Every individual on earth has the same amount of time - 60 seconds in a minute; 60 minutes in an hour; 1,440 minutes in a day; and 525,600 minutes in a year. While a vast majority of people confesses faltering to come to grips with it, extremely few can claim to have made the most of it. How is it that they have got it all done? It's because they have managed a way to figure out how to manage their time effectively.
Time Management is more than just managing time. It is about controlling the use of the most valuable - and undervalued - resource. It is managing oneself in relation to time. It is setting priorities and taking charge of the situation and time utilization. It means changing those habits or activities that cause waste of time. It is being willing to adopt habits and methods to make maximum use of time.
Click this Link...http://cgg.gov.in/Handbook%20on%20Time%20Management%20Skills.pdf
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Email Etiquettes
Here are some Email Rules which we should follow in our day-to-day email communications; office or personal.
We call them 'Email Etiquettes'.
1. Indent: Keep your mail in Left Indent format. This is the American style and currently being followed.
Alignment: Keep as 'Justified'.
2. Recipients: If you are sending a message to more than one person, it is advisable to keep the recipients in 'Bcc' instead of 'To'. Also in such case, address the recipients by 'Hi', 'Hello', 'Greetings', etc.
If the recipient is a female, address as 'Ms. X' (this is irrespective of the female being married or single). Same applies to a male recipient.
Do NOT use 'Good Morning' and alike, since you never know at what time of the day the recipient may read your message.
3. Font style, Font size: Most preferred font style and size is 'Verdana 10 pt'. If you wish to have give a colour, it should not be anything else than black, blue.
4. Spell Check: Please use the Spell check facility in your mailbox without fail. Every email service provides this useful facility.
5. Length of a paragraph: Avoid extending one paragraph above 5 lines.
6. Avoid using 'Smileys' unnecessarily, especially in official communications.
7. Apply your brains while 'Replying to All'. If not necessary, avoid 'Reply All' function.
8. Signatures (for official purpose only): It is advisable to keep a pre-designed signature for your outgoing mails. When composing a mail at first place, it is advisable to use the full signature details. While replying to mails, reduce your signature details by half.
Signature should have: Your name (first and last only), Designation, Department Name, Organisation Name & Address, Contact details(direct or reception or cell).
9. Avoid sending mails on official email addresses if you have the recipients personal email address. Many corporates consider 'sending to and receiving of mails from external media as Risk issue'.
10. If you have said 'Please find attached', ensure that you attach and re-check the attached document, before sending.
11. Hitting the 'SEND' button should be the last task. Do not hurry in sending the communication, since once sent, it's gone for forever.
12. Avoid being unnecessarily 'informal in formal communications' and 'vice-versa'.
13. Do not write a mail when you are in a hurry. If you are not able to reply in detail, just reply as "Will get back to you soon".
Happy Emailing ! ! !
We call them 'Email Etiquettes'.
1. Indent: Keep your mail in Left Indent format. This is the American style and currently being followed.
Alignment: Keep as 'Justified'.
2. Recipients: If you are sending a message to more than one person, it is advisable to keep the recipients in 'Bcc' instead of 'To'. Also in such case, address the recipients by 'Hi', 'Hello', 'Greetings', etc.
If the recipient is a female, address as 'Ms. X' (this is irrespective of the female being married or single). Same applies to a male recipient.
Do NOT use 'Good Morning' and alike, since you never know at what time of the day the recipient may read your message.
3. Font style, Font size: Most preferred font style and size is 'Verdana 10 pt'. If you wish to have give a colour, it should not be anything else than black, blue.
4. Spell Check: Please use the Spell check facility in your mailbox without fail. Every email service provides this useful facility.
5. Length of a paragraph: Avoid extending one paragraph above 5 lines.
6. Avoid using 'Smileys' unnecessarily, especially in official communications.
7. Apply your brains while 'Replying to All'. If not necessary, avoid 'Reply All' function.
8. Signatures (for official purpose only): It is advisable to keep a pre-designed signature for your outgoing mails. When composing a mail at first place, it is advisable to use the full signature details. While replying to mails, reduce your signature details by half.
Signature should have: Your name (first and last only), Designation, Department Name, Organisation Name & Address, Contact details(direct or reception or cell).
9. Avoid sending mails on official email addresses if you have the recipients personal email address. Many corporates consider 'sending to and receiving of mails from external media as Risk issue'.
10. If you have said 'Please find attached', ensure that you attach and re-check the attached document, before sending.
11. Hitting the 'SEND' button should be the last task. Do not hurry in sending the communication, since once sent, it's gone for forever.
12. Avoid being unnecessarily 'informal in formal communications' and 'vice-versa'.
13. Do not write a mail when you are in a hurry. If you are not able to reply in detail, just reply as "Will get back to you soon".
Happy Emailing ! ! !
General Points for Exam Preparation
Dear Friends,
I'd like to share some of the tips/suggestions connected with Exam preparation. These tips/suggestions are very general in nature and very easy to implement and you may use them for any kind of exam preparation. Sincerely hope that these tips/suggestions would be off some help in your exam preparation.
- Figure out your mistake or reason for low marks, if any, in the previous Examination and promise yourself to avoid them in your next exam.
- Focus on your Study and Goal. In short your vision towards your future must be crystal clear.
- Plan your revision schedule as early as possible and follow the same honestly and keep reviewing it and make necessary changes as and when necessary.
- Invest your time in Exam oriented discussion. There are two advantage of this activity:
i. You may discuss your problems during such discussions and resolve them quickly in the early stage.
ii. These discussions will also help you to focus on your goal.
- Work out on your presentation skills as your presentation and writing skills plays an important role in your exam success.
- In examination hall length of answer plays an important role due to time factor. Keep this factor in mind and plan your answer accordingly.
