Spoorthi _ Revu Muthyala Raju _ Hmtv _ 28-01-13

Dear all,

Please see the interview of Shri.R.Mutyala Raju IAS, which was telecasted on 28 Jan 2013 on HM TV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BArAQPbxIxc

How to select the the right optionals for IAS Mains

At least 10 percent of the comments this blog receives is about how to select the the right optionals for IAS Mains so I thought instead of replying individually why not post an article on choosing the optionals for the IAS exam which would benefit all the blog readers. And this includes those who have never appeared for the IAS Mains yet and even those who have appeared but are thinking about switching over to some different optional.

But what does the Right Optional for IAS mean?

I am sure it means differently to different people but what does it mean to you:

• A scoring optional?
• The most popular optional?
• Easy to understand or which you find interesting?
• Subject with easy availability of study materials like books and notes?
• Optional for which one 'best' coaching is available?
• Subject with some previous base in graduation or post-graduation?
• The optional with the best results in the IAS exam?

I hope I have covered all the points that majority of the IAS aspirants consider before selecting the right optionals for Mains. Obviously, you might consider only one of the above points as the basis for selecting your Mains optional or consider multiple criteria. So let's take them up one by one.

A Scoring Optional

Most IAS beginners choose an optional simply because it is considered 'scoring'. Some of the optionals that are considered scoring are Public Administration and Geography. While Geography has returned marks with 400+ in IAS Mains, many candidates have been scoring 340+ and 350+ in Public Administration in the past few years. In fact the average marks scored by Mains candidates in Pub Ad in 2008 Mains was 266 which is quite high considering that it is the most preferred optional among IAS aspirants.

But should score be the sole criteria for selecting the Mains optional or are there other related basis for selecting your mains optional? This gets us to the second point.

A Popular Optional

Optionals that come within this definition are Geography, Public Ad, Sociology, History, and Psychology. These four IAS optionals alone account for about 50 percent share of the Mains pie and the rest 22 optionals, taking Literature subjects as one, for the rest.

This gives you some idea about the 'popular optionals for IAS'. But why are these optionals so popular while the rest aren't so popular? Here are some reasons:

• Subjects like Pub Ad and Geog have definite syllabus and Pub Ad has quite limited syllabus especially for P2 so you can cover it within 5 months or so.
• You require limited coaching for Pub Ad as most of the syllabus involves self-study.
• The History optional for IAS is quite popular simply because there are so many History post graduates and even graduates with history as a subject. Also we all studied History as part of our school curriculum and most of us found it interesting and some, even scoring.
• Geography is a semi-scientific subjects and a favourite among Engineers and Doctors for its laws, principles, and map-based questions. No wonder so many IAS aspirants opt for it.
• Sociology is easy to understand and very interesting as the topics covered concern the very society we are a part of.
• Psychology has pulled, I feel, simply because it is a combination of all the above attributes and also due to the fact that it is probably the only optional where only one name prevails for coaching: Mukul Pathak of Vajiram.

With this we come to another related question, are all popular optionals scoring or to put it another way are the not-so-popular optionals for IAS not scoring as well?

Let me put it bluntly. Popularity has actually got nothing to do with the scoring potential of an optional. If you want proof, read on. Shah Faesal topped the 2010 IAS exam with Urdu Litt. as one of the optionals, second being Pub Ad. Mona Pruthi, the 2006 IAS topper chose English Litt. and Sociology. Mutyala Raju, the 2007 topper took Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. Karthik Adapa aced the 2008 IAS exam with Zoology and Psychology.

What's common to all these IAS toppers? Except one, all opted for one non-popular optional. And let me also mention that if you read their interviews they chose the optionals based on their interest and background and not because they were scoring or popular.

The fact that they have scored well in both the optionals (that's why they topped) and not just the popular ones proves that all subjects are equally scoring. So choosing an optional based only on the scoring criteria is incorrect.

So how about the coaching criteria?

