THE RIGHT APPROACH FOR GENERAL STUDIES

THE RIGHT APPROACH FOR GENERAL STUDIES

 

 

AN INSIGHT INTO  THE NATURE OF GENERAL STUDIES,A COMPULSORY SUBJECT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE MAIN EXAMS,AND STRESSES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REFERRING TO PREVIOUS YEARS’ QUESTION PAPERS

 

   General studies in the main examination comprises of two papers each consisting of three hundred marks.
Paper I has four segments that include history of modern India and Indian culture, geography of India, constitution of India and Indian polity and current national issues and topics of social relevance.
Paper II has five segments that include India and the world, India's economic interaction with the world, development in the field of science and technology, IT and space, international affairs and institutions and statistical analysis, graphs and diagrams.
The syllabus, as provided by UPSC, does not have much explanation. It is, therefore, important to refer to past years’ questions to get an idea about the explanation.
The following observations have been made on the basis of analysis of the previous years’ question papers:
The temporal reference to the history of modern India and Indian culture is up to the middle of the nineteenth century. Thematic reference includes major events of the time, personalities, facts and events associated with it. A majority of questions pertain to the issues associated with the freedom struggle. Along with this there are questions that deal with the cultural diversity of the country. This segment accounts for almost 30% of the total score of 300 marks.
   Geography of India (physical, economic and social) is a wide-ranging segment of the syllabus. However, in terms of marks, the total share is not so impressive. This segment accounts for approximately 10% of the total marks of Paper I. To prepare for this segment the candidates are advised to collect information about latest geographical events concerning India.
   Constitution of India and Indian polity is the most vital segment of Paper I of general studies, since its share of marks is almost one third. Students are advised to take note of it and accordingly give more time for its preparation. Here, the questions are mainly asked from the Indian political system and the Constitution.
   Current national issues and topics of social relevance include such themes that are expected of an educated person to be aware about. They primarily include contemporary social problems that the Indian society is facing like human rights, human resources and corruption. The weightage of this segment in terms of marks is approximately one fourth.
   The first segment of Paper II is ‘India and the world.’ Here, questions on issues such as foreign affairs, external security and nuclear debate are asked. Candidates are also expected to know the international position of India on various issues. The share of this segment in Paper II is almost 15%.
   Questions on Indian economy form about 30% of Paper II. In addition to knowing about the national priorities and programmes pertaining to economic development candidates are also required to know about the international economic and financial institutions. Students should gather information on WTO, IMF and other international institutions, particularly with regard to their relationship with India.
   Development in the field of science and technology, IT and space is also a major component of Paper II. In terms of distribution of marks, about 25% of questions are asked from this segment. While preparing the same, those issues that have a bearing on the socio-economic development of the country, must be given prime importance.
   International affairs and institutions account for about 15% of the marks in Paper II. It contains questions on major global changes that are taking place.
   The last segment of ‘Statistical Analysis, Graph and Diagrams,’ which contributes to 15% of the total score, is significant. It is the only part of general studies where students have a chance to score close to 100%. Here, speed is vital, which can be achieved by practicing the previous years’ questions.
   It is important to understand that general studies can be more scoring than your optional subjects. Here are some simple ways in which you can make this section work towards your advantage and hence improve your overall score:

BE AT EASE

In the examination hall, read all the questions quickly in the first go and select those where you feel more confident and comfortable. Start with those questions where you can give your best. Apart from making a good impression on the examiner, this will give you an extra boost of confidence.

GAUGE IT WELL

Gauge the requirements of each question before answering it. The examiner will be more interested in your approach to a given problem than your knowledge as such. Try to present your answers in a simple and lucid manner. You may use pointers, diagrams, and illustrations to make your answer ‘examiner-friendly.’ Your paper must stand out from those of the others in order to get good marks.

KEEP WITHIN LIMITS

Do not cross the word limit prescribed for each question. Economical use of words comes with a lot of writing practice before the examination. Also, avoid common mistakes like giving incorrect facts, wrong spellings and careless presentation of answers. Do spend some time to think over how to handle questions by taking examples from the previous years’ question papers. However, most importantly, make sure you enjoy the journey.