- Mental strength is very important. So prepare yourself mentally and physically for Examination cum War.
- Very Important Revision Tips: What you prepare on Monday try and recall it on Tuesday without using books. If you are able to recall 60%-70%, then you are 100% going to succeed in this examination. Again try to recall the same after the gap of 2-3 days.
- Use abbreviation method. If you have 10 points to remember in a question give them a certain abbreviation and remember that abbreviation. This technique is really very helpful. Just try it.
- Stay away from Time wasting and unproductive habits. At least during exam times.
- Prepare a list of questions which you consider tuff or a bit time consuming. Prepare a handout yourself with solution of these questions and give them a reading on regularly basis with a time gap of 2-3 days.
- Prepare a list of frequently asked questions asked in the previous examinations and practice/revise them properly.
- Give a little bit time to every subject per day. Try and increase your study time day by day.
- After a certain time (close to exam) do not add any new topic in your schedule. Just focus on revision-revision and revision.
- Stop collecting different notes per day. Try and figure out the notes which are relevant for you and support your style of study. Only use them for exam purpose.
- Take very good care of your health. Consider your health as a subject. Remember if you fail to perform well in this subject you are going to fail.
September 28 is 'International Right to Know Day
International Right to Know Day was established by access to information advocates from around the globe. It was first celebrated on 28 September 2003, and 2010 will see the 8th International Right to Know Day. It is a chance to highlight the right to information and to remember how important this right is for the fulfillment of all human rights.
From securing the right to food, health care and education, to preserving a healthy and sustainable environment, to increasing people's participation in government and achieving gender equality, having access to information is fundamental if we are to fully exercise our rights in a meaningful way and take an active role in shaping the societies in which we live.
The importance of access to information has long been recognised by the international community. At its very start in 1946, the United Nations General Assembly recognised that "freedom of information is a fundamental human right and the touchstone for all freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated".
Access to information
Although originally envisaged as an element of the right to freedom of expression, the right to information is increasingly gaining recognition as a "foundational right" necessary for the protection of every other human right.
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), for example, outlines member state's obligations to provide women with access to information about family planning in order to fully protect their right to health and to be equal partners in the marriage agreement.
The Rio Declaration on Environment and Development recognises that the right to a healthy environment includes the right to access government information about the environment, including hazardous materials and activities.
This International Right to Know Day is an opportunity to remember that each of us has a human right to information, and that effective protection of this right is dependent on our government's willingness to embrace policies of transparency and openness.
Friday, September 24, 2010
UPSC finally goes online for all competitive exams
AS part of its e-governance initiative, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has introduced the system of online submission of applications for the competitive examinations it conducts. An increasingly good number of candidates have already started applying online for the UPSC Examinations notified during 2010. Although this facility is in addition to the option of submitting paper applications already available, the prospective candidates are encouraged to prefer online mode of applying for the UPSC Examinations using the link http://www.upsconline.nic.in.
Anyone choosing to apply online has the following distinct advantages :-
++ One can apply in a hassle free manner at the convenience of sitting at home or at cyber cafe or any other place any time even during night hours.
++ prompt confirmation of submitted application is received. An online application requires one to pay only 50% of the fee required otherwise while applying offline. The cost of buying paper application from the Post Office as well as postal charges is also saved.
++ one doesn't run the risk of postal delays.
++ lower risk of rejection of one's application on account of wrong/incomplete data entry since online application system has built-in self- scrutinising features not allowing an applicant to leave any column blank.
++ one can view and take a print out of one's application for future reference.
++ When applying online in response to any Examination Notice of the Commission, all one needs is, the applicant's scanned photo and scanned signature in .png format of size not exceeding 40 KB.
++ For fee payment, one may choose any one of the three options:- pay through any VISA/MASTERCARD, Debit or Credit Card issued by any Bank/Institution; pay through the Internet Banking facility of State Bank of India or one can pay cash at any Branch of State Bank of India, through a challan generated through the above website.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Free Online Certificate Course on Right To Information (OCC_RTI)
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India (GoI) has launched an 'Online Certificate Course on RTI' for various stakeholders on, both, the demand and supply sides of the RTI implementation regime.
This Online Certificate Course on RTI is launched in association with the Centre for Good Governance, Hyderabad.