Before deciding to select an optional on the basis of the coaching available first determine whether you require coaching in the first place? You must've realized this can only be determined after you've selected an optional, not before it. So I feel selecting an optional simply on the basis of the coaching available is like saying " I can never clear the Civil Services exam without coaching". And once you become completely dependent on coaching then good luck to you as I have already written in my Mains 2010 GS analysis how unpredictable the IAS exam is becoming not just for you but the most well known coaching classes as well.

Of course, it does help if there is good coaching available for the IAS optionals you'vealready selected.

Choosing an optional with some previous background

Many people who've graduated or done Masters in some subject opt for it in the CSE. This is really helpful as you're already familiar with the subject and will need to study just one subject from scratch. This is where graduation in humanities really helps as the most popular IAS optionals listed above are included within the "Arts" subjects. So if you're pursuing graduation or masters in any of the Arts subjects and plan to take it up in the IAS mains, make sure you pursue it seriously and focus more on the syllabus common to your degree as well as the IAS Mains.

This point again proves that previous base and interest are more important factors in selecting the right optional for IAS than merely popularity or scoring potential. People who have opted for the most obscure subjects like Literature, Veterinary Science, Mathematics have scored heavily in the Mains simply because they were so much in love with their optionals.

I had the good fortune of having a chat with the 2008 IAS topper Karthik Adapa when we had enrolled for mock interview at Vajiram. He was already in the IPS that time and I asked him about the reason for choosing Psychology and he said he simply loved Psychology, that's why. Nothing about the score or popularity.

Some thumb rules for selecting the right optional for IAS

The subject should..

• Excite you
• Make you know more about it
• Should not put you to sleep
• Make you think out of the box
• Have books available easily

Don't think about the score at this stage, just focus on selecting an optional with the above qualities and remember, this will differ for different aspirants. Once you have mastered the syllabus and have adequate writing practice the marks will follow.

Some common queries

I have chosen Public Administration but I find it quite boring, especially Paper 1

Remember, Pub Ad usually seems boring to most people but many fall in love with it once they have read and re-read the important books. If you still find it going over your head ask yourself why did you choose Pub Ad? Is it simply because of its popularity?

I love xyz optional but i cannot answer the questions correctly

The fact that you find the optional interesting is half the battle won. As far answer writing is concerned you might consider joining some good test series to hone your writing skills. Once you have enough writing practice marks will not be an issue.

I don't have any previous base in any of the optionals or I don't want to choose my graduation subjects, what should I do?

Simply go through the above thumb rules again and try reading something from the basic books of the optional you plan to take up. If you feel you can cope up with the subject then go for it otherwise try another one.

Which optional should I opt along with xyz?

Unfortunately UPSC disallows us from selecting similar subjects. The combination of optional subjects that you cannot take up are:

• Political Science & International Relations and Pubilc Administration
• Commerce & Accountancy and Management
• Anthropology and Sociology
• Mathematics and Statistics
• Agriculture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science
• Management and Public Administration
• Any two branches of engineering
• Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science and Medical Science
• Combination of two Literature Subjects

If you've already selected one of the two optionals for IAS, good. I am sure there will be one more subject that will appeal to you. Go for that one. Don't worry about the complimentary aspect. The optionals need not be complimentary for you to crack this exam.

Suggest some optionals that will be useful from GS Mains point of view

Again this is for reference purpose only. Actually every optional in some way or the other contributes towards the GS or Essay preparation.

• Pol Sc. covers polity and India and the world part
• Pub Ad covers polity and governance part
• History covers the history part 
• Mathematics covers Statistics. Ditto for Statistics optional
• Geography covers GS geography, climate change, environment and other related sections
• Law also covers polity
• Economics covers the Economy part of GS mains
• Socio covers questions on social issues as well as one Essay option

Some popular combinations of IAS optionals

This is just for your knowledge. Nowhere am I suggesting you take up the same otherwise what I said above would be idiotic.

