Human Interface

Lets start with basics:

Ethics A Very Basic Introduction BBC Guide to Ethics

Introduction to Ethics
Essence, determinants and Consequences of Ethics in human actions
What is Ethics? Cambridge University
Source Authentic and Good one (read this completely to get conceptual
clarity)
Dimensions of ethics
Read Chapters One and Two from this book
Ethics in private and public relationships.
Ethics in private relationships Read chapter 3 in the link. Its in Google Books
and the chapter has all pages. It is very good with lots of case studies. If any IT
guy can extract pages and covert them to PDF, please send me a copy.
Ethics in Private Relationship Good one
Ethics in Public Relations
Human Values
Human values IGNOU Material
Lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and
administrators
You can read about them from school books or from website. Will provide a
list later.

Role of family, society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

Chapter Ten of this book. Google Books Value Education.
Attitude
Structure and Function
Source 1 Very Basic
Source 2 Structure
source 3 Functions
Source 4 Complex and Specialized (if you can understand! Page no.
38,39)
Its influence and relation with thought and behaviour
Source 1 Attitude and Behaviour
Source 2 Values, Attitudes and Behaviour
Source 3 Very Advanced
 Moral and political attitudes
Source 1 Political Attitudes
Source 2 Moral Attitudes
Social influence and Persuasion
Source 1 Simple and Straight to the point. Good one.
Source -2 Very Advanced
Related Article
Attitude for Good Governance Read Section Two in Attitude for good
governance and motivation.
Aptitude and foundational values for Civil Service
Integrity
Critical Look at Integrity
Integrity and Transparency critical article
Impartiality and non-partisanship, objectivity, dedication to public
service, empathy, tolerance and compassion towards the weaker sections.
These are actually civil service values recommended by the second ARC in its
report (10th Report, Chapter 16)
Emotional intelligence
Concept
Source 1 Very Basic Excellent one.
Source 2 Conceptual clarity
Their utilities and application in administration and governance
Emotional Intelligence and Public Leadership
Emotional Intelligence in Bureaucracies
Contributions of moral thinkers and philosophers from India and world.
Ethics in the history of Indian Philosophy
Ethics in Contemporary Indian Philosophy
Ethics in the history of western philosophy
Ethics in Medieval Western Philosophy
 Ethics in Greek Philosophy
Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration:
Status and problems
Public Service Values Status
Professionalism and Ethics in Public Service UN Document. Read only Chapter
One and Conclusion. Problems and Issues about Public service values is given
in it.
Ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions
Ethical Concerns in Public Administration
Ethical Dilemma In this, read only Chapter One. It is written in foreign
context but its applicability is universal.
Ethics in Public Administration Dont neglect this document because its
written by a research scholar. It is simple and lucid.
Laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance
Didnt get any credible source. I will post it when I get one.

Accountability and ethical governance

Ethical Governance in twenty first century This is culled from a costly and an
authentic book. Read it to understand the importance of ethics in governance.
Ethics As element of Good Governance
Ethics and Governance T N Chaturvedi (he was CAG and Governor of
Karnataka) His reflections are insightful.
Strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance
Above PDFs reflect on this topic too.

Ethical issues in international relations and funding

Ethics in International Relations Taken from a reputed book and is a primary
source on the topic.
Ethics in International Relations This is in relation to corporate responsibility.
It covers some aspects of ethical issues in funding mentioned in the syllabus.
 Corporate governance
Corporate Governance Read it as it contains many new facts and ideas. (not
so good, though)
Corporate Governance An Ethical Perspective It is critical article, a research
paper.
News Report Economic Times
PPT Presentation IIT Bombay
Probity in Governance
This part of the syllabus is completely covered in the following book. It is
written by two retired IAS officers of Gujarat cadre. All the topics of this part
of the syllabus and other topics of importance are covered in this book.

Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude for Civil Services Main Examination (Paper
5)
I am giving below PDFs to some topics taken from some UN sites, books and
ministries websites.

Probity in Governance
Probity in Governance Excellent one It is published by Law Ministry and
contains many concepts.
What is Probity in Governance Private context
Concept of public service
Probity in Governance Excellent one it defines whats public service.
Philosophical basis of governance and probity
Information sharing and transparency in government Right to Information
Articles on RTI from The Hindu, EPW will be posted.

The above mentioned book has a chapter on this topic.

Codes of Ethics
Codes of Ethics OECD
Codes of ethics World Bank
Codes of Conduct
Refer the above mentioned book.
Citizens Charters
Citizens Chartes FAQs
Citizen Charter Handbook
Work culture
Quality of service delivery
Utilization of public funds Planning Commission PDF
challenges of corruption
This is basically a general topic. I will compile articles published on this
topic in The Hindu (last year there were many articles on this topic) and give
links soon.

Source 1
Apart from the above book, the following book might be useful as it is written
by a renowned author Ramesh Arora (his books on Public Administration are
well received)

Ethics in Governance Ramesh K Arora

A SMALL LECTURE again!?!
Note: You can skip this if you are already bored!
Until now we saw what books to read. Now the question is how to remember
most of the things we read and how to translate them into better answers.

A common mistake most of the aspirants commit is reading so many books for a
single topic.This mistake costs both your time and ability to remember things
clearly and concisely.
Stick to a single source and read it again and again. Remember The Same Source.
Avoid the temptation of doing Research on a topic.
Always Remember UPSC tests Basic Understanding. Not mastery over a topic.
 Make short notes on each topic. It is while making notes that readers tend to do
RESEARCH and scout various sources. Stick to one book even if you are not
100% satisfied with it.
Remember that old saying? Jack of all trades, master of NONE. If you try to do
Research, most probably your name wont appear in the Final List. I guarantee it.
For Paper-II (i.e GS-1) being thorough with Current Events plays a crucial role in
enabling you to acquire analytical skills.
Very Important Part In The Preparation
Writing. Writing. Writing.
But what? One must practice answer writing to Previous year questions, or take
a Mock Test. Whatever, before you enter examination hall, you must have spent
lot of time on answer writing.
Most Important Part In The Preparation
Revision. Revision. Re-Revision.
You do this and you appear for the Personality Test.
If you dont Revise what you read all these months you slightly miss the
Personality Test, or You narrowly miss appearing in the Final List.
Well, to sum up. To get the interview call all you need to do is: Read, Re-read
the same source, Write and Revise.
Preparation for this paper can be finished in 20 days provided you are focused
and determined.

Of course. Eat well, Sleep well and Keep a good health. If you get a running
nose on the day of the exam, 2 hours out of 3 hours goes in draining it and
drying it.