This Online Certificate Course is aimed at:
- Public Information Officers (PIOs)
- Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs)
- Appellate Authorities
- Officials assisting the above designated officers or other public officials
- Citizens
- Representative of Civil Society Organisations (including Media Organisations)
- Any other person(s) who could be a direct / indirect stakeholder
OCC_RTI is a 15-day online course. |
| These 15 days are further divided into two slots. The first 12 days are allocated to study the chapters and thereby the modules including taking a quiz for each chapter. The last 3 days are to be used for taking the online examination. |
| The online course is flexible. Within these slots of 12 days and 3 days, a candidate can complete the course work (i.e,. study of modules) at her / his convenience - one or more than one chapter / module at a time. It is estimated that each chapter and its respective quiz can be completed in one hour. |
| What is the purpose of taking the OCC_RTI? |
|
Monday, September 20, 2010
Civil Services(Main) Examination Time Table 2010
| Date/Day | Forenoon Session 9.00 A.M. to 12.00 P.M. | Afternoon Session 2.00 P.M. to 5.00 P.M. |
|---|---|---|
| 29.10.2010(Friday) | General Studies Paper-I | General Studies Paper-II |
| 30.10.2010(Saturday) | Essay | English |
| 31.10.2010(Sunday) | Indian Language {Assamese/Bengali/Bodo/Dogri/ Gujarati/Hindi/Kannada/Kashmiri/ Konkani/Maithili/Malayalam/ Manipuri/Marathi/Nepali/Oriya/ Punjabi/Sanskrit/Santali/Sindhi (Devanagari/Arabic Script)/Tamil/ Telugu/Urdu} | |
| 02.11.2010(Tuesday) | Political Science & International Relations Paper-I/ Public Administration Paper-I | Political Science & International Relations Paper-II/ Public Administration Paper-II |
| 04.11.2010(Thursday) | History Paper-I | History Paper-II |
| 08.11.2010(Monday) | Literature of Arabic/Assamese/Bengali/Bodo/ Chinese/Dogri/English/French/ German/Gujarati/Hindi/Kannada/ Kashmiri/Konkani/Maithili/ Malayalam/Manipuri/Marathi/Nepali/ Oriya/Pali/Persian/Punjabi/Russian/ Sanskrit/Santali/Sindhi (Devanagari/ Arabic Script) /Tamil/Telugu/Urdu Language Paper-I | Literature of Arabic/Assamese/Bengali/Bodo/ Chinese/Dogri/English/French/ German/Gujarati/Hindi/Kannada/ Kashmiri/Konkani/Maithili/ Malayalam/Manipuri/Marathi/Nepali/ Oriya/Pali/Persian/Punjabi/Russian/ Sanskrit/Santali/Sindhi (Devanagari/ Arabic Script)/Tamil/Telugu/Urdu Language Paper-II |
| 09.11.2010(Tuesday) | Philosophy Paper-I | Philosophy Paper-II |
| 10.11.2010(Wednesday) | Sociology Paper-I/ Anthropology Paper-I | Sociology Paper-II/ Anthropology Paper-II |
| 11.11.2010(Thursday) | Psychology Paper-I | Psychology Paper-II |
| 12.11.2010(Friday) | Zoology Paper-I | Zoology Paper-II |
| 13.11.2010(Saturday) | Law Paper-I | Law Paper-II |
| 15.11.2010(Monday) | Economics Paper-I | Economics Paper-II |
| 16.11.2010(Tuesday) | Commerce & Accountancy Paper-I/ Management Paper-I | Commerce & Accountancy Paper-II/ Management Paper-II |
| 18.11.2010(Thursday) | Civil Engg. Paper-I/Electrical Engg. Paper-I/ Mechanical Engg. Paper-I/ Medical Science Paper-I | Civil Engg. Paper-II/Electrical Engg. Paper-II/ Mechanical Engg. Paper-II/ Medical Science Paper-II |
| 19.11.2010(Friday) | Botany Paper-I/ | Botany Paper-II/ |
| 20.11.2010(Saturday) | Mathematics Paper-I/ Statistics Paper-I | Mathematics Paper-II/ Statistics Paper-II |
| 22.11.2010(Monday) | Agriculture Paper-I/ Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper-I | Agriculture Paper-II/ Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Paper-II |
| 23.11.2010(Tuesday) | Physics Paper-I | Physics Paper-II |
| 25.11.2010(Thursday) | Chemistry Paper-I | Chemistry Paper-II |
| 26.11.2010(Friday) | Geology Paper-I | Geology Paper-II |
International Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace, also known as the World Peace Day, occurs annually on September 21. It is dedicated to peace, or specifically the absence of war, such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone. It is observed by many nations, political groups, military groups, and peoples. The first year this holiday was celebrated was 1981.
To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the Diet of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace."
To inaugurate the day, the "Peace Bell" is rung at UN Headquarters. The bell is cast from coins donated by children from all continents. It was given as a gift by the Diet of Japan, and is referred to as "a reminder of the human cost of war." The inscription on its side reads: "Long live absolute world peace."
Year 2010
Over 55 Global Comedy Clubs will participate in the 2010 Peace Day Comedy "Stand-Up For International Peace" in recognition of the United Nation's 21st Peace Day. Celebrate Peace Day and Inspire a new generation of Peace Thinkers, Teachers and Leaders. This event is designed to bring much needed awareness and media attention to Peace Day.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Gandhian policing
Please find a link to vaartha news paper website on Gandhian policing...
http://vaartha.com/pdf_files/90759.pdf
http://epaper.vaartha.com/VT/VT/2010/09/19/index.shtml
http://vaartha.com/pdf_files/90759.pdf
http://epaper.vaartha.com/VT/VT/2010/09/19/index.shtml
LIST OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA HOLIDAYS DURING THE YEAR 2011
LIST OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA HOLIDAYS DURING THE YEAR 2011 FOR DELHI / NEW DELHI OFFICES
| S.No. | Holiday | Date | Saka Date | Day |
| | | | 1932 SAKA ERA | |
| 1 | Republic Day | January 26 | Magha 06 | Wednesday |
| 2 | Milad-Un-Nabi or Id-E-Milad (Birthday of Prophet Mohammad) | Febuary 16 | Magha 27 | Wednesday |
| 3 | Maha Shivaratri | March 02 | Phalguna 11 | Wednesday |
| | | | 1933 SAKA ERA | |
| 4 | Ram Navami | April 12 | Chaitra 22 | Tuesday |
| 5 | Mahavir Jayanti | April 16 | Chaitra 26 | Saturday |
| 6 | Good Friday | April 22 | Vaisakha 02 | Friday |
| 7 | Buddha Prunima | May 17 | Vaisakha 27 | Tuesday |
| 8 | Independence Day | August 15 | Sravana 31 | Monday |
| 9 | Janamashtami (Vaisnava) | August 22 | Sravana 31 | Monday |
| 10 | Idu'l Fitr | August 31 | Bhadra 09 | Wednesday |
| 11 | Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday | October 02 | Asvina 10 | Sunday |
| 12 | Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) | October 06 | Asvina 14 | Thursday |
| 13 | Diwali (Deepavali) | October 26 | Kartika 04 | Wednesday |
| 14 | Idu'l Zuha (Bakrid) | November 07 | Kartika 16 | Monday |
| 15 | Guru Nanak's Birthday | November 10 | Kartika 19 | Thursday |
| 16 | Muharram | December 06 | Agrahayana 15 | Tuesday |
| 17 | Christmas Day | December 25 | Pausa 04 | Sunday |
LIST OF GOVERNMENT OF INDIA RESTRICTED HOLIDAYS DURING THE YEAR 2011 FOR DELHI/NEW DELHI OFFICES.