• Sociology and Psychology
• History and geography
• Socio and Pub Ad
• Socio/History/Psycho/Geog and Pali Litt.
• Pub Ad and Psycho
• Pub Ad and Geography
• Pub Ad and History

To summarize this long post (couldn't help it), any optional that you find interesting, stimulating, fun to learn is right for you. Don't worry about popularity or scoring potential. Both are just an indicator. Every optional is equally scoring provided you have mastered the syllabus and the answer writing aspect. I hope this post helped selecting the right optionals for IAS a much easier task. Eagerly awaiting your feedback!

source : http://iaskracker.com/selecting-the-right-optionals-for-ias-the-right-way/

Article in yesterday Eenadu...is UPSC listening?

http://archives.eenadu.net/01-27-2013/news/newsitem.aspx?item=panel&no=13 

Republic Day wishes

Invitation to Seminar on "Swami Vivekananda & Indian Nationalism"

 

 

On the eve of 116th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose &

as a part of year-long celebrations of Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary

 

A Seminar on

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA & INDIAN NATIONALISM

 

Venue: ECE Auditorium, Opp. University College of Engineering, Osmania University Campus, Hyderabad

 

Date & Time: 23rd January, 2013 (Wednesday) at 5.00 p.m.

 

Guests of Honour:

 

Hon'ble Js (retd.) C.V. Ramulu

Former Judge, High Court of A.P.

 

Prof. T. Mrunalini

Director, Institute of Advanced Study in Education (IASE), OU

 

 

Speakers:

 

Sri Ayush Nadimpalli

All India Yuva Pramukh, Swami Vivekananda 150th Jayanthi Utsava Samithi

 

Sri Syed Jilani

Asst. Professor & Social Activist, Suryapet

 

Sri U. Atreya Sarma

Vice President, Social Cause

 

 

Chair:

 

Dr. Chamarthi Umamaheswara Rao, IAS (retd.)

General Secretary, Swami Vivekananda 150th Jayanthi Utsava Samithi, A.P.

 

 

All are welcome. Please join us for Tea at 4.30 p.m.

 

 

Organised by: 

 

Social Cause

(Regd. Society No. 614/2003)

 

&

 

Swami Vivekananda 150th Jayanthi Utsava Samithi

Andhra Pradesh

 

Development of STs

Implementation of Schemes for Development of STs

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements various Central Sector/Centrally Sponsored Schemes for the socio-economic development of tribal people in the country including two Special Area programmes viz., (i) Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution and (ii) Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan with allocation decided by the Planning Commission on annual basis. This is an additive to the States Tribal Sub-Plan. The proposals submitted by the State/UT Government under the schemes/programmes of this Ministry are considered by this Ministry in accordance with guidelines under the respective scheme. Funds are released to the State/UT Governments concerned when their proposals fulfill the eligible conditions of the relevant schemes, subject to availability of funds and utilization of previously released funds. Receipt and sanction of the proposals from the State/UT Governments under the various schemes/programmes of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is an on-going process.

Scheme Strengthening Education Among ST Girls

To bridge the gap and improve the literacy level of female students belonging to the Scheduled Tribe communities, besides usual reservation for ST students, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing many education-oriented schemes. This Ministry has been implementing a specific scheme for ST girls - 'Strengthening Education among ST Girls in Low Literacy Districts' in 54 identified districts where the literacy rate of ST female is less than 35% and ST population is more than 25%. The other schemes of this Ministry which promote education among Scheduled Tribes children are: "Construction of Hostels for ST Girls and Boys", "Establishment of Ashram Schools in Tribal Sub-Plan Areas", "Post-Matric Scholarship, Book Bank and Up gradation of Merit", "National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for Higher Studies Abroad (NOS)" and "Top Class Education for ST Students".

Decrease in Child Labour

The Government is following a robust multi-pronged strategy to tackle the problem of child labour. It comprises of statutory and legislative measures, rescue and rehabilitation, universal primary education alongwith social protection, poverty alleviation and employment generation schemes. The objective is to create an environment where families are not compelled to send their children to work. As per 2001census, the total number of working children between the age group 5-14 years in the country was 1.26 crore. However, in the Survey conducted by NSSO, in 2004-05 the numbers of working children were estimated at 90.75 lakh. As per NSSO survey 2009-10, the working children are estimated at 49.84 lakh which shows a declining trend.

 

As per the information received from UNICEF, they have estimated total child population (0-18 years) in India in 2010 as 447 million of which 11.8 per cent of children in age group 5-14 years are engaged in labour. However, as per NSSO survey 2009-10, the working children in the age group of 5-14 years are estimated at 4.98 million.