| S.No. | Holiday | Date | Saka Date | Day |
| | | | SAKA ERA 1932 | |
| 1 | New Year's Day | January 01 | Pausa 11 | Saturday |
| 2 | Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday | Januray 05 | Pausa 15 | Wednesday |
| 3 | Makar Sankranti | Januray 14 | Pausa 24 | Friday |
| 4 | Pongal | January 15 | Pausa 25 | Saturday |
| 5 | Basanta Panchami / Sri Panchami | February 08 | Magha 19 | Tuesday |
| 6 | Guru Ravidas' Birthday | February 18 | Magha 29 | Friday |
| 7 | Shivaji Jayanthi | February 19 | Magha 30 | Saturday |
| 8 | Swami Dayananda Saraswati Jayanti | February 27 | Phalguna 08 | Sunday |
| 9 | Holika Dahan (Dol yatra) | March 19 | Phalguna 28 | Saturday |
| 10 | Holi | March 20 | Phalguna 29 | Sunday |
| | | | SAKA ERA 1933 | |
| 11 | Chaitra Sukladi / Gudi Padava / Ugadi / Cheti Chand | April 04 | Chaitra 14 | Monday |
| 12 | Vaisakhi | April 14 | Chaitra 24 | Thursday |
| 13 | Vishu | April 14 | Chaitra 24 | Thursday |
| 14 | Mesadi | April 14 | Chaitra 24 | Thursday |
| 15 | Vaisakhadi (Bengal)/Bahag Bihu (Assam) | April 15 | Chaitra 25 | Friday |
| 16 | Easter Sunday | April 24 | Vaisakha 04 | Sunday |
| 17 | Guru Rabindranath's Birthday | May 09 | Vaisakha 19 | Monday |
| 18 | Hazarat Ali's Birthday | June 16 | Jyaishtha 26 | Thursday |
| 19 | Rath Yatra | July 03 | Asadha 12 | Sunday |
| 20 | Raksha Bandhan | August 13 | Sravana 22 | Friday |
| 21 | Parsi New Year's day | August 19 | Sravana 28 | Friday |
| 22 | Jamat-UI-Vida | August 26 | Bhadra 04 | Friday |
| 23 | Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi | September 01 | Bhadra 10 | Thursday |
| 24 | Onam | September 09 | Bhadra 18 | Friday |
| 25 | (Maha Saptami Additional) | October 03 | Asvina 11 | Monday |
| 26 | Dussehra (Maha Astami) (Additional) | October 04 | Asvina 12 | Tuesday |
| 27 | Dussehra (Maha Navami) | October 05 | Asvina 13 | Wednesday |
| 28 | Maharishi Valmiki's Birthday | October 11 | Asvina 19 | Tuesday |
| 29 | Deepavali (South India) | October 26 | Kartika 04 | Wednesday |
| 30 | Narak Chaturdasi | October 26 | Kartika 04 | Wednesday |
| 31 | Govardhan Puja | October 27 | Kartika 05 | Thursday |
| 32 | Bhai Duj | October 28 | Kartika 06 | Friday |
| 33 | Pratihar Sashthi or Surya Sashthi (Chhat Puja) | November 01 | Kartika 10 | Tuesday |
| 34 | Guru Teg Bahadur's Martyrdom Day | November 24 | Agrahayana 03 | Thursday |
| 35 | Christmas Eve | December 24 | Pausa 03 | Saturday |
http://90paisa.blogspot.com/2010/06/holidays-to-be-observed-in-central.html
Saturday, September 18, 2010
what IAS officers can do
Please find a interesting post on IAS ,sent by KANTHETI VINAY KUMAR IRS customs from NACEN.
http://navneet-anand.blogspot.com/2008/09/on-what-ias-officers-can-do.html
Three stories that tell the power of Indian Administrative Service to bring about social, moral and cultural changes, at the micro and macro levels
http://navneet-anand.blogspot.com/2008/09/on-what-ias-officers-can-do.html
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Quick look on civil service exam
Qualification: Any degree certificate
Open category
Age limit - 30
Number of attempts - 4
Backward Classes
Age limit - 33
Number of attempts - 7
SC/ST
Age limit - 35
Number of attempts - 14
(The minimum age for all categories is 21 years)
Prelims
Subjects/Papers : Two
The government has approved the proposal for the introduction of Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) in place of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination.In CSAT, one of the optional subjects which a candidate could have chosen out of 23 optionals has been replaced with a common paper on aptitude test.The government will shortly notify the new scheme of examination giving details of the syllabus.
General Studies (history, geography, general science, polity, economics, current affairs, simple general knowledge and mental ability)
(Question papers are based on objective type multiple choice mode with no negative marking)
Mains
General Studies: Two papers of 300 marks each
Optional - 1: Two papers of 300 marks each
Optional - 2: Two papers of 300 marks each
General essay: One paper of 200 marks
(Essays should be to the point and concise with facts, figures and logical explanation)
Two papers of qualifying nature: One English and the other any vernacular language.
(The marks of the qualifying papers are not considered in the final score)
Interview selection
Total marks allotted for interview: 300
Points that are considered and observed at the interview level:
Leadership and social cohesion, assimilation quality, variety and depth of interest, logical expression, emotional balance, mental alertness, interest in current affairs and intellectual and moral integrity.
Basically the physical, mental and intellectual personalities of the candidate are tested at the interview level.
Coaching institutes
Hyderabad
1. Brain Tree
2. Hyderabad Study Circle
3. IAS Study Circle
4. IAS Academy
5. R.C. Reddy IAS study circle
Visakhapatnam
1. Divakar IAS study Circle (DISC)
2. Delhi Institute of Coaching (DIC)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
General Points for Exam Preparation
Dear Friends,
I'd like to share some of the tips/suggestions connected with Exam preparation. These tips/suggestions are very general in nature and very easy to implement and you may use them for any kind of exam preparation. These tips/suggestions are based on my personal observation and not copied from here and there. Sincerely hope that these tips/suggestions would be off some help in your exam preparation.
- Figure out your mistake or reason for low marks, if any, in the previous Examination and promise yourself to avoid them in your next exam.
- Focus on your Study and Goal. In short your vision towards your future must be crystal clear.
- Plan your revision schedule as early as possible and follow the same honestly and keep reviewing it and make necessary changes as and when necessary.
- Invest your time in Exam oriented discussion.
5.Work out on your presentation skills as your presentation and writing skills plays an important role in your exam success.
- In examination hall length of answer plays an important role due to time factor. Keep this factor in mind and plan your answer accordingly.
- Mental strength is very important. So prepare yourself mentally and physically for Examination cum War.
- Very Important Revision Tips: What you prepare on Monday try and recall it on Tuesday without using books. If you are able to recall 60%-70%, then you are 100% going to succeed in this examination. Again try to recall the same after the gap of 2-3 days.
- Use abbreviation method. If you have 10 points to remember in a question give them a certain abbreviation and remember that abbreviation. This technique is really very helpful. Just try it.
- Stay away from Time wasting and unproductive habits. At least during exam times.
- Prepare a list of questions which you consider tuff or a bit time consuming. Prepare a handout yourself with solution of these questions and give them a reading on regularly basis with a time gap of 2-3 days.
- Prepare a list of frequently asked questions asked in the previous examinations and practice/revise them properly.
- Give a little bit time to every subject per day. Try and increase your study time day by day.
- After a certain time (close to exam) do not add any new topic in your schedule. Just focus on revision-revision and revision.
- Stop collecting different notes per day. Try and figure out the notes which are relevant for you and support your style of study. Only use them for exam purpose.
- Take very good care of your health. Consider your health as a subject. Remember if you fail to perform well in this subject you are going to fail.
TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
1.Take tests - Why do we push things into memory. Because, we would like to recall it when the need arises. How do you know you will be able to recall when you need it? Simple, Take tests periodically and makes repeated attempts in recalling. Regular recall improves memory.
2.Take breaks - If you have 3.5 hours to read, break it into 4 parts: 45 minutes followed by a 5 to 10 minute break. Studies indicate that you can't concentrate for more than 45 minutes
3.Sleep on it - What you review immediately before going to sleep is what your brain will most quickly and efficiently file away. So review just before sleep.
4.Relax -The Thinking Brain functions best when you are relaxed and free from stress.
5.Draw charts. Write and rewrite key ideas and formula.
6.Use flash cards - Flash cards facilitate constant review and instantly help to check output. Rules, principles, formulae should all go into it.
7.Revision - You should revise shortly after the learning period. At first, say within 10 minutes after learning and then, again, within the next 24 hours. The reason: when you finish learning, the brain has not had enough time to organise and store everything. It needs a few minutes to store, organise and integrate the data. Studies show that 82% of what you learn today can be forgotten in 24 hours if you do not make a special effort to remember it.
8.Interest is the mother of attention and attention is the mother of memory.
9.The best way to remember is to repeat; and the best way to repeat is to "teach" some one else.
Implementation of Right to Education Act
The Government has taken various steps for implementation of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, including notifying the (a) Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Rules, 2010; (b) National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) as the academic authority to lay down teacher qualifications, (c) National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) as the academic authority to lay down the curriculum and evaluation procedure, and (d) National Advisory Council (NAC) under the Act. Model Rules have been prepared and circulated to the States to enable them to formulate the State Rules under the Act. In addition, Government has taken steps to align the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) norms with the provisions of the RTE Act.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Fwd: 2010 will be last chance for the veterans...
Govt replaces Civil Services exam with aptitude test
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/govt-replaces-civil-services-exam-with-aptitude-test/672596/
In a significant move, the government has agreed to a proposal to introduce Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) in place of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination.
"The government has approved the proposal for the introduction of Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) in place of Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination," Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Prithviraj Chavan informed the Rajya Sabha.
In CSAT, one of the optional subjects which a candidate could have chosen out of 23 optionals has been replaced with a common paper on aptitude test, he said, adding the syllabus of CSAT is being worked out.
The government will shortly notify the new scheme of examination giving details of the syllabus, he said in a written reply
Civil Services Coaching Centres in Delhi
List of Civil Services Coaching Centres in Delhi
Vajiram and Ravi IAS Study Centre
79, Old ajinder Nagar Market,
New Delhi-110060
Ph:25820000, 25734058
Sociology Center (For Sociology)
171, First Floor, Hari Nagar,
Ashram, New Delhi-14
011- 6922822
IAS Era (For G.S, Geography, History)
1/17, Roop Nagar, G.T. Karnal Road, (Near Shakti Nagar Chowk), New Delhi-7
011- 7444527
Delhi’s IAS Study Circle (For all subjects)
E-29, Saket, New Dehi-17
Vajiram & Ravi (For Gen. Studies, Public Admin.Sociology Geography, commerce &accountancy, Psychology)
79,Old Rajinder Nagar,
New Delhi
011-5820000
Web: www.vajiramandravi.com
Erdkunde (For Geography)
C/o Thakran House,
148-C/9, Kishangarg,
Near Vasant Kunj,
New Delhi-17
Rau’s IAS Study Circle (For G.S. Essay, History, Sociology, Anthropology, Public Admin., Geography, Zoology).