 

Under the Child Labour Policy, Government of India follows a multi-pronged approach with the following three major elements:

 

•           Legal Action Plan

 

•           Focus on general development programmes for the benefit of the families of child labour; and

 

•           Project-based action in areas of high concentration of child labour.

 

The Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986, prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 years in 18 Occupations and 65 Processes. The Act regulates the working conditions of children where they are not prohibited from working. Any person who employs a child in any occupation or process where employment of children is prohibited under the Child Labour Act, is liable for punishment with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 3 months but which may extended to one year or with fine ranging from Rs.10,000/- to Rs.20,000/-. In pursuance of the National Child Labour Policy, the National Child Labour Project Scheme was started in 1988. The scheme seeks to adopt a sequential approach with focus on the rehabilitation of children working in hazardous occupations and processes in the first instance. The scheme is being implemented in 266 districts. Under the Project, children rescued/withdrawn from work are enrolled in the special schools, where they are provided with bridge education, vocational training, nutrition, stipend, health care, etc. before being mainstreamed into formal education system. Further, the Ministry launches awareness generation campaigns against the evils of child labour and enforcement of child labour laws through electronic and print media at the centre as well as at the district level.

 

The Minister of State for Labour & Employment Shri K.Suresh gave this information in reply to a written question whether the number of child labour in the country is witnessing a sudden decrease as per the figures arrived at by the Government recently; if so, the reasons therefor; whether some Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and some UN agencies estimated the number of child labour in the country to be as high as four to six crore; if so, the reaction of the Government there to; and the steps taken for the complete eradication of child labour in the country?

Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) 2013 – Syllabus & Pattern

  
The Preliminary Examination shall now comprise of two compulsory Papers of 200 marks each and of two hours duration each. Detailed below is the new syllabus and pattern of the Preliminary Examination, which is brought to the notice of the prospective candidates intending to appear at the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in 2013 onwards:

Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) 2013 – Syllabus & Pattern
 

	1. Scheme of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2013/ Pattern of Civil Services Aptitude Test 2013
	No. of Papers 2 Nature of Papers Objective Type/ Multiple Choice Question paper Compulsory for All ( No optional subject from 2011) Paper I – General Studies Total marks - 200 marks Duration – 2 hours Paper II – Aptitude Total marks - 200 marks Duration – 2 hours
	2. Syllabus
	Paper I | 200 marks | Duration: 2 hours
	• Current events of national and international importance   • History of India and Indian National Movement   • Indian and World Geography - Physical, Social, Economic geography of India and the World.   • Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc.   • Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.   • General issues on Environmental ecology, Bio-diversity and Climate Change - that do not require subject specialization   • General Science       Paper II | 200 marks | Duration: 2 hours   • Comprehension   • Interpersonal skills including communication skills;   • Logical reasoning and analytical ability   • Decision making and problem solving   • General mental ability   • Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations, orders of magnitude etc.) (Class X level), Data interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data sufficiency etc. -Class X level)   • English Language Comprehension skills (Class X level)       i) Questions relating to English Language Comprehension skills of Class X level (last item in the Syllabus of Paper-II) will be tested through passages from English language only without providing Hindi translation thereof in the question paper. Test taking techniques to score better in Civil Services (P) Exam 2013 All the hard work that Civil Service aspirants have put in the past months or years culminates in the month of May 2013. Instead of worrying about getting tense about the Civil Services (Preliminary) Exam, try to get your hands dirty by just doing a few things: Mock Exams or Simulated Exams help you to realize what mistakes you will possibly make if you take the real exam at that moment. So make all your mistakes on Mock exams, learn from your mistakes and don't repeat them in the real Civil Services Preliminary Exam. Your score on the CS (P) E will not only depend on your knowledge, intelligence and attitude but is also dependent on certain requirements that become clear only when you take the test. Your career is too important to experiment with. You cannot afford to prepare and take the CSAT and then learn from your mistakes. Mocks are a valuable tool to understand what's missing in your preparation, and, later, to realize that if you know everything – what changes you still need to make in the way you handle yourself during the real exam to get an optimum score.  A mock exam will give you some holistic cues such as: (a) Easy questions on which you make silly mistakes i)            Reason – You are either not concentrating enough or you need to develop the stamina to use your brains for 2 continuous hours. ii)            Solution – Study for longer periods of time without much needed breaks. It's a marathon, prepare accordingly. (b) Questions which you couldn't understand during the mock test but could easily crack later with a fresh mind. i)            Reason – You need to have the ability to concentrate for 2 long hours. ii)            Solution – Stop succumbing to the temptation of breaks during study-sessions. You are justifying yourself when you think that after a break you will understand better or get a better score. (c) A clear idea about your comparative preparation of the various topics and the delicate balance in your preparation between Paper I and II. i)            A lot of students work really hard for the exam. They peak up their preparation before the exam, get bored of covering the same syllabus topics and get complacent. This shouldn't happen. Don't get into the habit of sitting in your room and studying endlessly. Instead freshen up a bit and interact with your peers who are also preparing for the exam. Learn what they are working on, which books, what problems they are facing or acing at, etc. This will keep the fire burning in your belly and will give you reasons to work harder. Work hard and smart – Nothing beats hard work but towards the later stage of your preparation, you need the edge of smart work to rise above others.  Revise and master the concepts and rules taught in books and classes. Attempt practice exercises according to stipulated time and have the attitude – How can I get even a single question wrong? Become flexible enough to imbibe the rules of this game – The practice material that you have is not to be covered for the heck of being covered. It's not a formality – You have to learn from your mistakes. If you get a single question wrong on a practice exercise, then this question has something that evaded you. Analyze the question to figure out: (a)    how does the right answer compare with your wrong choice (b)   why did you get attracted to the wrong answer (c)    why you did not get the correct answer Figure out: i)            Is there a certain rule / concept that I did not know? ii)            Is there a rule/concept that I knew but I could not apply it as I did not get the hint or key word, or iii)            Did the question just evade me and I just do not know how to crack the question? Solution for all three is – Research the question and get your answer from books, peers or teachers. MENTAL PREPARATION Even though you've spent the last several months preparing for the exam, you're probably feeling slightly anxious about the CS (P) Exam. In addition to developing an approach to each section of the exam, you need to be mentally prepared for the challenges presented by the exam. Most test takers feel some anxiety, and the most prepared are those who have worked hard and learnt to manage that anxiety. Having a plan to manage stress is essential to achieving your optimal score. Be Positive If you encounter a situation expecting to be successful you are much more likely to be successful than if you expect to fail. Consider the following two statements by two different students: I'm never going to get this. If I mess the CS (P) Exam, I will be a failure in life. I am well prepared and deserve to do my best. I know what to expect and I am ready to succeed. You will take no time to figure out which student is going to do better. Whether it's looking in a mirror and saying affirming statements or writing a positive thought on your rough paper on test day, it's very important to go into the actual exam expecting to be successful. If you expect to fail why would you be at the test in the first place? This can be a difficult exercise at first, but you must get yourself in a frame of mind to succeed. When you dwell on negative thoughts, your mind isn't free to work on the test. Trust that you are well prepared. If you've attended all the