RAUS IAS STUDY CIRCLE
309, Kanchanjunga Building, 18, Barakhamba Road, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001.
Phone: 011-23318135-36, 23738906-07, 32448880-81, Fax: 23317153
Web: www.rauias.com
Shristi Study Circle (For Essay, General Studies, Sociology, Geography, Pali Literature, Political Science, Philosophy, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Botany, Zoology History, Anthropology.)
F- 128/3, Mohammadpur,
New Delhi-66
Ph. 011- 2718372, 6167349.
IDP3 (For General Studies, Geography, Pali Literature, Sanskrit, Hindi Literature, Political Science, Philosophy, Maths, Botany,History, Anthropology.)
2nd Floor, Jaypee Complex,
Bank Street, Muinirka,
New Delhi-100067. Ph.- 011- 6161078. FAX – 011 – 4670266.
Career Shapers (For General Studies, Hindi Literature, Sociology, History, Samskrit, Urdu, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Geography.)
306, 301, 302, Third Floor,
Gyandeep Complex,
66A Laxmi Market,
Opp. Canra Bank, Munirka,
New Delhi. Ph.- 011- 6166928, 6106358
Career Plus (For Physics, Chemistry, Zoology,Botany, Mechanical Engineering,
General Studies, History, Pali, Pub. Administration, Political Science, Commerce, Economics, Law, Geography, Hindi Literature, Sociolohy, Philosophy.)
302/A- 37,38, 39,
Ansal BuildingCommercial Compex,
Dr. Mukharjee Nagar,
Near Batra Cinema, Mother Dairy,
Delhi- 9. Ph.- 011- 7652829, 7222778
FAX- 011- 7651133.
Career Point
G.S., Geography, History, Law, Public Admin., Anthropology, Physics
North Delhi-2324,
Hudson Lines, Behind Syndicate Bank,
King way Camp,
Delhi-9.
011-7240105, 7457211
SNTPC- Sachdeva New P.T. College
For address of regional centers, see chronicle
29-CS, South Patel Nagar, New Delhi-110 008
011-5783399, 5787080, 5788070, 5788182
Fax: 011-578070
Meridian Courses (For Public Admin.)
1) 25-A, Bersarai, Near Old JNU Campus, New Delhi-110 016
2) A-35/36, Flat No.:303, Bhandari House Commercial Complex, Mukharji Nagar, Delhi-110 009
011-6856955
011-7258382
UIAS (Upendra’s Institute For Admin. Services) (For Sociology, Public Admin., Psychology, Essay, G.S.)
42-A, Krishnanagar, Safdarjung Enclave,
New Delhi-100 029
011-6184095, 6109740
Chanakya Academy (For G.S., Essay, History, Political Science, Anthropology, Sociology, Botony, Zoology, Maths, Physics, Pali lit)
A/42-44, Manushree Building,
Commercial Complex,
Dr. Mukharjee Nagar,
Delhi-110 009
011-7652625, 7652337
IAS Study Forum (For G.S., history, Sociology, Essay).
C/o Jagjivan Vidhya Bhavan,
Dr. Ambedkar Marg(link road, near karol bagh)
New Delhi-110 055
Interactions (For Geography, G.S., Hindi Literature)
1) 1602, Outram Lines, Kingsway Camp,
New Delhi- 09
2) Competition Wizard Bulding, C-211,
Baba Ganganath Market, Munirka,
New Delhi-67
011-7442038, 5622226
Fax: 011-7259114
011-6106702
Vaid’s IAS (For G.S., Essay, Anthropology, Geography, History, Hindi lit., Political Science, Philosphy, Sanskrit, Sociology, Physics, Maths, Zoology, Botany.)
1) AG-603, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi-110 052
2) F-128, Mohammadpur, New Delhi-66
3) U-188, Vikas Marg Shakarpur, Delhi-92
011-7221544, 7127317, 2044962, 6167349
DEC (Delhi Education Centre) (For Public Admin., Geography, History, Political Science, G.S., Maths.)
15-A, Jia Sarai, IIT,
Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016
011-6565890
Gyankunj’s IAS Study Circle (For History, Hindi Literature, General Studies, Psychology, Essay.)
H.N.- 2, ,Bersarai, New Delhi-16
Ph.- 011- 6524744
Ultimate IAS Study Circle
History C-9, Mahendra Park,
Pankha Road,
Opp. Chanan Devi Hospital,
New Delhi-59 Ph.- 011- 5613643
Hamdard Study Circle
Jamia Hamdard University
Talimabad, Sangam Vihar
New Delhi – 110 062
Phone: (011) 2604 8848, Fax: (011) 26042030
Web: http://www.jamiahamdard.edu/study.asp
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Seminar on Civils MAINS by ITCSA in HYD on 30-5-10
Hi...
ITCSA (Indian Telugu Civil Servants Association) is organising a session for civil services aspirants in Hyderabad...
The focus will be on preparation for 'Mains' and the seminar is for the benefit of all those who have given their prelims this year...
Many successful candidates from the recent batches and rankers from the latest Civils results (CSE 2009) will be participating and sharing their secrets of success...
Details are as follows:
Theme: 'Strategy for MAINS-2010'
Venue: Hyderabad Study Circle, Near Indira Park Cross Roads, Domalguda, Hyderabad (Phone: 040-27638527)
Date: 30-5-2010 (Sunday)
Time: 5 PM onwards
Please inform all your aspirant friends.
Thank You.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
2010 – Sample UPSC Interview
2010 – Sample UPSC Interview
Board Chairperson - Smt. Shasi Uban Tripathi
You did M.Sc in economics…..well…..
(I added) Madam, Basically it’s a dual degree program…..
What?
Madam, it’s a 5year integrated 2-degree program. I obtained 2 degrees. B.E in Electrical & Electronics and M.Sc. in Economics. In particular, I took interest in Electronics & specialized in it.
What did you do since 2005(after passing out)?
For 2 years, I worked in an American MNC. The work was related to chip designing. We used to make semiconductor devices used in electronics gadgets.
Where were you placed?
Pune, Maharashtra, madam..
In 2007, I resigned to prepare fulltime for civil services. Last year, I got selected into IRS(C&CE) service.
So, you are in training at Faridabad academy…
No Madam. After 1 month of training, I took Extra-Ordinary Leave for 1 year.
Ok. That means you will go back to training if you are not selected.
No madam. I took 1 year leave to study for this exam just incase I need to face the exam again. I shall be writing 2010 exam and then joining the training along with my juniors in December2010. Though I will be losing 1 year seniority, I felt that it was a worthy risk to take.
Do you think the EOL(extra-ordinary leave) is justified?
Madam, its good in the sense that only the fully interested probationers continue with the training. It helps people like me to get an opportunity to try once more and then return to training so that full commitment can be given.
Yes, you are right.
What are your service preferences?
IAS,IPS,IFS,IRS(IT).
Member-1
What is Diplomacy ?
Sir, I think… using tact to get things done.
Madam intervened………
Don’t you think tactfulness is a tool of diplomacy. What is the difference between diplomacy and tact?
I am not very sure madam. I have a very subjective understanding of these.
Can diplomats be honest?
I strongly feel that diplomats have to be honest because they represent the country. Infact, all civil servants have to be honest because they handle public affairs. Generally it is said that national interests are above anything in diplomacy. But, I feel, if we are dishonest in international arena, we may gain in the short-run. But, it will create more enemies for us in the long-run.
Do you think diplomats can be dishonest now a days?
No madam, they work under full media gaze…they represent the nation….if they are inconsistent, it will be immediately noticed….
Yes, yes…you are right.
Member—1 (continued)
Despite science back-ground, you took humanities optionals..why?
I was not very comfortable with economics. Elelctrical engineering optional has syllabus that is covers what 4 separate engineerings at university level teach. More over, I was working. I couldn’t have handled the load of electrical engineering optional. So, it was a conscious choice to take humanities. I have intuitive interest in Public Administration. I found Geography also interesting. I interacted with some of my seniors who had humanities optionals. Basically, till school level, I used to be good at maths, science & social studies. So, I felt confident about my performance.
Also, is it because of high scorability?
Yes sir, its because of high scoring also.
Ok. That’s good.
Don’t you play? I don’t see any games as your hobbies. ‘all study & no play makes Jack a dull boy’….
I agree with you sir. I do play games. Cricket, badminton & volleyball. It is just that I prioritized my hobbies while filling the biodata form due to the limited space available.
What kind of newspaper cuttings you collect? When did the hobby start?
I do cuttings of interesting articles & motivating photos etc from news papers. During my schooling in Navodaya Vidyalaya, we used to have a 5-minute speech in the morning assembly. Students have to present on any topic of general interest. I took lot of interest in it. This way, I started collecting paper cuttings. Now a days, I am collecting more of inspirational articles & photos. They help me like Gandhiji’s Talisman whenever I feel very down.
What kind of books do you read?
Sir, I read many types of books. Story books, novels, motivational books, spiritual books, fiction & non-fiction. Etc.
Name some fiction & non-fiction books you read….
The Alchemist. I Dare. ……..7-8 books.
Any foreign author books u read….
…..some book names……
Which book you like the most?
Sir, ‘The Alchemist’ is my most favorite book . Since 2004, it has been my companion in many decisions. Even when I was about to decide on 1 year leave, it helped me make up my mind. At one point of time, I felt like settling down with IRS(C&CE). It was like the situation when the shepherd in The Alchemist finds his lady love and thinks of settling down in the oasis itself. The way he later moves on in his search made me realize that though in short-run few things might be of satisfaction, in the long-run, one gets frustrated unless he follows his goal. Every time, I read the book, I learn a new perspective.
Member-2
What is sustainable development ? explain it in context of rural or urban areas.
Sir, I shall explain it interms of rural areas. SD stands for harmonious way of living with nature in such a way that we use resources within the recuperating capacity of the nature. i.e. we generate lesser wastes, lesser emissions, use resources judiciously.
In rural areas, SD involves…………..
What should administrators learn from HDI?
Sir our HDI rank is 134. It shows that our development is not inclusive. Close to 70% people are living at subsistence level. Education & skills…vocational training are needed for tapping the opportunities of liberalization. Even proficiency in English alone makes lot of difference. So, administrators have to realize that for better HDI, proper implementation of existing schemes is needed.
What do you mean by Indianisation of administration?
Basically, it is about de-colonialisation of our civil service…..interms of bringing reforms to make it suit our democratic polity. ..i.e. changing the attitudes of civil servant & changing the rigid hierarchical rules&structures… towards a participative administration. Over 1000s of years, India has had a strong tradition of village level democracy..where decisions used to be taken consensually. In tune with that, lot of reforms were done in the last 60years. Recent steps like RTIAct, Social Audit…… are also towards Indianisation of our administration.
You have tourism as your hobby.What is the tourism potential of Andhra Pradesh.
…..Forests….rivers….hills…eco-tourism….long coast…..pilgrim centres….rural tourism….