classes and done the hard work, you are better prepared than most of the population. Have confidence that you are going to be great! Know the Test When you take an aptitude test such as the Civil Services Aptitude Test, you have a lot of work to complete in a limited amount of time. Mastering the huge quantum of syllabus, by its very design, makes the Civil Exams a stressful experience. However, you've worked hard and learned how it works, and you know what to expect. Keep in mind: An easy question appears on the test – handle the easy question with extreme caution. Most of the aspirants – good, bad or ugly – will get an easy question right. Even you will get it right, but even on an easy question there is a chance of you making a silly mistake. So, if a question seems easy to you, take a moment extra to double check on the answer, before you finalize and choose the answer. A hard question on the test is a good sign, not a bad one. A bulk of students would not have prepared properly for the exam and such students will not be able to handle a difficult question. Remember that you have to "earn" the hard questions on this test. The hard questions are the differentiating factor-they separate the grains from the chaff. By getting difficult questions right, you ensure your selection to the next stage. If a question looks really strange or too difficult for you, take a breath and remain calm. Try to figure out what it's testing, and apply the appropriate technique. If you're absolutely stumped, just move on. Maintain the pacing and approach you've learned from your practice tests. Do not let a horrible question shake your confidence. Accuracy vs. Attempts – Your selection does not depend on attempting more questions, but on getting more questions right. The sword of Negative Marking also hangs on your head. As much as the Mock Tests serve as "dress rehearsals', practice tests are not quite the same as the "real" tests. This is where visualization techniquescome into play. If possible, visit the test centre before the day of your actual exam. Get a feel for the layout of the centre. At most test centres, you'll be able to see the testing room through a window in the lobby. This will help you simulate the actual CS (P) Exam in your mind's eye in your last few days of preparation. There are two important keys to visualization: See yourself succeeding and imagine yourself overcoming every type of obstacle. You are unstoppable. You have prepared hard to be successful and you deserve to be successful. Control the Physiological Responses to Anxiety It's normal to feel a little nervous on the day of a big event. Your breathing gets shallow, and you may even feel a little sick in your stomach. Something that you can do that will ameliorate these symptoms is deep breathing. Close your eyes and imagine that your torso is an empty cylinder. Take a deep breath, filling the cylinder. Slowly release all the air from the top of the cylinder to the bottom. You will feel yourself start to relax within the first few breaths. Your breathing should be deep and regular. This exercise will generally take about half a minute. It's time well spent because folks who are highly stressed are not going to give their best performance. Once you have given your brain that little extra oxygen and gotten yourself focused back on the task at hand rather than on your stress, get back to the test and start cracking the questions. Countdown to the CS (P) E' 13 All your hard work will be put to the test on the day of the actual CS (P) Exam 2013. The final week can be very stressful, and events on the day of the test have the potential to rattle unprepared testers. To help guarantee that you will emerge successfully from the Prelims Exam, here is some advice for the time leading up to your exam. The week leading up to the CS (P) E'13 Continue to practice regularly until you take your exam. Finish the last remaining practice material a few days before your exam. It's best not to do it the day before, as you'll want time to review the last test and work on any last-minute problem areas. If any specific topics are still giving you trouble, do some targeted work in those areas. Review your class notes, and practice questions dealing with those topics. Continue to work problems in the books that you trust. Take Care of Yourself In the days leading up to the test, try to get regular exercise and adequate sleep. Exercise, even a short walk, helps you manage your stress. You may have a little trouble sleeping the night before the test, so you want to be well rested in the days leading up to the test. To be at your best, your body must be conditioned to be awake and ready to work at the time that your test paper is given. Become accustomed to waking up at the proper time for the entire week leading up to the test. It is also important not to go to bed at a ridiculously early hour the night before the exam. Fourteen hours of sleep the night before the test is not necessary, and any deviation from the sleep schedule you have established in the final week is a dangerous idea. Continue with Your Visualization Techniques The final week leading up to the CSAT can inspire all kinds of negative thinking. Being excited about the test is normal, even helpful. Letting the importance of the CSAT inspire feelings of dread is not. Use your stress management techniques to keep yourself in proper focus through the end of the exam: Now is not the time to start thinking that you are going to fail. The Night before the Test Don't over study the evening before your test! Your performance depends on your work over the last several months, not in the last few hours before the exam. Have a light dinner or watch a movie. Do not do any more practice work because you are as ready as you are going to be. A Final Word It is important that you chase the success in the exam with the single mindedness of  a cricketer who wants to win at least the man  of  the match award, if not the man of series award. What is most important is just to retain your cool and take the exam with the Attitude of a winner.  Best of luck – and now go for the kill. Make effective use of Mock Tests Do not get discouraged by your initial low score. Put more emphasis on your weak spots while retaining good grasp on strong ones. Test yourself at a regular interval of time. Make a mental note of areas that you have covered and what remains to be covered. Be analytical in response. Revise your stuff a number of times. In the first round attempt only those questions about which you are absolutely sure. Do not get stuck at any question.  Go on moving from question to question and come back to the difficult ones at the end. Since there is a negative marking, hence in the second round, attempt only those questions in which out of the four probable answers you are sure about two, so that there is a fifty per cent chance that the answer marked by you is correct.  Try the elimination technique to arrive at the best answer. source : http://www.rausias.com/blog/

USEFUL LINKS FOR CIVIL/ STATE SERVICE ASPIRANTS

Dear All,

As per the requests of many aspirants the following links are provided for ease of reference...

I'm getting many questions regarding Age and trial limit so here is the answer.-  http://mrunal.org/upsc/faq-age-trials

UPSC PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTION PAPERS   -  http://www.upsc.gov.in/questionpaper/index.htm#PageTop

TIME MANAGEMENT - TIPS    -  http://www.fileden.com/files/2011/6/24/3157183/pdf1_8f3a1794-c15d-40a2-83ba-34b83b2123b6.pdf

Entire NCERT book or individual chapters can be downloaded - http://ncert.nic.in/NCERTS/textbook/textbook.htm

Age calculator -  http://www.marugujarat.in/age-calculator-1

LIST OF BOOKS FOR VARIOUS OPTIONALS - http://www.vajiramandravi.com/book_list.html

How to Prepare for the CSE - http://www.vajiramandravi.com/how_to_prepare.html

APPSC Group-1 Scheme and Syllabus - http://rcreddypublications.org/sch_sylla.pdf

S.I of police and TET Scheme and Syllabus - http://rcreddypublications.org/images/si_tet.pdf

UPSC STUDY MATERIALS - http://www.marugujarat.in/upsc-1

UPSC Subject wise notes  - http://www.marugujarat.in/upsc-sub-wise-notes

The second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) - 2008 Report

The second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), in its 2008 report  has suggested a number of radical changes for revamping the Civil Services Examination system.

ARC, headed by Congress leader M Veerappa Moily, has suggested bringing a new civil services law with provisions of performance-based continuation of service, accountability and new system of promotion and cadre allotment. The 377-page report also talks about mandatory training at different stages of a civil servant's career.

Moily, while releasing the report, said: "Every government servant should undergo mandatory training at the induction stage and also periodically during his or her career. Successful completion of these trainings should be a minimum necessary condition for confirmation in service and subsequent promotions.'' The objective of mid-career training should be to develop domain knowledge and competence required for the changing job profile of the officer, he said.

ARC, which has so far brought out nine reports on different subjects including public order, human resources and right to information, also recommends a new appraisal system for bureaucrats which, it said, should not only be transparent but also based on modern management techniques.

"The government should expand the scope of the present performance appraisal system of its employees to a comprehensive performance management system (PMS), it said." The report said the annual performance agreements should be signed between the department minister and the secretary of the ministry or heads of departments.

Major recommendations for Civil Services Examination aspirants

--> Permissible age for appearing in the Civil Services Examination should be 21 to 25 years for general candidates, 21 to 28 years for OBCs and 21 to 29 for SC/STs and physically challenged as against existing upper age limit of 30 for general, 33 for OBCs and 35 for SC/STs.

--> Number of permissible attempts should be 3, 5, 6 and 6 for general, OBC, SC/ST and physically challenged as against existing 4, 7 and unlimited (subject to age limit) for general, OBC and SC/ST respectively.

--> Present cut-off date for determining eligibility in terms of age (August 1 in the year of exam) may continue.

--> Number of short-listed candidates after preliminary exam should be two to three times of the number of vacancies.

--> Preliminary Examination - Only one or two general studies papers (including Constitution of India, Indian legal system, Indian economy, polity, history and culture). There should be no optional subject — as is the current practice.

--> Main Examination — Only compulsory subjects (2 papers) and essay (one paper); no optional subject. Currently, aspirants have to appear in two optional subjects — two papers each — besides essay and general studies.

--> DoPT should finalise the syllabi of compulsory subjects for both the preliminary and main examination for the recruitment cycle of 2010.

--> Compulsory induction of officers of State Civil Services into IAS.

--> Compulsory cadre allocation for north-eastern states.

source : http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-12-13/news/28396979_1_appraisal-system-age-limit-mid-career