Member-3
My friend asked you about SD. Sardar sarovar dam …..lot of compounding/impounding is there…do you know what it is?.....it means building lot of small dams. But, water is not reaching the big dam. What do you say about sustainable development of it…..
Sir, the very fact that water is not reaching the big dam shows that we don’t need such big dams. It is sustainable to have many small dams, leading to water harvesting in a decentralized manner. Big dams are not sustainable sir. They displace many people, submerge lot of villages & farms.
What are the ecological indicators of sustainable development in a region?
Forest cover is an important indicator. Ideally, 33% cover is needed. Also, not just having forests, quality of forest cover is also an indicator. We need pristine forests, not just a collection of trees. Having lot of water bodies is also an indicator. Sir, I am not sure if there is any quantification for this.
What else?
Other aspects like lack of soil erosion…..
What about animals, fishes, planktons………
Sorry sir, I couldn’t think of these. Thank you for telling..
(I was dumb ! Bio-diversity is the key word missing, despite hints ! )
Member -4
You talked about RTI. Recently there is another Act that is in news.PM is going to address the nation. RTEducation. what is it basically?
RTEAct brings into effect the fundamental right under Art21A. state takes the responsibility of educating children between 6-14years of age.
Do you think the poor children really want to study? I think they want to work for a living.
Its true sir. But, given a chance, a majority of them want to study sir. Its only because of economic limitations that they are working.
But, still, Forcing them to go to school is not justified. what should be done? What will you do?
Sir, first I will answer it in general & then tell what I would do. Our present education system of 10+2+3/4 makes students study for 16-18years, all the while depending on parents. I feel we need some kind of Wardha system as suggested by Gandhiji. Along with studies, students can learn vocational skill also sir. Summer holidays can be used for vocational training. By continuing mid-day meal scheme in summers, we can reduce drop-outs. Otherwise, they may start working in the summers and discontinue studies.
So, you mean earn while you are learning. That’s good.
(pause…..so, I continued….)Coming to my role, I will implement the NREGS properly so that parents get wages and do not migrate. They can then send their children to schools. Also, I will ensure proper implementation of Mid-day Meal scheme so that children do not drop out.
But,…Mid-day meal has some problems. Children are getting illness.
Yes sir, in some cases, due to improper hygiene & management, children’s health is getting affected. It’s a serious issue as it influences their state of health for the whole life.
CHILDREN ARE EATING EVERYTHING…..DAL,ROTI,CHAVAL,SABJI……IS IT NEEDED? ISN’T THERE ANY ALTERNATIVE.
Sir, there is an alternative…Britannia offered to provide fortified biscuits having proteins & carbohydrates just for Rs.3. such solutions can be explored, sir.
But, sir, instead of considering M-D-Meal scheme as a problem, we should turn it into an opportunity.
In our school, students used to manage the mess in turns. It’s an opportunity to learn management.
Using parents committees and involving local panchayats can also help better monitoring.
THE MORE PEOPLE WE INVOLVE, THE MORE IT LEADS TO CORRUPTION …..
I agree with you sir. But, here, we are not adding more officers. We are adding the stake holders. Infact, it will make it more accountable.
Chairperson:
What is the tourism potential of North-East?
Madam, north-east is like ‘paradise unexplored’….its the Department of Tourism’s caption for north-east.
Sikkim has Himalayas-Kanchenjunga…the highest peak of India + Buddhist centers.
Arunachal Pradesh has lot of hill streams….trekking, river rafting…
Assam has national parks, Vaishnavaite pilgrim centres like Majuli Island.
Meghalaya has dense forests + high rainfall…
No…There is water problem out there….
Yes Madam, because of bad monsoons, last year there was drought in Meghalaya as well as the whole of the north-east. Places like Cherrapunji that was once famous for highest amount of rainfall is facing drought now. Basically, the problem is that Madam, the rain water just flows away….without sinking into underground. We need check-dams and other water harvesting mechanisms to solve this problem.
Where is the water flowing away to ?
Its finally joining the Brahmaputra madam.
Or is it joining our neighbor ?!!!!(laughing)
Yes madam, on the southern side, Bangladesh gets the water…….
Why the tourism is low in north-east?
Mainly because of the law & order situation there. Also, lack of development & infrastructure that can support tourism.
But, how can development happen when there is no movement of people to north-east ?
Yes madam, its like a chicken & egg problem….tourism or development is low because of law&order situation. Also, bad law&order is there due to lack of development. It’s a slow & painful process to break this vicious cycle.
Ok, then,…….
1st Member intervened…………I want to ask you one last question…..( he is from North-East )…
What is the difference between terrorism & insurgency
Terrorism is a very broad term. Media tends to associate it with what is happening on our western border. I feel any one who terrorizes others is a terrorist…i.e. who ever uses violence on others can be called a terrorist. in India, we associate insurgency with the secessionist groups operating in the north-east. They too use violence against the state.
Why some NE areas want to secede from India ?
Historically & culturally, some NE regions are different from main-land India. Also, continued neglect of those regions and less integration deepened the differences.
So, responsibility lies on whom ?
Sir, onus lies on the majority to instill confidence & trust in the minorities.
(…pause…..i continued…) sir, I too had some experiences of being a minority when the majority is non-cooperative. While I was working in Pune, my team used to converse in Marathi though I was present. Despite repeated requests, it used to happen.
India is a big country with lot of diversity….don’t bother about these minor things……ok…fine…
I agree with you madam….if you permit me to add………………I did Gandhigiri with them…some kind of non-cooperation. In one discussion, I completely stayed silent …... After 1 hour or so, some one pointed out that I was not participating. Then onwards they used to speak in English/Hindi with outsiders……
You used diplomacy…(laughing)….you will be a good diplomat ………………
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